This next section reinforces the point that we’ve seen developed through chapter 5-6, we cannot fix our lives and our relationship to God by making external adjustments to our behaviour through rule keeping and rituals. Instead, our lives will bear fruit in accordance with the roots.
A look at the text (Read Galatians 6:7-10)
An honest assessment of our true condition is important so that we don’t deceive ourselves by thinking that we can pull a fast one with God by making surface, external changes such as by circumcision. “A man reaps what he sows”, or in other words, the fruit will always reflect the roots. As Samuel learnt before anointing David, God looks on the heart(v7). So, the crucial question is “what are you sowing for?” What’s the agenda? Again, Paul distinguishes Spirit and Flesh: life, filled with the Holy Spirit leading to eternal life or a life orientated towards the sinful human nature leading to destruction (v8).
This motivates us to a godly life, seeking the good of others because our love for them flows out of being rooted in Christ through the Holy Spirit and because we are motivated by hope of the harvest to come seen in fruitfulness and eternal reward. This motivation will protect us from charity-fatigue (v9). Paul encourages the believers to focus outwards, using every opportunity to show love, kindness and generosity to others. This begins within the church but should overflow to the community around us (v10).
Digging Deeper
This is really the conclusion to Paul’s argument and needs to be read as such. Paul’s point is best understood by seeing how he got here. We get a sense for what the agitators were attempting, or claiming to achieve, why it didn’t work and what the better option was.
Remember that the letter had begun with Paul challenging those who were dividing the church between those who had been circumcised and those who hadn’t. It seems that their aim was to create a pure community of God’s people so that those, within the community were protected and had assurance and security that they were right with God, now and into eternity.
Paul insists that this approach is not true and does not work. It’s wrong because it takes people away from the Gospel which is based on God’s grace to them. They are no longer free but become slaves to this world again, to Satan and Sin which use the Law as an instrument to subject, control and condemn. The Law, keeping rules and regulations and following rituals such as circumcision undermined the truth that we are all one in Christ Jesus but it also failed to provide the purity, security and assurance desired.
Instead, Paul insists that those saved by grace, are adopted into God’s family and receive the Holy Spirit. The Spirit works in our hearts to change our attitudes and desires so that we love God and this flows out in love for others seen in the fruit of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness etc. This proves a better way. The one who has the Spirit, whose life is rooted in the Spirit and who is seeking to pursue the things the Spirit desires will seek to do good, loving their neighbour. This contrasts with the one who still is inwardly, selfishly driven by their sinful human nature.
Indeed if we “sow for the Spirit” or for God’s purposes then we are people who are living with the purpose or end “to glorify God and enjoy him forever.”
A look at ourselves
Here are some questions to consider.
- What are the primary motives that drive us each day?
- When we examine our thoughts, words and deeds, can we say that they show us to love God and love our neighbours?
- How can we practically show love to our brothers and sisters in our church family?
- How might that love overflow? What can we practically do to love our neighbours in the wider community?
Faithroots 