Galatians 6 – Ministry of Grace Church

Category: Galatians 6

Galatians 6:18 – Grace!

Posted on April 1, 2008 by admin

Galatians 6:18

Brethren, the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Amen.

Truth to Learn

There is no excuse now for being caught-up in legalistic practices in our communion with and worship of God.

Behind the Words

The word translated “grace” is the Greek noun charis, which comes from the verb chairō, meaning “to rejoice.” The noun refers to “a favor done without expectation of return which causes joy, pleasure, or gratification.” Specifically, it refers to the absolutely free expression of the loving kindness of God to men, finding its only motive in the bounty and benevolence of God. It is sometimes expressed as unearned or unmerited favor.

Meaning Explained

Paul has used great wisdom and knowledge given him by God to lay out very clearly the fact that salvation is by God’s grace alone. He has shown that the acquiring, securing, or preserving of our salvation has everything to do with God’s grace and nothing to do with our actions or obedience. He has been specifically pointed in his remarks against the teaching that circumcision, or any other formal observance of the law, is required for salvation.

Based on the clarity, thoroughness, and force of Paul’s arguments, one would expect that this issue would have been settled for the church once and for all. Unfortunately, history has proven otherwise. Legalism is alive and well within our churches today like never before. Sunday after Sunday, messages are proclaimed from pulpits around the world declaring that confirmation, baptism, church membership, and/or obedience to a set of rules are necessary for salvation, that the law is the believer’s rule of life, and that we are saved by faith but kept by works.

Surely we can all see the trappings of Judaism, which have been brought over into Christianity through a humanly ordained priesthood, with its distinctive clothing and isolation from common Christians. We also see it in church buildings patterned after the Old Testament temple with their elaborate and costly decorations and a church calendar supporting and even enforcing observances, feasts, and fasts.

Some of the modern day legalists even go so far as to declare that there is a difference between the ceremonial law, which they say we needn’t keep, and the moral law contained in the Ten Commandments, which they say we must keep if we are to truly be saved. In contrast to this, Paul refers to the Ten Commandments as “a ministry of death” in 2 Corinthians 3:7. Paul makes it quite clear that legalistic observances produce death, whereas the grace of God alone produces eternal life.

Application

Instead of trying to please God with our works of obedience, let us simply humble ourselves before Him who knows us better than we know ourselves. Let us commit to serving our Lord and Master in the way He leads rather than the way we want. Let us listen intently to Him through regular reading and studying of His Word and through constant prayer, confessing our sins and seeking His guidance in all areas of our lives.

And, above all, let us seek praise and glory for Him alone!

In God’s service, for His glory,

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

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Galatians 6:17 – Marked for Christ

Posted on March 31, 2008 by admin

Galatians 6:17

From now on let no one trouble me, for I bear in my body the marks of the Lord Jesus.

Truth to Learn

We should all display the evidence of our salvation and be proud to be identified with Christ.

Behind the Words

“From now on” is translated from the words tou loipou, which literally translate to “of the remaining.” In this situation, it is used in reference to time. Hence, it means “for the remainder of time,” or, as it is translated here, “from now on.”

The verb “trouble” is translated from two Greek words, parechō and kopos. Parechō is a compound word made up of para, meaning “unto, at, or near” and echō, which means “to have or hold.” Therefore, it means “to hold out to someone” or “to present to someone.” It is expressed here in the imperative mood, indicating a command, hence the word “let.”

The other Greek word kopos is the noun form of the verb koptō, meaning to strike. This word refers to “a beating” and is used to express the beating of one’s chest as a sign of grief. By usage it has come to mean the grief or hardship that someone feels as a result of what someone else has done to them. If we combine kopos and parechō we see that Paul is saying, “let no one give me any grief.”

Finally, “marks” is translated from stigma, which is the noun form of the verb stidzō, meaning “to make a puncture or a mark.” It refers to a mark, brand or tatoo that identifies ownership of a slave. In Paul’s case he is most likely referring to the scars on his body which he received from the Jews, as he tells us in his second letter to the Corinthians:

From the Jews five times I received forty stripes minus one. (2Corinthians 11:24)

Meaning Explained

Paul has made a masterful defense of salvation by grace apart from the works of the law and he has shown that, not only do works not produce salvation; they do not complete or secure salvation either. Hence, Paul now proclaims that he has thoroughly debunked the legalistic doctrine of the false teachers; therefore no one should trouble him with this questionable teaching ever again.

