Galatians 6:1-10

Galatians 6:1-10

I.                   Galatians 6:1-5

a.       V. 1

                                                              i.      The word used may imply being taken unaware by sin

                                                            ii.      “you who are endowed with the Spirit”- the restoration of fellow Christians in danger is the responsibility of the entire community

                                                          iii.      Is Paul applying Jesus teaching from Matthew 18:15-17 as C. H. Dodd suggests?

                                                          iv.      An awareness of the possibility of falling into sin oneself also enables the spirit of gentleness Paul instructs us to have

                                                            v.      Cf. I Corinthians 10:12

b.      V. 2

                                                              i.      Cf. Matthew 5:42

                                                            ii.      Cf. Romans 15:1; I Corinthians 9:19-23

                                                          iii.      Cf. I Peter 5:7, quoting Psalm 55:22

                                                          iv.      A “burden” in Paul was often financial (Cf. I Thessalonians 2:5-9; II Thessalonians 3:8; II Corinthians 12:16)

                                                            v.       “The Torah is not conceived as being identical, or equivalent, or at any rate co-extensive, with the law of God…The law of God, which at one stage and on one level finds expression in the Torah, may at another stage and on a different level find expression in the ‘law of Christ’.” – C.H. Dodd

c.       V. 3

                                                              i.      If we imagine ourselves to be better than we ought, it becomes harder for us to sympathize with others and bear their burdens in gentleness

                                                            ii.      Jesus was clearly someone extremely special, and yet He displayed a willingness to bear the burden of our sin (Philippians 2).  This prevents anyone from thinking they are too good or important to bear another’s burdens.

                                                          iii.      Cf. Romans 12:3, I Corinthians 8:2

d.      V. 4

                                                              i.      We should judge ourselves by our own growth, not in relation to others

                                                            ii.      Cf. I Peter 1:7; I Corinthians 3:13; II Corinthians 10:12

                                                          iii.      Cf. Luke 18:11

e.       V. 5

                                                              i.      “load” different from “heavy burden” in v. 2.  “Load” implies usual things like a traveler’s pack, etc., not an excessive burden too much for one person to bear

                                                            ii.      There are some burdens that cannot be born for another

                                                          iii.      The “mature spiritual community…is the one which is able to distinguish those loads which individuals must bear for themselves, and those burdens where help is needed.” – J.D.G. Dunn

II.                Galatians 6:6-10

a.       V. 6

                                                              i.      Cf. I Corinthians 9:3-14; I Timothy 5:17f.

                                                            ii.       Luke 10:7; Matthew 10:10

b.      V. 7

                                                              i.      The only two other places where Paul draws on this metaphor it has to do with financial matters (I Corinthians 9:10-11 and II Corinthians 9:6)

                                                            ii.      Cf. Job 4:8; Proverbs 22:7-9; Hosea 8:7; 10:12f.

c.       V. 8

                                                              i.      Like the natural world, we reap what we sow spiritually, whether that be destruction or eternal life

                                                            ii.      Eternal life would be synonymous with the resurrection

                                                          iii.      Reaping as imagery of the final judgment- Job 4:8; Joel 3:12-13; Revelation 14:14-16; Matthew 13:30; Mark 4:29

d.      V. 9

                                                              i.      We may tire because of the delay of the end-time harvest, or because of our own weakness and inability to keep our eyes on Jesus

e.       V. 10

                                                              i.      Christians may be especially in need because of having been cut off from their families, friends, and social networks due to their faith in Christ

                                                            ii.      Cf. Ephesians 2:19; I Timothy 3:15; II Corinthians 9:6-9

                                                          iii.      The household is defined by faith, not membership in Israel

                                                          iv.      What would people think about Christians and the love and goodness they profess if those in the household of faith were seen to be neglected?

                                                            v.      “as we have opportunity” doesn’t mean that every now and then an opportunity will present itself, but that life itself is an opportunity to live for God

                                                          vi.      There “is no meaningful distinction between theology and ethics in Paul’s thought, because Paul’s theology is fundamentally an account of God’s work of transforming his people into the image of Christ.” – Richard B. Hayes

The Vineyard- March 25, 2012

The Vineyard

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

Mark 15:16-32

- The cross was meant to serve as a deterrent to prevent others from attempting similar things, like treason or rebellion, as those crucified.  How does the world seek to deter us from following Christ?  What crosses are we made to bear?

- Our word “excruciating” comes from the word for crucify.  What Jesus endured was so bad, that it literally describes the worst type of pain.  What does that tell you about God’s love for us in Christ?

- When you see the love of God demonstrated in Christ’s suffering, what is your response?  Do you live your life in a way that says “thank you” for all that God has done for you? 

Psalm 31

- Rock, fortress, crag, stronghold.  These are the words used at the beginning of the psalm to describe God’s protecting presence.  How do you imagine God protecting you?

