The Vineyard- August 21, 2016

I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing. – John 15:5

Pray for God to speak to you through the reading of His word. 

Read Galatians 6:1-18

Relating to Each Other

-          Paul mentions several ways that we relate to one another as Christian brothers and sisters. 

-          What does Paul say our attitude should be toward a brother or sister caught in sin?

-          Why does he tell us to have an attitude of gentleness?

-          How do we balance bearing one another’s burdens, with carrying our own load?

-          How do we discern when to help others? 

-          How is bearing others burdens being like Christ?  What burden did Jesus bear for us?

-          Paul cautions us against comparing ourselves to others.  If we truly want to grow, we should judge ourselves against Christ, which will always show us there is room for improvement!

-          Passages to Consider: Matthew 18:15; Luke 18:9-14; II Corinthians 10:12; Philippians 2:3-4

We Reap what we Sow

-          God has set up nature so that we reap what we sow.  If we plant corn, we don’t expect to harvest wheat!

-          What is true of agriculture, is also true of our spiritual life.  If we sow in the flesh, we will reap in the flesh.  We will reap corruption. 

-          How might we reap in the Spirit, so as to inherit eternal life?

-          Passages to Consider: Job 4:8-9; Romans 8:12-14; II Corinthians 9:6

New Creation in Christ

-          We are a new creation in Christ Jesus. 

-          That means not only are we forgiven, but we are to have a different mindset. 

-          Are you a new creation, do you think and act differently as a Christian than you did prior to accepting Christ?

-          If you have changed little, or not at all, what does that tell you?

-          Passage to Consider: Philippians 3:8-11

Pray that we will embrace a truly Christian way of relating to one another that models the love of Christ to our community. 

Pray that we will have the wisdom to sow to the Spirit, so that we might reap spiritual rewards. 

Praise God for the blood of Christ, which makes us a new creation!