The false teachers taught that circumcision was necessary for salvation. Paul has said that this mark in the flesh means nothing. Instead, it is the submission to God and belief in the crucified Messiah that brings about salvation. And, Paul’s final proclamation is that his ownership by God is evident, not by the mark of his circumcision, but by the marks of the beatings which he received as a result of his witness for Christ. The false teachers were afraid of persecution by the Jews, but Paul was proud of the persecution he had suffered and wore the evidence of such persecution as a badge of honor and brand of ownership by Jesus Christ.

Application

Any Christian who has fully submitted himself or herself to God through Jesus Christ should gladly display the evidence of salvation to those around them.

Is the mark of your salvation evident to those around you?

In God’s service, for His glory,

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

Galatians 6:16 – Faith March

Posted on March 27, 2008 by admin

Galatians 6:16

And as many as walk according to this rule, peace and mercy be upon them, and upon the Israel of God.

Truth to Learn

Peace and mercy are upon those who walk by faith.

Behind the Words

The opening words of this verse “as many as” are translated from the Greek word osoi. This is the same way Paul started verse 12 and it may be seen as a contrast between the two. That is, he is contrasting those who desire to make a good showing in the flesh with those who walk according to this rule.

The word translated “walk” is stoicheō. According to The Complete Word Study Dictionary this word means “To stand or go in order, advance in rows or ranks.” It is a military term referring to the rows, or ranks, of soldiers all marching in step. In the New Testament this word is used figuratively to mean to walk orderly. In this verse the word is written in the future tense so the opening part of this verse could be translated as, “And as many as will walk according to this rule …”

“Rule” is translated from kanōn, which is derived from kanē, meaning a reed or cane. It refers to anything straight which is used in examining or measuring other things. As used here, it refers to a rule of conduct. Incidentally, it is also the word used as a technical term for those accepted books of the Bible which are considered inspired, the canon of Scripture.

Meaning Explained

There is some question as to specifically what rule Paul is referring to in this verse. It could be that he is referring to the central doctrine of this letter, that man is saved and declared righteous by God through faith, not works of law. Or, he could be referring to the previous verse where he declared that neither circumcision nor the lack thereof matter at all regarding salvation, the new creation is what really matters. Although there is only a subtle difference between the two, it appears that he is tying this thought with the previous verse and contrasting those who live out their Christianity by the new birth, through faith, with those who attempt to please God with outward fleshly acts of obedience (verse 12).

Paul’s use of the word stoicheō shows that he is not referring to wandering through this life in a willy-nilly manner. Instead, he sees the Christian walk as being united with other Christians and done in an orderly, mutually supportive manner. We do not face the world and our adversary alone, but as an army of God marching with unity and strength. It is this type of daily walk that results in the peace of God and an appreciation for His mercy.

Finally, Paul proclaims the blessing of peace and mercy on the Israel of God. That is, the spiritual Israel (the seed by faith), his called ones, not the Israel of the flesh.

Application

It should be obvious to us all by now, Paul teaches that the source of blessing from God is through a life of faith. Acts of contrition and obeying rules carry no weight with Him.

Therefore, let us all walk together by faith, not by observance of the law and manmade church rules!

In God’s service, for His glory,

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

Galatians 6:15 – New Creation

Posted on March 26, 2008 by admin

Galatians 6:15

For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision avails anything, but a new creation.

Truth to Learn

Our attempts to cause, or secure, salvation are a waste of effort.

Behind the Words

The word translated “avails” is the verb ischuō, which means “to have force” or “to exercise force.” Hence, Paul is saying that neither circumcision nor lack of circumcision has any force (or carries any weight). Neither the presence not absence of circumcision makes any difference regarding our standing before God.

“New” is translated from the adjective kainos. Indeed, this word means “new,” but not new in terms of age, rather new in terms of quality. The new creation is one that is a new kind of creation.

