How Large a Letter Galatians 6:11 - Equipped for Battle

As Paul the apostle begins to wind down his words to the church members in Galatia, he gives insight and last minute instructions to them. He has encouraged them to restore one another when overtaken with a fault, bear one another's burdens, bear their own burdens, and to be busy about their own work. He has told them to take care of their teachers in the word and has told them the importance of sowing to the spirit rather than the flesh. In chapter six and verse eleven he shares his own reference to his writings where he wrote:

You see how large a letter I have written unto you with my own hand.

Paul begins, “You see how large a letter I have written unto you...”. There are two possibilities to Paul's words here. First, he may be making reference to the size of the letter itself. He has written five previous chapters, and we have seven more verses in our study to finish this sixth one. If we think about how many times we have written six chapter letters, we may understand what a long letter this was.

However, the second possibility is that Paul is making reference to the actual “letter” size that he has written. In other words, he wrote the lettering big. The Greek reads more like this, “See in how large letters” I have written which may be a reference to this idea. Paul referred to his eyes which may have been affected by his Damascus road experience in a previous passage, Galatians chapter four and fifteen, where he wrote:

Where is then the blessedness ye spake of? for I bear you record, that, if [it had been] possible, you would have plucked out your own eyes, and have given them to me.

And it is true that he usually dictated his letters and only wrote the salutations for himself. We see references to this in the book of Romans in chapter sixteen and verse twenty-two and in the book of First Corinthians chapter sixteen and verse twenty-one. Paul nonetheless felt this letter was important enough to write himself, and whether he is referring to the length of letter or the size of the letters themselves, we are very appreciative that he wrote it “with my own hand.”

How long has it been since we have written to anyone? We have such great advantage with our technology driven society, and we have so many opportunities to simply share with one another. We too might be able to encourage someone, help someone, and bless someone just by sharing a few words with them. Some of our letters might be long, and others might just be a word or two, and maybe that is where our meditation should rest today: Lord, Whom may I bless with my words today?

Next time will make another reference to the Judaizers as he begins to close his writing, so read ahead, and let us join together then.

Until tomorrow...there is more...

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Do Good to All Men Galatians 6:10 - Equipped for Battle

Paul the apostle told the Galatians the importance of sowing to their spirits rather than to their flesh. He gave them instructions concerning support of teachers in the word, and encouraged them not to faint at well doing. Paul is ending the book of Galatians with some good, practical advice concerning behavior toward others. In verse ten of chapter six, he shares about doing good to them.

As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all [men], especially unto them who are of the household of faith.

Paul begins, “As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men,...” The idea here is not “just in case there happens to be a chance or occasion” but rather while we are living and have the season for planting, sowing, and putting out good seed, let us spend our time doing good to all men. In other words, there will not always be this season of planting for us, and since we are in this time, use it wisely by doing good, and notice “good unto all men” - not just a certain few, or ones we like or certain candidates, but “all” men. The word “all” may be the most challenging part of this verse.

Paul continues, “especially unto them who are of the household of faith.” When we have opportunities to do good to fellow believers in Jesus Christ, we should take advantage of them. It is certainly natural to do good unto those within our own families and to people we like, however Paul's encouragement is to do good “especially” to those within the church. As we read these words we should recall Paul's reason for writing this book was to come against the teachings of the Judaizers who caused division within the church by their doctrine. As these opposing sides reside within the church, doing good to one another may not be an easy task, but nonetheless, Paul exhorts them to do good “especially unto them who are of the household of faith.”

How long has it been since we have purposely done good to others? Are we taking advantage of our “season”, and are we directing our good toward “all men?” Do we pay particularly close attention to doing good to those who are of the household of faith? As we meditate upon Paul's words to the Galatians, perhaps we will find ourselves in need of practicing good again, and as we spread our seed of goodness, may the Lord Jesus Christ give us an abundant harvest of goodness in return.

Next time we will get an indicator of an impairment that belonged to Paul, so read ahead, and let us join together then.

Until tomorrow...there is more...

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Not Weary in Well Doing Galatians 6:9 - Equipped for Battle

In chapter six of Galatians, Paul the apostle has told the church members to restore one another when they are taken in a fault. He has encouraged them to bear one another's burdens and by doing so they would fulfill the law of Christ. They were to think of themselves as nothing and be busy about their own work and worry less about what others do. In addition they were to minister to their teachers in the word, and remember the law of reciprocity is real, and therefore they should sow to the Spirit and not to the flesh. In verse nine Paul continues his exhortations to them as he shares about their work. He wrote:

And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.

After all the directions Paul has given for behavior, people might tend to get wearied from their work. He begins this verse with, “And let us not be weary in well doing:...” The Greek word for “weary” is “ekkakeo” and it means “to be utterly spiritless, to be wearied out, exhausted”. Whenever there is work in the kingdom of God, there is also a tendency to be wearied from it. Jesus Himself spoke of the importance of rest as his disciples returned from working in the kingdom. In the gospel of Mark in chapter six and verses thirty through thirty-two we read:

And the apostles gathered themselves together unto Jesus, and told him all things, both what they had done, and what they had taught. And he said unto them, Come apart into a desert place, and rest a while: for there were many coming and going, and they had no leisure so much as to eat. And they departed into a desert place by ship privately.

