Gal. 6 [NIV Dramatized Audio]

Often an undesirable term, Paul encourages Christians to do good to others;

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. [v. 9, 10]

Work for the good, be a blessing, be kind to, give special attention to, these are various translations of the concept of doing good.

Good is a marvelous word. GOD IS GOOD.

Paul catalogs the destructive works of the flesh in chapter 5; actions produced by selfish motives are obvious, since they include sexual immorality, moral corruption, doing whatever feels good, idolatry, drug use and casting spells, hate, fighting, obsession, losing your temper, competitive opposition, conflict, selfishness, group rivalry,  jealousy, drunkenness, partying, and other things like that. [CEB]

Allowing the wants and needs of our flesh to control us will lead to destruction. Following the leading of God’s Spirit within us leads to a healthy, abundant life.

Why be destroyed?

Gal. 2, 3 [NIV Dramatized Audio]

Paul pulled no punches when he talked about doctrinal issues. He called Pater a hypocrite to his face. He challenged the Galatians by calling them “foolish” when they regressed to thinking they were righteous by obeying the law.

Straight talk is often necessary when confronting doctrinal error. Of course, it needs to be in a compassionate and merciful tone. Correct the error and wrap it in a package of gentle but firm words.

 And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient,  In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth; [2 Tim. 2:34, 35]

Galatians 1 [NIV Dramatized Audio]

Interestingly, the human sin and unbelief issues confronting the 1st century church are pretty much the same stuff we deal with. We think because we live in a modern society with laptops and iphones that we are so far “advanced.” Not true. Human nature has the same carnal pull. God’s Word was effective THEN and NOW.

All Scripture is given by inspiration of God and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, [2 Tim. 3:16]

2 Cor. 12,13 [NIV Dramatized Audio]

In Paul’s conclusion to his second letter to the Corinthian church, he gives this recommendation … “Live in peace.” It seems they may have lived otherwise, in strife and turmoil.

Jesus said, “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”

Getting along with your fellow members in the Body of Christ is essential. Whatever is necessary, work to live in peace with your fellow Christians. When you sense contention, pride is present somewhere.

Only by pride cometh contention. [Pr. 13:10]

2 Cor. 10, 11 [NIV Dramatized Audio]]

If you want to be impressed, look over Paul’s catalog of hardships suffered for the Gospel in chapter 11. It makes us blush with embarrassment. Very few have paid the price he did to minister for the Lord.

Five times I received from the Jews the forty lashes minus one.  Three times I was beaten with rods, once I was pelted with stones, three times I was shipwrecked, I spent a night and a day in the open sea, I have been constantly on the move. I have been in danger from rivers, in danger from bandits, in danger from my fellow Jews, in danger from Gentiles; in danger in the city, in danger in the country, in danger at sea; and in danger from false believers. I have labored and toiled and have often gone without sleep; I have known hunger and thirst and have often gone without food; I have been cold and naked. 

Can you beat that? I surely can’t.

2 Cor. 8, 9 [NIV Dramatized Audio]

Paul commended the Corinthian church on their generosity in the offering for the Jerusalem church. He made it clear that God would not let them do without, but would reward their generosity.

A generous person is a refreshing breath of life. On the contrary, a selfish, stingy person is a bad taste in everyone’s mouth. When we give, God takes note and makes sure we don’ do without. In that way, we become a river with a constant stream of provision for us and others.

Be a river. Not a reservoir.

2 Cor. 7 [NIV Dramatized Audio]

In this chapter, Paul commends the Corinthian believers for their care of him. They sent Titus to him to assist in ministry. It was a practical gesture of support and care we can learn from.

Too often we think Christian leaders are sort of “untouchable.” Actually, some leaders have adopted a lifestyle of excess that places a barrier around them. They all have periods in their lives when they NEED the comfort and care of others.

The best thing you can do for a leader is PRAY for them. As the Lord leads, respond in faith to what He asks you to do.

2 Cor.3-7 [NIV Dramatized Audio]

In Paul’s appeal to the Corinthian believers he emphasizes purity of lifestyle to please the Lord. One of the biggest targets of our enemy is our mind. We can surely avoid walking through mud puddles when we have clean clothes on, but what about ALL the mental mud puddles of life?

Attitudes, moral purity, emotional health are some of the targets of our enemy. His tools? Media … TV, movies, cell phone temptations.

Jesus help us to DECIDE to live pure lives for you.

Blessed are the PURE IN HEART (mind). They shall see God … live in the front row of God’s blessings.

2 Cor. 3 [NIV Dramatized Audio]

Paul referred to the fact that the eyes of unbelievers had been blinded by Satan, the god of this world. Practical solution; we should pray that their eyes would be opened.

This inspires me to a whole new prayer strategy. Whenever someone is bound in unbelief and suffering because of it, I’m gonna pray for their eyes to SEE.

For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the POWER OF GOD unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek. [Rom. 1:16]

Open thou mine eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of thy law. [Ps. 119:18]