No Other Gospel: Week 13

5-Day Devotional on Galatians 6:6-18

Day 1: Sowing and Reaping in the Spirit

Summary:
Paul highlights the principle of sowing and reaping, emphasizing that sowing to the flesh leads to destruction, while sowing to the Spirit produces eternal life. Believers are called to plant seeds of faith, love, and truth that lead to spiritual growth and fruitfulness.

Read:

• Galatians 6:7-8
• Hosea 10:12
• 2 Corinthians 9:6-8

Background:
The concept of sowing and reaping was familiar in agricultural societies. Paul uses this metaphor to show that our actions have consequences. Living according to the flesh (sinful nature) leads to decay, but living according to the Spirit brings eternal blessings and transformation.

Key Words:

• Sow: To plant seeds, symbolizing actions and choices.
• Flesh: The sinful nature that opposes God’s will.
• Spirit: The Holy Spirit, who empowers believers to live in obedience and faith.

Theological Truths:
John Stott wrote, “Every time we allow our mind to harbor a grudge, nurse a grievance, or wallow in self-pity, we are sowing to the flesh. But every time we forgive, seek reconciliation, and serve others, we are sowing to the Spirit.”

Questions for Reflection:

1. What does it mean to sow to the Spirit in your daily life?

2. In what areas are you tempted to sow to the flesh, and what are the consequences?

3. How can you intentionally sow seeds of faith this week?

Application:
Choose one area where you’ve been sowing to the flesh. Repent and ask God to help you sow to the Spirit instead, trusting Him for lasting fruit.

Day 2: Persevering in Doing Good

Summary:
Paul encourages believers not to grow weary in doing good because, in God’s timing, they will reap a harvest. This is a call to perseverance in faith, ministry, and sharing the gospel.

Read:

• Galatians 6:9
• Psalm 126:5-6
• James 1:12

Background:
Paul understood that ministry and faithful living can be exhausting. Believers might feel discouraged when their efforts seem to yield little visible fruit. Yet, the promise is clear: God will bring a harvest in His time if we do not give up.

Key Words:

• Weary: To grow tired or lose heart in the face of challenges.
• Harvest: The results of faithful labor in God’s kingdom.
• Perseverance: The steadfast commitment to follow Christ, even when it’s hard.

Theological Truths:
Charles Spurgeon said, “By perseverance, the snail reached the ark. God’s blessings will come in due season, but we must not lose heart or abandon the field.”

Questions for Reflection:

1. What makes you grow weary in doing good or sharing the gospel?

2. How can you remind yourself of God’s promise of a harvest?

3. What steps can you take to encourage perseverance in your faith?

Application:
Write down one promise from Scripture that encourages perseverance. Reflect on it daily as you commit to not giving up in your faith journey.

Day 3: The Centrality of the Cross

Summary:
Paul declares that he will boast only in the cross of Christ. The cross transforms our lives, reorienting our priorities and crucifying worldly desires.

Read:

• Galatians 6:14
• 1 Corinthians 1:18
• Philippians 3:7-8

Background:
In a world where boasting often centered on achievements or status, Paul radically redefines what’s worth celebrating. For him, the cross was not a symbol of shame but the ultimate display of God’s love and power.

Key Words:

• Boast: To take pride in or celebrate.
• Cross: The instrument of Christ’s sacrifice and the centerpiece of the gospel.
• Crucified: The putting to death of worldly desires and selfish ambitions.

Theological Truths:
Martin Luther said, “The cross alone is our theology. It reveals the wisdom of God and His eternal plan to save sinners.”

Questions for Reflection:

1. What does it mean to boast in the cross of Christ in your daily life?

2. How does the cross reorient your priorities and desires?

3. What worldly things do you need to crucify to live fully for Christ?

Application:
Reflect on the significance of the cross in your life. Identify one area where worldly desires compete with your devotion to Christ and surrender it to Him.

Day 4: Bearing the Marks of Christ

Summary:
Paul speaks of bearing the physical and spiritual marks of Jesus. These marks represent a life devoted to Christ, characterized by sacrifice, endurance, and faithfulness.

Read:

• Galatians 6:17
• 2 Corinthians 4:8-10
• Romans 8:17

Background:
Paul bore literal scars from persecution for the sake of the gospel. These marks were evidence of his allegiance to Christ and his willingness to suffer for His name. Today, believers are called to reflect this devotion in their lives.

Key Words:

• Marks: The visible or invisible signs of living for Christ.
• Suffering: The cost of following Jesus, which often brings opposition.
• Faithfulness: Remaining true to Christ despite challenges.

Theological Truths:
J.C. Ryle wrote, “A religion that costs nothing is worth nothing. Sacrifice and suffering are marks of the true follower of Christ.”

Questions for Reflection:

1. What does it mean for you to bear the marks of Christ in your life?

2. How has following Christ brought both challenges and blessings?

3. How can you demonstrate faithfulness to Christ in your current circumstances?

Application:
Identify one area where you can more boldly live out your faith, even if it costs you. Pray for courage and strength to bear the marks of Christ.

Day 5: Living with an Eternal Perspective

Summary:
Paul concludes his letter by pointing the Galatians to the peace and mercy that come from walking in God’s new creation. This eternal perspective shapes how believers live today.

Read:

• Galatians 6:15-16
• Revelation 21:1-5
• Colossians 3:1-2

Background:
Paul contrasts the old world of sin and legalism with the new creation brought about through Christ. This new creation, rooted in the gospel, redefines our identity and calls us to live with eternity in view.

Key Words:

• New creation: The transformation of individuals and the world through Christ.
• Peace: The wholeness and rest found in God’s kingdom.
• Eternal perspective: Living with an awareness of God’s eternal purposes.

Theological Truths:
Timothy Keller said, “The resurrection is not just consolation—it is restoration. We get it all back: the love, the loved ones, the beauties of this life—but in new, unimaginable degrees of glory.”

Questions for Reflection:

1. How does the promise of God’s new creation affect your daily decisions?

2. What does it mean to walk in peace and mercy as part of this new creation?

3. How can you cultivate an eternal perspective in your relationships and priorities?

Application:
Take time today to meditate on God’s promise of a new creation. Let this eternal perspective shape how you approach your challenges and opportunities this week.