Often there is so much to do that people do not take the time to simply rest, and this may lead to weariness, tiredness, and even dread of the work that is done. Paul says do not allow weariness in well doing.

Paul adds, “for in due season we shall reap,...” There is a harvest waiting for those who sow good seed. It may not appear right away, but it is nonetheless there. The idea of “due season” is “at just the right time, exactly when it should be, and during the perfect season.” God knows when that timing occurs, and like the farmer who waits patiently for his crop to produce, the well-doing that is sown will yield an abundant fold some day.

The key to seeing this harvest lies in Paul's last four words in this verse, “if we faint not.” Since he employed the word “if” we may realize there is the possibility that we might faint, which means quit, relinquish responsibilities, and give up on our well-doing. For those who work steadily in doing well, there is a tendency to never rest, and when this occurs, burn out, tiredness, relaxing and letting go of ever doing well again can become the norm. Many who used to do well, never do so again, and therefore they never see the harvest awaiting because they have “fainted” on the job.

As we consider this verse, we might ask of ourselves, “Are we overworked?” “Do we tend to never “come apart into a desert place, and rest a while?” Have we found doing well for others a drudgery or like a job? Is our life filled with so much good doing that we are wearying ourselves to the point of despair? Perhaps our meditation before the Lord today should be to ask Him if it is time for us to take a break, take a rest, and refresh ourselves so we will not faint in doing that which He has called us to do.

Next time Paul will share with us about doing good to others, so read ahead, and let us join together then.

Until tomorrow...there is more...

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Sowing to the Spirit or the Flesh Galatians 6:8 - Equipped for Battle

As Paul the apostle continues to share with the Galatian church members about their behavior toward one another, he has declared there is a difference between the flesh and the spirit. The flesh manifests itself in a multitude of sins, and the spirit manifest itself in love, joy, peace, etc. In chapter six and verse eight, Paul directs the Galatians toward the result of sowing to the flesh or the spirit. He wrote:

For he that sows to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that sows to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting.

In verse seven, Paul warned, “Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man sows, that shall he also reap.” This warning should immediately concern those who read it about the seed they sow. Paul begins, “For he that sows to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption;” When a person sows to his or her carnal, fleshly nature and the satisfying of the same, he or she shall reap a harvest of corruption. The idea is somewhat like, “garbage in, garbage out”, and when a person feeds his or her mind and body with fleshly, corruptible seed, the expected fruit should be corruption, destruction, and perishing. The end result of sowing to the flesh is unethical, immoral, and eventually eternally miserable results. Exceeding and abundant damage has been done to the Christian who continually sows fleshly seed in his or her life.

Paul however continued, “but he that sows to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting.” Thank God for this exception from Paul. He begins with his proverbial “but” which denotes there is something about to be stated that has greater importance than what was just stated. “But he that sows to the Spirit...”. There is a different way for Paul's readers to sow, “to the Spirit”, and this should be the emphasis of all believers in Jesus Christ. There should be a sowing to the Spirit, which means there should be emphasis upon the spiritual things such as Bible study, prayer, worship, and duty before God Almighty. Meditating upon the spiritual principles, sharing the gospel with others, and living in a manner pleasing to God is sowing to the Spirit. Paul says when a person follows these practices he or she, “shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting.” The harvest from sowing to the Spirit will be “life everlasting” which denotes not only living forever with God, but a life style that is superior to the normal life.

When we consider Paul's words, perhaps we should begin by examining the fruit and harvest of our ways up until this point. Are we producing spiritual fruit or fleshly fruit? Are our minds filled with spiritual practices or are we constantly attempting to satisfy our flesh? If we were to be examined by others in our life style, behavior, attitudes and words, would they say that we sow to our flesh or to our spirit? We know now from Paul that whichever nature to which we sow we shall reap, and may his words inspire us to be continually sowing to the Spirit, that we may harvest the life everlasting of which he spoke. Let us feed our spirits, and allow our fleshly desires to go without seed.

Next time Paul will help us when we grow weary of well doing, so read ahead, and let us join together then.

Until tomorrow...there is more...

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation” in all major

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What We Sow We Reap Galatians 6:7 - Equipped for Battle

We have been learning from Paul the apostle's words to the Galatians ways to behave toward others. We are to restore one another when we have failings. We are to bear one another's burdens, and we are to bear our own burdens by minding the work that we have rather than always examining others. Paul said we should communicate with those who teach in the word, and today he introduces the idea of reciprocity. The law of reciprocity has been stated in many ways, and in chapter six and verse seven Paul makes reference to this law in a manner in which no one should forget. He said:

Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man sows, that shall he also reap.

When looking at this verse, we must heed the warning Paul gives immediately, “Be not deceived;” The implication is that we may be deceived, so we should pay particularly close attention to what he is about to write. Paul knows of the deception that lie in the bounds of the Galatian church, and if they have been deceived in the matter of the Judaizers, they may also be deceived in the way they communicate with those who teach the word.

Next Paul says, “God is not mocked:” The word mocked means, “to turn up the nose or sneer at, to mock, or deride”. It is interesting that Paul relays these words just after sharing that the church members should support their ministers. Paul desires that his readers know that God will not have any to turn their nose up or sneer at or deride Him when it concerns the delivery of His gospel. Ministers who share the gospel are so important to God that He allows Paul to share that He will not be mocked concerning the manner in which people support them.

