Gálatas 6
Leon Morris · Citado em PreceptAustin
Gálatas 6
Morris observes the irony that Paul now says by this rule "for he has been opposing people who subjected believers to strict rules. But rule points us to the authentic way, the one right path on which to walk." (Galatians: Paul's Charter of Christian Freedom) Timothy George makes an interesting observation that "This conditional blessing at the end of the letter stands in marked contrast to the conditional curse with which Paul opened his epistle (Galatians 1:6-9+)." (Galatians: An Exegetical and Theological Exposition) Rule (2583)(kanon from kane = reed) refers to anything straight that is used to examine or measure other things. In Gal 6:16 it refers to a rule involving a standard for conduct. In 2 Cor 10:16 the idea of kanon is an area of activity which could be defined either geographically or functionally. BDAG - (1) A means to determine the quality of something (rule, standard) (Gal 6:16). (2) Set of directions or formulation for an activity (assignment, formulation as for public service). (3) In the second century in the Christian church κanon came to stand for revealed truth, rule of faith (See How and when canon of the Bible was put together). W E Vine on kanon - originally denoted "a straight rod," used as a ruler or measuring instrument, or, in rare instances, "the beam of a balance," the secondary notion being either (a) of keeping anything straight, as of a rod used in weaving, or (b) of testing straightness, as a carpenter's rule; hence its metaphorical use to express what serves "to measure or determine" anything. By a common transition in the meaning of words, "that which measures," was used for "what was measured;" thus a certain space at Olympia was called a kanōn. So in music, a canon is a composition in which a given melody is the model for the formation of all the parts. In general the word thus came to serve for anything regulating the actions of men, as a standard or principle. In 2 Cor. 10:13, 15, 16, it is translated "province," RV (AV, "rule" and "line of things;" marg., "line;" RV marg., "limit" or "measuring rod.") Here it signifies the limits of the responsibility in gospel service as measured and appointed by God." Kanon - rule(1), sphere(3) - 2 Co. 10:13; 2 Co. 10:15; 2 Co. 10:16; Gal. 6:16 Peace (1515)(eirene from verb eiro = to join or bind together that which has been separated) literally pictures the binding or joining together again of that which had been separated or divided and thus setting at one again, a meaning convey by the common expression of one “having it all together”. It follows that peace is the opposite of division or dissension. Peace as a state of concord and harmony is the opposite of war. In this passage Paul is referring to the ultimate peace, that state of reconciliation with God, which comes about in the heart of a sinner when they place their faith in the Gospel of Christ. Paul begin his letter to the Galatians with the benediction "Grace to you and peace (eirene) from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ" (Gal 1:3+) Mercy (1656)(eleos) is the outward manifestation of pity and assumes need on the part of those who are recipients of the mercy and sufficient resources to meet the need on the part of those who show it. The idea of mercy is to show kindness or concern for someone in serious need (like sinners without Christ) or to give help to the wretched, to relieve the miserable.
Gálatas 6
Morris comments that grow weary is relax noting that "The Christian must not relax in his ministry of seed-sowing until the Lord comes (Jas 5:7,8). Here's a good song by Robin Mark to play in light of the length of eternity and the brevity of our life… When It's All Been Said and Done When It's All Been Said and Done There is just one thing that matters. Did I do my best to live for Truth? Did I live my life for You? When It's All Been Said and Done All my treasures will mean nothing. Only what I've done for love's reward, Will stand the test of time. Lord Your mercy is so great That You look beyond our weakness And find purest gold in miry clay Making sinners into saints I will always sing Your praise Here on earth and ever after For You've shown me Heaven's my true home When it's all been said and done You're my life when life is gone (Repeat) Lord I'll live my life for You Never Give Up! — As Hitler was mounting his attack against England during World War II, Winston Churchill was asked to speak to a group of discouraged Londoners. He uttered an eight-word encouragement: “Never give up! Never, never, never give up!” There will be times when you’ll be discouraged in your Christian walk, but you must never, never, never give up. If nothing else, your struggle against sin will cause you to turn to God again and again and cling to Him in your desperation. In his book The Fight, John White writes, “It is the man or woman who gets up and fights again that is the true warrior … Strengthen yourself with a powerful draught of the wine of Romans 8:1, 2, 3, 4. Then get back into the fight before your muscles get stiff!” What’s required is dogged endurance, keeping at the task of obedience through the ebbs and flows, ups and downs, victories and losses in life. It is trying again, while knowing that God is working in you to accomplish His purposes (Philippians 1:6; 2:13). It is persistently pursuing God’s will for your life till you stand before Him and your work is done. O Lord, You are faithful and always will be, You never give up on working with me; So as I am striving to serve You each day, Help me to follow Your will and Your way. —Fitzhugh Perseverance can tip the scales from failure to success. Don't Be Discouraged — “Why are you throwing away those nice potatoes, Grandpa?” asked my young grandson. I was planting potatoes in my garden, and he thought it was a waste to bury them. So I had an opportunity to explain to him that only as we give the seed away can we receive the harvest. A