Scripture: Galatians 6:8-13
If you sow to your own flesh, you will reap corruption from the flesh; but if you sow to the Spirit, you will reap eternal life from the Spirit. So let us not grow weary in doing what is right, for we will reap at harvest time, if we do not give up. So then, whenever we have an opportunity, let us work for the good of all, and especially for those of the family of faith. See what large letters I make when I am writing in my own hand! It is those who want to make a good showing in the flesh that try to compel you to be circumcised—only that they may not be persecuted for the cross of Christ. Even the circumcised do not themselves obey the law, but they want you to be circumcised so that they may boast about your flesh.
Thought for the Day: The Apostle Paul once again returned to his central idea on how circumcision was not needed for those wishing to be followers of Jesus. He was arguing with those who had become almost militant in the belief that circumcision was a requirement. I came across an article on this subject in which the author went as far as to say that any parent in today’s world who allowed his/her male child to be circumcised was putting the salvation of everyone in the family in danger. I think that’s missing the point. Paul was opposed to circumcision because it was missing the point of grace. To suggest that a child who is circumcised because it is the common practice of the culture (becoming less and less) could be outside of God’s love is to once again miss the point of grace.
Prayer: May I always return to your grace, O God, when zealous thinking attempts to limit your capacity to love. Amen.
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Sermon Title:
Wrath and the Parable of the Turtle
Colossians 3:1-11
