As Paul reaches the end of his letter, he begins a final, climactic appeal to the Galatian Christians to hold on to the truth.
Don’t!
Read Galatians 6:7
• What does Paul urge the Galatians not to do (v 7)?
In some ways, this is the theme of the whole of Galatians!
• What farming-based principle does Paul set out (v 7)?
Whatever you sow, you will reap. If you sow tomato seeds, you won't get corn, no matter how much you want corn to grow.
And whatever you sow, you will reap. Though the seed may lie in the ground for a long time, it will come up. It is not the reaping that determines that there'll be a harvest, but the sowing.
There are always a consequences to our actions. It’s the way God’s world works, now and beyond death.
• What two ways can we sow in our lives? What reaping results (v 8)?
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APPLY
• How often do you look at the “field” of your life and think about what you're sowing there?
• Who will you aim to please today? Your sinful nature, or the Spirit?
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Do!
Read Galatians 6:9
• What does Paul tell Christians to do in both verse 9 and verse 10?
• What's the great motivation of doing this as we sow to please the Spirit (v 9)?
• Based on your own experience, how do we “reap” from such a lifestyle?
Verse 10 is sweeping and comprehensive in its simplicity. First, it shows that the Christian life is not all about meetings or even conversions; it is about doing good to the person before me, giving him or her what is best for them.
Second, the word “doing” reminds us that we are actively to give those around us whatever love discerns is best for them; love in deed as well as in word. This starts with our family—our fellow adopted brothers and sisters in God's church. But it's not to be limited to them.
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APPLY
• What would it look like deliberately to “do good” to all those you meet today?
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PRAY THRU
Thank God for the opportunities He gives you to do good for others.
Ask Him to show you how to please His Spirit today. Pray for stamina not to grow weary in doing good.
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This devotional is taken from Explore—a daily Bible-reading devotional from the good book company which enables you to engage with Scripture and which will encourage, equip and inspire you to live for Christ. Explore features contributions from pastors such as Dr Timothy Keller, Mike McKinley and Tim Chester.
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