Author: Charlie Garrett

Saturday, 18 June 2016

See with what large letters I have written to you with my own hand! Galatians 6:11

This single verse is one which involves the highest of speculation by scholars as to what Paul means. Some see it as a confirmation that he wrote the entire epistle with his own hand; something that can be confirmed by the large size of the handwriting he uses.

It could also refer to the important nature of the letter. In essence, “See how great of an epistle I have written to you… with my own hand!” It would mean that he took the time to write the entire letter himself to show how concerned he was over the issue. Instead of having a scribe write it, he wrote the whole thing himself.

The aorist tense he uses here could refer to the entire letter, or to just the final verses. If the final verses only, then he had a scribe write the letter. After this, in order to authenticate it, he begins this final greeting in his own hand.

Further, the tense of the verb – regardless as to whether he is referring to the whole letter or just the final verses – may be Paul’s way of inserting himself into the reader’s position as the letter is being read. In essence, “See with what larges letters I am (right now) writing to you.” In this, he would be making the letter active at the moment it is being read.

As to why he wrote with large letters, speculation again is high. But what appears to be the most logical explanation is that he suffered from eye troubles which necessitated writing that way, as anyone with bad eyes would be prone to do. This idea is substantiated in other passages where Paul’s vision seems to be deficient.

Another view, however, is that he wrote with large letters to highlight the importance of the contents of the epistle. IT WOULD BE LIKE TYPING AN ENTIRE EPISTLE IN CAPITAL LETTERS! This is possible, but the content of the letter itself calls out that it is of the highest importance. Writing larger would not add anything to the substance of what is said.

In all, the entire verse is one of present day mystery and speculation. No matter what, it is a note of authentication concerning Paul’s authorship. It is further a note of the extremely important nature of the letter.

Life application: Paul’s concern over inserting the law into our life and conduct was so sincere that he took the time to write this letter. In it are many warnings that we are not to fall back on deeds of the law for our justification before God. Christ Jesus fulfilled the law and the law is now obsolete and annulled. Even if verses like Galatians 6:11 carry high speculation, the overall content of the letter does not. We are saved by grace and we are to rest in the finished work of Christ.

Lord God, You have written us a letter directly from Your heart, and You have signed it with Your own personal style of writing. The words reflect who You are and what You desire for us. And yet we would prefer to watch TV or go to the movies than look into Your heart and see the love You have for us which is displayed on every page. Forgive us of this and turn our affections to this wonderful word. Thank You for Your letter of love to us. Amen.

Friday, 17 June 2016

Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith. Galatians 6:10

“Therefore” is stated for us to think on what has just been presented. Paul has been speaking of sharing all good things and not wearying while doing so. To sum this thought up, he adds in that “as we have opportunity, let us do good to all.” Not only should we share in all good things, and not only should we not weary in doing good, but we are admonished to do so to all. This then includes Jew and Gentile, it includes men and women, and it also includes the otherwise unlovable. We are asked to use our fruits of the Spirit in a manner which will be evident to any and all around us.

But Paul next places an extra stress on “especially to those who are of the household of faith.” Those who are believers in Christ are to be given extra attention in our efforts of doing good. When they are in need, we are to open our hand and provide them a blessing. When they are sick, we should come to them with comfort; when they are in grief, we should mourn with them. We should be willing to go an extra step in carrying the burdens of our fellows in Christ because they are our eternal family members. We are united in this household of faith by the work of Christ.

Life application: It is not always easy to find a loving attitude towards some of our fellow Christians. However, we have been called to share ourselves with them to the greatest extent possible. Let us endeavor to fulfill the words of admonition given to us by the hand of Paul in order that we will be pleasing to God who inspired his words to us.

Lord God, I admit that it is often hard to find a loving attitude in me for some of those of the household of faith. To be honest, some of them wear me down with their idiosyncrasies. But I also know that I also certainly wear them down with mine! Help us, O Lord, to overlook the faults of others and to strive for harmony within the faith. Surely You will be pleased with our fervent attempts at working towards peace among one another. Amen.

