For Trinity 3 in this Year C, we finish our mini-series on Galatians with (most of) the final chapter, Galatians 6.[1-6] 7-16. (The lectionary choice is again slightly odd; the first part should be read, and strangely it omits the final two verses for no obvious reason.)
There is not an obvious structure to what Paul says here—though in the video Ian proposes an explanation. Paul continues the logic of what he has said in chapter 5, though adds in a range of big issues, not least as he takes up the pen himself from the scribe, something we see in other first-century writings.
We need to explore what Paul means by the unusual phrase ‘the law of Christ’, as well as the controversial term ‘The Israel of God’. Once again, we find these ideas in Galatians echoed elsewhere in Paul’s writings.
The gospel reading for this week is Luke 10.1-11, 16-20. You can find the video discussion on that here,
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Ah! The Apostles’ Doctrine.
The law of Christ [the law of the Spirit of Life, in Christ Jesus.]
Here Paul lays down an element of that Law;
A “rule, a Standard measurement to work up to and estimate, to judge one’s self by.
One could say that here is the law or standard for all blogs and comments thereto;
Especially purported Christian ones.
If one does take upon himself the yoke of Christ and is indeed learning Of Him
One comes under another law of Christ and hopefully, like Paul becomes a Slave and a bound prisoner.
Read, Learn and Inwardly digest.
“Restore” [such an one] is the same word used in the mending of [a broken] net.
“The Israel of God;” Paul elucidates in Galatians 3:7-9; Galatians 3:14; Galatians 3:29; Romans 4:11-12; Romans 9:6-8.)
For the “ordinance” [the supplies] for the priestly support and those engaged in spiritual warfare see Numbers Ch. 31.
Mutual accountability for mutual support.
The first article of the highly minimalist Baptist Declaration of Principle refers to ‘Christ’s laws’ but never specifically defines what they are, preferring each individual congregation to work them out for themselves.
Everything functions according to its Divinely ordained laws
The “ordinances” of God.
Only when man understood the laws of flying was he able to fly.
Similarly knowing the laws one may rise up on eagles wings
run and not be weary, walk and not faint.
If one does not know the Law of Christ or the law of the Spirit in Christ Jesus The Psalmist’s Prayer is most helpful “Teach me thy statutes O God”.
In the Bible, God’s statutes and ordinances are His specific laws and commandments given to guide His people in righteous living and to reflect His character. They are not arbitrary rules, but rather divine instructions outlining how to live in accordance with God’s will and His standards of righteousness.
Working it out for one’s self ? Sheesh!
Many thanks – as it happens this is the passage for our next homegroup so very useful.
I have heard it posited that Paul had developed poor eyesight in his latter years and that was why his handwriting had become so large – any merit to this idea?