After urging the Galatians to not be deceived, Paul states two laws or principles that are unchanging and universal. First, God is not mocked and second, we will reap what we sow. While it might seem that this does not allow for grace, we see how grace works through this principle as well!

As Paul begins to bring his letter to the Galatians to a close he give the churches some very practical advice as to how they are to restore someone caught in sin, and how to love one another and also how to care for elders and teachers.

This is our second sermon on Paul’s description of the fruit of the Spirit. We review the fact that we are not able to produce this fruit on our own strength but only as we walk in the strength of the Spirit. Also, we see how these realities are not something natural to man, but … Continue reading "Fruit of the Spirit (part 2)"

In this sermon we pause to consider the fruit of the Spirit. Paul wants the Galatians (and every believer) to understand that a Christian will display very different fruit from that of the flesh, and it in the place jealousy and lust and pride, the Spirit produces love, joy, and peace!

As we come now to the final chapter of Galatians, Paul gives very clear instruction as to how the body is to respond to sin among the members. Likewise, we are reminded that we are one in Christ, and therefore confronting sin is not optional but essential.

As Paul explains the war within the believer between the Spirit of God and the flesh, he also gives a list of what he calls, “works of the flesh”. Paul is clear that freedom in Christ does not translate as reckless living, but rather the Spirit will produce a changed life in the believer.

As we come to Paul’s final words to the Galatians, we take a moment to review the distinctions between law and gospel, and look at how Paul can say we are not under law and then turn around and appeal to the law as a rule of life and godliness for the Christians.

After labouring to explain our justification by grace alone, through faith alone by Christ alone, Paul now begins to exhort the believers and give clear and practical instructions as to how this play out in our lives. We are called to stand firm in the finished work of Christ

Paul enforces the fact that those in Christ are free and he reaches back to the Old Testament and illustrates his point using the two sons of Abraham. He enforces the foolishness of returning to the law once being delivered by Christ!

In expressing his concern for the Galatians, Paul uses the strong and profound imagery of childbirth. In this sermon we see how Christ formed in us is the aim of our sanctification and how Paul models the kind of focus and passion we should pursue.