Galatians clearly outlined the behavior of two contrasting lifestyles. One is the life of the flesh and the other is the life of the Spirit. When a Born again experiences the struggle, the battle of choice, the war is waging between the flesh and the indwelling Holy Spirit. Jesus desires to live His life out through the believer and the freedom to choose is always present!
Walking in the Spirit overcomes the desires of the flesh. The flesh desires what is against the Spirit. The results of flesh - sins named in 5:19-21.
The Spirit produces the fruit named in 5:22-26...the battle is settled with the right choice...v.24 "Now those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires." We cannot do that in the strength of the flesh, but only through the power of the Spirit working! That is God's Grace!
Gal. 6: 1. Restore others and examine self 2. Don't be deceived or get tired 3. Ignore agitators; know what matters 4. Offer others peace, not trouble
To restore another - emphasizing the RESTORE! 1. Privately 2. with a gentle spirit. 3. Humility is essential. This verse brings us into the realm of spiritual mentoring. Performed graciously, buiding another Christian's behavior can be an important step in his or her spiritual growth.
v. 2 Carry one another's burdens...a great demonstration of God's love. Be cautious to not think too highly of yourself...examine ourselves. Examine = test or prove. Should lead us to a greater dependence upon the Lord. We are to carry our own load...we are to restore stumbling Christians and to minister to the needs of burdened Christians.
So much rich admonition in this chapter of Galatians: "Share goods with those who lead/teach/pastor/etc.", don't grow weary doing good, don't be deceived, God is not mocked, you will reap what you sow, work for the good of all especially those of the household of faith, ignore agitators; know what matters, boast ONLY in Jesus Christ Who controls ALL, be at peace with others - be responsible to make and keep peace!!!
JAMES 1: Is Common Sense Ever Enough???? The Lord wants to give us His wisdom. Wisdom = Jesus!!! We usually recognize that we do not have Godly wisdom and quickly pick up on common sense action. Instead ask the Lord for Wisdom and He will never berate you for the asking. He will give wisdom for the trials, wisdom for dealing with wealth (or not having wealth), wisdom for temptations, and wisdom for viewing gifts in our lives.
TRIALS: When responded to in the right way, trials can actually stengthen our walk with the Lord. Choose JOY as your response to any trial. Trials can involve outward circumstances but the trial cannot affect our INNER well-being unless we allow it to do so. Testing/trials can produce endurance/patience. Demonstrating endurance means that we will not succumb - dependence upon HIM.
The end result of endurance - maturity, become complete, and lacking nothing. Each trial, if handled with faith and endurance, reinforces our ability to withstand the next trial. God fully equips us not only to survive, but also to grow through trials.
Wisdom is: a gift from God, practical, and slowly acquired. Don't ask for Wisdom with doubt. Slowly acquiring can give way to doubt. Don't be uncertain of God's reliability. Self-centered passions and misgivings allow/or make us to become like the surging sea, driven and tossed by the wind. The doubter should not expect to receive anything from the Lord. The indecisive person is literally a person of "two minds" torn between the flesh and the Spirit.
Wisdom about Wealth: IF prosperous - give caution that you are not possessed by your possessions. Use your wealth to honor the Lord. IF you are not prosperous, accept with contentment whatever state the Lord has placed you. Don't view wealth only as God's blessing, but know that the Lord is a blessing God. KNOW that He is working in your life and don't allow "things" you do NOT have to possess you! Focus only upon the LORD! - James reminds us that only our relationship with God, not wealth, is eternal!
TEMPTATIONS: KNOW that God does NOT tempt the believer. We must overcome the world, the flesh and Satan...our evil desires can pull at us. Desire conceived, gives birth to sin and sin gives birth to death!!! Personal responsibility for sin...God gives us wisdom to resist temptations.
Every generous act and every perfect gift is from above...Look around you every day and see His gifts to you - not because of your goodness, but because of His goodness. God's gifts, including wisdom and salvation are good and He is generous! Give Him the Credit!!
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