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Galatians 6:5 – Burden Bearer

Posted on March 6, 2008 by admin

Galatians 6:5

For each one shall bear his own load.

Truth to Learn

Our load is heavy and each one must bear it alone. But helping others with their load will make your own seem lighter.

Behind the Words

The word translated “load” is phortion, which is a diminutive of phortos, referring to the freight or cargo of a ship. In the book of Acts Paul used this word in reference to ship’s cargo:

saying, “Men, I perceive that this voyage will end with disaster and much loss, not only of the cargo and ship, but also our lives.” (Acts 27:10)

And though phortion is a diminutive, it still carries the notion of a large or heavy load.

Meaning Explained

Each one of us has a load to bear in this life. And, over and above the normal burdens of life, we are occasionally overtaken by temptations that add to that load (Galatians 6:1). But, as Paul tells us in his first letter to the Corinthians, God knows what we can handle and will not over-burden us:

No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it. (1Corinthians 10:13)

When other Christians add to our load by telling us we have to keep a collection of man-made rules and regulations, it only adds to our burden. It was the Pharisees of Jesus’ day who endeavored to make it harder for those less “spiritual” than themselves. Yet, they were not willing to assist others with their loads:

For they bind heavy burdens, hard to bear, and lay them on men’s shoulders; but they themselves will not move them with one of their fingers. (Matthew 23:4)

The Christian walk, on the other hand, is one of submissive service to Christ, rather than burdensome adherence to oppressive regulations. The burden of serving Christ and others is light compared to trying to keep the law.

Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.” (Mat 11:28-30)

The intent of the law is to love the Lord with all your heart and to love others as yourself. That means sharing each other’s burdens. In the early part of this letter Paul put it this way:

Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ. (Galatians 6:2)

Application

Do you feel loaded down in your Christian walk? Are you stumbling under the load and being tripped-up by temptations? Instead of complaining about the heaviness of your own load, look around for others who are struggling with their load and reach out a helping hand. You will find that the more you help others in a humble, loving way, the lighter your own burden will seem.

In God’s service, for His glory,

– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –

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Galatians 6:4 – Self Examination

Posted on March 4, 2008 by admin

Galatians 6:4

But let each one examine his own work, and then he will have rejoicing in himself alone, and not in another.

Truth to Learn

Instead of focusing on ourselves, we are to focus on doing works of the Spirit. These alone will give us something of value.

Behind the Words

The word translated “let … examine” is dokimadzō. This is the word which is used of examining or testing a precious metal, like gold or silver, in order to determine its worth. The purpose of this examining, or testing, is to find good, not to find bad. In the current verse the word is expressed in the imperative mood, indicating a command, hence the use of “let.”

“Work” is translated from ergon, which refers to “work” or “toil.” I n physics, the unit of measure of work done is called the erg, taken from this word. But the emphasis of this word, as it is used here, is not so much on the amount of the effort as it is on the result of the effort.

The Greek word translated “rejoicing” is kauchēma, the noun form of the verb kauchēomai, which means “to boast.” As a noun, however, it does not refer to the act but to the objective, or result, of boasting. It is the word Paul used in 2Cointhians 1:14 where he said:

(as also you have understood us in part), that we are your boast as you also are ours, in the day of the Lord Jesus.

Meaning Explained

Keeping this in context, Paul has told us to restore a fellow Christian who has been tripped-up in his or her walk with the Lord. When we do, we are also to share their burden. But when we do, we are not to think of ourselves as something special or better than they are. When we look at ourselves with pride we don’t have our eyes on God, otherwise we would see how sinful we really are compared to Him.

Instead of looking at ourselves, we are to examine the things we are doing. If they are works of the flesh then they have no value at all. If they are works of the Spirit, according to Paul, we have something to boast about. The works done for ourselves give us no reason to boast but those done for Christ will be our boasting. At the Judgment Seat of Christ (the day of the Lord Jesus) all our works will be tested by fire and it will be clear which ones are done for us and which ones are done for God.

each one’s work will become clear; for the Day will declare it, because it will be revealed by fire; and the fire will test each one’s work, of what sort it is. (1Cointhians 3:13)

Application

One day, all Christians will stand before the Judgment Seat of Christ where our works will be judged. Those works done in the Spirit will result in crowns being given to us as rewards. But later as we stand before God the Father we will cast our crowns at His feet proclaiming “You are worthy, of Lord.” After all, it is He who is working in us to do what pleases Him.