few days later, my grandson was in the garden again, looking at the ground. He complained, “Grandpa, they’re not coming up.” So I spoke to him about patience. We too can become impatient when our service for the Lord doesn’t appear to bear fruit. Sometimes we may feel like giving up because we do not see immediate results. A dying soldier asked a chaplain to write to his former Sunday school teacher: “Tell her that I’m a Christian because of what she taught me in Sunday school.” He sent the message and received the following reply: “Last month I resigned my Sunday school class, for I felt my teaching had been fruitless. And then came the message from my former pupil. May God forgive me for my impatience and lack of faith. I will ask my pastor to let me teach again, and I promise by God’s grace not to quit.” Day by day perform your mission, With Christ's help keep at your tasks; Have no fear that God will chide you, Faithfulness is all He asks! —HGB Discouragement is one of the devil's most effective weapons. The Joy of Harvest— It is one of those rare, beautiful autumn days as I am writing this article. I am sitting on a cement block in my shirt sleeves, admiring the labor of my hands. I have just picked 10 bushels of Red Delicious apples from my two small trees. I think ahead to the winter evening when I will sit before the fireplace with a tray of these delicious fruits at my elbow. But then my mind recalls all the past hard work it took to produce these apples. I recall how I hung on my ladder with pruning tools and trimmed those trees in freezing weather. I remember spraying those trees to ward off insects and disease. I murmured to myself, “Is it really worth all this work?” Today I have the answer in 10 bushels of almost perfect fruit. Yes, it was worth it all. For the Christian, today is the sowing, growing, and pruning time. We find ourselves wondering about the difficulties we must face as we serve the Lord. But the prospect of the future urges us on. It is the promise of harvest that brightens the way and makes the burdens lighter. The joy to come with harvest grain That follows days of toil and strain Renews our will to persevere In serving Christ when days grow drear. —DJD A fruitful harvest requires faithful service. GOD'S MYSTERIOUS WAYS - After years of service in South Africa, the famous missionary Robert Moffat returned to Scotland to recruit helpers. When he arrived at the church one cold wintry night, he was dismayed that only a small group had come out to hear him. What bothered him even more was that the only people in attendance were ladies. Although he was grateful for their interest, he had hoped to challenge men. He had chosen as his text Proverbs 8:4, “Unto you, O men, I call.” In his discouragement he almost failed to notice one small boy in the loft pumping the bellows of the organ. Moffat felt frustrated as he gave the message, for he realized that very few women could be expected to undergo the rigorous life in undeveloped jungles. But God works in mysterious ways. Although no one volunteered that evening, the young fellow assisting the organist was deeply moved by the challenge. As a result, he promised God he would follow in the footsteps of this pioneer missionary. And he remained true to his vow. When he grew up, he went and ministered to the unreached tribes of Africa. His name was David Livingstone! THE THIRD TIME'S THE CHARM - In due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart (Galatians 6:9). In a manufacturing town in Scotland, a young lady began teaching a Sunday school class of poverty-stricken boys. The most unpromising youngster was a boy named Bob. After the first two or three Sundays, he did not return. So the teacher went to look for him. Although the superintendent had given Bob some new clothes, they were already worn and dirty when the teacher found him. He was given another new suit, and he came back to Sunday school. But soon he quit again, and the teacher went out once more to find him. When she did, she discovered that the second set of clothes had gone the way of the first. “I am completely discouraged about Bob,” she told the superintendent. “I guess we must give up on him.” “Please don’t do that,” he pleaded. “I believe there is still hope. Try him one more time.” They gave Bob a third suit of clothes, and this time he began to attend faithfully. It wasn’t long until he became a Christian and eventually even taught in that same Sunday school. Who was that obstinate, ragged boy who for a time seemed so unreachable? None other than Robert Morrison, who later became the first Protestant missionary to China. He translated the Bible into Chinese and brought the Word of God to teeming millions. A. B. Simpson said, “God has hidden every precious thing in such a way that it is a regard to the diligent, a prize to the earnest, but a disappointment to the slothful.” Galatians 6:10 So then, while we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, and especially to those who are of the household of the faith. Wuest So then, in like manner, let us be having opportunity, let us be working that which is good to all, but especially to those of the household of the Faith. (Eerdmans Publishing)
Gálatas 6:7
Morris adds: This (1Co 15:33) might be paraphrased as a warning that false doctrine inevitably leads to wicked behavior. Denying a future accounting to God (implicit in denying the resurrection) leads to the philosophy of fatalistic eating, drinking and merry-making. Denying creation in favor of animalistic evolution leads to animalistic conduct, and so on. Ryrie notes that the saying in 1Cor 15:33 "is a Greek proverb, first appearing in a play by Menander." James also used this same warning… Do not be deceived (present imperative with a negative), my beloved brethren. (Jas 1:16) Comment: The context is the danger of sin and the fact that God does not tempt anyone to sin, but gives good gifts. Each person is tempted by his own lusts.
