That was the title of the message I shared a week ago and it is the title of our blog post today. What does this passage in Galatians have to say about these?
Paul states in verse 11 that he is writing this letter with his own hands and in bold print. Bold print: “See what large letters I use as I write to you with my own hand!” Why was Paul using bold print? It may have been because of a sight problem that he had. He was blinded by the light on the road to Damascus at his conversion in Acts 9. There were scales that fell from his eyes when Ananias prayed for him. He speaks about a thorn in the flesh in II Corinthians 12:7 that God would not take away from him.
Boast: Paul uses the word boast twice in this passage. He said that he never wanted to boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ. He said that the Judizers wanted to boast but their desire was to boast in the flesh of the Gentiles. Paul says in Philippians 3:2-11 that he certainly has reason to boast but he choose to push all that he could boast about aside to win Christ. This reminds us of the heart of the book of Galatians. Paul did not want the Galatians to go back to Judaism. He wanted them to stay true to Jesus.
Cross: That takes us to our last thought today, the cross. My boasting will not be in myself nor in man but my boasting will only be in the cross. Paul said in 1 Corinthians 2:1-3, 1. When I came to you, brothers, I did not come with eloquence or superior wisdom as I proclaimed to you the testimony about God. 2. For I resolved to know nothing while I was with you except Jesus Christ and him crucified. 3. I came to you in weakness and fear, and with much trembling.
I don’t know if Paul was writing in bold print because of an eye problem or if it was for an emphasis because he wanted the Galatians to hear his heart. However I do not want to miss Paul’s heart, his message about the value and the importance of the cross. He was nailed to the cross for me. So I’ll cherish the old rugged cross. Lord, Lead me to Calvary. I pray that you have a deep love, respect, and appreciation for the cross.
Monday, February 15, 2010
Monday, February 1, 2010
Sowing & Reaping 2, Galatians 6:9
The law of sowing and reaping is a very powerful law. Last time we talked about the seeds sown and the corresponding harvest. Let’s talk about Paul’s words in verse 9 of Galatians 6; “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. “
There are three individuals in the Bible that you and I are very familiar with who experienced the weary in well doing. They provide great examples for us. Think about them with me for a few moments.
Moses: He was called by God to do a very good work, the leading of Israel out of bondage in Egypt and into the promise land. It was a tremendously challenging task. Moses became weary in his well doing. At one point his father in law visited him and encouraged him to teach some of the people to carry some of the load. That worked well for Moses. However there reached a point where the weariness was too great for Moses. The people needed water and God instructed Moses to speak to the rock that was near by and there would be sufficient water for them all to drink. Moses was so weary and frustrated that he did not speak to the rock but he struck it with his rod. Numbers 20:6-12 Moses let his weariness get the best of him and he lost the privilege and honor of leading Israel into the promise land. Read about it in Deuteronomy 32:48-52. He could see the promise land from a distance but he could not enter it because he let his weariness take control of him.
Elijah: He was a great prophet of God. God did great things through him. We can read about some of them in I Kings 17 & 18. We read about the weariness setting in I Kings 18:22 “Then Elijah said to them, "I am the only one of the Lord's prophets left, but Baal has four hundred and fifty prophets.” I Kings 19:10, “He replied, "I have been very zealous for the LORD God Almighty. The Israelites have rejected your covenant, broken down your altars, and put your prophets to death with the sword. I am the only one left, and now they are trying to kill me too." Elijah did not let his weariness overtake him. Instead he threw himself into the hands of God. He gave up yes but he gave up into the hands of God. In I kings 19:1-5 we read about him falling down under a tree and just crying out to God to take his life. He didn’t do something stupid like Moses. We find God’s answer in I Kings 19:5-9 He was fed by an angel and given some much needed rest. Elijah went in the strength of that nourishment and rest for 40 days and 40 nights. He continued his great work under the power of the Lord and saw great things taking place. Let’s be like Elijah and when we become weary throw yourself into the hands of God.