Paul continues, “for whatsoever a man sows, that shall he also reap.” Paul employs the law of reciprocity to emphasize his point. People choose what sort of seed they are sowing, and they choose the amount that is sown. The certainty is that whatever is sown whether it be joy or curses will certainly return upon the one who sows. If a corn seed is sown, corn is harvested. If peas are sown, peas are harvested. If apple seeds are sown, apples are reaped, and so on. This law does not just apply to vegetables or fruit. It also applies to behavior. For example, if abundant sharing is sown, abundant sharing will be reaped. If joy is sown, joy will be reaped. If theft is sown, theft will be reaped, and on and on it goes. It's been said in many ways: “What goes around, comes around”, “It will come full circle”, or “karma”. However Jesus said it in this manner in Matthew chapter seven and verses one and two:

Judge not, that you be not judged. For with what judgment you judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure you mete, it shall be measured to you again.

In other words, the manner in which we treat others will be reciprocated back to us.

Have we considered the gravity and weight of this verse? Have we sown good seed or bad seed with others in our lives? If we were to see our harvest today would we be filled with joy or sorrow over the results? Perhaps as we meditate upon these words we will examine ourselves and scrutinize our behavior toward not only those who teach us the word, but also those with whom the Lord Jesus has put within our paths.

Next time Paul will share the ways we can sow, so read ahead, and let us join together then.

Until tomorrow...there is more...

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation” in all major

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Communicating with Teachers Galatians 6:6 - Equipped for Battle

In chapter six of Galatians, Paul the apostle has given instructions to the church members about their behavior toward one another and themselves. He told them to restore one another when they are overtaken with a fault. They were to bear one another's burdens, not to think too highly of themselves, and examine their own works and do them as unto the Lord. They also were to bear their own burdens and keep their eyes upon their own activities and not worry about what others should be doing. In verse six, Paul turns his attention toward those who are their teachers. He says:

Let him that is taught in the word communicate unto him that teaches in all good things.

Paul begins, “Let him that is taught in the word...”. Paul is referring to the students of the word of God.

There is nothing like being taught God's word; not about the word, or from the word, but the word of God. Paul knows as a student of the word of God himself how important it is to be taught the word of God. Incidentally, Paul wrote almost half of the books of the New Testament himself, so there is no doubt he knew the importance of being taught the word.

Paul goes on to say, “...communicate unto him that teaches in all good things.” Paul employs the word “communicate” which means “to come into communion or fellowship with, to become a sharer, be made a partner”. The idea is that the student is to express appreciation by supporting his or her teacher. Notice too that Paul says, “in all good things.” We read in the gospel of Luke in chapter ten and verse seven as Jesus sent His disciples out to minister He told them, “the laborer is worthy of his hire”. Moses wrote to the children of Israel in the book of Deuteronomy in chapter twenty-five and verse four, “You shall not muzzle the ox when he treads out the corn”, and in the book of Second Timothy chapter two and verse six we are reminded, “The husbandman that labors must be first partaker of the fruits.” In other words students of the word of God are to support their teachers.

Now this idea can go to extremes, and there are some teachers of the word of God today who badger and guilt their students into supporting them. This is not to be, however those who teach the word of God need support to live and be as everyone else. Sometimes this support may be as simple as a card, a note, or kind words of appreciation. Other times it may be monetary support, dinners, food or clothing. There are many ways to bless those who teach us God's word.

Those who are in the ministry to teach others the word of God are to be blessed by those he or she teaches, and those teachers who teach the most effectively are those who know there is support from those they are teaching. The most blessed teachers of the word of God are those who do not worry over their pay, their benefits, their financial packages and the like, but rather are so blessed that their students simply receive God's word and apply it to their lives.

Next time Paul will teach the teachers of the word of God, so read ahead, and let us join together then.

Until tomorrow...there is more...

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation” in all major

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Bear Your Own Burden Galatians 6:5 - Equipped for Battle

We have studied Paul the apostle's words to the Galatian church members for quite some time now. He has thoroughly addressed their problem of Judaizers attempting to influence them away from the grace of God and toward obedience to the law for salvation, and he has begun instructing them about being led of the Spirit of God and the manner in which they should behave toward one another. After telling them to restore one other should they be overtaken in a fault, and to bear one another's burdens, he now instructs them to be busy about their own work. In chapter six and verse five Paul adds emphasis to them caring for their own burdens. He wrote:

For every man shall bear his own burden.

We read where Paul taught the Galatians to “bear one another's burdens”, and now he tells them “For every man shall bear his own burden.” Is Paul speaking two different ideas here? No, rather, the idea is related to verse four where Paul told the Galatians, “But let every man prove his own work, and then shall he have rejoicing in himself alone, and not in another.” The word “For” means, “because of or by way of” and implies that because a man examines his own work rather than focusing upon another man's work, he “shall bear his own burden.”

Perhaps this is a verse that is separated that is better known in context with verse four. Note:

But let every man prove his own work, and then shall he have rejoicing in himself alone, and not in another. For every man shall bear his own burden.

