God’s Renewing Word of New Life in the Spirit
Introduction
Galatians 6:1-18: Paul gives the Galatians instructions for living in community, exhorting them to “obey the law of Christ.” He concludes his letter by warning them again about those who are advocating circumcision, emphasizing that what is important is being a “new creature” based on faith in Christ Jesus.
Scripture Reading
Bear One Another’s Burdens
1My friends, if someone is caught in any kind of wrongdoing, those of you who are spiritual should set him right; but you must do it in a gentle way. And keep an eye on yourselves, so that you will not be tempted, too. 2Help carry one another’s burdens, and in this way you will obey the law of Christ. 3If you think you are something when you really are nothing, you are only deceiving yourself. 4You should each judge your own conduct. If it is good, then you can be proud of what you yourself have done, without having to compare it with what someone else has done. 5For each of you have to carry your own load.
6If you are being taught the Christian message, you should share all the good things you have with your teacher.
7Do not deceive yourselves; no one makes a fool of God. You will reap exactly what you plant. 8If you plant in the field of your natural desires, from it you will gather the harvest of death; if you plant in the field of the Spirit, from the Spirit you will gather the harvest of eternal life. 9So let us not become tired of doing good; for if we do not give up, the time will come when we will reap the harvest. 10So then, as often as we have the chance, we should do good to everyone, and especially to those who belong to our family in the faith.
Final Warning and Greeting
11See what big letters I make as I write to you now with my own hand! 12The people who are trying to force you to be circumcised are the ones who want to show off and boast about external matters. They do it, however, only so that they may not be persecuted for the cross of Christ. 13Even those who practice circumcision do not obey the Law; they want you to be circumcised so that they can boast that you submitted to this physical ceremony. 14As for me, however, I will boast only about the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ; for by means of his cross the world is dead to me, and I am dead to the world. 15It does not matter at all whether or not one is circumcised; what does matter is being a new creature. 16As for those who follow this rule in their lives, may peace and mercy be with them—with them and with all of God’s people!
17To conclude: let no one give me any more trouble, because the scars I have on my body show that I am the slave of Jesus.
18May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all, my friends. Amen.
Today’s Key Verse: Galatians 6:2
Help carry one another’s burdens, and in this way you will obey the law of Christ.
Reflect
What instructions does Paul give? How is community among believers built and sustained based on these instructions? Are these instructions relevant for your community of faith? Why or why not? Paul instructs the Galatians to “obey the law of Christ” (verse 2), which means that followers of Christ are to love one another because they have been accepted by God and have received God’s Spirit, not because they want to win God’s approval. In yesterday’s reading (5:14), Paul said that “the whole Law is summed up” in the commandment to love our neighbors as we love ourselves. What does obeying the law of Christ mean to you?
Pray
Gracious God, guide me each day by your Word and teach me to be ready to help others and obey the law of Christ. Amen.
Tomorrow’s Reading
1 Corinthians 12:1-11: The apostle Paul teaches about spiritual gifts.