Jesus: Our third example is Jesus. He was doing good to all, healing the sick, casting out demons, teaching the multitudes. He became weary. But amazingly his weariness really didn’t set in until it came time for Him to go to the cross. He prayed in the garden of Gethsemane, Father if it be possible let this cup pass from me, yet no as I will, but as you will. Read about this in Matthew 26:36-42. He overcame his weariness and went all the way to the cross. We are apart of the great harvest that has come from His life, death, and resurrection.
There are many reasons that we become weary. Not seeing any observable results in one. The lethargy of others can cause the faithful to become weary and discouraged as well. The criticism of others also can bring about weariness. Lastly let talk about how to fight this weariness. We must focus on our eternal reward which we will reap if we keep on sowing good work. We need to maintain focus on the Lord and doing His will. We must focus on the example of Jesus who endured in the face of great hardship “for the joy that was set before him.” Don’t give up victory may be just around the corner! How many times do we give up just as God is about to reveal His blessings to us. We quit and leave the harvest for the Lord, because we get tired, both physically, and often spiritually.
Let the words of the prophet Isaiah encourage us today. Isaiah 40:30-31 “0 Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; 31 but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.”
There are three individuals in the Bible that you and I are very familiar with who experienced the weary in well doing. They provide great examples for us. Think about them with me for a few moments.
Moses: He was called by God to do a very good work, the leading of Israel out of bondage in Egypt and into the promise land. It was a tremendously challenging task. Moses became weary in his well doing. At one point his father in law visited him and encouraged him to teach some of the people to carry some of the load. That worked well for Moses. However there reached a point where the weariness was too great for Moses. The people needed water and God instructed Moses to speak to the rock that was near by and there would be sufficient water for them all to drink. Moses was so weary and frustrated that he did not speak to the rock but he struck it with his rod. Numbers 20:6-12 Moses let his weariness get the best of him and he lost the privilege and honor of leading Israel into the promise land. Read about it in Deuteronomy 32:48-52. He could see the promise land from a distance but he could not enter it because he let his weariness take control of him.
Elijah: He was a great prophet of God. God did great things through him. We can read about some of them in I Kings 17 & 18. We read about the weariness setting in I Kings 18:22 “Then Elijah said to them, "I am the only one of the Lord's prophets left, but Baal has four hundred and fifty prophets.” I Kings 19:10, “He replied, "I have been very zealous for the LORD God Almighty. The Israelites have rejected your covenant, broken down your altars, and put your prophets to death with the sword. I am the only one left, and now they are trying to kill me too." Elijah did not let his weariness overtake him. Instead he threw himself into the hands of God. He gave up yes but he gave up into the hands of God. In I kings 19:1-5 we read about him falling down under a tree and just crying out to God to take his life. He didn’t do something stupid like Moses. We find God’s answer in I Kings 19:5-9 He was fed by an angel and given some much needed rest. Elijah went in the strength of that nourishment and rest for 40 days and 40 nights. He continued his great work under the power of the Lord and saw great things taking place. Let’s be like Elijah and when we become weary throw yourself into the hands of God.
Jesus: Our third example is Jesus. He was doing good to all, healing the sick, casting out demons, teaching the multitudes. He became weary. But amazingly his weariness really didn’t set in until it came time for Him to go to the cross. He prayed in the garden of Gethsemane, Father if it be possible let this cup pass from me, yet no as I will, but as you will. Read about this in Matthew 26:36-42. He overcame his weariness and went all the way to the cross. We are apart of the great harvest that has come from His life, death, and resurrection.
There are many reasons that we become weary. Not seeing any observable results in one. The lethargy of others can cause the faithful to become weary and discouraged as well. The criticism of others also can bring about weariness. Lastly let talk about how to fight this weariness. We must focus on our eternal reward which we will reap if we keep on sowing good work. We need to maintain focus on the Lord and doing His will. We must focus on the example of Jesus who endured in the face of great hardship “for the joy that was set before him.” Don’t give up victory may be just around the corner! How many times do we give up just as God is about to reveal His blessings to us. We quit and leave the harvest for the Lord, because we get tired, both physically, and often spiritually.
Let the words of the prophet Isaiah encourage us today. Isaiah 40:30-31 “0 Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; 31 but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.”
