The Blessed Hope Podcast -- Episode Thirteen: "Sowing and Reaping" (Galatians 6:1-10)

In the concluding chapter of Galatians (6), Paul addresses the fallout caused by the Judaizers who were spying on those Christians exercising their liberty in Christ. It should not come as a surprise that the Judaizers would find people engaging in sinful conduct, misusing their freedom, and then shame them. The Judaizers, apparently, were singling out these people as examples of why Paul’s gospel supposedly leads to license and sinful behavior. Paul instructs the leaders of the churches of Galatia to bear with those struggling with sin and work to restore them–not shame them, nor leave them to the Judaizing wolves. Paul describes the actions of the Judaizers as “sowing to the flesh” and warns them that if they they continue to sow to the flesh, well then, they will reap from the flesh, because God is not deceived. Rather, Christians are to bear one another’s burdens and do those things which benefit their neighbors, especially those in the household of faith.

Notes: We are almost finished with the first season—our series on Galatians. Be sure to get your questions about Galatians in for the postscript episode. Use the “contact me” tab to send them my way.

Bibliography for Episode Thirteen:

Dr. Terry Johnson: "Sowing and Reaping"

Michael Kruger: "How Do You Know If Your Church Is Legalistic?"

Bibliography for the Series:

F. F. Bruce, Paul: The Apostle of the Heart Set Free

Guy Waters, The Life and Theology of Paul

Martin Luther's Commentary on Galatians

Moo, Galatians (Baker Exegetical Commentary)

J. V. Fesko, Galatians, Lectio Continua Series

Music (Shutterstock): Beethoven’s Symphony No. 7 in A Major, Op 92m, second movement, Allegretto (A minor)