Wednesday, August 15, 2007

Doing Good to All
1 Brothers, if someone is caught in a sin, you who are spiritual should restore him gently. But watch yourself, or you also may be tempted. 2 Carry each other's burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ. 3 If anyone thinks he is something when he is nothing, he deceives himself. 4 Each one should test his own actions. Then he can take pride in himself, without comparing himself to somebody else, 5 for each one should carry his own load.
6 Anyone who receives instruction in the word must share all good things with his instructor.
7 Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. 8 The one who sows to please his sinful nature, from that nature
will reap destruction; the one who sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life. 9 Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. 10 Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.
Not Circumcision but a New Creation

11 See what large letters I use as I write to you with my own hand!
12 Those who want to make a good impression outwardly are trying to compel you to be circumcised. The only reason they do this is to avoid being persecuted for the cross of Christ. 13 Not even those who are circumcised obey the law, yet they want you to be circumcised that they may boast about your flesh. 14 May I never boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, through which
the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world. 15 Neither circumcision nor uncircumcision means anything; what counts is a new creation. 16 Peace and mercy to all who follow this rule, even to the Israel of God.
17 Finally, let no one cause me trouble, for I bear on my body the marks of Jesus.
18 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit, brothers. Amen.


This passage once again starts off with how to deal with a fellow believer who may be acting contrary to what the bible promotes. Verse 1 says to restore them gently. I guess the person who is caught in sin must first think or realize what they are doing is actually wrong or you could alienate that person. If this happens elsewhere the bible talks about taking someone else with you to confront the person. Verses 2-10 really talk about doing good. I really connect with these verses because I know that I always strive to do good things. Verse 9 encourages us not to get weary while verse 10 tells us to put priority on other believers when dishing out the goods. Then dish out the left overs to non-believers. I think it would be easy to try too hard for non-believers and neglect fellow Christians.

2 comments:

Jon Rhodes said...

Morning Nash. Back to work yet?

I thought verse 11 was interesting, we do not really see the large letters via biblegateway.

It really is a tough situation when trying to confront someone. If the have no intention of changing their ways, you are kind of a at a no win situation. But if they are open to hear you, then it is much easier. Especially, if they come to you seeking advice, that is the best scenario.

Nash - How are things going with you?

Crave The Word said...

Jon, things are well. I am teaching this weekend and start teaching a Sunday class fulltime in September. You're welcome to come for a visit.