Galatians 6 + Book Summary

Paul is aware that no matter how healthy some churches may appear, there will always be some members who need to to be rebuked whether it be severely or gently. He instructs those who have tested themselves according to scripture being above reproach (living according to the spirit) should be doing the rebuking. However, Paul warns that this shouldn't be an excuse for members to compare themselves with one another as no one is better than one another or too important to help each other. Paul moves onto the next topic of sowing what one reaps. Those who succumb to the lust of the flesh would be reaping sins that furthermore corrupt their character and those who pursue and submit under God will reap rewards like Godliness and eternal life. Paul then concludes in his own handwriting that circumcision has no importance for Christians as we are not under the law and reiterates that Christ is enough. Christ + law = nothing, Christ + nothing = eternal life. 

Prayer/response:
- Help me love those who I rebuke. Strip away my pride and help me love those who rebuke me
- Lord take away bitter thoughts of Daniel and help me cater to his needs
- Thank you for being patient with me and for pushing me to test myself agains't scripture.

BOOK SUMMARY
Judaizers came to the Galatian Church and successfully influenced members that in order for them to first become Christian, they must obey Jewish law. This disheartens Paul and obviously pisses him off. Paul starts the book defending his authenticity as a man of spiritual authority which in turn gives him the right to rebuke Peter (Jesus brother) for favouring the jewish christians ever gentile/uncircumcised christians. Paul condemns the necessity of Jewish customs > grace as he sees it as a contradiction of the cross. Abraham was declared righteous before God not because of works but simply because of his faith, a faith that his descendants will be a blessing to all the nation in whom they will find God. This was not meant to displace the law since it was a necessary rulebook to point out and restrain our sin up until Jesus comes. Jesus fulfils the purpose of the law on Israels behalf since everyone else failed, and lives in his children through the spirit. When we trust in Jesus and remain dependant on his spirit his characteristics become ours (fruits of the spirit). This fruit requires cultivation just like real fruit, it requires intentional labour and for us to prune off our old habits. Through this Jesus reshapes our minds and hearts and make us into people who love Him and others.