May all the glory be given to Him!

In God’s service, for His glory,

– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –

Galatians 6:3 – Deceptive Thinking

Posted on March 3, 2008 by admin

Galatians 6:3

For if anyone thinks himself to be something, when he is nothing, he deceives himself.

Truth to Learn

Our value lies in God, not in ourselves.

Behind the Words

The word translated “thinks” is dokeō, meaning “to think” or “to imagine.” It does not mean “think” as in that mental exercise we do when we are trying to understand something or trying to solve a problem. Instead, as used in this verse, this word expresses the mental estimate or opinion formed by man concerning his own value.

“Deceives” is translated from the Greek word phrenapataō, from phren, meaning “the mind” and apataō, meaning “to deceive.” Hence, it refers to one who tricks others into believing something that is not true.

The word “when” is not in the Greek and should not be included in the translation of this verse.

Meaning Explained

Paul’s reference here to “anyone thinks himself to be something” is very likely a reference to the false teachers in the Galatian churches. In the earlier verses of this letter Paul used the same expression in reference to them (the word “seemed” is translated from the same word which is translated “thinks” in the current verse):

But from those who seemed to be something—whatever they were, it makes no difference to me; God shows personal favoritism to no man—for those who seemed to be something added nothing to me. (Galatians 2:6)

And, in his first letter to the Corinthians Paul even used this expression about himself, although in a humble sense, not an arrogant sense:

I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the increase. So then neither he who plants is anything, nor he who waters, but God who gives the increase. (1Corinthians 3:6)

Paul has just been talking about restoring a fellow Christian who has been tripped up or who is walking in the wrong direction. The false teachers in Galatia had taken advantage of the immature believers there by trying to convince them to adopt the legalistic practices of the Jews. They weren’t trying to restore the wayward Christians or to help bear their burdens. Instead, they were deceiving them.

Paul now instructs the believers there that not only were they being deceived by these false teachers, but the teachers were actually deceiving themselves, believing themselves to be something important when they really weren’t. Paul says these who were teaching bad doctrine were nothing of importance and nothing of value to anyone, certainly not to God.

Application

There is no class structure in the church. Though some churches have made an arbitrary distinction between the priests and the common people, this is not part of God’s design. We are all children of God and members of the body of Christ. Our responsibility is to build up the church. We are all common laborers, each with his or her own job to do. It is only in our humble submission to God that we have any real lasting value.

In God’s service, for His glory,

– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –

Galatians 6:2 – Weight Lifting

Posted on March 2, 2008 by admin

Galatians 6:2

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

Truth to Learn

The law of Christ is fulfilled by unselfishly helping others.

Behind the Words

“Bear” is translated from the Greek word bastidzō, which is derived from the word basis, meaning a base or pedestal. It refers to the act of lifting a heavy object to set it upon the pedestal. Hence, it carries the notion of picking up a heavy load.

The word translated “burdens” is baros, which means “weight.” This word does not appear in any Greek writing except the New Testament. It is used here in reference to the load or burden of a heavy weight.

The word “fulfill” is translated from anaplēroō, a compound word made up of ana, meaning “up” (used here as an emphatic, meaning completely) and plēroō, meaning “to fill.” Therefore, this word literally means “to fill up” or “completely fill.” It is used here in the sense of completely satisfying the law of Christ.

Meaning Explained

Paul has been dealing with the problem in the Galatian churches where false teachers have been teaching that a Christian is not fully saved unless he or she also observes the Law of Moses. Throughout this letter Paul’s references to “the law” have generally referred to this law as given to Moses by God on Mt. Sinai. In the current verse, however, he introduces another law, which he refers to as “the law of Christ.”

