Are You Putting On A Show?
Gal 6:11-18
Are you putting on a show? (Gal 6:11-13)
Normally, Paul dictated his letters & only wrote the salutation (“The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you”) with his own hand. (v.11)
Greek verb would indicate Paul wrote this entire letter with his own hand… but at the least he wrote the entire last paragraph. Spirit inspired him to write these closing words to add emphasis, & to personalize it given its importance & severity.
In large letters… DON’T MISS THIS!! He has something important to say in conclusion.
In this final paragraph he gives one more contrast between legalists & spirit-led believers.
Contrasts: Spirit-led believers were free in Christ, legalists were slaves to law (v.5:1-12); Spirit-led believers walked by Spirit, legalists walked by the flesh (v.5:13-26); Spirit-led believers lived for others, legalists lived for self (v.6:1-10); & finally, Spirit-led believers lived for glory of God (1Cor 10:31), legalists lived for praise of men (v.6:11-15).
Judaizers with their external performance requirements were not just Christians with legalistic emphasis… they were enemies of the Gospel of grace. (Gal 2:21)
A different gospel (add law), is not the Gospel at all. (Gal 1:6)
Legalism (law) & Christianity (grace) do not mix… they are diametrically opposed.
Legalists put on a good show… for them appearance is more important than reality.
For legalists, it’s more important that people think they walk by the Spirit, than to actually walk by the Spirit.
Legalists in fact often put on an impressive show… but they only have a form of godliness, denying its power (H Spirit). (Titus 1:16)
Beware of practicing righteousness before men to be seen by them. (Mt 6:1-4)
A good work is spoiled by a bad motive (i.e. to be seen by men).
Many churches seem to be focused on how things look… not giving glory to God.
Are there areas where we are wrapped up in performance & external appearance?
Emphasis on external piety & neglect of indwelling H Spirit is a spiritual killer.
Legalism destroys body life… which requires honesty & transparency.
Is appearance more important than reality for you? (Gal 6:11-13)
Why do you do church? What’s the motive of your heart? Is it to give glory to God?
The “marks” of the Gospel (Gal 6:17)
Once Paul was proud of circumcision (Phil 3:4-6). After conversion, he was proud of his scars (marks) of suffering for Christ. (2Cor 11:22-30)
You may have “marks” of chronic pain, relationship that is emotionally debilitating, painful job situation that’s stealing your joy, persecution for stand against worldliness, etc.
“How much longer can I survive this?”, “I can’t take any more.”
What should you do when it feels like you are being tested beyond your limits?
“How to survive in the Furnace of Adversity”, by Kathy Miller (Decision Magazine)
Life is filled with “affliction opportunities” intended to make us cling to God & grow stronger (i.e. more dependent) in Him. (2Cor 12:8-10)
My grace is sufficient for you, My strength is made perfect in weakness. (v.9)
God’s Word is the only anchor that will hold you strong as waves of difficulty & affliction crash against you. (Ps 119:50)
When it seems there is no hope, God speaks thru His Word & strengthens you.
The KEY Scripture that holds us firm in affliction is, “…we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.” (2Cor 10:5) How can you take thoughts captive to Christ?
Imagine a “thought” as an arrow flying towards your mind.
Grasp it & evaluate it… is this true according to God’s Word, or Satan’s lie?
Thought: “I’m being tested beyond my limits… I can’t take any more”; Truth: “God is faithful & He won’t let you be tested beyond what you can bear”. (1Cor 10:13)
Thought: “I can’t do this anymore”; Truth: “I can do all things thru God who strengthens me”. (Phil 4:13) Don’t depend on your power, ask for God’s power.
Thought: “God doesn’t care that I’m suffering”; Truth: “Cast all your cares/anxiety on Him, because He cares for you”. (1Pet 5:7) God knows & loves you.
Thought: “Why go thru this, there’s no purpose in this”; Truth: “After you have suffered for a little while, the God of all grace,… will Himself perfect, confirm, strengthen, & establish you”. (1Pet 5:10) Fulfilling God’s purpose for you involves being transformed. Sanctification (transformation) most often results from suffering.
You can trust God & surrender to His will because He will never leave you (Heb 13:5), He loves you, & His plans for you are good (Jer 29:11)… even if it means that the “affliction opportunity” will remain for the rest of your earthly life. (Ps 119:71)
It was good that I was afflicted, that I may learn Your statutes. (Ps 119:71)
He who has suffered in body is free from sin & can live for will of God. (1Pet 4:1-2)
Intimate fellowship with Christ only comes via suffering. (Phil 3:10)
The Christian who has suffered for Christ has something to offer. (2Cor 12:7-10)
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you! (v.6:18)
09-05-10