Each of us have our work to do, and as we focus upon our own business rather than someone else's, we bear our own work, our own burden. We are to have our burden upon our backs and other's burdens before us. We do our work as unto the Lord and not unto men, and we help others bear their burdens in the process.

Do we keep our eyes and efforts upon our own burdens and work, or are we constantly concerned over someone else's? Let us hear the charge of Paul and learn to be busy about what the Lord has for us to do, and if there is a need to assist someone else with their burden, may we be ever more ready to help them with their tasks.

Next time Paul will teach the teachers of the word of God, so read ahead, and let us join together then.

Until tomorrow...there is more...

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation” in all major

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Each Prove His Own Work Galatians 6:4 - Equipped for Battle

Paul the apostle has been giving the church members in Galatia good advise and instructions on their behavior toward others. In chapter six and verse four he turns his attention toward how we are to act toward ourselves and the work we do. He wrote:

But let every man prove his own work, and then shall he have rejoicing in himself alone, and not in another.

Paul said previously that we are to restore one another when we are overtaken in a fault, and we are to bear one another's burdens. He begins this verse with, “But let every man prove his own work,...” which turns the direction away from others and towards ourselves. In contrast to being overly concerned about another person's work, we are to look toward our own. The word “prove” means to test, examine or scrutinize. It means to recognize as genuine after examination, to approve, or deem worthy. Each person is to “mind their own business” and determine whether the motives, actions, activities and words belonging to what they do is genuine.

Paul says there is consolation in examining our own work, “and then shall he have rejoicing in himself alone,...” The idea here is that when we are paying attention to our own work rather than another person's, we will fulfill our joy before the Lord and not be dependent upon the praise of others for value. When we do our work as unto the Lord and not unto men, we fulfill what Paul said in the book of Colossians chapter three and verse twenty-three and twenty-four:

And whatsoever you do, do [it] heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men; Knowing that of the Lord you shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ.

Finally Paul said, “..., and not in another.” Many people get so worried about what someone else is doing that they ignore their own work in the process. Their eyes are constantly upon others' works rather than being upon their own responsibilities. This is diversion, and those who practice minding other's business rather than their own never truly know the fulfillment which comes in doing as unto the Lord.

Each of us should “examine our own selves” and determine if our work is as unto the Lord. Is it? Are we working as though God Almighty is our “boss”, and if so, what is the quality of the work we are providing? If we were to be examined by Him, would He determine that we spend far too much time concerning ourselves with others' work and not that of our own? Perhaps today is a day for rejoicing in our own work as we place ourselves before the mighty throne room of God, and do our doings as unto Him and not unto men.

Next time we will discover what we are to do with our own burdens, so read ahead, and let us join together then.

Until tomorrow...there is more...

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation” in all major

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Something, Nothing, Deceived Galatians 6:3 - Equipped for Battle

After addressing the theology of the church members in Galatia concerning living after the law for salvation verses living by grace, Paul the apostle has been giving them instructions about how to live with one another. If someone fails, restore them. If someone has a burden, help them and the like. In chapter six and verse three Paul gives a reason for this manner of living. He wrote:

For if a man think himself to be something, when he is nothing, he deceives himself.

Paul begins with, “For if a man think himself to be something,...” Paul knows there is a deep rooted desire within the Galatian church members to “be something”. There are people who believe themselves to be just a little better than others, and they project it in their behavior. They will not “stoop” to certain tasks, and they certainly will not go out of their way to help another person. They live on the excuse of “inconvenience”, and they desire that everyone know their station in life. Paul sets the person with this mindset in their place.

He continued, “when he is nothing,...” There are people who hold prestigious positions and places of notoriety, however there are also those who believe they reign in important places but actually don't. Sometimes there is nothing worse than being around a person who thinks themselves higher ranked but are no greater than anyone else around.

Paul says, “he deceives himself.” In contrast to restoring one who has fallen and bearing one another's burdens, Paul shares about the person who is deceived. Sometimes people believe themselves to be too good to restore others, and it would be “beneath them” to serve others by bearing their burdens. However, the kingdom of God does not work in that manner. Jesus said in the gospel of Mark in chapter ten and verse forty-two through forty-four:

You know that they which are accounted to rule over the Gentiles exercise lordship over them; and their great ones exercise authority upon them. But so shall it not be among you: but whosoever will be great among you, shall be your minister: And whosoever of you will be the chiefest, shall be servant of all.

In other words, the person who believes themselves to be something when they are not, is deceived and does not practice the behavior of Jesus who is Savior and Lord of all who believe in Him.

Are we deceived into believing we are something that we are not? Are we practicing behaviors that make us think we are better than others, and if the chance were afforded us would we resist restoring them or helping them bear their burdens? Maybe we should take time after reading this verse to meditate upon what it means to have self-righteous ideas about ourselves that are not true.

Next time we will see how we are to be about our own work, so read ahead, and let us join together then.

Until tomorrow...there is more...

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation” in all major

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Bear One Another's Burdens Galatians 6:2 - Equipped for Battle

As Paul the apostle has been giving instructions to the church members in Galatia as to how they should conduct themselves toward others, we have been learning how we are to posture ourselves as well. We have learned that the manifestation of the flesh and the fruit of the spirit are possible within us, and as we are led and walk in the spirit we will love others even when they fail. In chapter six and verse two Paul expounds on the idea of helping others when he wrote:

Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.

