Gospel Relationships

Participants Guide / Galatians 5:26-6:5

2Carry each other's burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.

Last week Jordan carried us and our burdens up Mount Doom in Mordor showing us what it is like to live in gospel community. Now that we recognize what it is to walk in the Spirit, we can show the fruit of that in our relationships with others. By pouring ourselves out into one another through the active love of Christ in our lives, we not only shoulder the burdens of one another but reflect light into the darkness of a world that is focused on selfish desires.

Here is an Old Testament example of the power of gospel centered relationships that brought about salvation from the Lord.

Exodus 17:8-13

8 The Amalekites came and attacked the Israelites at Rephidim. 9 Moses said to Joshua, "Choose some of our men and go out to fight the Amalekites. Tomorrow I will stand on top of the hill with the staff of God in my hands." 10 So Joshua fought the Amalekites as Moses had ordered, and Moses, Aaron and Hur went to the top of the hill. 11 As long as Moses held up his hands, the Israelites were winning, but whenever he lowered his hands, the Amalekites were winning. 12 When Moses' hands grew tired, they took a stone and put it under him and he sat on it. Aaron and Hur held his hands up—one on one side, one on the other—so that his hands remained steady till sunset. 13 So Joshua overcame the Amalekite army with the sword.

Bear in mind that the Lord had just provided the quarrelling Israelites with water to live, despite their lack of trust and threats to Moses. When we view the salvation brought to them despite these actions and because of Moses, Aaron and Hur bearing their burdens we can see what true love looks like. It does not complain, it does not boast, it simply serves. How well do we love one another? How well are we serving those around us?

This week we will be discussing Sowing and Reaping at The Seda's - 4607 Embassy Circle #104, Owings Mills, MD 21117. Please remember to bring a copy of the participants guide with you on Wednesday.