Heralds Digest

  “Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap. For he who sows to his flesh will of the flesh reap corruption, but he who sows to the Spirit will of the Spirit reap everlasting life.” Galatians‬ ‭6:7-8‬ ‭NKJV‬‬ In human economies, politics, and social disposition, smartness is synonymous to the mockery of gullible minds. Therefore, the seemingly smart or deceptive to play is rewarded as being skillful in the game; and these folks always appear to have it in our world. Unfortunately, the scriptures posited that all the efforts that constitute smart sowing to the flesh’s prosperity, promotion, and popularity will eventually reap corruption at the end. Why? God is a Spirit and cannot accept nor reward all deceptive manipulations through smart sowing. Whereas, when we sow to the Spirit, we passionately eschew all known conflict of interests against the Will of God; especially for every situation and circumstance concerning the people in our l...

  “If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.” ‭‭Galatians‬ ‭5:25‬ ‭NKJV‬‬ Anyone can claim to live in the Spirit when not engaged and untested. That is why carnal assessment of candidates for sensitive positions of high integrity standards and an intimate relationship like marriage is always deceptive. Even if we sincerely live in the Spirit before engagement with people and entertainment of the dynamics of life, it takes a daily leverage on the grace of God to walk through the engagement and entertainment in the Spirit. Unfortunately, not many people understand the reality of our non-sufficiency to walk in the Spirit without the grace of God. The intrusion of the flesh against unpleasant interactions is a common experience for those who engage, compared to just living alone. Anyone can live for Spirit Showing; but it takes an extra grace to walk along with Spirit Serving. That was why the Apostle Paul affirmed elsewhere ‘I die daily! ’. Therefore, if we claim to pa...

  “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law.” Galatians‬ ‭5:22-23‬ ‭NKJV‬‬ ‘Am only human’ is a common way of showing submission to regulations and the rule of law. Oftentimes, this evidence of the works of the flesh reveals the need for total submission to the influence of the Spirit of God. Therefore, the embodiment of the Spirit shows simply the characteristics of love in all relationships and circumstances (whether inboard a controlled environment; or outboard, even in a hostile environment). It implies that when the Spirit is fully in control, no checks by the law are needed to radiate the love of God with joy, peace, long-suffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control, even when the worst of hell is let loose. When ‘Am only human’ is truly double-crossed by ‘Am crucified with Christ’ , the Spirit shows something uniquely beyond the regul...

  “For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision avails anything, but faith working through love.” Galatians‬ ‭5:6‬ ‭NKJV‬‬ Being Jews first before becoming Christians, there are lots of prides in the patriarchs‘ covenant relationship with God to protect for early followers of Christ. Predominately in the Galatian church, circumcision was being promoted by some as a necessary requirement to access the provisions of the Cross. Even today, fans of celebrities, music legends, sport superstars, famous politicians are mostly stronger than fellowship on the basis of faith and working by the Spirit of God. Unfortunately, the generic principle of flashing man’s works in the flesh to get accepted into fellowship is still succeeding in tearing family, friends, and fellowship apart. Wherever faith in God is leading in the project of life, election of members’ participation on the basis of human qualifications is secondary to selection by faith and the Spirit of God. If we always...

  “My little children, for whom I labor in birth again until Christ is formed in you,” ‭‭Galatians‬ ‭4:19‬ ‭NKJV‬‬ The similarity between the natural birth and spiritual birth is quite revealing. Without labour, there can be no birth at all. While it is understandable that Apostle Paul’s reference to the brethren in Galatia as little children is spiritual, his labour was uniquely personal to him. He would labour again and again until Christ is formed. This consistent passion and ceaseless travail makes the responsibility of making Christ’s children the personal liability of all soul winners. Actually, if Christ is formed in us, our children (everyone within our sphere of influence) should see Christ in us and be attracted to Him. Perhaps, they have always been struggling to see something else other than ourselves. Therefore, the personal and consistent checkups make a lot of sense for everyone who claims to be one of Christ’s children.

  “Is the law then against the promises of God? Certainly not! For if there had been a law given which could have given life, truly righteousness would have been by the law. But the Scripture has confined all under sin, that the promise by faith in Jesus Christ might be given to those who believe.” Galatians‬ ‭3:21-22‬ ‭NKJV‬‬ Just as legalism is synonymous to the law and righteousness is synonymous to faith, it is always difficult to see the interrelationship between law and faith. But like the performance of the team comprising the second-fastest third-fastest, and slowest is important and expedient to the fastest (anchor) that finishes a relay race, the scriptures revealed that the law brings us to faith for those who believe in Jesus Christ. Unfortunately, like most religious practitioners, many followers of the law have had a satisfactory romance with legalism at the expense of faith in righteousness. Whereas, the purpose of the law remains the leading of all followers to Jesu...

  “Therefore He who supplies the Spirit to you and works miracles among you, does He do it by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith?—” ‭‭Galatians‬ ‭3:5‬ ‭NKJV‬‬ Decency and orders are based on rules and regulations; and the world has benefited immensely by the activities of those who follow the rule of laws religiously. Based on theocracy, the Jews can boast on their works of the law and facts following. Even in our contemporary times and under the provision of grace, we struggle to let go of activities that are already covered by grace. ‘If there is anything we can do to help God with the business of salvation, deliverance from satanic affliction, living uprightly, and access to supernatural healing’, we may probably submit to God our concerns based on facts following. Whereas, all the works of grace are based on faith in Christ’s finished sacrifice on the cross of Calvary. Whenever we elect to follow His leadings, we immediately understand that our facts can no longe...