In the previous portion of this letter he contrasted the works of the flesh, produced by the selfish adherence to rules and regulations, with the works of the Spirit, produced by humble, unselfish submission to God as our Lord and Master. Using this distinction between the flesh and the Spirit, Paul described a higher law in the book of Romans:

There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit. For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has made me free from the law of sin and death. (Romans 8:1,2)

Paul has just told the Galatians, that they are to assist a fellow Christian who has stumbled by gently restoring him or her in a humble, loving way. Paul now takes that notion one step further by telling the Galatians (and us) that not only should we help them get back on the path, but we should also pick-up part of their load. In doing so, we fulfill that higher law of Christ, which is based on selfless love for others.

Application

As Christians we are to hate sin and love righteousness. We must take caution, however, that we hate the sin and not the sinner. When we see a brother or sister in Christ sinning, our first reaction should be to gently and lovingly restore them to full fellowship with our Heavenly Father. But we shouldn’t stop there! If we truly love our neighbor as our self (Galatians 5:14) then we need to take the next step by discovering what kind of a load they are being weighed down with, and assisting them with the load in whatever manner we can.

In God’s service, for His glory,

– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –

Galatians 6:1 – Gentle Restoration

Posted on February 28, 2008 by admin

Galatians 6:1

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.

Truth to Learn

Offer help and gracious support to a stumbling brother or sister instead of harsh condemnation.

Behind the Words

The word translated “overtaken” is from prolambanō, comprised of pro, meaning “before” or “in front of” and lambanō, meaning “to take.” Literally, this word means “to take what is ahead of you.” It is a picture of two people running a race in which the one who is behind suddenly catches up with the one who is ahead. When used in the passive voice, as it is in this verse, it means that the person has unexpectedly been overtaken by someone or something else.

“Trespass” is the noun form of the verb parapiptō, made up of para, meaning “to the side of” and piptō, meaning “to fall.” This verb means “to fall away” or “to fall aside.” Hence, the noun parapiptō is often used to mean something which causes someone to stray from the path or to stumble.

The word translated “restore” is katartidzō, which fundamentally means “to put a thing in its appropriate condition; that is, to establish, to thoroughly equip, or to restore.” In the current verse this word appears in the imperative mood indicating a command.

“Gentleness” is translated from praotētos, a form of praos, meaning “meek.” Hence, it means “meekness or mildness.” That is not as much an outward expression of feeling as it is an inward grace and humility.

Meaning Explained

One of the tendencies that spring out of legalism, like that which had developed in the Galatian churches, is a judgmental and condemning attitude toward those who don’t follow all the rules. In the previous verse Paul cautions us not to become conceited and not to provoke. He now adds another thing to that list, though quite indirectly: instead of judging and condemning others, assist and restore them.

Even the most dedicated Christian among us will occasionally be surprised and overtaken by his or her sin nature or by the wiles of our adversary. This is not referring to habitual sinfulness, but to those things which occasionally trip us up. When we see this in ourselves, we are quick to dismiss it, knowing that it is not the way we normally behave. But in others we tend to quickly judge. This is especially true in an environment where there are a lot of rules and regulations.

Instead of attacking the one who has fallen, however, we should behave in a spiritual way and seek to restore their position of blessedness in God. Gently, we need to assist our brother or sister while keeping their ultimate good in mind. And, when attending to their transgression, we need to guard against the temptation of puffing ourselves up in the process.

Application

We have all experienced the stinging rebuke of a well-meaning Christian brother or sister when we have stumbled in our own walk with God. Let us all strive to be gracious to others in a similar situation. We have been shown an abundant amount of grace by our Heavenly Father, so there is plenty left over for us to share with others.

In God’s service, for His glory,

– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –

Galatians 5:26 – Selfish Contention

Posted on February 26, 2008 by admin

Galatians 5:26

Let us not become conceited, provoking one another, envying one another.

Truth to Learn

An inward focus has contentious consequences, whereas an upward focus produces peace and gives glory to God.

