Digging Deeper: Galatians 6:1-10
Day 1: Sowing And Reaping
The principle of sowing and reaping is foundational to our spiritual lives. What we invest in today (sowing), whether it's time, talents, or resources, will determine what we reap in the future.
Let’s be clear, the scripture is not saying that if you give $100, God will bless you with $1,000. That is a false health and wealth prosperity gospel. What the scripture does say is that if one day we want to harvest corn, we need to plant corn. You cannot plant broccoli in the spring, and hope for sweet corn in the fall.
This is what Paul says in Galatians 6:8 (ESV), "For the one who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption, but the one who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life.”
Paul is encouraging us to all consider what we are investing in, what our priorities are, and how we are using things like our time, talents, and treasure. We will all reap what we sow.
The question is, what kind of future am I building or binding myself to through the decisions I am making today?
To sow in the Spirit, means to follow (take action) on the teaching and ways of Jesus, empowered by the Holy Spirit. In our daily lives, this means making choices that align with God's will and purpose. It involves dedicating time to prayer, studying the Word, and serving others. These actions may not yield immediate results, but over time, they will produce a harvest of spiritual maturity and community well-being. Let us be mindful of what we are sowing today, as it will shape our future both individually and as a church community.
Reflection:
Ask God to reveal areas in your life where you are sowing seeds of the flesh rather than seeds of the Spirit.
Pray for the strength to resist temptations and to choose actions that align with the Spirit.
What specific actions can you take today to sow seeds of the Spirit in your life and your in the local church?
Day 2: Bear One Another’s Burden’s
Galatians 6:2 (ESV): "Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.”
You always find out who your true friends are when you have to move something heavy. Nothing screams friendship like moving a washing machine, a fridge, or a couch! As the saying goes, many hands make a lighter load.
As followers of Jesus, we are called to bear each other's burdens, which means coming alongside those who are struggling and helping to lighten their load. This is how we fulfill the law of Christ, which is to love God and love our neighbors as ourselves. Bearing burdens involves empathy, compassion, and practical support. It requires us to be attentive to the needs of others and willing to step in and help, even when it is inconvenient or requires sacrifice.
In a church family, this can look like offering a listening ear, providing financial assistance, serving other people, dropping off a meal or groceries, or simply being present for someone in their time of need. By bearing one another's burdens, we create a supportive and loving environment where everyone feels valued and cared for. This mutual support strengthens the church and reflects the love of Christ to the world. Jesus was and is the ultimate burden bearer.
Galatians 6:2 (ESV): "Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ."
Reflection:
Who in your life is currently carrying a heavy burden? How can you practically help lighten their load?
Can you think of a time in your life, where someone walked alongside you or helped lighten a heavy load you were carrying? How did that person help you? Looking back, what does the mean to you now?
Why do you think Paul say carrying one another’s burdens fulfills the law of Christ? What do you think he is talking about?
Prayer: “Father, open my eyes to see the burdens of those around me. Give me the compassion and strength to come alongside them and offer support. Help me to fulfill the law of Christ by loving my neighbors as myself.”
Day 3: We Don’t Shoot Our Wounded.
What do we do when our brothers and sisters in Christ fall into sin?
There are lots of things we could do, but according to the scripture, there is one thing we are supposed to do. When someone falls into sin, our role is to restore them gently, not to judge or condemn them.
Restoration can be painful. The word restore in the original language implies setting a bone that is out of joint. Ouch! How we restore matters to Jesus. Restoring them in gentleness means approaching the person with love and understanding, seeking to help them return to a right relationship with God and the church family. It involves speaking the truth in love and offering support, encouragement, and accountability.
The biggest barrier to restoration is ego and pride.
Gentle restoration is crucial for maintaining unity and fostering a culture of grace within the church. It helps individuals feel safe to confess their struggles and seek help without fear of judgment. By restoring others gently, we reflect the character of Christ and promote healing and reconciliation.
Galatians 6:1 (ESV): "Brothers, if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness. Keep watch on yourself, lest you too be tempted."
Reflection:
Knowing what you know about the church in Galatia, who do think needs to be restored? Do you think Paul has specific people in mind when we says, “restore anyone caught in any transgression”?
Is there someone you know who has fallen into sin? How can you approach them with gentleness and help restore them?
Prayer: "Lord, grant me the humility and gentleness needed to restore those who have stumbled. Help me to avoid judgment and pride, focusing instead on my own walk with You. Use me as an instrument of Your grace and mercy."
Day 4: Sowing Generosity
As we are studying Galatians 6:1-10, almost out of right field, Pauls says in Galatians 6:6 (ESV)- Let the one who is taught the Word share all good things with the one who teaches.
Paul is talking about sowing finically into the church. Specifically to the church in Galatia, Paul is calling the church to finically support their local pastor. Paul includes generosity with the principle of sowing of reaping.
Let’s be clear, the scripture is not saying that if you give $100, God will bless you with $1,000. What Paul is saying is that when we sow financially in to the kingdom of God, through the local church, it makes a difference and will one day have an eternal reward.
Supporting the local church financially is a practical way to bear one another's burdens and ensure the church can continue its mission of seeing lives changed by Jesus and disciples made. Our giving is an act of grace, self-denial, and joyful obedience. Financial generosity enables the church to fund its ministries, support the mission, and reach out to the community. Our giving is a tangible expression of our commitment to the church and its mission.
2 Corinthians 9:7 (ESV): "Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver."
Reflection:
How does the act of financial generosity support the mission and health of the church?
How do you think giving to the local church honors God?
Prayer: "God, thank You for the resources You have entrusted to me. Help me to give generously and joyfully to support the work of our church. May my financial contributions be an act of worship and a means to bear one another's burdens."
Day 5: Formative Friendships
Matthew 22:37-39 (ESV)- And he said to him, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. 38 This is the great and first commandment. 39 And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself.
Our relationship with God informs and directs our relationships with other people. In fact Jesus connects our relationship with Him to the ways we relate to the people around us. This is important for us personally and together as a church family.
At Redemption Church, we talk a lot about what we call formative friendships. Formative relationships are authentic friendships where we are known and encouraged to walk with Jesus.
To effectively bear one another's burdens, we must be in close, authentic relationships. These relationships provide us with the opportunity to share our struggles, confess our sin, and receive encouragement and support that leads to healing and spiritual growth. Authentic relationships are built on trust, transparency, and mutual support. They require us to be vulnerable and open with one another, sharing both our joys and our struggles.
In a church family, authentic relationships create a safe space for individuals to grow and thrive. They foster a sense of belonging, helping us to stay on track in our spiritual journey. By investing in authentic relationships, we build a strong and supportive community that reflects the love and grace of Christ.
James 5:16 (ESV): "Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working."
Reflection:
Are you currently developing friendships with people in the church who you can you reach out to for support and accountability in your spiritual journey?
Who are some people in your life with whom you can build authentic relationships? How can you take a step towards deeper connection with them today?
Think about the authenticity of your relationships within the church. Are there areas where you need to be more open and vulnerable? Consider how you can build deeper connections with others.
Prayer: "Heavenly Father, help me to cultivate authentic relationships within our church community. Give me the courage to confess my struggles and support others in theirs. May our relationships lead to healing and spiritual growth, fulfilling the law of Christ."