Friday, January 29, 2010
Galatians 6:7-10 Sowing & Reaping 1
I read an interesting story that goes like this.
The phone rang. It was a salesman from a mortgage refinance company. He asked, “Do you have a second mortgage on your home?” “No,” she replied. Continuing his pitch, he asked, “Would you like to consolidate all your debts?” “I really don’t have any,” she said. Undaunted, he asked once more, “How about freeing up cash for home improvements?” She quickly said, “I don’t need any. I just recently had some done and paid cash.” There was a brief silence, and then he asked, “Are you looking for a husband?”
That story reminds me of the text in Galatians 6 that we are talking about today. Paul tells us about the law of sowing and reaping in verses 7-10. That mortgage refinance company salesman was sowing seeds. He was hoping to reap a sale. He changed directions thinking if he couldn’t reap a sale perhaps he could reap a wife. The lady on the other end of the line must have been very effective in sowing her financial seeds to have such an effective harvest. Paul says, “Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows.” Paul talks about the two different kinds of seeds in the field of life and the corresponding harvest.
Sowing to please the sinful nature will reap a harvest of destruction. Paul lists acts of sinful nature in chapter 5:19-21. 19, “The acts of the sinful nature are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; 20idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions 21and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God.” It is hard yet very important that we do not sow to satisfy the sinful nature.
The challenge is to sow to please the Spirit. Sow to please the Spirit. It is renouncing of self and living to God. It is the laying up of treasures in heaven. It is spoken of as sowing in righteousness. Paul encourages us in II Corinthians 9:10 “Now he that ministereth seed to the sower both minister bread for your food, and multiply your seed sown, and increase the fruits of your righteousness.” We shoud be Living a life led by and pleasing to the Spirit. I believe that a life lived in the Spirit is a life lived by the fruit of the Spirit. Galatians 5:22,23 “The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23. gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.” The promise is that from the Spirit we will reap eternal life.
Do you know what eternal life is? Eternal life is in paradise with Jesus. Eternal life is in the new heaven and the new earth. Eternal life is far more than I can describe.
We may not always like nor wish that the law of sowing and reaping is in effect but it is. So the challenge is to live to please the Spirit and not the desires of sinful nature. Because the results of satisfying the desires of the sinful nature are far worse than the amazing results of pleasing the Spirit.
The phone rang. It was a salesman from a mortgage refinance company. He asked, “Do you have a second mortgage on your home?” “No,” she replied. Continuing his pitch, he asked, “Would you like to consolidate all your debts?” “I really don’t have any,” she said. Undaunted, he asked once more, “How about freeing up cash for home improvements?” She quickly said, “I don’t need any. I just recently had some done and paid cash.” There was a brief silence, and then he asked, “Are you looking for a husband?”
That story reminds me of the text in Galatians 6 that we are talking about today. Paul tells us about the law of sowing and reaping in verses 7-10. That mortgage refinance company salesman was sowing seeds. He was hoping to reap a sale. He changed directions thinking if he couldn’t reap a sale perhaps he could reap a wife. The lady on the other end of the line must have been very effective in sowing her financial seeds to have such an effective harvest. Paul says, “Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows.” Paul talks about the two different kinds of seeds in the field of life and the corresponding harvest.
Sowing to please the sinful nature will reap a harvest of destruction. Paul lists acts of sinful nature in chapter 5:19-21. 19, “The acts of the sinful nature are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; 20idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions 21and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God.” It is hard yet very important that we do not sow to satisfy the sinful nature.
The challenge is to sow to please the Spirit. Sow to please the Spirit. It is renouncing of self and living to God. It is the laying up of treasures in heaven. It is spoken of as sowing in righteousness. Paul encourages us in II Corinthians 9:10 “Now he that ministereth seed to the sower both minister bread for your food, and multiply your seed sown, and increase the fruits of your righteousness.” We shoud be Living a life led by and pleasing to the Spirit. I believe that a life lived in the Spirit is a life lived by the fruit of the Spirit. Galatians 5:22,23 “The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23. gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.” The promise is that from the Spirit we will reap eternal life.