- By the end of the psalm there is a shift, so that David begins speaking of God’s abundant goodness.  One way or the other, God ultimately turns things around for His children. 

- The end of the psalm turns David’s story into encouragement for the community.  How can we use stories of God’s faithfulness to us as individuals to build up our Christian family?

Prayer Requests- March 25, 2012

Prayer Requests:

Recent Requests:  Doris Polk, Andy Stares, Jerianne McPherson, Jon Louis Schneider, Mamie Johnson, Billy Joe Monroe, Dalton Welch, Madison Strother, Tucker Babb, George Johnson, Myrtle Strother, Christine Midkiff, Diane Yancey, Tracy Hall, Deborah Fuller, Stacey Clark Reeves, storm victims, Hilda Dailey, Gene Conway, Eddie Willis, Courtney LeBlanc, Doris Andrus, Ingrid Jones, Roxan Baden, McKensie Bankston, Gage Fuller, James Wells, D. C. Carruth, Presidential election, Alton Peters, Thelma Polk

Continuing Requests:  Haylee Cornett, Rita & George Lemley, Bill Goree, Benny Richard, Roanne Ballio, Martha Townsend, Dot Melder, Darwin Jones, Juan Martinez, Harvey Paul, Harvey Paul, Jr.

Deployed Military:  Tyler Johnson, Robert Rogers, all those serving in the military

Cancer Patients:  Yvonne Bass, Larry Book, Leonard Butter, Shirley Cameron, Shirley Causey, Gleeta Chamberlain, Jerry Cole, Sharon Cook, Rodney Cotton, Dorothy Crane, Ava Dore, Ruth Ann Fisher, Jared Gordon, Stacy Gough, Bob Granville, Allie Harvey, Euna Jolibois, Johnny LaHay, Maria LaMartiner, Dot Langston, Mariliyn Lavisphere, Mattie McReynolds, Elaine Melder, Bob Morrow, Clark O’Banion, Jeanie O’Rorke, Doug and Claudia Pinkston, Wes Roberts, Donny Shows, Linda Sipco, Carlos Smith, Wally Pullen Smith, Walter Stagg, Glennell Stanley, Jackie Teasely, Sam Tucker, Will Tulos, Dalton Welch, Pam Welch, Shane West, Charles Whitten, Britney Wilson, Geraldine Willis, Charles Young

Nursing Homes:  David Andrews, Mary Ann Fuller, Tom Fuller, Janie Jenkins, Helen Johnson, Vonnie Johnson, John Kenner, C.J. Meyers, Doris Polk

Deaths: L.W. Wiggins family, The Patsy Bailey family, the Allie Mae Doyle family, the Charlie Wilson family, the Wanda Dauzat family, the Bubba Jones family, the Ravier family, the Clyde Carruth family

Unspoken Requests

Praise: Kelsey Desselle is doing better, and was able to go home.  Sarah Martin is doing better.  George Johnson’s eye surgery went well.  Sylvia is thankful to be home.  Keith Townley is doing well, and doesn’t need chemo.  Also, Pat Paul is thankful for answered prayer.    

The Vineyard- March 18, 2012

The Vineyard

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

Mark 15:1-15

- The crowd chooses Barabbas, whose name means “son of the father”, over Jesus, the real Son of God the Father.  Are there times in your life where you are tempted to choose an imitation over the real thing?  Have there been times where you were fooled by a name that didn’t accurately represent something or someone?

-  The crowd “cried out” for Jesus to be crucified.  Prior to this episode, the last time the crowd was seen “crying out” was in adulation of Jesus during His entry into Jerusalem in Mark 11:9.  How is it that our actions can so quickly go from praise, to betrayal? 

-  It seems unjust that an innocent Jesus would be condemned for Barabbas’ crimes, while a guilty Barabbas would walk away free.  And yet, if we look closely, we can see ourselves in Barabbas.  An innocent Jesus suffered for our sins, while we walk free because of His sacrifice. 

Psalm 51

-  “The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit, a broken and contrite heart.”  What does this tell us is our role in our salvation and sanctification?

-  By asking God to create in him a clean heart, what is David acknowledging?  Why doesn’t David simply change his heart on his own?

Prayer Requests- March 18, 2012

Prayer Requests:

Recent Requests:  George Johnson, Sarah Martin, Myrtle Strother, Christine Midkiff, Dianne Yancey, Kelsey Desselle, Tracy Hall, Deborah Fuller, Stacey Clark Reeves, storm victims, Hilda Dailey, Gene Conway, Eddie Willis, Courtney LeBlanc, Doris Andrus, Ingrid Jones, Roxan Baden, McKensie Bankston, Gage Fuller, James Wells, Arlene Clausner, D. C. Carruth, Presidential election, Keith Townley, Alton Peters, Thelma Polk

Continuing Requests:  Haylee Cornett, Rita & George Lemley, Bill Goree, Benny Richard, Roanne Ballio, Martha Townsend, Dot Melder, Darwin Jones, Juan Martinez, Harvey Paul, Harvey Paul, Jr.

