Monday
“Brothers, if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness. Keep watch on yourself, lest you too be tempted. Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ. For if anyone thinks he is something, when he is nothing, he deceives himself... And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up. So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith.” – Galatians 6:1-3, 9-10 (ESV)
GROWTH IS A LIFE GROUP PROJECT
Some of us are old enough to remember the commercial on television years ago with the elderly woman who had fallen. We don’t see her fall but when the commercial begins she is laying on the floor shouting, “Help! I’ve fallen and I can’t get up!” It was an ad for a company that sold devices that allowed people to simply push a button when they needed help, but there was no one around to help them, or they couldn’t reach the phone.
In Galatians 6, we find Christians who have fallen spiritually and need someone to help them get up. Galatians 6 uses the expression “caught in any transgression.” The word “caught” is also translated as “overtaken” in other translations. The idea isn’t that we caught them but instead, a sin that has snuck up on somebody and overtaken them. God planned spiritual growth and spiritual rescue to be a group project. And there will be times when we may be surprised by the power sin has over us as individuals and we need our Christian family to help us get up.
Reflection
Life Groups are where we hope you find a place to grow and a place where you help each other when you’ve fallen. If you are not in a Life Group click here to get more information and to join. https://secondfamily.church/grow
Praise/Prayer
Praise God for the “household of faith” that He has given you to hold you up when you are weak and to help you grow. If you don’t have a Life Group, ask God to lead you to the right one.
GROWTH IS A LIFE GROUP PROJECT
Some of us are old enough to remember the commercial on television years ago with the elderly woman who had fallen. We don’t see her fall but when the commercial begins she is laying on the floor shouting, “Help! I’ve fallen and I can’t get up!” It was an ad for a company that sold devices that allowed people to simply push a button when they needed help, but there was no one around to help them, or they couldn’t reach the phone.
In Galatians 6, we find Christians who have fallen spiritually and need someone to help them get up. Galatians 6 uses the expression “caught in any transgression.” The word “caught” is also translated as “overtaken” in other translations. The idea isn’t that we caught them but instead, a sin that has snuck up on somebody and overtaken them. God planned spiritual growth and spiritual rescue to be a group project. And there will be times when we may be surprised by the power sin has over us as individuals and we need our Christian family to help us get up.
Reflection
Life Groups are where we hope you find a place to grow and a place where you help each other when you’ve fallen. If you are not in a Life Group click here to get more information and to join. https://secondfamily.church/grow
Praise/Prayer
Praise God for the “household of faith” that He has given you to hold you up when you are weak and to help you grow. If you don’t have a Life Group, ask God to lead you to the right one.
Tuesday
“You who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness” – Galatians 6:1 (ESV)
GETTING BACK ON TRACK WITH LIFE GROUPS
One of my favorite toys growing up was a slot car race track. You could lay the track out in lots of different shapes. And if you had a fancy track you might have loops or cars with headlights. The remote was pretty simple. There was no steering. All you could control was the speed and the harder you pushed the button the faster the car would go. Eventually, you would go so fast the car would go speeding around a corner and flying off the track. In reality, we probably spent more time putting the car back on the track than we did actually racing.
Life Groups are huge in helping us get our lives back on track spiritually. Galatians 6:1 encourages us to “restore” each other. The Greek word for “restore” was used by doctors in Bible times to describe setting a broken bone, making it straight again, or restoring it to its former condition. We are encouraged to help each other get back to a healthy spiritual place and we should do it in a spirit of gentleness.
This means we shouldn’t ignore sin in each other’s lives. We shouldn’t pretend nothing is wrong. That doesn’t help anybody either. Ignoring a broken bone only makes it worse, not better! So it is when we ignore sin in a person’s life. It doesn’t make it better; it makes it worse! Instead, we must care enough to help each other address the sin in our lives and do it with a spirit of gentleness.