Thursday, 16 June 2016

And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart.  Galatians 6:9

Taken with the previous verse, the thought is more fully developed –

“ For he who sows to his flesh will of the flesh reap corruption, but he who sows to the Spirit will of the Spirit reap everlasting life. ⁹ And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart.”

What becomes apparent is that sowing to the Spirit does not necessarily mean an immediate harvest. Instead, perseverance is required. This then indicates that the past few verses have, in fact, been referring to the doctrine of teachers as they sow. In other words, Paul is exhorting the teachers in this verse by saying, “And let us not grow weary while doing good.”

A sound teacher will often face many overwhelming challenges. There is an abundant amount of work to be accomplished each week, there are demands on time, there are requests for donations from open hands at every side as well. Along with this come constant attacks against a sound teacher’s doctrine. There is ingratitude for his efforts; there is a using of him until he is spent, and then he is cast off as newer targets are identified. John Bunyan gives heartfelt words concerning such a person –

“His own people know no voice like his. He does not need to bribe and flatter and run after his people. He may have, he usually has, but few people, as people go in our day, and the better the preacher, sometimes, the smaller the flock. It was so in our Master’s case. The multitude followed after the loaves but they fled from the feeding doctrines till He first tasted that dejection and that sense of defeat which so many of His best servants are fed on in this world. Still, as our Lord did not tune His pulpit to the taste of the loungers of Galilee, no more will a minister worth the name do anything else but press deeper and deeper into the depths of truth and life, till, as was the case with his Master, his followers, though few, will be all the more worth having.” John Bunyan

Paul asks us (meaning those who are doing the sowing) to not weary in these good efforts. His words are not without personal experience. Instead, he was a forerunner of all those he now instructs who would face such a challenging duty.

In 2 Corinthians 11:22-29, he goes through a long list of his own trials to show that perseverance is needed in order to meet the challenges as they arise. And it is that harvest season which should be the goal. This is reflected in the words, “…for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart.” The time of harvest will come, but awaiting it is bound to be beset with countless trials. This is reflected in his words to the Romans –

“Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, ² through whom also we have access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. ³ And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; ⁴ and perseverance, character; and character, hope. ⁵ Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us.” Romans 5:1-5

Life application: Anyone who is a teacher of proper doctrine, whether an ordained minister or simply someone who loves sharing the word with others, can expect hardships and trials as he sows in sound doctrine. It is inevitable. But with perseverance, a harvest will eventually come. Don’t tire in your efforts, but redouble them with each setback. The Lord will be pleased with your labors.

Lord God, help us not to weary in our efforts of sharing the good news of Christ to those around us. There will inevitably be setbacks, and there will be people who speak against our efforts; but help us to persevere and to never cease with this wonderful message. In due time, our sowing of the seed will produce its harvest. Be with us and guide us in this long process which is often filled with pulling up weeds and working against vipers which bite at our heels. Keep us strong in this battle, O Lord. Amen.

Wednesday, 15 June 2016

For he who sows to his flesh will of the flesh reap corruption, but he who sows to the Spirit will of the Spirit reap everlasting life. Galatians 6:8

Paul gave the contrasting means of sewing either in the flesh or in the Spirit in previous verses. In 5:19-21, he listed the works of the flesh. He then contrasted those with the fruits of the Spirit in verses 22 & 23.

In his words here, he shows the difference in effort wrought between the carnal man and the spiritual man by using the terminology of sowing and reaping. Though a carnal, unregenerate man can only sow to his flesh, a saved believer can sow either to the flesh or to the Spirit. When one sows to the flesh, they “will of the flesh reap corruption.” Whether a non-believer or a saved believer, the same holds true. If we fall back into sin, such as over-drinking, we will further corrupt our flesh. The liver will fail, the body will degrade, and then we will eventually die of our addiction. The same is true with any such sowing of the flesh.