Do you know what eternal life is? Eternal life is in paradise with Jesus. Eternal life is in the new heaven and the new earth. Eternal life is far more than I can describe.
We may not always like nor wish that the law of sowing and reaping is in effect but it is. So the challenge is to live to please the Spirit and not the desires of sinful nature. Because the results of satisfying the desires of the sinful nature are far worse than the amazing results of pleasing the Spirit.
Monday, January 18, 2010
Galatians 6:1-10 Do good to all
We are going to talk about some more great inspiration from the words of the apostle Paul in Galatians 6. He challenges us in verse 10 to do good to all people. That is a great goal to reach for as we set the tone for a new year. Let’s take a closer look at who the all people are that Paul is talking about.
Paul talks about the one caught in sin as one of the who we should do good to. I have heard the allegation a few times in my life and ministry that the church shoots it wounded. That is a sad allegation. I do not deny that may happen. Paul is encouraging the opposite, to restore, to mend, to fix back up gently. There are a few things that we should not do in the process. We should not diminish the seriousness of the sin. We need to be like Jesus, easy on condemnation but firm with the understanding that sinning must not continue. Remember what Jesus said to the woman caught in adultery. “Neither do I condemn you," but He quickly added "Go and sin no more" (John 8:11). more" (John 8:11). We must avoid the temptation to witch-hunt. We should not be quick to cast judgment. There are a few things that we should do. Face the facts: don’t face the rumors or the gossip. We need to watch our attitudes and motives. We need to seek to "restore" him. The word for restore is the same used for "mending nets" or for a surgeon "setting a dislocated bone." Restoration means becoming my brother’s "repairman." We are to get involved in helping the Christian to his feet again, putting him back where he belongs.
Paul encourages us to do good to the one that we identify the most with, ourselves. We can not ignore ourselves. We need to watch ourselves that we do not fall into temptation. We dare not get caught up with mending our brother and sister that we forget to keep our heart healthy. We need to watch ourselves for Pride. Verse 3 “If anyone thinks he is something when he is nothing, he deceives himself.” A part of looking out for ourselves Paul says is not comparing ourselves to others. Comparing opens the door for unnecessary challenges.
The third person Paul encourages us to do to is the person with a burden. We often times use this verse to encourage helping everyone with a burden. There is not a problem with that application. The context connects the burdens to the sin. We certainly understand that sin causes burdens. It brings burdens upon ourselves and our families. And as a brother I should do my part to ease the burden that sin has brought to you and your family. Is ones sin causing pain for his family as a brother in Christ I should help his family through the pain. In doing so we will be fulfilling the law of Christ. Remember 5:14 the single command of the law is to love you neighbor as yourself.
The last person that Paul encourages us to do good to is the one who is a blessing to us. In verse 6 we read “returning good to the one who was good to you. The idea of the apple for the teacher came from the apostle Paul. A thank you goes a long way. You have been good to me. I want to do something good in return to you. I encourage you to continue to follow the advise of Paul as we continue to set the tone for this new year. Do good to all.
Paul talks about the one caught in sin as one of the who we should do good to. I have heard the allegation a few times in my life and ministry that the church shoots it wounded. That is a sad allegation. I do not deny that may happen. Paul is encouraging the opposite, to restore, to mend, to fix back up gently. There are a few things that we should not do in the process. We should not diminish the seriousness of the sin. We need to be like Jesus, easy on condemnation but firm with the understanding that sinning must not continue. Remember what Jesus said to the woman caught in adultery. “Neither do I condemn you," but He quickly added "Go and sin no more" (John 8:11). more" (John 8:11). We must avoid the temptation to witch-hunt. We should not be quick to cast judgment. There are a few things that we should do. Face the facts: don’t face the rumors or the gossip. We need to watch our attitudes and motives. We need to seek to "restore" him. The word for restore is the same used for "mending nets" or for a surgeon "setting a dislocated bone." Restoration means becoming my brother’s "repairman." We are to get involved in helping the Christian to his feet again, putting him back where he belongs.