Paul begins, “Bear one another's burdens,...” The Greek word for “Bear” means to take up with the hands, to carry, uphold or support. It means that we are to come under another's load and help them with it. As we carry out the fruit of the Spirit and are led by Him, we will love others enough to get involved with their heaviness, weights, and troubles. In other words, when others have problems, we join them in carrying those problems. So often the normal reaction is that of the priest and Levi whom Jesus spoke of in the gospel of Luke in chapter ten and verses thirty through thirty-seven who simply passed by the man who was robbed. Jesus said this of a Samaritan in verse thirty-four:

And went to [him], and bound up his wounds, pouring in oil and wine, and set him on his own beast, and brought him to an inn, and took care of him.

This was an splendid example of one who bore the burdens of another person.

There is a result to bearing other's burdens, “and so fulfill the law of Christ.” Jesus said in the gospel of Matthew in chapter twenty-two and verses thirty-seven through forty:

You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second [is] like unto it, You shall love your neighbor as yourself. On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.

The Judaizers were attempting to make the Galatian church members return to following the law in order to be saved. Paul told them that if they would simply bear one another's burdens they would fulfill the law of Christ. When we help others with their problems and troubles, we have acted in the manner that Jesus spoke of when He told us to love our neighbors as ourselves.

Have we noticed someone with a burden lately? What have we done to help them bear it? Have we put ourselves in the position to help them carry their load? Do we care only for our own burdens, or do we look for opportunities to help others with their troubles? Perhaps as we hear the exhortation of Paul in today's verse we will consider the benefit to bearing others burdens and in doing so, we will fulfill the law of Christ in our lives as well.

Next time we will see how we might be deceived about ourselves, so read ahead, and let us join together then.

Until tomorrow...there is more...

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation” in all major

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Restoring One Another Galatians 6:1 - Equipped for Battle

Although there are chapters and verses in the Bible, they were not in the original manuscripts. They are there for our easy referencing of verses, and aid us in finding the thoughts and ideas that are presented. In the twenty-sixth verse of chapter five Paul the aposle said, “Let us not be desirous of vain glory, provoking one another, envying one another”, and he continues his thoughts about the Galatians behavior toward one another in chapter six and verse one where he wrote:

Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, you which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering yourself, lest you also be tempted.

Let us note first the fondness that Paul has toward these church members. He addresses them as “Brethren”. After all the straying from the truth, after all the controversy, and after all the disputing with them over the false teaching of the Judaizers, Paul still calls them “Brethren”. This in itself should demonstrate for us how we are to be with others if they get away from the truth at times.

Paul continues, “if a man be overtaken in a fault, you which are spiritual, restore such an one.... Paul knows there is the potential for anyone to be “overtaken in a fault” which means someone might succumb to temptation by surprise. This does not denote a willful and deliberate transgression, but rather a failing and falling back into a former sin. When this occurs, Paul says, “you which are spiritual” which does not necessarily mean a minister, but rather those who are attuned to spiritual things such as the fruit of the spirit, “restore such an one”. The word “restore” means “to reset like a bone that is out of place.” When someone falls, we are to employ the fruit of the spirit and lovingly restore them so they may function again.

Paul continues his exhortation with the manner and reason we are to restore those who are overtaken in a fault. He said, “...in the spirit of meekness;” The manner in which someone is restored is also very important. The Galatians and we might be tempted to restore someone in anger and disgust when they fall, however, if we employ the fruit of the spirit, we not only will restore them, but we will also do so in “meekness” which is strength under control. Although we might be able to destroy them for their fault, we do not do so because of Paul's next words, “considering yourself, lest you also be tempted.” In other words, the next time it might be us who falls. We should think, “what if I had failed? How would I want to be treated?” before we bring down judgment harshly upon another person. Paul knew we are all subject to falling into temptations, so when this occurs, we should reset one another that we might be able to function once again.

What is our reaction when we hear or see a fellow believer in Jesus fall? Do we boast in our own confidence and behavior? Do we condemn them for their failing, or do we attempt to restore them? Perhaps our meditation should be surrounded by “what ifs” today concerning those who we deem “brethren” or “sisters”should they fall. How would we be? What would we say, and how would we respond to them should their fault come our way? May the Lord bless us with the fruit of His Spirit that we might be spiritual enough to restore them once again.

Next time we will see what Paul says about bearing one another's burdens, so read ahead, and let us join together then.

Until tomorrow...there is more...

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation” in all major

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No Vain Glory, Envy, or Provoking Galatians 5:26 - Equipped for Battle

As we have studied through chapter five of Galatians, Paul the apostle has been very thorough with the church members and us about the reasons that attempting to return to obedience to the law for salvation is an error. The flesh nature manifests itself in such a way that it is contrary to the law, and without the fruit of the spirit within our lives, we will not live according the way God desires. However, if we are led and walk in God's spirit, we will have no need of the law, for we will obey it. Paul gives one final exhortation to the church members in chapter five and verse twenty-six as he ends this chapter. He wrote:

Let us not be desirous of vain glory, provoking one another, envying one another.