Gálatas 6:7
Morris: Reaping follows sowing. "He that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption" (Gal 6:8). This principle was applied with great fury to ancient Israel, and a similar time of reaping awaits other nations that forget God (Ps 9:17). Sow (command) with a view to righteousness, reap (command) in accordance with kindness (Hebrew = hesed/heced - God's lovingkindness, His covenant loyalty and mercy); Break up (command) your fallow ground (Repent. Compare Peter's similar command to his Jewish audience in Acts 3:19, 20), for it is time to seek the Lord until He comes to rain righteousness on you (Until = inherent in this time phrase is His promise - no one seeks Jehovah in vain, if they seek Him is sincerity. Even as literal rain refreshes and waters the seed, so too must God by His Spirit give "spiritual rain" which alone brings forth spiritual fruit). 13 You have plowed wickedness (compare "sowing"), you have reaped injustice. You have eaten the fruit of lies (More of the reaping the rotten fruit of sin). Because you have trusted in your way (Here seems to be the root cause - Faith in man, not faith in Jehovah.), in your numerous warriors (Ho 10:12-13). Comment: Hosea's exhortation and encouragement (cp similar call in Hos 6:1, 2, 3) was a mercy filled charge in the midst of condemnation and soon coming judgment on the land of Ephraim/Israel because of her idolatry. This is essentially a call for repentance to bring forth fruit (righteousness) in keeping with repentance. The plow of repentance was needed to remove the outer layer of weeds and thorns that had resulted from idolatry. Verse 12 is an offer of divine mercy in the context of impending wrath. The only way for Israel to sow righteous deeds is by grace through faith, a faith which believes in and depends on Jehovah. The breaking up of fallow ground is a call for preparation of one's heart to receive the Word implanted which alone is able to save one's soul. Verse 13 is a historical recounting of Israel's sowing of wickedness and a prophecy of her soon to come reaping the fruit thereof which would be "destruction" (Hos 10:14, 15, cp "corruption" in Gal 6:8) Henry Morris: Sowing the wind is about to reap a whirlwind of judgment, in Israel, whereas sowing in righteousness would have reaped mercy. This is apparently a last call to repent and seek the Lord before final judgment David
Gálatas 6:7
Morris: The metaphor is that of spreading spiritual seed far and wide, trusting eventually to find its fruit in redeemed lives. This is the same message as in Ecclesiastes 11:1. Spiritual seed, "the word of God" (Luke 8:11), should not only be sown far and wide, but also in both morning and evening. Then it is "God that giveth the increase" (1 Corinthians 3:7). Sow your seed in the morning, and do not be idle in the evening, for you do not know whether morning or evening sowing will succeed, or whether both of them alike will be good. (Ec 11:6) Henry Morris: Spiritual seed, "the word of God" (Lk 8:11), should not only be sown far and wide, but also in both morning and evening. Then it is "God that giveth the increase" (1Co 3:7). And the seed whose fruit is righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace. (Jas 3:18) A W Tozer has an interesting discussion of the law of sowing and reaping… Every man sows what he will later reap and reaps what he has previously sown. This is a law of life, says Paul, and we may as well know that we cannot beat it. God will not be mocked. We are all sowing our own future, and the seeds we sow are the deeds we do. And, ironically enough, sometimes deeds we neglect to do or are afraid to do become seeds also and bring forth their harvest. For in the total scheme of things it often happens that deeds undone have as great power for good or evil as deeds actually performed. The unbreakable link between harvest and seed was forged by the Lord God Himself at the creation. From Him went forth the word, “after his kind,” and that word has linked together the seed and the harvest, the sowing and the reaping, from that day to this. Our today is bound to all our yesterdays, and our tomorrow will be the sum of our present and our past. That is the fact, and we may make of it what we will. The sovereign God has permitted us to have a measure of conditional sovereignty, a mark of the divine image once given at the Creation and partially lost by the Fall. We may sow to the flesh if we will. There will be no interference from above. Thus to sow is our privilege—if we want to reap the harvest of corruption which must inevitably follow, a harvest no man in his right mind could deliberately choose. No, the snare lies in choosing the pleasures of sowing with the secret hope that in some way we can escape the sorrows of the reaping; but never since the beginning of the world has it been possible to separate the one from the other. (Tozer, A. W. The Next Chapter After the Last (94). Camp Hill, PA.: WingSpread) Illustration of Reaping - The Emperor Charlemagne wanted to have a magnificent bell cast for the church he had built. An artist named Tancho was employed by the church to make it. He was furnished, at his own request, with a great quantity of copper, and a hundred pounds of silver for the purpose. He kept the silver for his own personal use, however, and substituted in its place a quantity of highly purified tin. When the work was completed, he presented the bell to the Emperor, who had it suspended in the church tower. The people, however, were unable to ring it. So Tancho himself was called in to help. But he pulled so hard that its tongue fell down and killed him, reaping what he had sown! P G Ryken has written that "The book of Lamentations is one long illustration of the eternal principle that “a man reaps what he sows” (Galatians 6:7b)". (Ryken, P. G. Jeremiah and Lamentations : From Sorrow to Hope. Preaching the Word. Page 743. Wheaton, Ill.: Crossway Books) Sowing the Wrong Seed - I once read a fable about a farmhand who was given instructions to plant a field of barley. He acted immediately, but he