The Spirit-Filled Support of the Gospel Brings A Harvest

Galatians 6:7–8 (NIV),

⁷ Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. ⁸ Whoever sows to please their flesh, from the flesh will reap destruction; whoever sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life.

Paul is teaching on Spirit-filled benevolence.  He continues the point he made before but now will be broadening it to include charity to more than teachers but to all in need.  The principle that binds all this paragraph together is this: “. . . A man reaps what he sows.” (Galatians 6:7, NIV).  Luther also ties this thought to the previous instruction on supporting ministers.  "Paul horribly threateneth here such tyrants, and such mockers of God, who so carelessly and proudly do scorn the miserable preachers, and yet will seem to be gospellers, and not to be mockers of God, but to worship him very devoutly." [1] 

So Paul elucidates the principle that in our acts of benevolence and charity, when done in the Spirit, will bring a harvest of righteousness -- or eternal blessings (as opposed to temporal blessings).  "If a man spends his money on what gratifies his fleshly nature, he will reap a fleshly harvest. And since the flesh is mortal and will one day pass away, the harvest will pass away also. On the other hand, if a man uses his money to promote spiritual causes and to feed his spiritual nature, the resulting harvest will remain . . . Thus, as in the case of ministers, if congregations refuse to support them and so forfeit good teaching, preferring to spend their money on themselves, the results will be corruption. But if, on the other hand, they support good teachers, a spiritual harvest will result." [2]

What is the deception from which we are warned?  "Though a man may fool himself (by sowing little but expecting much), he cannot fool God and the results of his poor sowing will be manifest." [2] 

Luther correctly asks a question at this juncture.  Is Paul saying that good works result in eternal life? The answer is yes and no.  We cannot forget what the Apostle has taught before, that salvation is by faith alone.  But it is equally true that those who have faith must be exhorted to good works. "For if works follow not faith, it is a manifest token that their faith is no true faith." [3]  Secondly, as noted above, the spiritual fruit is not necessarily in their own lives, but through the ample support of God's ministers, it will result in a harvest of righteousness to others. 

Father, Christ has already taught us to “. . . open your eyes and look at the fields! They are ripe for harvest.” (John 4:35, NIV). What might be all that is needed to send out laborers?  Perhaps its my money or the affluent excesses of the western church? Spirit-filled people are generous people. Spirit-filled people plant seeds that bear spiritual fruit. I thank you that I serve a generous congregation. This is all of Your grace.  But we do not give sacrificially -- or at least I don't. Lord forgive my stingy fleshly sowing and grant to me and my wife a generous spirit -- especially in the aid of helping Gospel workers who are going where we cannot go; and are doing what we cannot do. Indeed the laborers are few -- perhaps simply because of lack of support.  Open the floodgates of support to these ready and willing workers, dear Lord.   I pray for a harvest of righteousness, here and around the world.  For the glory of the Lord and the happiness of all the nations.

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1. Luther, M. (1997). Commentary on Galatians (Ga 6:7). Oak Harbor, WA: Logos Research Systems, Inc.

2. Expositor's Bible Commentary, The, Pradis CD-ROM:Galatians/Exposition of Galatians/III. The Call to Godly Living (5:1-6:10)/D. Two Practical Exhortations (6:1-10)/2. The use of money (6:6-10), Book Version: 4.0.2

3. Luther, M. (1997). Commentary on Galatians (Ga 6:8). Oak Harbor, WA: Logos Research Systems, Inc.

 

Spirit-Filled Support of the Pastor

The second area to which Paul seeks to apply the life of the Spirit in a practical way is the use of money; indeed, few things more clearly disclose the priorities of the heart than this. Three uses of money are mentioned:

(1) the support of the teacher in a Christian congregation,
(2) the use of money to build up the life of the Spirit rather than to feed the flesh, and
(3) the spending of money to help others, particularly Christians. [1]

So today we look at the first principle: “Nevertheless, the one who receives instruction in the word should share all good things with their instructor.” (Galatians 6:6, NIV).  "Here he preacheth to the disciples or hearers of the Word, commanding them to bestow all good things upon those which have taught and instructed them in the Word." [2]  Luther comments that when the Gospel witness by the pastor is starting to take hold, Satan will do what he can to extinguish that flame.   "And this he attempteth two manner of ways: first, by lying spirits and force of tyrants; and then by poverty and famine." [2]

The sharing of "all good things" need not be relegated to money and salary alone.  "In all material and spiritual things (cf. 1 Cor 9:10–11). The Christian community was expected to support these gifted teachers."  [3]  This can mean with "food, money, and whatever good things are appropriate." [4]  In fact as Paul said, "“Don’t we have the right to food and drink? Don’t we have the right to take a believing wife along with us, as do the other apostles and the Lord’s brothers and Cephas?” (1 Corinthians 9:4–5, NIV).  In other words the well-being of the pastor and his family is in view here.

