September 24, 2023

GALATIANS: JESUS FIRST

September 24, 2023

Pastor Jonathan Falwell

In a few places in the Book of Galatians, Paul sounds like a frustrated parent whose child, into whose life he has lavishly poured the riches and gospel of Jesus Christ, turns away from what he has been taught. Certainly there are parents who remain calm at all times—even in the most chaotic of them—but they are few are far between. Like the parent, though, Paul, after chastising the Galatians for following false teachers who demand they return to the Law of Moses, becomes loving and instructive again, telling them how to walk in order to please God the Father with their lives. May we apply the instructions to walk holy with our God the same way Paul has again reiterated to the Galatians: if you live in the Spirit, you walk in the Spirit.

Focal Passage: Galatians 6

Be a help to others:

  • Read Gal. 6:1-6. Perhaps Paul is thinking of those who have turned aside to follow the false teacher in verse 1: who, then, should help restore them to the fellowship of the church? Would this apply to any believer who falls into sin? What is your attitude as you come along side of them? Why is your attitude so important?
  • Read 1 Cor. 10:12. In our Galatians passage, Paul says be careful, because you might also be tempted; why are these two verses so true?
  • We all know Christians whose life seems so heavy with burdens and crises. What are we to do for them? What are some of the reasons that might keep us from helping? Why might they reject help?
  • Do you recall the difference between the words for “load and burden”? Why should we help one another with heavy loads, but let them bear their “light” loads themselves?

Focus on the right things:

  • Read vv 7-10. What does it mean to mock God? Can someone give an example? Whatever seed or plant you put into the ground, that is what you’ll get back. How is that the same with our actions in life, with the law of “sowing and reaping”? Think of a corn seed: how much “return” on the single kernel will we reap? Is life like that?
  • When we learn from God’s word, why are we to share it with others? How does that carry out the Great Commission? How is that “mentoring” another believer? If you are walking in the Spirit, asking God for direction, won’t He always lead you to someone who knows less that you? Are you afraid to mentor?
  • How is this illustrated in what Paul is trying to remind the Galatians, that if you walk in the Spirit, you will not fulfill the lusts of the flesh—and vice versa? If the Galatians had not turned aside to false doctrine, would they have been able to correctly mentor new Christians? Were the ones who remained faithful to God still able to be used?
  • How are we to treat all people? Is any group a priority? Do we love on people who are dressed correctly, or have money, or can befriend us—or do we choose those who need us?

As always, it’s all about Jesus:

  • Read vv. 11-15. What, in particular, were these false teachers trying to get the new believers to do? In Gen. 17:10-12, was this given for any other reason than to set apart the Jews as God’s people? Later, was circumcision part of the Ten Commandments?
  • After Jesus came, what saved people? Read these Scriptures aloud, and zero in on the part that refers how to NOT be saved: John 1:13; Titus 3:4-6; Eph. 2:8-9. In Titus, why does He list works of righteousness since God wants us to be righteous? If we came to Jesus on our own, could we not boast about it? If you want to brag about something, what should it be? What should it not be?

As always, God is always on your side:

  • Read Gal. 6:16-18. Who is Paul bestowing “grace and mercy” on? In today’s world, is there anyone who hates your relationship with Christ so much that they are willing to try to destroy your reputation or testimony? How can you love them?
  • When the world looks at you, and what you represent, what do they see? What do you post on Facebook, X, Meta, or more? Is it kind, gentle, loving—or bitter? How do they judge you after you walk away?
  • What is the theme of the Book of Galatians? How does he want his “children” to act, after pouring Christ into them? Does he expect them to stand firm? Are you standing firm?

Close:

It is hard to imagine Paul’s lifestyle, since we have no real idea what it was like except for his account in 2 Corinthians 11:23b-28. How many of us would put up with the oppression he was always undergoing bodily—stripes, beatings, nearly drowning, etc.—and adding to that his heartbreaking statement in this passage, “my deep concern for all the churches.”  In another place, Paul says he would gladly give his own salvation if it meant saving his Jewish brothers. Can you say that? Probably, none of us could. He says “Follow my example.” Can we say that? How can we get to the place where we do not take offense easily, or answer anger with anger? Will we ever recognize that it is Satan and his demons that we are fighting, not the person who has just uttered words that hurt us? If we live moment by moment in the Spirit, we will be able to walk in Him. Try it.

 

By Sandy Day

September 24, 2023

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