Paul begins with, “Let us not...” which means “don't allow it”, “don't cause it to be so”, and it infers there is a choice. We may “allow it” if we are able to “not allow it”, and Paul encourages them toward obedience and simply “do not allow it”. However, what is it that Paul desires that they not allow?

First, Paul says, “Let us not be desirous of vain glory,...” Vain glory is “glorying without reason, conceited, and empty credit”. Oh how easy it is to pursue vain glory among other people. People enjoy getting praise. They enjoy having someone make over them greatly, and they enjoy having a false pretense of obtaining the credit for some accomplishment or status. Paul says “us” which means he possibly had a propensity toward this idea too. Nonetheless we are encouraged by him to not be desirous of such a pride filled venue.

Secondly, Paul adds, “...provoking one another”. “Provoking” has the idea of “calling forth; challenge to a combat or contest with another person; to provoke or irritate.” The Galatians were not to be challenging one another as in arguments and confrontations. Often when people disagree with one another, especially when they differ in matters of the flesh and spirit, they confront one another and act combative. The Galatians were not to participate in such divisive actions.

Finally Paul tells the Galatians they were not to be, “...envying one another.” We shared together about “envy” when we listed the manifestations of the flesh. It means someone else has something we desire, and we want it for ourselves. It is love threatened from within, and makes the person who envies feel less valuable if they do not possess what another has. The Galatians were not to be this way. If they were led by the spirit of God, and they walked in the Spirit, they would not be envious of anyone, and their satisfaction within would come from their relationship with Jesus Christ.

These are quite the traits that Paul has challenged us with today. We should ask, “Are we puffed up with pride and conceit and desirous of “vain glory”? Do we tend to “provoke one another” with argumentative doctrine and combative ideas? Are we “envying one another” and feel that we are somehow not as valuable within because we do not have what another has? These questions and more should be our meditation today as we finish this chapter in Galatians, and perhaps the words of Paul will encourage us toward the value of walking in God's spirit in every moment of our lives.

Next time we will begin a new chapter and discover what Paul has to say about when we are taken in a fault, so read ahead, and let us join together then.

Until tomorrow...there is more...

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation” in all major

bookstore sites, www.amazon.com ; www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore

Live and Walk in the Spirit Galatians 5:25 - Equipped for Battle

Paul the apostle has been sharing with the church members in Galatia the difference between the flesh nature and the spirit nature. The flesh manifests itself in Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like; and the fruit of the spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness and temperance. In chapter five and verse twenty-five Paul encourages the Galatians to understand where they live and how to walk there. He wrote:

If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.

Paul begins with the word “If” which implies there is a choice made. Since there is a possibility of an “if” then there is a possibility of an “if not”. “If we live in the Spirit,...” means there is a chance that we may not be living in the Spirit and have not made the choice to follow Jesus Christ as our Savior. However, “if” we have received the free gift of salvation through believing in Jesus Christ's substitutionary sacrifice for our sins, we now “live in the Spirit”, and the spiritual things take preeminence in our lives. The spiritual things are all around us, and the emphasis and constancy of them within our lives is daily.

Paul goes on to say, “...let us also walk in the Spirit.” The idea is “practice what we preach.” In other words if we proclaim to have received Jesus Christ as our Savior, we now live in the spirit and our behavior, attitude and actions should reflect it. Our words should convey a different manner of living than those of the flesh, and our conduct should be conducive to the fruit of the spirit rather than the manifestations of the flesh. The Galatians were being influenced by Judaizers who would have them manifest their faith through fleshly means, and Paul calls them to a higher standard that demonstrates itself in spiritual fruit.

As we consider this small and yet powerful verse, have we made the choice to “live in the Spirit” by accepting Jesus Christ as Savior? If not, today is a great day to begin. And if we have already received God's salvation plan, do we realize “we live in the Spirit”? If so, does our walk demonstrate a life that is conducted by spiritual things? Perhaps as we ponder these questions we will take note once again of the importance of walking in the Spirit, and may we evermore walk before Our Heavenly Father and others in a spiritual manner.

Next time Paul exhort us in our manner of living with others, so read ahead, and let us join together then.

Until tomorrow...there is more...

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation” in all major

bookstore sites, www.amazon.com ; www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore

The Flesh Crucified Galatians 5:24 - Equipped for Battle

Paul the apostle has been thorough as he shared with the Galatian church members about the difference between the manifestations of the flesh and the fruit of the Spirit. He told them about the war that is between the spirit and the flesh, and he has guided them toward walking and being led by the Spirit of God so they would not fulfill the desires of the flesh. In chapter five and verse twenty-four Paul continues his discourse about the way they are to defeat the flesh. He wrote:

And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts.

Paul begins, “And they that are Christ's...” Paul draws a distinction between those who have received Jesus Christ as their personal Savior, and those who have not. There is a significant difference between the way a person conducts themselves when they know Jesus Christ and when they do not. Those who receive Jesus as their personal Savior are His, they belong to Him, and they have given their lives over to His control. Jesus is Lord of their lives, and now their behavior is governed by God Himself.

Paul continues, “...have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts.” By being in a relationship with Jesus, those who believe in Jesus “put to death” the affections and lusts of the flesh. In Paul's words, they crucify those desires. It isn't that the flesh nature does not still reside, however, there is an effort, a care, and a concern to not fulfill those fleshly desires within. When the passions within a person who does not have a relationship with Jesus arise, there is every effort to fulfill them. When the passions arrive in a person that knows Jesus as Savior, there is every effort to put away that desire and not fulfill it at all.