sowed oats instead of barley. After several weeks, the owner of the farm went out to inspect the crop and was astonished to see oats growing instead of barley. The workman was told to report to the owner's office at once. "I told you to plant barley,' he said. "Why did you sow oats?" "Oh," the man responded, "I didn't think it would make any difference. I figured that even if I planted oats, I could expect barley to come up." Enraged, the owner shouted, "Are you crazy, man? What ever made you think that?" The farmhand replied, "I got that idea from you, sir. I've been watching the way you live. And I've noticed that even though you're constantly sowing 'seeds of evil,' you expect to be reaping `fruits of virtue'!" The cost of living goes up and down, but the cost of sowing wild oats remains the same! A woman gave her teenage son a used automobile. The youth enjoyed racing the car around curves so he could hear the tires squeal. One morning his car skidded and smashed into a telephone pole. The boy was thrown through the windshield and rushed to a hospital. When his pastor reached the hospital, the boy's mother was frantic. She grasped the pastor's hands in hers and exclaimed, "Why would God let this happen?" Her question is understandable, but it misses the hard truth of the situation. She can't blame God for that accident. If the Lord were to suspend the laws of physics and snatch a telephone pole from in front of her son, He might just as well place one in front of someone else who was driving carefully. For our transgressions are multiplied before You, and our sins testify against us (Isaiah 59:12). A group of young people from Renaissance High School in Detroit cut classes to attend a rock concert in Hart Plaza. They probably thought they had gotten away with their truancy, but the next day, when the Detroit News appeared on the newsstand, it carried a color photo of the concert on the front page. And who was in that picture? That's right—the delinquent students of Renaissance High, easily recognizable to anyone. According to the paper, "Eagle-eyed assistant principal Dr. Elijah Porter spotted the students and had a conversation with them." As for the kids, it went on, "There was nothing they could say." The Bible teaches that we cannot hide our iniquities. We may be able to cover them up for a while and even get away with them for an extended period of time. But the time will inevitably come when we must face up to them, either in this world or in the next. Paul told the Galatians, "Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap" (Gal. 6:7). The seed of wrongdoing maybe sown in secret, but the harvest cannot be concealed. Sowers and Reapers - The principle of sowing and reaping is often used to warn about the inevitable consequences of evil deeds. But it can also be used as an encouragement to believers in their service for Christ. A. B. Simpson said, “I believe the toils and prayers of 20 years ago are not lost. We may not see the results of our labor and sacrifice immediately, but in due time they will issue into beauty and glory. “The love you give, the forgiveness you show, and the patience and forbearance that grace your life will surely produce much fruit. The friend you long to bring to Christ may refuse to be reconciled to Him. His heart may seem to be very hard, and your prayers and efforts may appear to be lost; but they are not! They will come back to you a hundredfold—perhaps long after you have forgotten them. “Give God time! The results are working themselves out slowly but surely. There must be seedtime and summer before the autumn reaping.” This agrees with Solomon’s words: Cast your bread upon the waters, for you will find it after many days (Ec 11:1). Keep on working through the seasons In the sunshine and the rain; Earnest prayer and faithful sowing Yield a wealth of golden grain. —Anon. God promises no loaves to loafers. Seeds and Fruit - I read a fable about a man who was browsing in a store when he made the shocking discovery that God was behind a sales counter. So the man walked over and asked, “What are You selling?” God replied, “What does your heart desire?” The man said, “I want happiness, peace of mind, and freedom from fear … for me and the whole world.” God smiled and said, “I don’t sell fruit here. Only seeds.” In Galatians 6, Paul stressed the importance of sowing seeds of God-honoring behavior, for “whatever a man sows, that he will also reap” (Gal 6:7). We can’t expect to experience the fruit of God’s blessings if we don’t recognize the importance of doing our part. It helps to follow the example of others who have sown good seed. Author Samuel Shoemaker said that a good example can either inspire us or cause us to say, “Oh yes, he (or she) is like that. He is not troubled by temper or nerves or impatience or worry as I am; he is just a happier temperament.” Shoemaker continued, “It may not occur to us that perhaps he had to fight for his serenity, and that we might win if we would do the same.” We're always sowing seeds in life By everything we do and say, So let's make sure the fruit we reap Comes from the good we do each day. —Hess The seeds we sow today determine the kind of fruit we'll reap tomorrow. Count On It! - A children's book titled `The Chance World' describes an imaginary planet where everything happens unpredictably. For example, the sun might rise one day or it might not, and it might appear at any hour. Some days the moon might come up in its place. One day you might jump up and not come down, and the next day find gravity so strong you can't even lift your feet. Henry Drummond, the Scottish biologist, writer, and lecturer, read `The Chance World'. He commented that in such a place where natural law was annihilated, reason would be impossible. It would become a lunatic world with a population of lunatics. We should be thankful for the dependability of the natural laws the Creator has set in motion. They can be a great benefit to us if we recognize and respect them. If we violate those laws, however, we will suffer the consequences. That