The word “creation” is translated from the noun ktisis. This is derived from the verb ktidzo, meaning “to create” or “to form.” It is used to express the act of creation, but it is also used to express the thing created.

Meaning Explained

Paul now makes a very clear statement regarding the doctrine of salvation. This seemingly innocuous verse, buried in the last chapter of his letter to the Galatians, is possibly the most important and poignant verse in the entire letter. The False teachers in the Galatian churches taught that complete salvation depended on full observance of the law, especially circumcision. Paul now topples their house of cards with a single statement; “circumcision is nothing!”

According to Paul, church ritualism and church rules have absolutely nothing to do with salvation. Let me state that again, church ritualism and church rules have absolutely nothing to do with salvation. It comes about because of a new creation of God’s doing, not because of anything that man does or doesn’t do. Paul is telling the Galatian Christians that there is nothing that they can do to effect their salvation any more or less than what God has already done for them.

It is this transformed life and the spiritual anointing that only God can effect which makes a lost sinner one who is forgiven of their sins and energized by the Holy Spirit to live as a child of God. This new creation is what Jesus was referring to when he told Nicodemus:

Jesus answered, “Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God. That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. (John 3:5, 6)

We had absolutely no part in effecting our physical birth in the flesh, it was something brought about by God. Likewise, there is nothing that we can do to effect the spiritual birth which makes us a new creation. It is God who, by His grace, proclaims us righteous, gives us spiritual life, and adopts us into His family.

Application

Are you still trying to complete your salvation? Are you trying to not lose your salvation? If so, then Paul tells you that all your efforts are futile. It is completely in God’s hands.

In God’s service, for His glory,

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

Galatians 6:14 – Brag About Losing

Posted on March 25, 2008 by admin

Galatians 6:14

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.

Truth to Learn

It is not foolish to give up all that could be gained in this world to gain all that God has to give.

Behind the Words

“God forbid” is translated from the Greek words me genoito. This expression literally translates into “may it not be.” In the current vernacular we might say, “No way!” It is used by Paul as an expression of extreme abhorrence.

The title “our Lord Jesus Christ” is one that we hear and use so often that we tend to gloss over the significance of it. As written here, it is “the Lord of us, Jesus Christ.” The emphasis of the expression is on the word Lord which is translated from kurios, meaning “lord, master, or owner.” It is derived from the word kuros, which means “might or power.” Hence, it is used of someone who has power over someone else. In this case it is a reference to the one who now owns us and has absolute power over us. Anyone who has accepted Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior has given himself or herself, body, soul, and spirit, to Jesus Christ. He now is our owner, master, and Lord!

The word translated “crucified” is a form of stauroō, which comes from stauros, meaning “a pole on which a person is impaled, or a pole with a cross-piece onto which a person is nailed and hung until dead.” The purpose of a crucifixion is death with the most agonizing suffering possible.

Meaning Explained

Paul has just told the Galatians that the false teachers there only want the Christians in Galatia to be in bondage to the law so that they (the false teachers) can brag about the Galatians’ subjection to the law. They were not at all interested in the welfare of the Christians, just their own bragging rights. Paul, on the other hand, has repeatedly demonstrated to the Galatians that he truly cares for them and is looking-out for their best interests.

In light of his accusation that the false teachers only want to brag about them, Paul now tells them that the only thing that he cares to brag about is the cross. The significance of this is the fact that crucifixion was used, not only as an instrument of death and torture, but as an instrument of humiliation and abasement. Anyone who was crucified was seen as the most shameful of persons. Hence, Christians who hold up the cross in reverence were seen as the lowest of society following a shamed common criminal.

Paul, on the other hand, sees reason to boast in the cross and willingly submits himself to the Christ (anointed one) of the cross. He has, in fact, laid aside all the attractions of this world by figuratively nailing them to the cross, considering them as dead and shameful compared to his Lord.

Challenge

Do you know that you are a sinner? Have you accepted the blood of Jesus as payment for your sins? Have you given all of your rights and expectations to Him as your Lord and Master? If so, then you can boast in the cross and count all worldly gain as worthless.

