The teaching of this passage in the final chapter can be summed up in v.2: 'Carry each other's burdens and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.' In v.1 we are reminded of the help needed by a brother who has failed. Sudden temptation has proved too strong to resist. It may be because of a quick temper or a moral lapse. He has done something wrong on a sudden impulse. How can we help him? Martin Luther said, 'Run to him and reach out your hand. Raise him up again. Comfort him and embrace him with motherly arms.' Who could resist that kind of help? Christian grace should also be seen in sharing other people's burdens or hurts. This is true Christian fellowship. We can be a tremendous encouragement to fellow believers if we take time to listen, to share and to help. Grace also teaches us something about ourselves (v.3). Outside of Christ we have nothing, we are nothing. Grace reminds us that we are in debt to God for everything and we cannot boast about our achievements. Paul uses an agricultural illustration (v. 7-9) to emphasize again that however we live will come back on us in later life. If we live under the power of our sinful nature, that will be how we finish. But if we live according to the desires of the Spirit of God, we will enjoy blessing and as a further bonus will enter heaven to share with Christ forever. REMEMBER: Because of Christian grace, our brothers and sisters in Christ have a special claim on us. |
沒有留言:
張貼留言