is also true of God's spiritual laws, such as the one in today's text (Gal 6:7-8) The person who ignores God's standards and caters to sinful appetites can expect destruction. But the person who follows the leading of the Spirit will experience the blessings of everlasting life. God's laws never fail. You will reap what you sow. Count on it! Surer than autumn's harvests Are harvests of thought and deed; Like those that our hands have planted, The yield will be like the seed. If we sow nothing but sin, we can count on a harvest of judgment. Examples of Attempts to Mock God - Ernest Hemingway became famous for snubbing his nose at morality and at God, declaring that his own life proved a person could do anything he wanted without paying the consequences. Like many others before and after him, he considered the ideas of the Bible to be antiquated and outdated, completely useless to modern man and a hindrance to his pleasure and self-fulfillment. Moral laws were to him a religious superstition that had no relevance. In a mocking parody of the Lord’s Prayer he wrote, “Our nada [Spanish for “nothing”] who art in nada.” (Ed: Woe! He had no concept of He 10:31-note and He 12:29-note) But instead of proving the impunity of infidelity, the end of Hemingway’s life proved the folly of mocking God. His debauched life led him into such complete despair and hopelessness that he put a bullet in his head. Other famous authors, such as Sinclair Lewis and Oscar Wilde, who openly attacked the divine moral standard and thumbed their noses at God, mocking His Word and His law, were nonetheless subject to that law Lewis died a pathetic alcoholic in a third-rate clinic in Italy, and Wilde ended up an imprisoned homosexual, in shame and disgrace. Near the end of his life he wrote, “forgot somewhere along the line that what you are in secret you will some day cry aloud from the housetop.” (John MacArthur) Reaping What You Sow - Because of the natural law of seedtime and harvest, the farmer knows when and what to plant to achieve the desired result. He knows that you harvest wheat if you sow wheat, that you do not sow weeds and reap wheat. God’s moral and spiritual laws work in the same way. You cannot sow sin and reap righteousness, or indulgence and reap health, or strife and reap peace. You cannot sow “the works of the flesh” and reap “the fruit of the Spirit.” But there is a further truth in this law. You reap what you sow in quality, but you reap more than you sow in quantity. From one grain of corn will come hundreds of grains of corn. Applying this in the moral and spiritual realms, it is no wonder that so many lives are ruined, that the world is in such turmoil, and that uncounted millions of souls stumble on their blinded way toward hell! And all because people live contrary to this benevolent but inexorable spiritual law of God. (Hobbs, H. H. - My favorite illustrations. Nashville, TN: Broadman Press) Dirty Hands — One of William Shakespeare’s most intriguing characters is Lady Macbeth. Having heard a prophecy that her husband would become king, she convinced him to assassinate the reigning monarch. When the bloody deed was done, Macbeth was conscience-stricken. His wife rebuked his squeamishness and helped him cover up the crime. Her husband was crowned king. But that wasn’t the end. Lady Macbeth’s initial resolve turned to remorse. She grew mentally unstable, and couldn’t stop washing her hands. “Will these hands ne’er be clean?” she asked. Finally, the guilt drove Lady Macbeth to suicide. Guilt is an emotion that can weigh us down whenever we cross a moral boundary. All of us are capable of feeling guilty when we violate the law of God written in our hearts (Ro 2:14, 15). If we continue to sin willfully, however, we will dull our conscience. Lady Macbeth is a good reminder of a biblical principle: Whatever we sow, we will certainly reap (Gal 6:7, 8). Sometimes there’s just one step to go Before we yield to sin, But God will help us to say no If we trust His power within. —Hess Only Jesus’ blood can wash away the stain of sin. Moody Bible Institute's Today in the Word - Sowing and Reaping - Harvesting was a far more difficult task before Cyrus McCormick invented the mechanical reaper. Even laboring long hours, farmhands using sickles could harvest no more than one acre per person per day. When McCormick redesigned his father's defective prototype and presented the world with the first mechanical reaper, he revolutionized farming worldwide. The new machines could harvest more in one hour than one worker could in a whole day. One fact remained the same, however. Whether with sickles or McCormick's invention, farmers could reap only what they had sowed. This truth, also found in the spiritual realm, is Paul's focus in today's reading… Gal 6:8 presents a contrast between a worldly and a spiritual sower. The worldly or carnal person sows to further his sinful nature. Such actions produce an effect on his character; the hold of sin over him increases. But the spiritual person sows to cultivate the new nature. Every time he performs an action in the power of the Spirit, the power of the Spirit over him increases. His abundant harvest is a life characterized by the fruit of the Spirit… What seeds have you been sowing? Do you walk through life looking for opportunities to "do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers" (Ga 6:10)? For many of us, the answer is probably "No." We have lapses, grow selfish, forget, think of excuses, or fail to see others' needs. Ask the Lord to give you eyes to see the needs around you and the grace to do something about them. He will show you opportunities and enable you to respond as He would. (MBI - Today in the Word) Outline (partial) from David Hocking on Galatians 6:7-10… DEFENSE OF THE TRUE GOSPEL - Gal 1:6-2:21 DOCTRINE OF THE TRUE GOSPEL - Gal 3:1-4:31 DUTY OF THE TRUE GOSPEL - Gal 5:1-6:10 The SOWING of seeds - Gal 6:7-10 1. The Principle established - Gal 6:7 2. The Productivity that will result - Gal 6:8 3. The Promise to the faithful - Gal 6:9 4. The Practice to be cultivated - Gal 6:10 The good we do is never lost, Each kindly act takes root, And every bit of love we sow In time will bear rich fruit. —Anonymous
