Thursday 9 July, 2020

6 Brothers and sisters, if someone is caught in a sin, you who live by the Spirit should restore that person gently. But watch yourselves, 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 they are something when they are not, they deceive themselves. 4 Each one should test their own actions. Then they can take pride in themselves alone, without comparing themselves to someone else, 5 for each one should carry their own load. 6 Nevertheless, the one who receives instruction in the word should share all good things with their instructor. 7 Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. 8 Whoever sows to please their flesh, from the flesh will reap destruction; whoever 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.

Strong words from Apostle Paul – strong words we need to hear.  What are the influences on our lives and are they good and for God or are they designed to distract, divert and disrupt??

There are some who subscribe to the wisdom of man more than the wisdom of God.  I have always taken the view that I must read God’s Word, the Bible, at least as much as any other book, nowadays as much as I listen to podcasts etc. Why, because a knowledge of the Truth will guard me from imbibing false doctrine including the philosophies of man.  How dreadful to be under God’s curse that comes from leading people away from God and His truth – and there is this possibility – which of itself should shake us to our core.  We need to stay true to Christ in all we are and in all we do and believe.  Confusion about God, His plan of salvation, that Jesus is the one and only redeemer and that all have sinned and fall short of God’s glory must not be the fruit of our ministry.  We should maintain our beliefs, while keeping an attitude of grace, of love, acceptance and forgiveness – there is no other Name under heaven by which we can be saved.

For the Galatians they had people telling them the grace and faith needed ‘added extras’ to truly save you.  Any ‘added extras’ represent false teaching – may we be careful we add nothing to God’s plan of salvation!

Father help me to stay true to Your Word in all I say, do and think.  May I lead people truly in Your kingdom.

Written by Ps. Richard Botta