On the contrary, “he who sows to the Spirit will of the Spirit reap everlasting life.” This is where the difference between a believer and a non-believer lies. The non-believer can only sow to the flesh because they have never called on Christ and received eternal life. However, a saved believer, can sow to the Spirit. When they do, they will receive rewards for their efforts. The difference falls in the judgments of believers and non-believers.

The saved believer in Christ will be judged at the Bema Seat of Christ. This is detailed in 2 Corinthians 5:9, 10. Those who are unsaved will stand at the Great White Throne judgment recorded in Revelation 20:11-15.

Life application: If you have called on Christ, your eternal rewards will be based on what you do for Christ during this extremely short walk of life. Be sure to consider this wisely and work for those things which will spring up to great rewards. Don’t squander your time, but seek out the Lord and His will every moment of your life.

Lord God, if my eternal rewards are based on this short life I live, how silly I would be to squander my time and efforts chasing folly. Grant us a heart of wisdom to seek You and Your will every moment of our lives. This moment counts forever, and so help us to make the best of it; to Your glory and for our eternal standing with You. Christ died so that we may live. Help us then to live for Him. Amen.

Tuesday, 14 June 2016

Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap. Galatians 6:7

The previous verse spoke of sharing “in all good things with him who teaches.” As noted, Vincent’s Word studies says that this is speaking of students sharing in the sound teachings of instructors and not getting swayed by false doctrines. Paul now directs his thought to the attitude of the heart by saying, “Do not be deceived.” The words are especially important and are intended to call out for the reader to pay heed. As Albert Barnes notes, “The sources of the danger were the corruption of their own hearts, the difficulty of knowing their true character, the instructions of the false teachers, etc.” Paul was asking them not to rely simply on the evaluation made by the heart which is so wicked that it ranks among the greatest of deceivers.

In so doing, they would be liable to mocking God, but “God is not mocked.” The verb here literally indicates sneering with the nostrils flaring in contempt. We have been given the word of life in the explanation of what Jesus did. In turning back to the law for our justification, it is an act comparable to mocking God. And so we have a choice as to whether we will follow such false teachers who insist on living by deeds of the law, or we will follow the truth of the word which says that our justification comes solely by the merits of Christ.

To show us that we cannot have it both ways, he says, “…for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap.” This is a truth which he conveyed to the Corinthians as well –

“But this I say: He who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully.” 2 Corinthians 9:6

Paul is using a material concept to make a spiritual application. If a farmer sows a great deal of good seed, he will generally reap a great harvest. If he only sows a little, or if he sows bad seed, then he will reap sparingly. The same is true with spiritual matters. If a person teaches as the Judaizers taught with their false doctrines, there will be a harvest of bad doctrine. If a person teaches the word of the apostles (today it is the Holy Bible which records their words), there will be a harvest of sound doctrine.

The word “that” in “that he will also reap” is emphatic – it is that and nothing else. Good doctrine for life cannot be reaped if bad doctrine is sown into it. And sound doctrine will be reaped when sound doctrine is sown. In the end, it is a sober choice, but one which God is carefully watching over as the Day of Judgment draws near.

Life application: Garbage in; garbage out. If we fill our lives with those who teach false doctrine, we will be filled with false doctrine. God is not mocked. Let us not fill ourselves with garbage. Cling to the cross of Christ, and to that alone, for your right standing with God.

Lord God Almighty, You have all the power in the universe in Your hand. You have given us Your word to guide us, and that word tells us that we are to trust in what You have done through Jesus and not to attempt to be justified by works of the law. Just as You don’t need our efforts to keep things going in the universe, You certainly don’t need our efforts to keep us on the right path to glory. Help us to trust in the finished work of Christ, just as we trust that the galaxies will continue to spin in their heavenly paths. When we trust Christ’s efforts, certainly all will turn out as it should. Thank You for Jesus! Amen.