Gálatas 6:9
Morris explains that… The fruit reaped occurs in a later season than the sowing. It is of the same kind as the seed sown (1Co 15:36, 37, 38; Jas 3:12) and is in proportion to the amount sown (2Co 9:6,7). Yet it is of higher degree than the form in which it is sown (Jn 12:24). John Eadie… The phrase “in due time” or at the proper season—the appointed time of the harvest. Compare the plural form, 1Ti 2:6, 6:15. It is… the time within which the action takes place… “The harvest is the end of the world.” Mt 13:30. It is no objection to say, as is done by De Wette, that well-doing brings its own reward even now. 2Co 9:8, 9. For the figure is here preserved in harmony, and the sowing lasts all our lives. The time is with God, and His time for the harvest must be the right time and the best time. We are not to lose heart because the interval of labour may appear long, and the crop may not seem to be of speedy growth; for He is Judge, the seasons are in His hand, and at the divinely meted out period the invitation will be issued, “Thrust in thy sickle and reap.” In due time (KJV = season, kairos = season in Gal 4:10) (2540) (kairos [word study]) means a point of time or period of time, frequently with the implication that the period of time is especially suited for something. Kairos is not so much a succession of minutes (Greek chronos = 5550), but a period during which there exists an opportunity. Chronos refers to chronological time, to clock time or calendar time, to a general space or succession of time. Kairos, on the other hand, refers to a specific and often predetermined period or moment of time and so views time in terms of events, eras, or seasons. In other words, kairos defines the best time to do something, the moment when circumstances are most suitable, the psychologically "ripe" moment ("the suitable time", "the right moment", "the convenient time"). Someone has well said that the reason some people don't recognize opportunity is that it usually comes disguised as hard work. I once heard a teacher say that man's adversity is often the door leading to God's opportunity and there is undoubtedly some truth to that statement. It is interesting if true (I don't know Chinese so cannot confirm this statement definitively) that the Chinese symbols for crisis are identical to those for the word opportunity. Literally translated the Chinese word reads "Crisis is an opportunity riding the dangerous wind." Billy Graham said that "Today's world is said to be multiplying crises all around us. But we must never forget that, for the gospel, each crisis is an opportunity." Chuck Swindoll adds that "We are all faced with a series of great opportunities brilliantly disguised as impossible situations (Ed: Crisis)." John Stott makes the point that… Some incentive is certainly needed in Christian well-doing. Paul recognizes this, for he urges his readers not to ‘grow weary’ or ‘lose heart’ (cf. 2Th 3:13). Active Christian service is tiring, exacting work. We are tempted to become discouraged, to slack off, even to give up. So the apostle gives us this incentive: he tells us that doing good is like sowing seed. If we persevere in sowing, then ‘in due season we shall reap, if we do not lose heart’. If the farmer tires of sowing and leaves half his field unsown, he will reap only half a crop. It is the same with good deeds (see word study on Good Deeds). If we want a harvest, then we must finish the sowing and be patient, like the farmer who ‘waits for the precious fruit of the earth, being patient over it …’ (Jas 5:7). (Stott, J. R. W. The message of Galatians: Only one way. Leicester, England; Downer's Grove, Ill., U.S.A.: Inter-Varsity Press or The Bible Speaks Today NT) John Brown put it The motive which the apostle employs, for the purpose of guarding the Galatian Christians against weariness in well-doing, is a once appropriate and powerful. Nothing is so much calculated to produce languor (weariness of body or mind, listless indolence, heaviness, state of the body which is induced by exhaustion of strength) as a suspicion that all our exertions are likely to be fruitless; and nothing is better fitted to dispel it than the assurance that they shall assuredly be crowned with success. "In due season," says he, "ye shall reap, if ye faint not."… "Ye shall reap." The language is figurative, but not obscure. Indeed it is far more expressive than any literal description could have been. It implies the idea of reward--of reward naturally rising out of, and proportioned to, the dutiful exertion. The Christian shall be rewarded for his well-doing. Every act of Christian duty, every sacrifice made, every privation submitted to, every suffering endured, from a regard to Christ's authority, with a view to Christ's honor, shall assuredly be recompensed. This reward is often--usually--granted in part, even in the present state, and shall grow out of, and correspond to, the dutiful exertions of the Christian. It shall be his harvest. The happiness of a Christian, both in this world and the next, is, in a great measure, the natural result of his conformity to the will of God. Every holy temper is a capacity of enjoyment, and a source of enjoyment at the same time. The cultivation of holy dispositions, and the performance of commanded duty, are necessary to the true happiness (blessedness) of the Christian, not only from the Divine appointment, but from the very nature of the case. The happy (blessed) results of well-doing are not, however, in every case immediate--in no case are all the happy (blessed) results of any act of well-doing at once and completely developed--and therefore the apostle adds, Ye shall reap "in due season." Christians frequently act like children in reference to this harvest. They would grown and reap in the same day. When children sow the seeds of flowers in their little gardens, they are apt to become impatient for their appearing above ground; and then