Behind the Words

“Conceited” is translated from the Greek word kenodoxos, a compound word made up of kenos, meaning “empty or vain” and doxa, meaning “glory or praise.” As you can see, the King James translation of “vain glory” is an accurate translation, but few people understand what that really means. This word is applied to a person without talent or worth who wants to be admired by others. It also applies to a person who thinks they are special because of something out of their control such as being born into a particular family or race.

The word translated “provoking” is from a form of prokaleō. This is another compound word made up of pro, meaning “forward” or “toward” and kaleō, which means “to call.” It appears in this verse in the middle voice indicating action that is done by the subject (us or we) to the subject. Hence, it literally means “to call before oneself,” which by application means “to provoke or irritate.”

“Envying” is translated from the Greek word phthoneō, which refers to “personal pain felt, along with a desire to do harm to others, because of the other person’s excellence or good fortune.”

Meaning Explained

Notice that all three of the words we looked at in this verse are characterized by an intense focus on self. Back in verse fourteen, Paul said that the fulfilling of the law is accomplished by loving your neighbor as yourself. That implies a focus on others rather than on self.

It is likely that the Jewish converts in the Galatian churches thought themselves better than the converts of the Gentiles because they were true children of Abraham and they were keepers of the law. Paul has gone to great lengths to show that neither family heritage nor personal accomplishment have any bearing on how we are viewed by God. No matter what our station in life or personal accomplishments, none of us are any better than anyone else,

for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, (Romans 3:23)

One of the characteristics of people who think themselves better than the rest of us is that they use their privileged position (whether real or imagined) to put down others of lesser distinction, attributing undue glory to themselves. One of our natural (fleshly) reactions is to provoke them right back, thus producing discord. The opposite reaction is to envy their status and want to lash out at them because of it. Neither reaction is produced by the Spirit of God. Both are works of the flesh.

Challenge

In all of our dealings with other people, especially within the church, we need to humble ourselves before God and be immediately ready to serve others, for their good rather than our own. Let me challenge you today to look for opportunities to be humble and to seek the good of others.

In God’s service, for His glory,

– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –

Galatians 5:25 – Walking Evidence

Posted on February 25, 2008 by admin

Galatians 5:25

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

Truth to Learn

The way we live demonstrates who is ruling our lives.

Behind the Words

The word translated “live” is a form of dzaō, which means “to live” or “to have life.” It is used in the verse in the present tense, active voice, and indicative mood, which implies current continuous action.

“in the Spirit” (both occurrences in this verse) is translated from pneumati, a form of pneuma, which we looked at in verse 16. In the current verse it is a reference to the Holy Spirit. The inflection of this noun indicates that it is used as an indirect object. Therefore, it could be translated as “in the Spirit” or “by the Spirit.”

The word translated “walk” is a different word than was used in verse 16. There, it was peripateō, meaning “to walk around.” In this verse it is the word stoicheō, from the noun stoichos meaning “a row, line, or rank.” It is a military term referring to soldiers marching in an orderly row, in lock-step with each other. We could paraphrase this as “walk in an orderly manner.”

Meaning Explained

In the previous verse Paul reminded us that our flesh (our sin nature) was crucified with Christ, hence it should be dead. And if it is dead, then it should not be able to exert any control on the way we live. In Romans, Paul said it this way:

knowing this, that our old man was crucified with Him, that the body of sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves of sin. (Romans 6:6)

Paul’s use of the term “old man” is referring to our nature before we were saved. Then, a few verses later he says:

Likewise you also, reckon yourselves to be dead indeed to sin, but alive to God in Christ Jesus our Lord. (Romans 6:11)

Both in Romans chapter six and the current chapter, Paul is telling us that the way we thought and acted before we were saved was due to our sin nature. When we got saved, however, the “old man” (our manner of life as a slave to sin) was put to death, and we were given a new life. This new life, which has eternal consequences, is a life empowered by God through the working of the Holy Spirit.