The challenge in Paul's words is to belong to Christ. This is not possible without knowing Jesus Christ as our Savior. We must align ourselves with Him if there is to be any victory at all against fleshly desires. We must fall so deeply in love with Jesus Christ that every time a fleshly desire arises within us, we put it to death. We crucify it. This takes a work of God's Spirit dwelling within us, and when we have His power to defeat the works of the flesh, those desires will fall to the grave every time. May our meditation today be about aligning ourselves with Jesus Christ, and may we all receive His power to walk after His Spirit and put to death the desires of our flesh.

Next time Paul will challenge us in the way we live, so read ahead, and let us join together then.

Until tomorrow...there is more...

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation” in all major

bookstore sites, www.amazon.com ; www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore

Meekness, Temperance, No Law Galatians 5:23 - Equipped for Battle

In Paul's list of the fruit of the Spirit, he has named “love” first and foremost as he share with the church members in Galatia. From love comes joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, and faith. However, there is one trait that is also important before Paul moves to the next verse – goodness. We shall look at goodness first, and then go on to share the last two traits found in verse twenty-three in chapter five. Paul's list as found in verses twenty-two and twenty-three are as follows:

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.

Before faith, Paul listed “goodness”. The Greek word for “goodness” is “agathosyne”. It means to have uprightness of heart and life, goodness, kindness. The idea is having a genuine nature of being “good” and “sweet”, having others in mind before oneself, and being gracious to others. Whereas the flesh nature seeks its own, the spirit nature exemplifying goodness seeks another's benefit. How often do we see occasions where this fruit of “goodness” is necessary today.

Paul goes on to add, “meekness” which means “strength under control.” Although a person obtains power he or she keeps it bridled and restrained from abuse. “Meekness” is not weakness as is often thought, but rather has it's roots in an understanding of who one is. For example, the best way to describe one who is “meek” is to divide the word - “me – ek”. When a person has this fruit of the Spirit within them, other people become the object of their compassion and they put themselves and their power behind.

Paul adds, “temperance” which is “self-control.” This fruit is the virtue of one who masters desires and passions, and particularly sensual appetites. Some people will often use the phrase, “I just couldn't stop myself” or “I didn't have the will-power to control it” when referring to indulgence in some fleshly desire. Those who walk in the Spirit of God will bear the fruit of self-control, and by being led of the Spirit, they will not fulfill or give in to the fleshly lusts.

Now it is one thing to list the fruit of the Spirit, however, Paul the apostle doesn't leave us with just a record. He adds, “against such there is no law”. There is no law necessary when a person lives within the fruit of the Spirit. Paul and Jesus told us that we are to love our neighbors as ourselves, and when we possess “love” we fulfill the law of God. There is no need for a law to be over us because we naturally abide in the confines of the law. Imagine if there was a world where everyone lived by the fruit of the Spirit of God all the time. What a wonderful world this would be.

Before we go on to our next study, let us remember that Jesus fulfilled all righteousness and lived according to the Spirit of God. He manifested the fruit of the Spirit perfectly, and every fruit within Paul's list was within Jesus. If we desire to see a demonstration of the life that obtains the fruit of the Spirit, let us look to Jesus, and when we do, we will find our example of what it means to walk and be led of the Spirit.

Next time we will see what Paul has to say about what those who are Christ's do with the flesh, so read ahead, and let us join together then.

Until tomorrow...there is more...

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation” in all major

bookstore sites, www.amazon.com ; www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore

The Fruit of the Spirit Part 2 Galatians 5:22 - Equipped for Battle

After listing the daunting characteristics of the flesh nature within us, Paul the apostle has begun to share with the Galaitan church members the fruit of the Spirit of God living within a Christian's life. He began with the singular fruit of love, and from love we learned comes joy. In chapter five and verse twenty-two we continue to look at Paul's list of the fruit of God's Spirit. He wrote:

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,

Next on Paul's list is “peace”. “Peace” is the idea of tranquility, harmony, and concord. It protracts security, safety, and fearing nothing. The Bible speaks of two kinds of peace – Peace with God, and the peace of God. “Peace with God” is obtained when we commit our lives to Jesus Christ and all sin that separates us from God is removed. The “peace of God” however is an inner peace that regardless of the circumstances which surround us there is peace within.

Paul adds, “longsuffering”. The idea with “longsuffering” is patience, enduring, constant, steadfast, and persevering. It means to “suffer” “long”. Suffering in itself can be hard enough, but to know that the fruit of the Spirit is that it lasts for a while is where we may know we need to have God's spirit ruling within us.

Paul continues, “gentleness”. “Gentleness” relates to moral goodness, integrity, benignity and kindness. When a person is filled with the Spirit of God's love he or she is prone to be gentle toward others. We all know there is more than ample opportunity for this fruit to be demonstrated in our world.

Paul goes on to say, “faith”. “Faith” is belief with the predominate idea of trust or confidence. It manifests itself in fidelity and faithfulness. When we are filled with the Spirit of God we encompass the idea that we can be relied upon and trusted, and we will rely upon and trust others. When we are filled with faith, we have an intuitive knowledge that everything will be working together for good, and no matter what we face, we will have faith that God is able to handle it all.

