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BY BOOK BIBLE STUDY
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BIBLE
STUDY LESSON
For
the week beginning Sunday January 19, 2020
WE
REAP WHAT WE SOW
Galatians
6:1-10
In
the Greek, the word used for “restore” is “katarizo” (kat-a-rid-zo), and it is
a “medical term” that is used to describe anything from “re-setting a broken
bone”, to “mending a fishing net”. As the believer becomes spiritually mature,
we are expected to then go out and help “restore someone else who has gone
astray” (Gal. 6:1).
The person who is now on the “Road to
Salvation” is required by GOD to “lead someone else out of the darkness of this
world”, by introducing them, to the “light of CHRIST”. We are to help those who
are broken, to heal and mend. Our job is not to try to expose them to shame,
or, to overlook the damage that sin has done in their lives, and the lives of
those who are close to them.
Paul wanted Christians to exhibit the
“fruit of the SPIRIT” in their everyday lives, and not get caught up in the
kind of “self-righteousness” that could come from the practice of “legalism”.
The “humility” that it takes to help people grow in the Christian Faith, and
then guard against going astray, could not be found in the practice of
legalistic “Judaism”.
The responsible Christian must seek to help
those who are caught up continually in sin. They do not seek to criticize or
“pile it on” those who have gone away from GOD, or, who have never known GOD.
They, instead, must seek to help “restore” them back to the path of
righteousness, because they realize that, as humans, we are all capable of
falling to various temptations in life.
“We are our brother’s keeper”, and we must
all help carry each other’s burdens. All Christians have burdens, and they can
include such things as health challenges, financial needs, family, etc., and
some are simply caught under the weight of “wrongdoings”. However, in any
situation, we need to help those Christians who have stumbled beneath the
weight of the pressures of this world.
JESUS tells us that we will be judged
according to our reaction to human need (Matt. 25:31-46), and the greatest
human needs are the needs for a person “to be forgiven”, “to obey GOD”, and “to
maintain an experiential, personal relationship with GOD”, at all times.
We cannot ignore the ways and plan of GOD,
and, get away with it. For, GOD has dealt a tragic existence to those who choose to live
without HIM. The burden that those who are “lost” in this world have to carry
is the awareness that “something more” exists in this life. To aid them in
their struggle, or frustrating inability to figure out just what that
“something” is, is the task that CHRIST JESUS has charged us with. We all need,
or have needed each other’s help in that regard, at one time, or the other, in
our life. That is because “we are created with a capacity for eternal things”.
In other words, “we all share GOD’s nature”.
We all must come to a crossroad where we come face to face with the
realization that this life cannot be all that there is. “Sin” is what has cut
us off from eternity, and darkened our understanding, and will to obey GOD. And
JESUS, through HIS vicarious sacrifice on the cross, offers us a chance to
re-connect with the Almighty GOD.
Most of us will come to know what a burden it is to yearn for eternity,
and yet, not know GOD. And so, we, at one time or another will need help from
someone else, or, will have an opportunity to help someone along in their
Christian Walk.
The way that we respond to those in need, constitutes the kind of
“seeds” that we are sowing. If, we sow “good seeds” in this life, our “good
crops” will be reaped abundantly at the appropriate time, in the Kingdom of
Heaven. However, if we do not sow good seeds, in this life, our “bad crops”
will be burned in the pits of Hell, in the life to come.
A Sunday school lesson
by,
Larry D. Alexander
larrydalexanderbiblestudies.blogspot.com
LARRY D. ALEXANDER- Official Website