Reflection
Think about a time when you got off track, spiritually. Did you have a group of believers to help you get back on track? If you don’t have a Life Group, start the process of getting back on track by joining one today by following our Life Group link. https://secondfamily.church/grow
Praise/Prayer
Praise God for the grace He has shown you when you need to get back on track. Thank Him for the people who have helped restore you with a spirit of gentleness.
GETTING BACK ON TRACK WITH LIFE GROUPS
One of my favorite toys growing up was a slot car race track. You could lay the track out in lots of different shapes. And if you had a fancy track you might have loops or cars with headlights. The remote was pretty simple. There was no steering. All you could control was the speed and the harder you pushed the button the faster the car would go. Eventually, you would go so fast the car would go speeding around a corner and flying off the track. In reality, we probably spent more time putting the car back on the track than we did actually racing.
Life Groups are huge in helping us get our lives back on track spiritually. Galatians 6:1 encourages us to “restore” each other. The Greek word for “restore” was used by doctors in Bible times to describe setting a broken bone, making it straight again, or restoring it to its former condition. We are encouraged to help each other get back to a healthy spiritual place and we should do it in a spirit of gentleness.
This means we shouldn’t ignore sin in each other’s lives. We shouldn’t pretend nothing is wrong. That doesn’t help anybody either. Ignoring a broken bone only makes it worse, not better! So it is when we ignore sin in a person’s life. It doesn’t make it better; it makes it worse! Instead, we must care enough to help each other address the sin in our lives and do it with a spirit of gentleness.
Reflection
Think about a time when you got off track, spiritually. Did you have a group of believers to help you get back on track? If you don’t have a Life Group, start the process of getting back on track by joining one today by following our Life Group link. https://secondfamily.church/grow
Praise/Prayer
Praise God for the grace He has shown you when you need to get back on track. Thank Him for the people who have helped restore you with a spirit of gentleness.
Wednesday
“Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.” – Galatians 6:2 (ESV)
LIFE GROUPS HELP WITH STRESS
A group of guys were in the locker room after a round of golf. And a cell phone went off on the bench. Several men in the locker room listened in as a guy answered the phone on speakerphone. The man says “Hello?” The woman says, “Hi honey, it’s me. Are you at the club?” The man responds, “Yes.” The woman says, “I’m at the mall now and I found this beautiful leather coat. It’s only $2,000. Is it okay if I buy it?” Man says, “Sure, go ahead if you like it that much!” The woman goes on to say, “I also stopped by the Lexus dealership and saw this new model I liked.” The man asks, “How much?” The woman says, “$90,000.” Man says, “Okay, but for that price I want to have all the options.” The woman says, “Okay, I’ll see you later! I love you so much!” The man responds, “Bye, I love you too!” Every guy in the locker room is just astounded at what he did. He looks at all of them and he says “Anyone know whose phone this is?”
The second command in Galatians 6 is to “bear one another’s burdens.” This doesn’t mean we should answer each other’s phone calls but it does mean we should help lighten the load for each other. The word “bear” can mean to remove, reduce, or relieve so that the overworked, overstretched, and overwhelmed person won’t crumble, crack, or cave under pressure. The word “bear” is also translated as “carry.” It is no coincidence the verb “carry” actually comes from the noun “care.” We should be motivated to help each other because we care.