Deployed Military:  Tyler Johnson, Robert Rogers, all those serving in the military

Cancer Patients:  Yvonne Bass, Larry Book, Leonard Butter, Shirley Cameron, Shirley Causey, Gleeta Chamberlain, Jerry Cole, Sharon Cook, Rodney Cotton, Dorothy Crane, Ava Dore, Ruth Ann Fisher, Jared Gordon, Stacy Gough, Bob Granville, Allie Harvey, Euna Jolibois, Johnny LaHay, Maria LaMartiner, Dot Langston, Mariliyn Lavisphere, Mattie McReynolds, Elaine Melder, Bob Morrow, Clark O’Banion, Jeanie O’Rorke, Doug and Claudia Pinkston, Wes Roberts, Donny Shows, Linda Sipco, Carlos Smith, Wally Pullen Smith, Walter Stagg, Glennell Stanley, Jackie Teasely, Sam Tucker, Will Tulos, Dalton Welch, Pam Welch, Shane West, Charles Whitten, Britney Wilson, Geraldine Willis, Charles Young

Nursing Homes:  David Andrews, Mary Ann Fuller, Tom Fuller, Janie Jenkins, Helen Johnson, Vonnie Johnson, John Kenner, C.J. Meyers, Doris Polk

Deaths: The Patsy Bailey family, the Allie Mae Doyle family, the Charlie Wilson family, the Wanda Dauzat family, the Bubba Jones family, the Ravier family, the Clyde Carruth family

Unspoken Requests

Praise: Dianne Yancey’s knee surgery went well!  Bo Johnson is thankful for an answered prayer!

Charlie Wilson

The arrangements for Charlie Wilson are as follows:

Visitation 5pm-10pm today (Tuesday), and 8am until time of service tomorrow (Wednesday)
The funeral will be at 2pm, followed by internment at Roselawn Cemetery.

Visitation and the funeral will be at the Glenmora Church of Christ.

Charlie as an example of toughness, perseverance, and faith to all of us.  His presence among our church family will be sorely missed, but we rejoice with him in the inheritance that he has received!

You can read Charlie's obituary here:
http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/thetowntalk/obituary.aspx?n=charles-e-wilson-charlie&pid=156452307

The Vineyard- March 11, 2012

The Vineyard

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

Mark 14:53-72

- People can reject Christ for one of two reasons.  They can either do it implicitly, by distorting the truth about who He is, or they can do it explicitly, by knowingly rejecting Him.  Have you ever been tempted to distort who Christ is, to avoid making difficult changes in your life? 

- Peter doesn’t start out intending to deny Christ; he is led to it because of pressure from those around him.  Similarly, we never seek to deny Christ, it usually happens because we seek to please or impress others.  Have you ever denied Christ because of pressure from others?  How does it make you feel, knowing that like Peter, you can receive forgiveness?

- This passage proves that even when we are faithless, Christ is faithful.  What does it mean that Christ’s faithfulness to us isn’t contingent on our perfect faithfulness to Him?

Psalm 107:1-22

- The whole point of this psalm is to encourage those who have been redeemed to share the story of their redemption.  Have you told others of the ways God has redeemed you?

- When you think of an instance where God redeemed, or rescued you, what comes to mind?  What story stands out to you as an example of God’s faithfulness in your life?

Prayer Requests- March 11, 2012

Prayer Requests:

Recent Requests:  Dianne Yancey, Dawson Renfrow, Kelsey Desselle, Ed Grantham, Tracy Hall, Deborah Fuller, Stacey Clark Reeves, Brandon Shockley, storm victims, Hilda Dailey, Gene Conway, Eddie Willis, Courtney LeBlanc, Willie Johnson, Doris Andrus, Ingrid Jones, Roxan Baden, McKensie Bankston, Gage Fuller, James Wells, Arlene Clausner, D. C. Carruth, Presidential election, Keith Townley, Alton Peters, Allie Mae Doyle, Thelma Polk

Continuing Requests:  Haylee Cornett, Rita & George Lemley, Bill Goree, Benny Richard, Roanne Ballio, Mrs. Joe Danton, Martha Townsend, Dot Melder, Darwin Jones, Juan Martinez, Harvey Paul, Harvey Paul, Jr.