Paul encourages us to do good to the one that we identify the most with, ourselves. We can not ignore ourselves. We need to watch ourselves that we do not fall into temptation. We dare not get caught up with mending our brother and sister that we forget to keep our heart healthy. We need to watch ourselves for Pride. Verse 3 “If anyone thinks he is something when he is nothing, he deceives himself.” A part of looking out for ourselves Paul says is not comparing ourselves to others. Comparing opens the door for unnecessary challenges.
The third person Paul encourages us to do to is the person with a burden. We often times use this verse to encourage helping everyone with a burden. There is not a problem with that application. The context connects the burdens to the sin. We certainly understand that sin causes burdens. It brings burdens upon ourselves and our families. And as a brother I should do my part to ease the burden that sin has brought to you and your family. Is ones sin causing pain for his family as a brother in Christ I should help his family through the pain. In doing so we will be fulfilling the law of Christ. Remember 5:14 the single command of the law is to love you neighbor as yourself.
The last person that Paul encourages us to do good to is the one who is a blessing to us. In verse 6 we read “returning good to the one who was good to you. The idea of the apple for the teacher came from the apostle Paul. A thank you goes a long way. You have been good to me. I want to do something good in return to you. I encourage you to continue to follow the advise of Paul as we continue to set the tone for this new year. Do good to all.
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
LIVE BY THE SPIRIT, GALATIANS 5:16-26
We have been looking at the writing of Paul to the church in Galatia. He has been providing us with some great inspiration for the new year here in chapter 5. He offers some very powerful advise in verse 16, “So I say, live by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the sinful nature. “ Paul reminds us of what we will not do and what we will do when we live by the Spirit.
He says that we will not gratify the desires of the sinful nature. The amplified version for the second part of verse 16 says, “then you will certainly not gratify the cravings and desires of the flesh (of human nature without God).” Paul tells us back in verse 13 But do not use your freedom, (the freedom that we have in Christ) to indulge the sinful nature. Paul list many of the desires of the sinful nature in verses 19-21. A key reason that Paul tells us not to gratify the desires of the sinful flesh is found in verse 17, “For the sinful nature desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the sinful nature. They are in conflict with each other, so that you do not do what you want.” It is very logical then if I plan to live by the Spirit that I do what the Spirit would want me to do.
So what does living by the Spirit look like? Paul gives us a 9 part package of what living by the Spirit looks like. They are known as the fruit of the Spirit. Notice that Paul does not say fruits of the Spirit. Fruit is singular not plural meaning that the fruit is not a list that we can choose from but that all nine traits, characteristics make up the fruit.
These fruit are qualities of disposition and temperament that occur in the child of God who has allowed the Spirit to have His way in our hearts and lives. Paul lists these fruit in verses 22 & 23 “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23. gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.”
My challenge to you is make Galatians 5:16 one of your new years resolutions. I will remind us what it says. “So I say, live by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the sinful nature.” As we live by the Spirit we will be allowing the fruit of the Spirit to be developing as a key part of our character. In addition to recapping our Sunday am message I am going to be recapping our evening message for the next several weeks. This recap will be a brief breakdown of each of the fruit of the Spirit. Blessings to all on your journey to live by the Spirit.
He says that we will not gratify the desires of the sinful nature. The amplified version for the second part of verse 16 says, “then you will certainly not gratify the cravings and desires of the flesh (of human nature without God).” Paul tells us back in verse 13 But do not use your freedom, (the freedom that we have in Christ) to indulge the sinful nature. Paul list many of the desires of the sinful nature in verses 19-21. A key reason that Paul tells us not to gratify the desires of the sinful flesh is found in verse 17, “For the sinful nature desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the sinful nature. They are in conflict with each other, so that you do not do what you want.” It is very logical then if I plan to live by the Spirit that I do what the Spirit would want me to do.
So what does living by the Spirit look like? Paul gives us a 9 part package of what living by the Spirit looks like. They are known as the fruit of the Spirit. Notice that Paul does not say fruits of the Spirit. Fruit is singular not plural meaning that the fruit is not a list that we can choose from but that all nine traits, characteristics make up the fruit.