Reflection
Our Life Groups at Second are designed to be places where you are cared for, heard, prayed for, and helped by others who are taking the time to get to know you. God doesn’t intend for us to carry our burdens alone. What are the burdens you are carrying this week? Are you allowing anyone to carry them with you? Have you helped anyone carry their burdens this week? https://secondfamily.church/grow
Praise/Prayer
Thank God, by name, for the people who have helped carry your burdens in the past. Ask God to grow the people in your life you are caring for and who are caring for you
LIFE GROUPS HELP WITH STRESS
A group of guys were in the locker room after a round of golf. And a cell phone went off on the bench. Several men in the locker room listened in as a guy answered the phone on speakerphone. The man says “Hello?” The woman says, “Hi honey, it’s me. Are you at the club?” The man responds, “Yes.” The woman says, “I’m at the mall now and I found this beautiful leather coat. It’s only $2,000. Is it okay if I buy it?” Man says, “Sure, go ahead if you like it that much!” The woman goes on to say, “I also stopped by the Lexus dealership and saw this new model I liked.” The man asks, “How much?” The woman says, “$90,000.” Man says, “Okay, but for that price I want to have all the options.” The woman says, “Okay, I’ll see you later! I love you so much!” The man responds, “Bye, I love you too!” Every guy in the locker room is just astounded at what he did. He looks at all of them and he says “Anyone know whose phone this is?”
The second command in Galatians 6 is to “bear one another’s burdens.” This doesn’t mean we should answer each other’s phone calls but it does mean we should help lighten the load for each other. The word “bear” can mean to remove, reduce, or relieve so that the overworked, overstretched, and overwhelmed person won’t crumble, crack, or cave under pressure. The word “bear” is also translated as “carry.” It is no coincidence the verb “carry” actually comes from the noun “care.” We should be motivated to help each other because we care.
Reflection
Our Life Groups at Second are designed to be places where you are cared for, heard, prayed for, and helped by others who are taking the time to get to know you. God doesn’t intend for us to carry our burdens alone. What are the burdens you are carrying this week? Are you allowing anyone to carry them with you? Have you helped anyone carry their burdens this week? https://secondfamily.church/grow
Praise/Prayer
Thank God, by name, for the people who have helped carry your burdens in the past. Ask God to grow the people in your life you are caring for and who are caring for you
Thursday
“If anyone thinks he is something, when he is nothing, he deceives himself…let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith.” – Galatians 6:3,10 (ESV)
LIFE GROUPS HELP DEFEAT SELFISHNESS
A strong, young man at a construction site was bragging that he could outdo anyone there. He made a special case of making fun of one of the older workmen. After several minutes, the older worker had had enough. “Why don't you put your money where your mouth is?” he said. “I'll bet a week's wages that I can haul something in a wheelbarrow over to that building that you won't be able to wheel back.” “You're on, old man,” the young worker replied. The old man reached out and grabbed the wheelbarrow by the handles. Then he turned to the young man and said, “All right. Get in.” (John Beukema)
This week we have been looking at the group dynamics of the church in Galatia and how dysfunctional and self-centered they had become. The Apostle Paul has been encouraging the church to help other believers caught in sin. Now he reminds them to stay humble and remember just because they may not be the ones caught in sin presently it could happen to any of us. We are deceiving ourselves when we think we have arrived spiritually.
It can be easy for us to categorize sins as big sins and little sins. In Matthew 5:21-30, Jesus teaches that we have all broken God’s law in deed, word, or thought. He was emphasizing the fact that we all need God’s grace and mercy. In Galatians 6, the Apostle Paul emphasizes that we all need each other in our battle against sin.
Reflection
Growing in a Life Group helps remind us it’s not all about us. It also gives us an outlet to be there for somebody else when they are in need. Take some time today and dig deeper into Matthew 5:21-30. What does Jesus teach about the “big sins” versus the “little sins?”
Praise/Prayer
Thank Jesus for dying on the cross for your “big sins” and for your “little sins.” Ask God to show you areas where you may have been selfish in your time instead of helping others.
LIFE GROUPS HELP DEFEAT SELFISHNESS
A strong, young man at a construction site was bragging that he could outdo anyone there. He made a special case of making fun of one of the older workmen. After several minutes, the older worker had had enough. “Why don't you put your money where your mouth is?” he said. “I'll bet a week's wages that I can haul something in a wheelbarrow over to that building that you won't be able to wheel back.” “You're on, old man,” the young worker replied. The old man reached out and grabbed the wheelbarrow by the handles. Then he turned to the young man and said, “All right. Get in.” (John Beukema)
This week we have been looking at the group dynamics of the church in Galatia and how dysfunctional and self-centered they had become. The Apostle Paul has been encouraging the church to help other believers caught in sin. Now he reminds them to stay humble and remember just because they may not be the ones caught in sin presently it could happen to any of us. We are deceiving ourselves when we think we have arrived spiritually.
