Aug 17, 20247 min read

We Will Reap What We Sow

Galatians‬ ‭6‬:‭1‬-‭18‬ ‭KJV‬‬

“Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted. Bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ. For if a man think himself to be something, when he is nothing, he deceiveth himself. But let every man prove his own work, and then shall he have rejoicing in himself alone, and not in another. For every man shall bear his own burden. Let him that is taught in the word communicate unto him that teacheth in all good things. Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting. And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not. As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith.

Paul’s Final Warning

Ye see how large a letter I have written unto you with mine own hand. As many as desire to make a fair shew in the flesh, they constrain you to be circumcised; only lest they should suffer persecution for the cross of Christ. For neither they themselves who are circumcised keep the law; but desire to have you circumcised, that they may glory in your flesh. But God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world. For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision, but a new creature. And as many as walk according to this rule, peace be on them, and mercy, and upon the Israel of God. From henceforth let no man trouble me: for I bear in my body the marks of the Lord Jesus. Brethren, the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Amen. Unto the Galatians written from Rome.”

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VICES AND VIRTUES

The Bible mentions many specific actions and attitudes that are either right or wrong.

Look at the list included here. Are there too many circumstances from the wrong column that are influencing you?

VICES (Neglecting God & Others)	VIRTUES (The by-product of living for God)
Impure thoughts (Galatians 5:19)	Love (Galatians 5:22)
Lust (Galatians 5:19)	Joy (Galatians 5:22)
Hatred (Galatians 5:20)	Peace (Galatians 5:22)
Fighting (Galatians 5:20)	Patience (Longsuffering), (Galatians 5:22)
Jealousy (Galatians 5:20)	Kindness (Gentleness), (Galatians 5:22)
Anger (Galatians 5:20)	Goodness (Galatians 5:22)
Trying to be first (Galatians 5:20)	Faithfulness (Galatians :22)
Complaining (Galatians 5:20)	Meekness (Galatians 5:23)
Criticizing (Galatians 5:20)	Self-Control (Temperance), (Galatians 5:23)
Thinking you're always right (Galatians 5:20)	Fruits of the Holy Spirit
Envy (Galatians 5:21)
Murder (Galatians 5:21 ; Revelation 22:12-160
Idolatry (Galatians 5:20 ; Ephesians 5:5)
Spiritism (Galatians 5:20)
Drunkenness (Galatians 5:21)
Wild parties (Galatians 5:21)
Cheating (1 Corinthians 6:8)
Adultery (1 Corinthians 6:9, 10)
Homosexuality (1 Corinthians 6:9, 10)
Greed (1 Corinthians 6:9, 10 ; Ephesians 5:5)
Stealing (1 Corinthians 6:9, 10)
Lying (Revelation 22:12-16)

6:1-3 No one should ever think he or she is totally independent and doesn't need help from others, and no one should feel excused from the task of helping. The body of Christ—the universal church-functions only when the members work together for the common good. Is there someone near you who needs help in a task of daily living? Is there a Christian brother or sister who needs correction or encouragement? Humbly and gently reach out to that person (John 13:34, 35). Any who feel they are too busy to help others take their work far too seriously.

6:4 When you do your very best, you feel good about the results and there is no need to compare yourself with others. People make comparisons for many reasons. Some point out others' flaws in order to feel better about themselves. Others simply want reassurance that they are doing well. When you are tempted to compare, look at Jesus Christ. His example will inspire you to do your very best, and his loving acceptance will comfort you when you fall short of your goals.

6:6 Paul insists that we fulfill our responsibility to take care of the material needs of those who teach us (1 Corinthians 9:7-12). It is easy to receive the benefit of good Bible teaching and take our spiritual leaders for granted, ignoring their financial and physical needs. We should care for them, not grudgingly or reluctantly, but with a generous spirit, showing honor and appreciation for their service (1 Timothy 5:17, 18).

6:7, 8 It would certainly be a surprise if you planted corn in the ground and pumpkins came up. But it probably would not be a surprise if you gossiped about your friends and soon found you had no friends. It's a law of life-both physical and spiritual -that you reap what you sow. Every action has results. If you plant to please your own desires ("soweth to the flesh"), you'll reap a crop of sorrow and evil; if you plant to please God; you'll reap joy and everlasting life. What kind of seeds are you sowing in the soil of your life?

Our Wrong Desires VS. The Fruits of the Spirit

The will of the Holy Spirit is in constant opposition to our sinful desires.

The two are on opposite sides of the spiritual battle.

Our wrong desires are:	The Fruit of the Spirit is:
Evil	Good
Destructive	Productive
Easy to ignite	Difficult to ignite
Difficult to stifle	Easy to stifle
Self-centered	Self-giving
Oppressive and possessive	Liberating and nurturing
Decadent	Uplifting
Sinful	Holy
Deadly	Abundant Life

6:9, 10 It is discouraging to continue to do right and receive no word of thanks or see no tangible results. But Paul challenges the Galatians and us to keep on doing what is right and to trust God for the results. In due time, we will reap a harvest of blessing.

6:11 Up to this point, Paul had dictated the letter to a scribe. Now he took the pen into his own hands to write his final, personall greetings. He did this in other letters as well, to add emphasis to his words and validate that the letter was genuine.

6:13 Some of the Judaizers emphasized circumcision as proof of holiness —but ignored the other Jewish laws. People often choose a certain principle or prohibition and make it the measuring rod of faith. Some may abhor drunkenness but ignore gluttony. Others despise promiscuity but tolerate prejudice. The Bible in its entirety is our rule of faith and practice. We cannot pick and choose the mandates we will follow.

6:14 The world is full of enticements. We are daily confronted with both subtle cultural pressures and overt propaganda. The only way to escape these destructive influences is to ask God to help kill our interest in them, just as Paul did. How much do the interests of this world matter to you? (See 2:20 and 5:24 for more on this concept.)

6:15 It is easy to get caught in the externals. Beware of those who emphasize actions we should or shouldn't do, with no concern for the inward condition of the heart. Living a "good" life without an inward change leads to a spiritual walk that is shallow and empty.

What matters to God is that we be completely changed from the inside out (2 Corinthians 5:17).

6:18 Paul's letter to the Galatians boldly declares the freedom of the Christian. Doubtless these early Christians in Galatia wanted to grow in the Christian life, but they were being misled by those who said this could be done only by keeping certain Jewish laws.