July 7, 2019 Sermon

Galatians 6: 1-10 “This Is a Test” July 7/2019

Rev. Jerry W. Krueger Boardman United Methodist Church

In the letter to the church at Galatia, the Apostle Paul’s teaches on spiritual health for Believer’s. Galatians 5, lists the fruit of the Spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Galatians chapter 6 instructs Believers on bearing responsibility for each other, and caring for each other, reaping what we sow.

 

Part of the task for Christians is to look after all humanity, particularly Christians, and to help them in their daily living. When a fellow Believer commits a transgression, we’re instructed to restore them with gentleness and humility.

 

It’s NOT permission for you to lambast me and to tell ME all my faults in a self-righteous tone. That conceited arrogance is definitely not, an aspect of our faith.

 

“Take care you yourself are not tempted. Bear one another’s burdens.” It’s simple to criticize another when you bear no responsibility, yet coming alongside to share another’s burden, is biblical. It’s easy to point out others faults. Paul is saying, “you have to test your own work.” Examine your own life.

 

My Mom complained frequently to her pastor about typos in the church bulletin. So, Rev. Moore invited my Mom to proof the bulletin weekly, which she did for many years. Mom was now invested in the bulletin process.

 

It’s easy to criticize worship, or music choices, the lifestyle of a neighbor, how others spend money, or raise children. But it’s different when YOU have skin in the game, and have tested your own work, attitude and discipleship.

 

Paul proclaims, in verse 4 and 5, “All must test their own work; then that work, rather than their neighbor’s work, will become a cause for pride. For all must carry their own loads.”

 

Paul is saying, “it’s not okay to dump stuff at your neighbors’ feet, then smugly walk away. My Dad would say if I complained, “Jerry, you worry about you. Keep your side of the street clean.”

 

Too many of us, are too willing to point out another’s shortcomings, all the while having significant issues of our own.

 

Paul states we’re to hold each other accountable to live faithful lives as Believers. So correct, rebuke, chastise and guide other Christians. However, Christian correction can be a two-way street and should be done with the same gentleness and humility that reflects the character of Jesus Christ.

 

Verses 4 and 5 instruct us to Test your own work. Evaluate your own attitudes first, before offering your criticism, which you have slyly called a “suggestion.”

 

And carry your own load, meaning we are to discharge our own obligations for Christian living, without comparison, competition, self-ambition, or back biting.

Each of us at the Final Judgement is responsible for our own life and service, before God. Galatians 6:6 says “those who are taught the word must share in all good things with their teacher.” The Galatians are being told to support their teachers.

And verses 7-10 addresses reaping what we sow, mocking God, and taking every opportunity to work for good.

 

The church in Galatia wasn’t a church in danger of apostasy. But the Galatians looked at other ways that devalued God’s gracious gift in Jesus Christ. They explored not professing Christ as Lord and Savior. They as well as some of us, engaged in excuses like, “well, my sin is not as bad as his.” Or, “I go to church, I don’t need to pray.” Or, “I pray, I read the bible, I don’t need to take communion” Or, “I’m saved, because I am a good person.”

 

Anything that spurns God’s grace has consequences, and the consequences are eternal.

 

Verse 7 states, “Do not be deceived: God is not mocked, for you reap whatever you sow.” This should resonate with each of us in evaluating our lives. How invested are you in the Kingdom of God? If you show up to church, but still malign and tear others down, how Christ like is that? God is not mocked. How will you explain your actions, words, behaviors at the Final Judgement?

 

Verse 8 queries, “What have you sown for the Kingdom of God, if you only focus on accumulation or just feeling good? Don’t neglect God!”

 

My boys planted a garden when we lived in Midland, TX. Each child prepared and planted their own plot, to grow sweet corn, tomatoes, jalapenos, onions, carrots, watermelons, zucchini and yellow squash, and peppers. They were to responsibly water, set out stakes as needed, weed as needed.

 

And the results were interesting. John the youngest, worked a few minutes daily. Mike the middle child, worked about every 4th day in the garden. Will, looked at his portion of the garden once a week, and hoped for a decent return.

Who did the daily work? Who neglected, but hoped for good results? So, I ask you now, how much time do you spend on your faith life? You reap what you sow. If you sow to your own needs and wants, you get that. Do you do any sowing for God? Paul simply says, “Love God, invest in that relationship. don’t neglect your relationship with God through Christ. If you do, where will your eternal life be at judgment day?”

 

This is a simple but challenging text.

1. Treat others with respect, help carry their burden, instead of just pointing out their shortcomings.

2. Test your own work, rather than your neighbors.

3. Carry your own load. Invest in your own spiritual health.

4. Sow goodness, live for Christ, and that is what you will receive. Don’t live for Christ, what do you expect at the final judgement?

5. Let us work for the good of all, let us not grow weary for doing what is right, for we will reap at harvest time if we do not give up.

 

We close with these words, “Sow to the Spirit, so that you may reap eternal life, from the Spirit.”

In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.