Therefore, Paul says, since we now have a new life, we should walk in an orderly manner under the influence of the Spirit, living like the resurrected Son of God. We should be exhibiting the fruit of the Spirit, not the works of the flesh. We should live our lives under the influence and control of the Holy Spirit, and everyone around us should have no doubt that we are different from the rest of the world.

Challenge

We all know people who claim to have accepted Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior and call themselves Christians, but they don’t act like it. Their speech and actions reveal the fact that there is no influence of the Holy Spirit in their lives.

So, let me ask you, if you were arrested today for being a Christian, would there be enough evidence to convict you?

In God’s service, for His glory,

– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –

Galatians 5:24 – Dead Flesh

Posted on February 21, 2008 by admin

Galatians 5:24

And those who are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.

Truth to Learn

You are dead in the flesh but alive through the Spirit of God. Victorious Christian living comes from the Spirit, not the flesh.

Behind the Words

The words “have crucified” are translated from the verb stauroō. It is derived from the noun stauros, which refers to a pole or a stake in the ground, usually with a cross piece, used for torture and execution. Hence, this verb refers to the act of executing someone on a cross. It is used here in the aorist tense which implies past, completed action which occurred at a point in time.

“Passions” is translated from pathēma, derived from the verb paschō, meaning “to suffer.” The suffix -ma means that it is “that which is felt with great passion.” This is the word from which we get out English word “pathos.” Although it can be used of either good passions or bad, in the current verse it refers to the bad passions of our sin nature.

The word “desires” is translated from epithumia, which we have looked at before. This word also can refer to good or bad, though in this verse it refers to overly strong sinful desires.

Meaning Explained

This verse starts out with the conjunction “And” showing that this verse is tied to the previous thought. Paul previously was talking about the lust of our sin nature battling against the way that the Holy Spirit prompts us to live. And, because that battle is going on in the life of every Christian, we are constantly drawn back and forth between obeying God and obeying our sin nature.

So, in order to give us strength and motivation to help us overcome the works of our sin nature, Paul here reminds us that our sin nature (flesh) has been crucified, put to death. This is not a new concept for Paul or for the Galatians. In the earlier part of this letter, Paul told them:

I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me. (Galatians 2:20)

When we accepted Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior, we surrendered our will and our life to Him (He is our Lord) in exchange for His payment for our sins. That payment was in the form of His blood, shed on the cross. So, in a sense, we received His righteousness and gave ourselves, all that we are (including our sin nature), to be crucified with Him.

Then why do we keep sinning? Because even though the transaction occurred at Calvary nearly 2000 years ago, it has not been fully realized yet in our flesh. Nonetheless, we now have the Spirit of God living in us and that has been realized. As we daily submit ourselves to His control we reaffirm the death of our sin nature along with all of the evil passions and lusts that come from it.

Application

Do you feel like you are being defeated in the battle between your flesh and the Holy Spirit? As long as you cling to the desires of the flesh it will feel that way. The only way to experience victory is through continual confession of your sins and submission of your will to our Lord and Master.

In God’s service, for His glory,

– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –

Galatians 5:23 – His Fruit

Posted on February 20, 2008 by admin

Galatians 5:23

gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law.

Truth to Learn

The fruit of the Spirit is gratifying as long as we recognize that the source is God.

Behind the Words

The word translated “gentleness” is one of the more interesting words we have looked at lately. It is translated from the Greek word praotēs, which is derived from the adjective praos, meaning “meekness, mildness, or forbearance.” Here is what The Complete Word Study Dictionary says about this word:

Primarily it does not denote outward expression of feeling, but an inward grace of the soul, calmness toward God in particular. It is the acceptance of God’s dealings with us considering them as good in that they enhance the closeness of our relationship with Him. However, praótēs encompasses expressing wrath toward the sin of man as demonstrated by the Lord Jesus … This meekness does not blame God for the persecutions and evil doings of men. It is not the result of weakness … According to Aristotle, praótēs is that virtue that stands between two extremes, the orgilótēs, uncontrolled and unjustified anger, and aorgisía, not becoming angry at all no matter what takes place around you.