These fruit are qualities of disposition and temperament that occur in the child of God who has allowed the Spirit to have His way in our hearts and lives. Paul lists these fruit in verses 22 & 23 “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23. gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.”
My challenge to you is make Galatians 5:16 one of your new years resolutions. I will remind us what it says. “So I say, live by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the sinful nature.” As we live by the Spirit we will be allowing the fruit of the Spirit to be developing as a key part of our character. In addition to recapping our Sunday am message I am going to be recapping our evening message for the next several weeks. This recap will be a brief breakdown of each of the fruit of the Spirit. Blessings to all on your journey to live by the Spirit.
Tuesday, January 5, 2010
Walking In Christ’s Freedom, Galatians 5:1-15
The words of Galatians 5:1 are very powerful. “It is for freedom that Christ has set you free.” Paul is continuing to challenge the Galatian believers to walk in the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ and not under the law that the Judiziars are pressuring them to walk in. Christ has come to set you free so that you can be, will be free. Jesus Himself says in John 8:36 “So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed. Paul relates three very important factors, three challenges to the Galatians about this freedom in these 15 verses.
Paul calls on them to remain free. Stand firm don’t let anyone take that Freedom from you. Do not let yourself be burdened again by the yoke of slavery. Paul makes this strong statement. Mark my words, “If you let yourselves be circumcised, Christ will be of no value to you at all.” The only thing that counts according to Paul is faith in Jesus Christ.
The second part of Paul’s challenge is for the Galatians to be free enough to let their faith express itself in love. Paul is telling them to use their freedom to serve one another in love. He is applying the JOY principle here. Jesus first, others second, then yourself. Paul said the entire law is summoned up in this one command, to love your neighbor as yourself. They weren’t getting it. They were still biting and devouring each other. Paul says that you are going to end up destroying each other. There were those who were not free enough to love each other. There were those who were not free enough to serve each other. There were those who were just free enough to be critical of others. They were free enough to be judgmental of those not quite like them. I don’t want that limited amount of freedom. I want to be free enough in Christ to love and serve each other.
The third part of Paul’s challenge is not to be too free that we indulge the sinful nature. Paul says in the first part of verse 13 “You, my brothers, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the sinful nature,” Paul lists some acts of sinful nature in verses 19-21 19. “The acts of the sinful nature are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; 20. idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions 21. and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God.” We are free in Christ Jesus to walk in righteousness.
Let’s include in our new year’s resolutions, new years goals, to walk in the freedom that is ours in Christ Jesus. Determining that we will remain free, Be free enough to love and serve each other, loving our neighbor as our self, but not being too free to indulge the sinful nature.
Paul calls on them to remain free. Stand firm don’t let anyone take that Freedom from you. Do not let yourself be burdened again by the yoke of slavery. Paul makes this strong statement. Mark my words, “If you let yourselves be circumcised, Christ will be of no value to you at all.” The only thing that counts according to Paul is faith in Jesus Christ.
The second part of Paul’s challenge is for the Galatians to be free enough to let their faith express itself in love. Paul is telling them to use their freedom to serve one another in love. He is applying the JOY principle here. Jesus first, others second, then yourself. Paul said the entire law is summoned up in this one command, to love your neighbor as yourself. They weren’t getting it. They were still biting and devouring each other. Paul says that you are going to end up destroying each other. There were those who were not free enough to love each other. There were those who were not free enough to serve each other. There were those who were just free enough to be critical of others. They were free enough to be judgmental of those not quite like them. I don’t want that limited amount of freedom. I want to be free enough in Christ to love and serve each other.
The third part of Paul’s challenge is not to be too free that we indulge the sinful nature. Paul says in the first part of verse 13 “You, my brothers, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the sinful nature,” Paul lists some acts of sinful nature in verses 19-21 19. “The acts of the sinful nature are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; 20. idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions 21. and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God.” We are free in Christ Jesus to walk in righteousness.
Let’s include in our new year’s resolutions, new years goals, to walk in the freedom that is ours in Christ Jesus. Determining that we will remain free, Be free enough to love and serve each other, loving our neighbor as our self, but not being too free to indulge the sinful nature.
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