In God’s service, for His glory,

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

Galatians 6:13 – Bragging Rights

Posted on March 20, 2008 by admin

Galatians 6:13

For not even those who are circumcised keep the law, but they desire to have you circumcised that they may boast in your flesh.

Truth to Learn

Our boasting should be in the Lord, not in anything we have done.

Behind the Words

The word translated “keep” is phulassō, which means “to keep watch” or “to guard.” By implication it means “to obey, observe, or keep” as it is translated in this verse. Here it is written in the present tense, active voice, and indicative mood, implying current, ongoing activity.

As in the last verse, the word translated “desire” is a form of thelō, which refers to more than just a simple desire, it refers to desire that is acted on. Hence, we could translate this as “… they are determined to have you circumcised …”

Once again, we see the word “boast,” which is translated from the Greek word kauchaomai, meaning “to brag or boast.” It shows that these false teachers took pride in each person they were able to “convert” from simple Christian faith to their own form of legalistic religion.

Meaning Explained

Paul now reveals a bit more about these false teachers. In the previous verse we saw that they were using the circumcision of the Galatian believers as a means of making themselves look good to the Jews. Now we see that they were so focused on outward show that they were regularly neglecting to keep the law themselves. They were intent on preaching the necessity of Christians to obey the Law of Moses, but they lost sight of the fact that they, themselves, were not obeying it.

We also see, as Paul has been subtly pointing out throughout this letter, that the motives of these false teachers were not for spiritual victories in which God would get the glory. Instead, they were determined to get the glory themselves. And, they wanted to get this recognition, not through anything spiritual that they had done, but through the undeniable evidence of an act of the flesh, circumcision. It appears that these false teachers became more self-centered and proud with each Christian that they were able to bring back into the bondage of keeping the law.

Compare this with the type of boasting that Paul talked about in his second letter to the Corinthians:

For our boasting is this: the testimony of our conscience that we conducted ourselves in the world in simplicity and godly sincerity, not with fleshly wisdom but by the grace of God, and more abundantly toward you. (2Corinthians 1:12)

As we will see in the next verse, Paul considered the boasting of the legalizers to be wrong.

Application

Where is your boasting today? Is it in your own ability to obey a set of church rules? Is it in the fact that you go to church every Sunday and always tithe your ten percent? Is it in the number of people you have witnessed to who have come to faith in Christ?

Or, is your boasting in what God has accomplished for His glory, in spite of all our feeble efforts?

In God’s service, for His glory,

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

Galatians 6:12 – All For Show

Posted on March 19, 2008 by admin

Galatians 6:12

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.

Truth to Learn

Outward show and ritualistic practices are hollow and worthless.

Behind the Words

“Desire” is translated from the verb thelō, which means “to will, wish, or desire, implying active volition and purpose.” This word means more than desire. It carries the idea desire in action, hence it is often translated as “determine” or “choose.”

The expression “make a good showing” is translated from the Greek word euprosōpeō. This is a compound word made up of eu, meaning “good” or “well,” and prosōpon, which literally means “toward the eyes” but has the general meaning of “face.” So, euprosōpeō means “to have a good face” or “to look good.”

The word “compel” is translated from anangkadzō, which means “to force or compel by external violence.” This verb is written in the present tense, active voice, indicative mood, which implies present ongoing action. Hence, it could be translated as “they are compelling you.”

Meaning Explained

This verse and the next verse are closely tied together. In this one, Paul talks about what the false teachers are forcing on the Galatian believers which is then contrasted with the actual practices of these teachers. This is given here to show how different the false teachers are than Paul who just showed that he would go the extra mile for them by writing part of this letter himself.

These false teachers, like the Pharisees of Jesus’ day, were more interested in outward show and appearance than they were in personal piety. They were determined to look good to others (probably Jews) and for this reason were pressuring the Galatian Christians to become circumcised. The reason for this, Paul tells us, is so that they would not suffer persecution for the cause of Christ. Apparently, these false teachers were afraid of what the local Jews would say about them, and do to them, if they fully embraced the Christian faith. They were more concerned about their own personal comfort and ease than they were in serving others. They were more interested in avoiding personal criticism and persecution than they were in building up the body of Christ.