for their yielding blossoms; and by this impatience are often not merely disquieted, but induced to do what must retard, and may altogether prevent, the eagerly desired event. Like "the husbandmen" who "waiteth for the precious fruit of the earth, and hath long patience for it, till he has received the former and latter rain," (Jas 5:7KJV) the Christian must also "be patient and stablish his heart." (Jas 5:8KJV) Our time is always read; but it not for us either to know or to regulate the times and the seasons (Ec 3:1ff). The Father has kept them in His own power. The harvest is certain. This we are assured of, and moreover, that if our own fault prevent not, it will be abundant and joyful. Whether it is to be an early or a late (harvest) depends entirely on the arrangements of Him who is "wonderful in counsel, and excellent in working." And is it not right that it should be so? Is it not enough to be assured that in due season--at the period fixed by infinite wisdom and kindness--our objects shall be completely gained, our exertions abundantly rewarded? (An exposition of the Epistle of Paul to the Galatians) THE PROMISED "PRIZE" Reap (2325) (therizo from théros = summer, harvest time ~ time of harvests) conveys the picture of cutting ripe grain and gathering the bundles together. To reap, to harvest. But what is that we will harvest we will reap for sowing the "seed" of well doing? Paul does not give us specifics. He only guarantees a sure return on our investment, relying on that certainty to motivate us to seize the opportunities God gives. John Stott offers his educated guess that the "reward in heaven for faithful service… will probably take the form of yet more responsible service." (Ed: See Mt 25:21) The tissues of the life to be We weave with colors all our own; And in the field of Destiny We reap as we have sown. -W H Griffith-Thomas Jesus encourages His followers with the promise that… And whoever in the name of a disciple gives to one of these little ones even a cup of cold water to drink, truly I say to you he shall not lose his reward. (Mt 10:42, cf Rev 22:12) Similarly Paul also offers us these words of exhortation… And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through Him to God the Father… Whatever you do, do your work heartily ("out of soul work" - your soul being the seat and center of your inner life - Col 3:23YLT), as for the Lord rather than for men (Who are you seeking/hoping to please by your "good deeds"? 2Co 5:9-note) knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance. It is the Lord Christ Whom you serve (As we serve others with His Spirit's motivation [initiating in us the desire] and empowerment [giving us the power], it is as if we serve Jesus!). (Col 3:17-note, Col 3:23, 24-note, contrast Col 3:25-note) John writing in the context of his admonition against false teachers (2Jn 1:7) warned… Watch (present imperative = command to be continually on the alert - Why? The danger of deception is ever present!) yourselves, that you might not lose what we have accomplished, but that you may receive a full reward. (2Jn 1:8) Vine writes that… reaping is related to sowing, not only in the matter of the quality of the seed, but also in regard to the quantity sown, see 2Co 9:6. The reaping may in some cases, but certainly not invariably, and then only in a limited way, be anticipated in this life, but the promise will be completely and finally fulfilled only beyond the Judgment Seat of Christ. This reaping is otherwise presented as the reward the Lord is to bring with Him at His coming, Rev 22:12-note. Diligence here produces proportionate abundance there, laxity here will mean proportionate poverty there. The same truth is declared under another figure in the words of the Lord Jesus, Mt 6:19, 20, 21-note, where He contrasts the precarious treasures of earth with the immutable treasures of Heaven. (Vine, W. Collected writings of W. E. Vine. Nashville: Thomas Nelson) Life Application Commentary… What kind of harvest did the apostle have in mind? His original statement of the parable "A man reaps what he sows" (Gal 6:7NIV) was a warning. But in the space of three verses, the principle has been used to encourage believers to serve faithfully even when facing weariness. A Christian will reap a harvest of present blessings: the fruit of the Spirit, well-instructed believers, restored sinners, and mutual support. But ultimately he or she will reap the harvest of eternal life in the Holy Spirit (Gal 6:8). Though the proper time is the time of God's own choosing, Paul was most likely referring to the time of the fulfillment of God's promises at Christ's second coming (1Ti 6:15). (Barton, B. B., et al. Life Application Bible Commentary. Romans: Tyndale House Publishers) Warren
Gálatas 6:9
Morris adds that grow weary is relax noting that… The Christian must not relax in his ministry of seed-sowing until the Lord comes (Jas 5:7,8). John Eadie notes that ekluo is a stronger verb than ekkakeo… The first (ekkakeo) is weakness of heart; and the second (ekluo), as the result of the first, describes relaxed effort, prostration of power, spoken of corporeal fainting in Mt 15:32, and of mental exhaustion, He 12:3, 1Macc. 3:17; Josephus Antiquities 5.2, 7. The view of the connection here given is the general view, enforcing the need of patience (perseverance) (see Mt 24:13; Jas 5:7; Rev 2:10)… The last words are an emphatic warning, and describe the one condition on which the reward can be enjoyed; and while there is much about the working or sowing, there is nothing about the reward which may induce that fainting or down-heartedness against which the apostle guards. Distinct encouragement is given us—the encouragement of the husbandman in sowing his fields, the bow in the cloud assuring him that seed-time and harvest shall not fail. The Christian doctrine of reward is in perfect harmony with the doctrine of grace. Vine… Ekluo is used of physical faintness in Mt 15:32, Mk 8:3; and of soul faintness in the strife with sin, Heb12:3, or under the chastening of God, He 12:5, or, as here, in