Spirit and Flesh

Today, let’s pick up our study in Galatians 6:8 which says, “For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting.” If we sow to the flesh, we reap flesh. If we sow to the Spirit, we reap Spirit. In other words, what you put in comes out. If you put in spiritual things, spiritual things will come out. If you put in fleshly things, fleshly things will come out.

Notice v.9, “And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.” God desires for us to be faithful. Paul said in 1 Corinthians 15:58, “Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord…” It’s easy to be faithful when times are good; quite another when times are bad.

Notice v.10, “As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith.” We need to take care of each other in the church first and in the Body of Christ second. This is not only physically, but spiritually by doing all that has been mentioned in this chapter.

Notice v.11, “Ye see how large a letter I have written unto you with mine own hand.” This verse is proof of two things. First, Paul used a scribe to help pen his letters. Secondly, Paul apparently had some kind of infirmity with his eyes that made a scribe necessary. Paul’s desire to write this letter with his own hand is an indicator of the seriousness of the message.

Notice v.12, “As many as desire to make a fair shew in the flesh, they constrain you to be circumcised; only lest they should suffer persecution for the cross of Christ.” Back to the legalists that want to make themselves look good by putting the rest of us back under the Law.

Notice v.13, “For neither they themselves who are circumcised keep the law; but desire to have you circumcised, that they may glory in your flesh.” He is referring to those legalist who were prompting them be circumcised to keep the Jewish Law as a road to salvation. Again, Galatians 5:2-4 says that those who trust in the law to save them will perish.