There are two more fruit of the spirit mentioned by Paul, and we shall look at them tomorrow. However for now it would behoove us all to review the list he has provided thus far and ask, “Are these fruit of the spirit flourishing in my life?”

Next time we will look at two more characteristics of the fruit of the spirit, so read ahead, and let us join together then.

Until tomorrow...there is more...

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation” in all major

bookstore sites, www.amazon.com ; www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore

The Fruit of the Spirit Part 1 Galatians 5:22 - Equipped for Battle

An old country preacher used to say, “You don't know what kind of tree you have until you see what kind of fruit it's bearing. It takes a little while.” Jesus said a similar thing in the gospel of Luke in chapter six and verses forty-three and forty-four:

For a good tree does not bring forth corrupt fruit; neither does a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit. For every tree is known by his own fruit. For of thorns men do not gather figs, nor of a bramble bush gather they grapes.

Paul the apostle has been sharing with the church members the contrasting war between the flesh nature and the spirit of God within them. He has told them that if they will walk in the spirit they will not fulfill the lusts of the flesh. He then listed the manifestations of the flesh nature. In chapter five and verse twenty-two Paul begins to share the characteristics of the spirit nature. He wrote:

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,

Once again Paul employs the word, “But” which means “in contrast to” or “however” or “ what is about to be written has greater significance than what was previously written”. Paul says, “But the fruit of the Spirit is love,...” It is interesting to note that Paul uses the singular word “fruit” rather than “fruits”. He says the “fruit” of the Spirit is love. Love, agape love, is the fruit of the Spirit. This is an unconditional, without earning it, God kind of love. This kind of love is not born within people naturally, and only through the Spirit of God may anyone enjoy this type of love in their lives. Most people love in an “eros” or “phileo” type of love. “Eros” is the Greek word for love from which we get the term “erotic” and has more to do with “lust” than love. “Phileo” is the Greek word which means a reciprocal type of love – I love you because you love me. “Agape” love requires a supernatural event within. The Spirit of God indwelling a person allows them to love others unconditionally, and without the Spirit of God this type of love is impossible.

Paul adds, “...joy” which means gladness. The person who is filled with the Spirit of God and loves is filled with joy. Joy is a natural derivative of agape love. There used to be a song that described joy best:

“Jesus and Others and You. What a wonderful way to spell joy. Jesus and Others and You, in the heart of each girl and each boy. J is for Jesus, yes He takes first place. O is for others you meet face to face. Y is for you and whatever you do, put yourself last and spell JOY.”

When we walk in the Spirit, we will love, and the first result of that love is joy.

Paul will continue his list of the fruit of the Spirit, but we shall wait until next time to share about them.

Next time we will look at other characteristics of the fruit of the spirit, so read ahead, and let us join together then.

Until tomorrow...there is more...

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation” in all major

bookstore sites, www.amazon.com ; www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore

Four Flesh Works and Sad Results Part 2 Galatians 5:21 - Equipped for Battle

After pouring into the Galatian church members about why they should not follow after the doctrine of the false teaching Judaizers, Paul the apostle has listed the manifestations of the flesh nature. There is a battle going on between the spirit of God within them and the natural nature of their flesh. He told them if they would walk in the spirit they would not fulfill the lusts of the flesh. In chapter five and verse twenty-one Paul finishes his list of the characteristics of the flesh nature and tells the results of doing these things. He wrote:

Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told [you] in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.

We learned about “Envyings”, “Murders” and “Drunkenness” in yesterday's blog, and today Paul lists “Revellings”. The word used for “revellings” is “komos” and means, “to revel” or “carousal”. The idea is to have a drunken spree like when intoxicated people parade in the streets. It is partying and indulging in revelry like those who carouse late into the night. These “revellings” are just another way the flesh manifests itself.

Paul ends his daunting list with, “and such like:” Just in case there is something that Paul did not mention, he decided to include any activity that is like unto the ones he already wrote. We might agree that he was rather thorough in his efforts to tell the Galatians the nature of the flesh, but just in case there might be a behavior that a person could say was not on the list, he wrote, “and such like.”

After concluding his list, Paul made a turn in his writing to the results of these fleshly manifestations. He said, “of the which I tell you before, as I have also told [you] in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.” At this point Paul should have everyone's attention. If there were no penalty for the fleshly manifestations, there might be unbridled use of them, however, Paul reminds the Galatians that what he is telling them now he has told them before, that “they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.” This is the danger of living with the fleshly manifestations. There is an eternal penalty involved, “shall not inherit the kingdom of God.” Sometimes people live as though there is no result pending for their actions, but Paul lets everyone know that the retribution for not dealing with the flesh is not being a part of the kingdom of God.

With this terrible warning, perhaps we should show Paul's list once again,

Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are [these]; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told [you] in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.

And may we all bow our heads and hearts before the Lord Jesus and ask Him to keep us from these fleshly works that we may inherit His kingdom some day.

Next time we will see what Paul has to say about the fruit of the spirit, so read ahead, and let us join together then.

Until tomorrow...there is more...

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation” in all major

bookstore sites, www.amazon.com ; www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore