SERVICE BOUND WITH LOVE
READ Galatians 5:13-15
It is at this point in the book of Galatians that Paul moves from doctrinal to practical matters. All of the Bible is theological, because it totally comes from the Lord, but this is now practical. This section elevates love as the supreme characteristic by which we are to live our lives. "For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another. 14 For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this; Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself." (Galatians 5:13-14)
vs. 13 - In light of all the controversy in the various Galatian churches, there apparently had arisen factions and rancorous debate (see verse 15). Returning to the principle of liberty in Christ, Paul admonished them, "For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh..." The problem is that some had abused the principle of Christian liberty turning it into license. As the text unfolds, their license was manifesting itself in bitter complaining and division. The profound solution to this problem was simple: "...by love serve one another." Profound is the depth of that statement. Not only ought we to love one another, but also serve one another in the same spirit.
vs. 14 - Paul thus hits two birds with one stone. "For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this; Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself." To those confused by the Judaistic intrusion, Paul quotes from Leviticus 19:18. To love another as we ought precludes all the law. If we would love God as we ought, we would never sin against Him. If we love our neighbor as we ought, we would never sin against him. Moreover, he addressed the practical problem in the Galatian churches. The debate over proper doctrine had become rancorous. They needed to be right in doctrine. But they also needed to do so in a spirit of love. It was the fulfillment of the law and the lubrication for the friction among them.
Vs. 15 - Paul thus warned, "But if ye bite and devour one another, take heed that ye be not consumed one of another." As will be developed momentarily, there was not only the problem of wrong doctrine, but also blatant carnality as well. In the heat of the doctrinal debate, they had torn into each other like dogs in a fight. The greatest threat to any church is the inward threat of disunity demonstrated through harsh and mean treatment of others. It is possible for a church to cannibalize itself into extinction.
This brought Paul to the second major point of the epistle which we will study tomorrow, that of living in the Spirit rather than the flesh. We are not saved through the flesh (circumcision and outward works). Neither ought the Christian life be lived in the flesh.
Your Friend and HIS,
Pastor Abbott
MEDITATIONS
1. Give some examples of abusing the liberty that God has given you. What is needed in your life to correct this problem?
2. When is it easiest for you to serve? Is it supposed to be easy to serve? Why or why not?
3. What motivates you to serve others? Are there wrong motives for serving? What are they?
4. Why are we to love others? When? Are there exceptions to this commandment from God?
5. What practical things can you do to not bite and devour someone else?