Wednesday, December 10, 2014

Serving As True Children Of God


Let him who is taught the word

share in all good things with him

who teaches.  Do not be deceived,

God is not mocked;

for what ever a man sows,

that he will also reap.

For he who sows to his flesh

will of the flesh reap corruption,

but he who sows to the Spirit

wheel of the Spirit

reap everlasting life.

Galatians 6: 6 -- 8



            Paul is speaking to Christians for they are the ones who have been taught the word and it is to them that he instructs that they are also to share and all good things with the one who is speaking the word.  There are two Greek words that we might consider so that we don't misunderstand what Paul had written.  In the first one is the English word "share" and a little study on this word reveals some pretty interesting information for the root speaks of things that are common and shared by all.  Then that root leads to a word that speaks in regards to companions or fellowships and having things in common.  Then it leads to this word that is translated "share" and that is that we are to share with others with our companions and those we fellowship with, therefore, those who are sharing with us the word of God we are also to share with them and this is to meet their needs as a study hard to bring us what God's Word is instructing for us on how to live as a Christian.  So however things are collected, including money, it is for the benefit of the one teaching, and of course could handle other necessities within the church building and even to have a bit element fun for those who are in need outside of those teaching.  The word translated in English "good" speaks of that which is good in character or in constitution and is beneficial.  It also speaks of that which is good morally honorable and pleasing to God.  So that it speaks of a good thing anything that we are to follow after it holds a special benefit.  Unfortunately, far too often pastors and ministers misuse this so that they can gain personally in ways in which the Bible never speaks for a man to benefit.  Think about it; those men who are living in mansion spending much money for trinkets and gold ornaments and other things, and then out of the other side of their mouth they speak of how bad it is and how needy it is in countries that have very little.  So it is that they speak with, as the Indians would say, "with forked tongue."  May this not occur with us!  For this kind of thinking that is a misuse of Scripture is an attempt to see and God is not to be deceived, and God is not to be mocked.  What ever a man is sowing that a man shall reap.  If a person holds his world in high esteem and it is their highest priority, even though they may say differently, all the while their life manifest that it is true that this life so important to them that they will do what ever they can be successful.  God does not care whether or not you are successful: get over it!  I said it strongly for a reason.  This reason is that we are to do what is correct and right in our secular work, in our families, in all that we do for all we do is from the glory of God in not before our glory.  If it is for our glory than we are still waiting to the flesh and not to the Spirit.  If we are not selling to the Spirit then our Christianity is in question and in fact it may be that you are not going to reap ever lasting life.  This ought to scare you I encourage you to examine yourself: "Now if we died with Christ, we believe that we shall also lived with Him" (Romans 6:8).  Did we not read in Chapter 5 verse 24 that we are to crucify our flesh with our passions and desires?  Yes!  Is this hard to do?  Yes!  In fact in the words of Jesus are very harsh and very demanding for what He has said has revealed to us on how to live according to the will of God.  There are no excuses made by Jesus for our natural inclinations to do those things which are contrary to the will of God.  And yes we can grow tired and weary but we are counseled: "And do not let us grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart.  Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith" (Galatians 6: 9 -- 10).  Let us not forget, that the word of God is the only rule of faith and life.  Our ministers and pastors must study and to be open in order to end the fight others, but they are not to be regarding any further than as a speak according to this rule.  We are to test all things and that includes those who are ministering to us to ensure that they are following the rule of God and of the Christian faith according to Scripture.  Both of us who are being taught in the word are to support those appointed to teach us and this appointment is of God himself for God called flows into that position and if not called by God and then they may be there for other reasons.  Let us also not forget that we are the temple of God, therefore, we are to keep the temple clean, morally clean, and not allow our natural desires and passions rule.  Let us now be careful to watch and guard against falling away from the faith because we're tired and look to that which God has pointed to us as a reward and that is eternal life.  This will require perseverance in well doing and this is our wisdom and should be our interest as well is our duty.  We do not do this because of the reward, rather, we do this because of our Savior and God Jesus Christ.  Let's examine what we are now sewing and let us remember not to have roots in ourselves and do not let history and let us maintain our zeal and patients as a child of God and one of His ambassadors.  



Blessed are the people who know

            the joyful sound!

They walk, O LORD, in the

            light of Your countenance.

For You are the glory of their strength,

            and in Your favor our horn is exalted.

For our shield belongs to the LORD,

            and our king to the Holy One of Israel.

                                    Psalm 89: 15 -- 18



God's faithfulness surrounds you


Richard L. Crumb

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