Refresh
A Recap from Sunday’s Sermon

Preaching Text:Galatians 6:1-18

People were created for life in community with others. The Fruit of the Spirit  in chapter 5 is intended, not for the individual, but for the health of the community.  Therefore, it is fitting that chapter 6 addresses aspects of life together in community.  Consider that the entire law is summed up as lovingGod and lovingneighbors (see Matt. 22:37-40).  The first fruit of the Spirit is love.

We fulfill the law of Christ through life in community. 

Such a life requires three things:  humility, bearing burdens, and healthy confrontation. 

1. The last verse of chapter 5 addresses humility.The gospel message enables us to avoid being conceited (our sin was so bad to require the cross), and avoid envying others who we perceive to be better (our value is infinite because of the price paid on the cross). We are set free to serve others without envy or arrogance.

2. Galatians 6:2 tells us to fulfill the law of Christ by bearing one another’s burdens.This verse implies that everyone has burdens and that the community of faith is called to help each other.

3. Verse 1 calls those who are “spiritual,” meaning living in step with the Spirit, to restore fellow believers who are caught in any transgression.This must be done gently and keeping watch for temptation. I recommend a few practical steps in doing this.  First, we must commit time in prayer for the person, asking God how to approach them. Second, we must have God’s love for them and desire their best interest.  Third, we must approach them in gentleness, inviting them to open up the issue for discussion, but never forcing them.       

Taking It Home:  Discuss the differences of a Spirit-filled community compared with secular relationships.