Jesus called the Pharisees of his day whitewashed tombs because they maintained the appearance of godliness while inside they were spiritually dead. Paul is now making the same claim about the false teachers who were seducing the Galatians into self-serving showmanship rather than faith in action.

Application

How many things do we do as simply ritualistic observances? Things such as saying the same memorized prayer at mealtime, singing the same song every time the offering is presented at church, or even bowing the knee at the proper times and places are all rituals, which have the appearance of godliness without any real spiritual value.

Instead, we should, like Paul, sacrifice our own comfort and freedoms in order to enrich the lives of others, in the name of Jesus Christ our Lord and master.

In God’s service, for His glory,

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

Galatians 6:11 – Love Letters

Posted on March 18, 2008 by admin

Galatians 6:11

See with what large letters I have written to you with my own hand!

Truth to Learn

Personal example is the best proof of any belief.

Behind the Words

The words translated “what large” are from the Greek word pēlikos, meaning “how great” or “how large.” It is expressed here as a neuter adjective in the plural, which agrees in gender and number with “letters.”

“Letters” is translated from gramma, which can refer to the individual letters used in writing or to an entire book or other piece of written communication. As used here, this is a neuter noun in the plural, indicating that the adjective translated “what large,” as explained above, applies to this word.

The words “I have written” are translated from a form of the verb graphō, which means “to write.” It is used here in the aorist tense, which expresses action which was performed at a point in time in the past. Some Greek scholars view this, however, as an “epistolary aorist,” meaning that it expresses an event having occurred in the past from the viewpoint of the reader, not the writer.

Meaning Explained

There is much disagreement as to what Paul meant by this verse. Some believe that he is referring to the size of the letter which is written and the fact that he wrote it himself instead of having a scribe or “amanuensis” writing what he was dictating. This is the manner in which Romans was written:

I, Tertius, who wrote this epistle, greet you in the Lord. (Romans 16:22)

The problem with this interpretation is that Paul said “what large letters (plural).” Also, it would also be unusual for Paul to refer to a letter of his as a gramma, since his custom is to use the word epistolē (letter or epistle) to refer to his writings:

For even if I made you sorry with my letter, I do not regret it; though I did regret it. For I perceive that the same letter made you sorry, though only for a while. (2Corinthians 7:8)

The other interpretation of this verse is that Paul was referring to the closing part of this letter beginning with the current verse. According to this belief, Paul wrote the remainder of the letter himself and used larger letters because of his difficulty in writing due to a physical malady (perhaps bad eyesight). The problem with this interpretation is that Paul says “I have written,” which we noted is a past-tense verb. As was explained earlier, however, this may have been intended as a past tense from the readers’ point of view, not Paul’s.

Whatever the interpretation, it is clear that Paul had a strong love for the people of Galatia. He clearly wanted them to know that not only did he care deeply for them personally, but he was willing to put extra effort into teaching them good doctrine. He was doing it for their sake, not his own as the false teachers had been doing.

Challenge

Do you practice what you preach? Does your everyday behavior demonstrate your love for God and for others? Do others see Christ in you? When you stand before Him at the Bema Seat Judgment, will you have a bountiful harvest or will all your crops go up in flames?

In God’s service, for His glory,

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

Galatians 6:10 – Time For Sowing

Posted on March 17, 2008 by admin

Galatians 6:10

Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith.

Truth to Learn

Doing good deeds for others, especially other Christians, should not be an occasional event, it should be continual.

Behind the Words

There are two Greek words here which are together translated as “Therefore.” They are ara oun. The Greek word oun is a conjunction meaning that “one thing follows from the other.” The word ara means “therefore” or “in conclusion.” So, what Paul is saying is “In conclusion to what has just been said, it follows that …”

“Opportunity” is translated from kairos, a form of which we saw in the previous verse. This refers to “a season” or “an opportunity.”

The expression “let us do” is translated from ergadzomai, meaning “work” or “labor.” It is a reference to not just accomplishing something but to putting a lot of effort into accomplishing it. This word is used here in the subjunctive mood indicating that, “we should work at doing good to all.”

