Paul seizes a common proverbial truth - "you reap what you sow" - to warn mockers not to be deceived and to motivate believers not to grow weary of doing good.

In this passage, the Apostle Paul directs Christians to their community and individual responsibilities in relation to the law of Christ.

Love is central to the Christian life. Having been loved by God, Christians are changed to be people of godly love. Be encouraged by God's word as this passage reorders our relationships and priorities in life.

Instead of our lives being over-run by the weeds of the flesh, the Spirit is now at work producing good fruit in those who belong to Christ Jesus. He's making us into the kind of people we could never make ourselves to be - the kind whose lives reflect the very character of God.

Justified believers are still locked in a fierce battle against the flesh. As we walk by the Spirit we can be sure we'll not gratify the desires of the flesh. But if any walk through life gratifying the flesh, they can be sure they'll not inherit the kingdom of God.

Life together as a church isn't always or often easy, thanks in no small part to the fleshly instincts that remain. Paul instructs us not to use our freedom selfishly but as charitable servants to one another. For when charitable service ceases, churches turn into dens of consuming serpents and our gospel witness is destroyed.

Following his conversion, the Lord made the Apostle Paul burn with godly zeal. His passion was to advance God's glory in the world through the proclamation and defence of the gospel. In this passage, Paul's zeal reveals the priorities, patterns and particularities of how to run well with godly zeal.

Many are confused what it means to be free. The Bible reminds us that freedom is at the heart of Christ's gospel and that in Christ alone we are truly free. Since Christ came "for freedom" we must stand firm, not submit to the law's yoke of slavery, and endure in faith, waiting eagerly for the hope of righteousness.

Paul reaches back into the Old Testament and interprets the story of Hagar and Sarah and their sons allegorically. Is this a violation of the author's intent? And what application does this allegory have for the children of promise today? Join us as we seek to mine this difficult passage for profitable treasures.

There are many choices we must make in life, some easier than others. Jesus lesson to Martha is a caution to all who anxious and agitated activists who forget him and a call to choose the necessary and best portion: communion with him.