Galatians 6 - Text for June 29th class discussion

Per Doug's e-mail:...I am planning to build a little on what we discussed last week (Fellowship, Koinonia, Covered Dishes, front porches, etc.) and talk a little about Bearing One Another's Burdens. Just so you can give it some thought ahead of time, we'll start in Galatians 6.

Why are we told to do it?
What does that mean?
What does it look like?
How do we do it?
What's up with verse 5?

Not sure exactly where this will end up but with our group it's bound to be somewhere interesting and unexpected. And just so you know, I don't have the answers either.

Galatians 6

Bear and Share the Burdens
1 Brethren, if a man is overtaken in any trespass, you who are spiritual restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness, considering yourself lest you also be tempted. 2 Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ. 3 For if anyone thinks himself to be something, when he is nothing, he deceives himself. 4 But let each one examine his own work, and then he will have rejoicing in himself alone, and not in another. 5 For each one shall bear his own load.

Be Generous and Do Good
6 Let him who is taught the word share in all good things with him who teaches. 7 Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap. 8 For he who sows to his flesh will of the flesh reap corruption, but he who sows to the Spirit will of the Spirit reap everlasting life. 9 And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart. 10 Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith.

Glory Only in the Cross
11 See with what large letters I have written to you with my own hand! 12 As many as desire to make a good showing in the flesh, these would compel you to be circumcised, only that they may not suffer persecution for the cross of Christ. 13 For not even those who are circumcised keep the law, but they desire to have you circumcised that they may boast in your flesh. 14 But God forbid that I should boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world. 15 For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision avails anything, but a new creation.

Blessing and a Plea
16 And as many as walk according to this rule, peace and mercy be upon them, and upon the Israel of God. 17 From now on let no one trouble me, for I bear in my body the marks of the Lord Jesus. 18 Brethren, the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Amen.

June 25th, Hope for Each Day

The June 25th entry from Billy Graham’s Hope for Each Day devotional:

Then the king…rejected the advice of the elders.
2 Chronicles 10:13

Tragically, many people are the victims of their own bad decisions. Faced with choices everyday, they turn their backs on what is right or what is best and decide instead on what is wrong or what will bring them harm. Only afterward do they realize that bad decisions always result in bad consequences.

King Rehoboam stubbornly rejected the wise advice of his nation’s elders and instead followed those who told him only what he wanted to hear. As a result, conflict broke out and the nation divided. The Bible warns, “Whatever a man sows, that he will also reap.” (Gal. 6:7)

Life is filled with decisions – some minor, but some life changing. How will you make them? The most important thing I can tell you is this: Seek God’s will in every decision. Pray. Turn to the Scriptures. Seek the advice of godly friends. Ask the Holy Spirit to guide you. God loves you, and His way is always best.

Prayer Requests from the Pastor Search Committee

Pray that the pastor search period will be a time that our church will learn to seek God Himself more than just a new pastor.

Pray for a powerful move of congregational cleansing and renewal.

Pray for strong consistency and focus in the present ministry of the church.

Pray for a miraculous sense of love and unity among all members of the church.

Pray that we will patiently await God’s timing and settle for nothing less than His perfect will. Ask God for His mercy in giving us a true man of God and a great leader.

Pray that we will be prepared to make the necessary changes to embrace a new day of ministry.

Pray for great unity in calling the new pastor.