“Self-control” is translated from engkrateia, which is made up of en, meaning “in” and a form of kratos, meaning “power.” Hence, it refers to keeping power in control or, as it is translated here, self-control.

Meaning Explained

Paul finishes up his list of the fruit of the Spirit with two that we seldom hear about today. In years past it was appropriate to refer to a man who had his desires under control as a “gentleman.” It’s a word seldom heard today because few people (men or women) exhibit this characteristic, and because those who conduct their lives in a gentle manner are often seen as wimps. Being at peace with God and following the leading of His Spirit, however, produces a calm confidence that is the result of a gentle spirit.

Like gentleness, self-control is seen by the world today as a waste of time and effort. With the world throwing off the restraints of godly living and self-control, someone with these qualities is seen as weak and spineless, but that’s not how God sees them. The ability to control ones passions and appetites is a rare commodity today because fewer and fewer people are willing to submit their will to that of our Heavenly Father.

When we are completely submitted, however, and actively seeking and following His leading, there is no law that condemns us because we exhibit the qualities of righteousness. The danger, however, is that we will become proud of ourselves and allow our sin nature to grab the steering wheel from our Father’s hands. That’s when we stumble and fall.

Application

Any Christian who has experienced a close fellowship with God has known the fruit of the Spirit as Paul has described it here. But such a person also knows how tenuous this position is because of the powerful, ungodly effect of our sin nature.

In God’s service, for His glory,

– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –

Galatians 5:22 – Eternal Fruit

Posted on February 19, 2008 by admin

Galatians 5:22

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,

Truth to Learn

Put your efforts into growing fruit that has eternal value instead of producing works that pass quickly away.

Behind the Words

The word translated “love” is agapē, which is a kind of love that is focused on the ultimate good for the object of love.

“Joy” is translated from the Greek word chara, meaning “calm delight” or “gladness.”

The word “peace” is translated from eirēnē, which means “peace, harmony, or tranquility.”

The Greek word makrothumia is translated as “longsuffering.” This word is made up of macros, meaning “long” and a form of thumos, meaning “wrath or anger.” It refers to “the ability to endure a long time before getting angry” as opposed to hasty anger.

“Kindness” is translated from the Greek word chrēstotēs, which is derived from the verb charomai, meaning “to furnish what is needed.” This word is most often translated as “kindness,“ or “usefulness.”

The word “goodness” is translated from agathosunē, which is derived from agathos, meaning “goodness.” It is the trait of doing good to others out of an unselfish heart. It is sometimes translated as “benevolence.”

Finally, “faithfulness” is translated from pistis, which is derived from the verb peithō, meaning “to win over” or “to persuade.” Hence, pistis refers to the quality of having been persuaded. It is often translated as “belief” or “faith.”

Meaning Explained

In the previous verses Paul talked about the works of the flesh, those desires of our sinful nature which lead us away from fellowship with God. In this verse and the next Paul gives the contrasting list of what he calls “fruit of the Spirit.” Notice that he does not refer to these as fruits as if they are each one a separate result of close fellowship with God. This fruit all grows together as we spend time with Him.

Back in verse 17, Paul told us that the flesh and the Spirit battle against each other within these bodies of ours. The works of our flesh are the outpouring of the lust of our sin nature which has self as the focal point and ultimate objective. They rise up quickly and have immediate and irrevocable effect. The fruit of the Spirit, on the other hand, grows slowly and steadily as we submit our will to God and commit our thoughts and actions to Him.

It takes constant, vigilant effort to nurture the fruit of the Spirit, and its growth is stunted when we allow the works of the flesh to dominate. After we confess our works of the flesh, however, the fruit of the Spirit begins to grow again until it is fully ripe and apparent in our lives.

Application

Growing the fruit of the Spirit is hard work, which is frequently interrupted by the works of the flesh. The pleasures of sin are fleeting according to Hebrews 11:25, but the fruit of the Spirit has eternal effect.

Is your effort going into producing works or growing fruit?

In God’s service, for His glory,

– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –