Galatians Part VII
My Notes from Chapter 6. This will finish out my series on the Book of Galatians. Let me say that in all my years of preaching I never felt closer to God in the pulpit then when I preached these lessons. The notes only reflect a small part of what I actually said verbally and what struck me as so amazing was how incredible I felt because something in me was testifying to the truth of which I spoke of. Unfortunately this series was also probably my undoing as it caused a lot of unrest among my people. I believe it was during this series that I openly embraced the idea of Gay couples being accepted and loved unconditionally. It was shortly after I preached this series that I invited Mike Williams to come and hold the first and last Grace Gathering at the Straughn Community Chapel. He was nothing short of amazing and even though with that gathering brought much pain in my life, it was only the pain of REBIRTH. For the first time in my life when I left organized religion shortly after that gathering I felt like a NEW TYPE OF HUMAN. I know some will argue with me on this (and that’s OK) but I am convinced you can not truly fully experience the NEW BIRTH until you leave organized religion. There is just too much self righteousness in church settings for one to fully embrace the UNCONDITIONAL LOVE OF JESUS.
BLESSING TO ALL MY BEAUTIFUL FELLOW HUMAN BEINGS.
|
Who does Paul says needs restored?
|
|
Galatians 6:1 Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted.
|
|
|
|
The context has been clearly people who were reverting back to law, and they needed restored back to the gospel message of unconditional love based on what Christ did rather then what we can’t do. PETER IS THE EXAMPLE PAUL IS TALKING ABOUT. And Barnabus fell right in with Peter.
|
|
|
|
And when we restore such we must be very careful lest we are tempted (To DO WHAT?) IS IT NOT THE TEMPTATION TO BE SELF RIGHTEOUS WHICH IS UNBELIEF?
|
|
|
|
The brother who is overtaken is the brother who is no longer walking in the spirit but is walking in the law which condemns.
|
|
|
|
There is only one law I want to follow, the law of Christ.
|
|
Galatians 6:2 Bear ye one another’s burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ.
3 For if a man think himself to be something, when he is nothing, he deceiveth himself. |
|
|
|
He didn’t say "Keep each other straight", or Make sure everyone is faithful, He said Bear one another’s burdens and fulfill the law of Christ—LOVE ONE ANOTHER AS CHRIST LOVED YOU. And just how did he love us? By total and complete forgiveness before we ever did the first thing to deserve it.
|
|
|
|
Verse 3—Isn’t he talking about self righteousness through obeying the law? If you are doing that you are deceiving yourself.
|
|
|
|
Where should our rejoicing be?
|
|
Galatians 6:4 But let every man prove his own work, and then shall he have rejoicing in himself alone, and not in another.
5 For every man shall bear his own burden. |
|
|
|
When you do good deeds let it be done as something that is done freely not expecting anything in return—there is where real joy is found. Do what you do for no other reason then it fulfills something inside of you.
|
|
|
|
And in this type of work it has nothing to do with anyone else—it is my burden & my Joy!
|
|
Luke 6:27-37 I DON’T EXPECT TO GO TO HEAVEN. I DON’T EXPECT ANYTHING IN RETURN FOR LOVE I GIVE THAT WAS NOT MY LOVE TO START WITH. I GIVE ONLY WHAT I HAVE ALREADY RECEIVED. |
|
Paul concludes with Sowing & Reaping.
|
|
Galatians 6:6 Let him that is taught in the word communicate unto him that teacheth in all good things.
7 Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. 8 For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting. 9 And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not. 10 As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith. 11 Ye see how large a letter I have written unto you with mine own hand. 12 As many as desire to make a fair shew in the flesh, they constrain you to be circumcised; only lest they should suffer persecution for the cross of Christ. |
|
13 For neither they themselves who are circumcised keep the law; but desire to have you circumcised, that they may glory in your flesh.
14 But God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world. 15 For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision availeth anything, nor uncircumcision, but a new creature. 16 And as many as walk according to this rule, peace be on them, and mercy, and upon the Israel of God. 17 From henceforth let no man trouble me: for I bear in my body the marks of the Lord Jesus. 18 Brethren, the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Amen. |
|
Verse 8 talks about our choices–Sow to the Flesh or Sow to the Spirit?
|
|
Sow to the flesh = serving the law to get your flesh right with God.
|
|
Sow to the Spirit = believing God has made you righteous through the finished work of the cross by the faith of Jesus.
|
|
|
|
How do I know he’s talking about Law-Flesh? Look at vers 12-14 Verse 15 describes where I am today……..simply realizing that Circumcision (the law) or uncircimcision (without law) has no bearing on my new relationship with the Father (new creature) because the only thing that caused that to happen was JESUS, JESUS, JESUS, PLUS NOTHING. I WILL NEVER AGAIN BOAST IN MY RIGHTEOUS ACTS, MY BELIEFS, OR MY STANDING IN THE CHURCH. I WILL BOAST IN JESUS. |
That Gathering at Straughn was one of the events in my life that I will cherish the rest of my days here on earth! If it were possible and available I would attend such an event as often as it was available! WE WERE ONE! WE ARE ONE! WE WILL FOREVER BE ONE!
Thanks Cliff for sharing this series with us. If indeed it was your swan song from the pulpit it was one for the ages! But I have a feeling that this message will be accepted more and more and one day………………………………………….
Peace
Geo
Your welcome Geo and you should know it was worth it all just to gain the new friends that I gained. Give Bonnie our love.
Cliff,
I ask this in sincerity, not trying to be a wise-guy; What sort of reaction were you expecting from your congregation after you had Mike Williams come and speak? Did you expect that his visit might spell then end to your days as a preacher?
Jason
Jason,
I had been preaching this Gospel of Peace & Grace very strongly for about three years before Mike came and I truly thought my people were farther along then they actually were. It broke my heart when they responded in a negative way but I understood. Most Christians that I have dealt with will talk a real good show about unconditonal love but when you really get down to putting into practice they change their tune. Hope that answered your question.
Cliff,
Your comments an 6:1 are excellent. The issue is not one of “moral failure” (whatever one may men by that). The Galatians were reverting to Law and attempting to enforce Law on others. Then temptation to be self-righteous in helping people see the folly of law is huge. Hence, be meek and gentle. Great insights. Thanks for sharing them.
Thanks Kevin. I really hope someday to come out to one of your conferences and meet you face to face.