Deployed Military:  Tyler Johnson, Robert Rogers, all those serving in the military

Cancer Patients:  Yvonne Bass, Larry Book, Leonard Butter, Shirley Cameron, Shirley Causey, Gleeta Chamberlain, Jerry Cole, Sharon Cook, Rodney Cotton, Dorothy Crane, Ava Dore, Aly Ericson, Ruth Ann Fisher, Jared Gordon, Stacy Gough, Bob Granville, Allie Harvey, Euna Jolibois, Johnny LaHay, Maria LaMartiner, Dot Langston, Mariliyn Lavisphere, Mattie McReynolds, Elaine Melder, Bob Morrow, Clark O’Banion, Jeanie O’Rorke, Doug and Claudia Pinkston, Wes Roberts, Donny Shows, Linda Sipco, Carlos Smith, Wally Pullen Smith, Walter Stagg, Glennell Stanley, Jackie Teasely, Sam Tucker, Will Tulos, Dalton Welch, Shane West, Charles Whitten, Britney Wilson, Geraldine Willis, Charles Young

Nursing Homes:  David Andrews, Mary Ann Fuller, Tom Fuller, Janie Jenkins, Helen Johnson, Vonnie Johnson, John Kenner, C.J. Meyers, Doris Polk

Deaths: The Charlie Wilson family, the Wanda Dauzat family, the Bubba Jones family, the Ravier family, the Clyde Carruth family

Unspoken Requests

Praise: Marie Pringle is doing better!

The Vineyard- March 4, 2012

The Vineyard

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

Mark 14:26-52

- Has there ever been a time when you were very confident in yourself, only to have that confidence shaken?  Have you ever found yourself doing something you swore you’d never do?  How can you relate to Peter in this way?

- On the eve of Jesus’ most difficult day, we find Him in prayer.  What does it tell you, that the Son of God Himself prayed when things got bad?  How do you rely on prayer in the darkest of times?

- The authorities came to arrest Jesus armed with weapons.  Jesus, rather than resisting them with violence, willingly surrenders Himself to them.  What do you draw from Jesus’ refusal to resort to violence?

Psalm 119:33-40

- Understanding is necessary if we are to keep the way of the Lord.  How do we gain understanding?  Why are we more likely to hold to God’s purpose for us if we understand His will for our life?

- The psalm implies that selfish gain is the opposite of the Lord’s testimonies.  How can our study of God’s word prevent us from leading selfish lives?

- The psalmist prays for the Lord to “turn my eyes from looking at worthless things.”  How do the objects we focus our attention on affect our attitude and how we live our life?  What objects should we focus on?

Prayer Requests- March 4, 2012

Prayer Requests:

Recent Requests:  Brandon Shockley, storm victims, Hilda Dailey, Gene Conway, Eddie Willis, Courtney LeBlanc, Marie Pringle, Willie Johnson, Doris Andrus, Ingrid Jones, Charlie Wilson, Roxan Baden, McKensie Bankston, Gage Fuller, James Wells, Arlene Clausner, D. C. Carruth, Presidential election, Keith Townley, Alton Peters, Allie Mae Doyle, Thelma Polk

Continuing Requests:  Haylee Cornett, Rita & George Lemley, Bill Goree, Benny Richard, Roanne Ballio, Mrs. Joe Danton, Martha Townsend, Dot Melder, Darwin Jones, Juan Martinez, Harvey Paul, Harvey Paul, Jr.

Deployed Military:  Tyler Johnson, Robert Rogers, all those serving in the military

Cancer Patients:  Yvonne Bass, Larry Book, Leonard Butter, Shirley Cameron, Shirley Causey, Gleeta Chamberlain, Jerry Cole, Sharon Cook, Rodney Cotton, Dorothy Crane, Wanda Dauzat, Ava Dore, Aly Ericson, Ruth Ann Fisher, Jared Gordon, Stacy Gough, Bob Granville, Allie Harvey, Euna Jolibois, Johnny LaHay, Maria LaMartiner, Dot Langston, Mariliyn Lavisphere, Mattie McReynolds, Elaine Melder, Bob Morrow, Clark O’Banion, Jeanie O’Rorke, Doug and Claudia Pinkston, Wes Roberts, Donny Shows, Linda Sipco, Carlos Smith, Wally Pullen Smith, Walter Stagg, Glennell Stanley, Jackie Teasely, Will Tulos, Dalton Welch, Shane West, Charles Whitten, Britney Wilson, Geraldine Willis, Charles Young

Nursing Homes:  Mary Ann Fuller, Tom Fuller, Janie Jenkins, Helen Johnson, Vonnie Johnson, John Kenner, C.J. Meyers, Doris Polk

Deaths: The Bubba Jones family, the Ravier family, the Clyde Carruth family, the Steve Goudeau family, the Stan Broussard family, Blake Kellogg family

Unspoken Requests

Praise: Keith Townley’s surgery went well!  Also, Robert Smith has been healed of cancer!