“Household” is translated from oikeios, which is taken from oikos, meaning house. It refers to those who share the same house or those who belong to a specific household.

Meaning Explained

In verse seven Paul began using the analogy of works being equated to a farmer sowing seeds. Fleshly works will produce fleshly (rotting) results and spiritual works will produce eternal, spiritual results. In the previous verse Paul told us that we should not be discouraged as we are doing good deeds because at the appropriate time (season) we will reap that which we have sown.

Now he tells us that the season for sowing our good seeds (doing good works) is whenever we have the opportunity. Any farmer knows that only seeds which are sown during the proper season will fully develop and ripen into good crops. But works of goodness are spiritual seeds which can be sown whenever we have an opportunity to do so. We don’t have to wait for just the right time to help a stumbling brother with the burden he is carrying. We don’t have to wait until the right week of the year before we share our financial blessings with those who teach us the truths of God’s Word. Any opportunity to do good for others is a good time and is capable of producing fruit which will last for eternity.

Paul tells us that this is especially true with regard to other Christians. Certainly, we should look for opportunities to do good for any other member of the human race, but we should be particularly on the lookout for ways in which we can do good for a brother or sister in the faith. The family of God, the household of faith, should be a special emphasis of ours as we look for good things to do for others.

Application

Our adversary, the Devil, and the entire world system which is under his control, are constantly battling against us. And, our own sin nature is continually dragging us down. Let us, therefore, offer assistance to one another. Let us share the load and share the blessings. This is pleasing to God!

In God’s service, for His glory,

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

Galatians 6:9 – Heavenly Harvest

Posted on March 13, 2008 by admin

Galatians 6:9

And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart.

Truth to Learn

Doing good for others is not easy and may seem to go unnoticed by anyone, but God sees it all.

Behind the Words

The word translated “grow weary” is the Greek word ekkakeō, which means “to lose courage” or “to become despondent.” This word is expressed in the subjunctive mood, indicating possible action, hence this could have been translated as “And we should not become discouraged …” This is a better translation because it expresses the possibility of losing courage, as the word indicates, rather than losing strength.

“In due season” is translated from the Greek words kairō idiō. These words mean “at its set time” or “in its proper season.” It is a reference to the appropriate time for something to happen.

The expression “if we do not lose heart” is translated from mē ekloumenoi. The Greek word mē, which we learned a couple verses back, refers to negation (usually translated, not). Ekloumenoi is a compound word made up of ek, used as an intensifier, and a form of luō, meaning to let loose. When used in the passive voice as it is here it means “to become exhausted” or “to faint.”

Meaning Explained

A literal translation of this verse might be “But we should not become discouraged as we are doing good things because at the proper time we will reap, not becoming exhausted.”

Paul has just instructed the Galatian Christians, and us, that sowing fleshly seed (succumbing to our fleshly desires and making self the center of our thoughts) will lead to a harvest of gradual, continuous decay. Sowing spiritual seed (living a life submitted to the Spirit of God and having the good of others as our focus), however, will lead to an eternal harvest. He knew, though, that sowing spiritual seed and doing good for others are like swimming upstream against the onrushing torrent of worldly beliefs and attitudes.

Paul knows from personal experience that if we continue to do those things which are good and right, we are likely to get discouraged because the fruits of such actions are not immediate. Like a farmer who has to wait until the proper season to harvest the crops he has so diligently labored over, we must be willing to wait until the proper time to see the fruit of our labors. So he encourages us that if we keep on, in God’s perfect timing we will eventually see the result of our labors. And, keeping this carrot in front of us will help us not to become weak and ineffective.

It may be that we will not see the harvest of our seed sowing at all in this lifetime. But that which is being done for God through His Holy Spirit will not go unnoticed. At the Bema Seat Judgment, where all of our works will be tested by fire, we may finally see the harvest and know the eternal consequences, and God will receive all the glory.

Application

Though we may not see the fruit of our labor in this life, we must not become discouraged, and we must not stop living for Christ. He gave His life that we might live eternally. We must now live this life in His power through His Spirit so that others might see that He is alive in us.

In God’s service, for His glory,

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