It can be easy for us to categorize sins as big sins and little sins. In Matthew 5:21-30, Jesus teaches that we have all broken God’s law in deed, word, or thought. He was emphasizing the fact that we all need God’s grace and mercy. In Galatians 6, the Apostle Paul emphasizes that we all need each other in our battle against sin.
Reflection
Growing in a Life Group helps remind us it’s not all about us. It also gives us an outlet to be there for somebody else when they are in need. Take some time today and dig deeper into Matthew 5:21-30. What does Jesus teach about the “big sins” versus the “little sins?”
Praise/Prayer
Thank Jesus for dying on the cross for your “big sins” and for your “little sins.” Ask God to show you areas where you may have been selfish in your time instead of helping others.
Friday
“And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.” – Galatians 6:9 (ESV)
LIFE GROUPS HELP US STAY FAITHFUL
Pastor John Ortberg asks us to imagine picking your car up from the shop after a routine tune-up. The technician tells you, “This car is in great shape. Clearly, you have an automotive genius to take great care of your car.” Later that day, your brakes don't work. You find out you were out of brake fluid. You could have died.
You go back to the shop, and you say, “Why didn't you tell me?” The technician replies, “Well, I didn't want you to feel bad. Plus, to be honest, I was afraid you might get upset with me. I want this to be a safe place where you feel loved and accepted.” You'd be furious! You'd say, “I didn't come here for a little fantasy-based ego boost! When it comes to my car, I want the truth.” (John Ortberg, Loving Enough to Speak the Truth)
Life Groups can be the place where we get our spiritual tune-ups. Isolation is the #1 enemy of our faith. We need people in our lives who will tell us the truth in love. We also need people in our lives who will encourage us when we get weary.
Reflection
Is there an area of your life where you currently feel “weary?” Who do you have in your life who will encourage you? Who do you have in your life who can help you with spiritual tune-ups? If you don’t have help in these areas start the process of joining a Life Group today. https://secondfamily.church/grow
Praise/Prayer
Praise God for His promise that we will reap from Him in due season if we don’t give up. Ask God to help you find the right people to help you with your spiritual tune-ups.
LIFE GROUPS HELP US STAY FAITHFUL
Pastor John Ortberg asks us to imagine picking your car up from the shop after a routine tune-up. The technician tells you, “This car is in great shape. Clearly, you have an automotive genius to take great care of your car.” Later that day, your brakes don't work. You find out you were out of brake fluid. You could have died.
You go back to the shop, and you say, “Why didn't you tell me?” The technician replies, “Well, I didn't want you to feel bad. Plus, to be honest, I was afraid you might get upset with me. I want this to be a safe place where you feel loved and accepted.” You'd be furious! You'd say, “I didn't come here for a little fantasy-based ego boost! When it comes to my car, I want the truth.” (John Ortberg, Loving Enough to Speak the Truth)
Life Groups can be the place where we get our spiritual tune-ups. Isolation is the #1 enemy of our faith. We need people in our lives who will tell us the truth in love. We also need people in our lives who will encourage us when we get weary.
Reflection
Is there an area of your life where you currently feel “weary?” Who do you have in your life who will encourage you? Who do you have in your life who can help you with spiritual tune-ups? If you don’t have help in these areas start the process of joining a Life Group today. https://secondfamily.church/grow
Praise/Prayer
Praise God for His promise that we will reap from Him in due season if we don’t give up. Ask God to help you find the right people to help you with your spiritual tune-ups.
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