This is not new teaching from the Apostle.  Indeed he takes pains in 1 Corinthians to deal with similar matters.  “If we (saith he to the Corinthians) have sown to you spiritual things, is it a great matter if we reap you wordly things?” (1 Cor. ix. 11)." [2]

The principle that ties this and the other points together is found in the proverb: reaping is in proportion to sowing. Thus, a man will get out of his effort what he puts into it. [1]

Father, the very mention of money, in these days, reproduces a category in us that is far from spiritual -- far from a matter of godliness.  The Apostle Paul wrecks that idea over and over again. Indeed Your Son and my Savior made the value of money an indicator of the treasure of my heart. The irony is that a generous congregation reaps the benefit in so many other ways.  Father I thank You this morning for a church that supports me well financially and in many other ways.  May it come back to them pressed down and overflowing.  But Father I pray for specific friends of mine who are laboring for the Gospel in place that are self-centered and stingy.  May the Gospel-grace of Spirit-filled giving flood their churches and overflow into their lives.  May it occur in a way that Jesus is lifted high in honor and praise; and the Church receives untold blessings of mercy.  Amen and amen!

 

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1. Expositor's Bible Commentary, The, Pradis CD-ROM:Galatians/Exposition of Galatians/III. The Call to Godly Living (5:1-6:10)/D. Two Practical Exhortations (6:1-10)/2. The use of money (6:6-10), Book Version: 4.0.2
2. Luther, M. (1997). Commentary on Galatians (Ga 6:6). Oak Harbor, WA: Logos Research Systems, Inc.
3. KJV Bible Commentary. 1994 (E. E. Hindson & W. M. Kroll, Ed.) (2400). Nashville: Thomas Nelson.
4. Crossway Bibles. (2008). The ESV Study Bible (2255). Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles.

Sinners Helping Sinners.

Galatians 6:1 (NIV),

¹ Brothers and sisters, if someone is caught in a sin, you who live by the Spirit should restore that person gently. But watch yourselves, or you also may be tempted.

Paul now moves to another area of what it means to walk in the Spirit.  In the previous Blog we saw that Paul believes that walking in the Spirit produces humility and peace.  In this verse we can readily see that walking in the Spirit also creates a climate of restoration. We note that this is addressed to the whole Church.  It could easy to think that this was a leadership responsibility.  

The NIV correctly interprets the phrase "you who are spiritual" to avoid an idea of spiritual elitism, but rather those who exude the fruits of the Spirit. "The adjective “spiritual” means “living and walking according to the Holy Spirit” (see 5:16; also 1 Cor. 2:15; 3:1; 14:37) and includes, but is not limited to, the qualities listed in Gal. 5:22–23." [1]

The "fault" spoken of here is not a willful premeditated sin.  This is a incident that can be described as "sudden temptation seized him unawares before he could escape . . . falling beside, a trespass, a lapse or deviation from truth and uprightness." [2].  This is a lapse of judgment that entraps an individual and they need to be restored.

The word to be "restored" is word katartizō. It refers to fixing, mending, setting in place. It's a similar verb used of setting a broken bone. "The present imperative signifies to keep on having the habit of restoring the offender to his former condition." [2] This means that it is the attitude and the habit of Spirit-filled Christians to be about the business of restoring fallen brothers and sisters.  

"Forasmuch then as the saints in this life do not only live in the flesh, but now and then also through the enticement of the devil, fulfil the lust of the flesh, that is to say, fall into impatiency, envy, wrath, error, doubting, distrust, and such-like (for Satan always assaileth both, that is, as well the purity of doctrine, which he laboureth to take away by sects and dissensions, as also the soundness of life, which he corrupteth with daily faults and offences); therefore Paul teacheth how such men that are fallen should be dealt withal, namely, that they which are strong, should raise up and restore them again with the spirit of meekness." [3]

People who are led by the Spirit are not perfect.  They too are susceptible to sin and temptation.  So it behooves them to take great care while they are busy in the ministry of restoration.  "Those who live by the Spirit should restore those who sin with the gentleness and humility of the Spirit." [4]  They must do so "lest they be tempted."  "'There is no sin (saith Augustine) which any man hath done, but another man may do the same.' We stand on a slippery ground; therefore if we wax proud and leave off our duty, there is nothing so easy unto us as to fall." [3]  “So, if you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don’t fall!” (1 Corinthians 10:12, NIV).

So Spirit-filled people not only exhibit humility and peace-able-ness, but they in fact live with a mindset of restoring their brothers and sisters who get caught in a fault. But they do that with a gentleness and meekness, a lack of self-confidence and sufficiency that keeps them aware of their own weaknesses -- sometimes very much the same as the one who has fallen.