the discharge of Christian responsibilities in obedience to the commandment of the Lord. Cp. also Deut 20:3. This warning is against the relaxation of effort. Discouragement is failure of the will. Faintness is failure of the strength, the one is the consequence of the other. John Brown sounds an important caution in his comments on this section, noting that… The saint's reaping is suspended on his not fainting, that is, his reward is suspended on his "constant continuance in well-doing." The words obviously imply, "If we faint we shall not reap." Not true saint will so faint as to abandon altogether the onward course of well-doing; but just in the proportion in which he does so shall he not reap; just in this proportion shall he come short of "obtaining a full reward:" and if a man who has exhibited all the appearances of saintship, who has been reckoned a saint by himself, and by those who were best acquainted with him, if that man should so faint as to habitually neglect the performance of Christian duty, no doubt he shall reap, but it will be "of the flesh, corruption," and not "of the Spirit, life everlasting." A great deal of the false and dangerous notions entertained in reference to a most important Christian doctrine, that of the perseverance of the saints, would be prevented were men but to remember that the perseverance of the saints is a perseverance in holiness, and that, though "eternal life is the gift of God through Jesus Christ our Lord," it is on those only who, through a constant continuance in well-doing, seek for glory, honour, and immortality," that eternal life is conferred. It has been finely said, " He who becomes a Christian in the true sense of that word becomes such for eternity. He has enlisted for life—for immortal life—never to withdraw. He becomes pledged to do good, and to serve God always. No obstacles are to deter him, no embarrassments are to drive him off the field. With the vigour of his youth, and the influence and wisdom of his riper years, with his remaining powers when enfeebled by age, with the last pulsations of life here, and with the immortal energies of a higher life in a better world, he is to do good. For that he is to live. For that he is to die. And when he awakes in the resurrection with renovated powers, he is to awake to an everlasting service of doing good, as far as he may have opportunity, in the kingdom of God." No man who is habitually neglectful of, or allowedly languid and careless in, the discharge of Christian duty, can have satisfactory evidence of his being an object of Divine favour; and if, in these circumstances, he cherishes a confidence in the goodness of his state, and in the security of his salvation, his confidence is presumptuous. (An exposition of the Epistle of Paul to the Galatians) Harry
Gálatas 6:10
Morris adds that "Kairos denotes “the right time” or “the proper time” for anything; consequently a time that occurs only once before it is lost forever. No one can hope to reap the harvest before the time appointed for it by God (Gal 6:9). But if he does not seize the time appointed him for sowing, he will reap no harvest at all (Gal 6:10). Francis Atterbury -"Neglect no opportunity of doing good." (Sermon on Lk 10:32, 1709) John Flavel (1627-1691) - "Man’s extremity is God’s opportunity." Hannah More (1745-1833) - The keen spirit seizes the prompt occasion—Makes the thought start into instant action, and at once plans and performs, resolves and executes. Paul uses kairos to exhort the saints at Ephesus to make "make the most of your time, because the days are evil. (Eph 5:16-note) God has set boundaries around our lives, and our opportunity (a state of affairs or combination of circumstances favorable to some end) for service exists only within those boundaries. We are to make the most of our time on this evil earth in fulfilling God’s purposes, lining up every opportunity for useful worship and service.
Gálatas 6:10
Morris adds that... The emphasis is on the fact that Christians are believers. What distinguished Christians from other people was their faith. They were people who had put their trust in Jesus as their Saviour and this was the most important thing about them. Regarding Paul's call to focus especially on the household of faith, Stott writes... As the old saying goes, ‘Charity begins at home’, towards kinsmen who may claim our first loyalty, although Christian charity must never stop there. We are to love and serve our enemies, Jesus said, not only our friends. Thus, a ‘patient continuance in well-doing’ is a characteristic of the true Christian, a characteristic so indispensable that it will be taken as evidence of saving faith on the Judgment Day (see Ro 2:7-note). Warren Wiersbe... Life is an adventure of faith, and each of us is like a merchant, investing today in that which will pay dividends tomorrow. We are like the farmer, sowing various kinds of seeds in different soils, trusting God for the harvest (Gal. 6:8-9; Ps. 126:5-6; Hos. 10:12). If we worried about the wind toppling a tree over on us, or the clouds drenching us with rain, we would never accomplish anything. "Of course, there is no formula for success," said famous concert pianist Arthur Rubinstein, "except perhaps an unconditional acceptance of life and what it brings."...No good deed done for the glory of Jesus Christ will ever be forgotten before God. No loving word spoken in Jesus' name will ever be wasted. If we don't see the harvest in this life, we'll see it when we stand before the Lord. Even a cup of cold water given in the name of Christ will have its just reward (Mt 10:42; 25:31-46). (Bible Exposition Commentary - Old Testament) James Montgomery Boice... Paul's great principle here (commenting on the Sermon on the Mount) is that money spent on the body—to clothe, feed, house, or entertain it—while it has value for this life, has no lasting fruit for eternity. Money spent in obedience to the Lord, to spread the gospel and to meet the needs of those who are poor and suffering, will have results not only in this life but in eternity also. (