Father, I come to You as one who has been culturally honed to "live and let live".   It is not my default position to push my way into other's lives.  To butt in.  To interfere.  I am deeply challenged by this passage that teaches me that part of my loving, Spirit-inspired response to my brothers and sisters is to provide aid and encouragement when they get blind-sided by their own flesh and weakness. How I am to do it requires a huge amount of grace from You, Father.  I am as well to butt out if I go to them in pride and self-exaltation. Sinners are to help sinners.  Grant me eyes to see the fallen.  Grant me a will to restore the fallen.  Grant me grace to help the fallen.  Grant me humility to acknowledge that I am at times the fallen and I need help.  Amen!

 

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1. Crossway Bibles. (2008). The ESV Study Bible (2255). Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles.

2. KJV Bible Commentary. 1994 (E. E. Hindson & W. M. Kroll, Ed.) (2399). Nashville: Thomas Nelson.

3. Luther, M. (1997). Commentary on Galatians (Ga 6:1). Oak Harbor, WA: Logos Research Systems, Inc.

4. Barry, J. D., Heiser, M. S., Custis, M., Mangum, D., & Whitehead, M. M. (2012). Faithlife Study Bible (Ga 6:1). Bellingham, WA: Logos Bible Software.

Love Is Not The Goal!

Galatians 5:22–25 (NIV),

²² But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, ²³ gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. ²⁴ Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. ²⁵ Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit.

"The Apostle saith not, the works of the Spirit, as he said the works of the flesh, but he adorneth these Christian virtues with a more honourable name, calling them the fruits of the Spirit. For they bring with them most excellent fruits and commodities: for they that have them give glory to God, and with the same do allure and provoke others to embrace the doctrine and faith of Christ."[1]

"The list is not exhaustive, but representative (e.g., no mention of generosity). It presents the desires and characteristics God cultivates in believers through His Spirit. This list describes a community of believers “under the Spirit”—empowered and directed by God’s living presence rather than the dictates of the law. Just as fruit needs time to grow, these qualities require time to grow in the life of the community." [2]

"Against such things there is no law." "Although the flesh resist, yet do they walk after the Spirit. So a Christian accomplisheth the law inwardly by faith (for Christ is the perfection of the law unto righteousness, to all that do believe), outwardly by works and by remission of sins. But those which perform the works and desires of the flesh, the law doth accuse and condemn both civilly and spiritually." [1]  Or in other words: "Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires."  This is a settled matter for the believer.  For the Christian, our identity with Christ has "indicatively" crucified the flesh (See 2:20; 6:14; Rom. 6:6.). Sin's grip has been broken.  And because this is true "indicatively" we have the power to obey this "imperatively". "The Christian is to daily give outward expression of his inward experience and in order to do this, he must constantly reckon himself “to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through our Lord Jesus Christ” (Rom 6:11)." [3]

How do we crucify and deal with the "cancelled sin" in our lives?  Answer: We live by the Spirit. We keep in step with the Spirit.  We follow the Spirit.  "For where the Spirit is, it reneweth men and worketh in them new motions: that is to say, whereas they were before vainglorious, wrathful and envious, &c., it maketh them now humble, gentle, and patient, &c. Such men seek not their own glory, but the glory of God: they do not provoke one another, or envy one another, but give place one to another, and in giving honour prevent one another." [4]

There can be the tendency as we examine these attributes of the Spirit that we so desire them for our lives that we fall prey again to making laws to arouse them and keep them in our behavior.  Not so. In fact the best way to be loving is to not try to be loving, but in fact to be filled with the Spirit, to be living and walking in the Spirit.  To follow the lead of the Holy Spirit.  “for it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose.” (Philippians 2:13, NIV).

Father, I find it so easy to be a judaizer.  As soon as I hear that I need to be loving or patient or whatever I immediately start to think of rituals and disciplines that I can engage in to make me so. I'm a great law-keeper.  Unfortunately that always fails in my life. It is the Holy Spirit who must produce these wonders of grace, not me.   Help me today to get over this knee-jerk reaction.  Train in me the desire to look to the Spirit for help.  Sins power has already been broken.  Now with the grace of the Spirit we can produce His fruits and in a way that He gets the glory, not me.   Help me, Father, to do so.  For Your sake and Your glory.  Amen.

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1. Luther, M. (1997). Commentary on Galatians (Ga 5:22). Oak Harbor, WA: Logos Research Systems, Inc.

2. Barry, J. D., Heiser, M. S., Custis, M., Mangum, D., & Whitehead, M. M. (2012). Faithlife Study Bible (Ga 5:22–23). Bellingham, WA: Logos Bible Software.

3. KJV Bible Commentary. 1994 (E. E. Hindson & W. M. Kroll, Ed.) (2399). Nashville: Thomas Nelson.

4. Luther, M. (1997). Commentary on Galatians (Ga 5:25). Oak Harbor, WA: Logos Research Systems, Inc.