Free to Live in Community

River Church Sermons

Let Freedom Ring

Pt. 9: Free To Live in Community

By Louie Marsh, 7-28-2024

1) The Underlying Principle of Community

• I REAP what I SOW.

“7Do not be deceived: God is not to be mocked. Whatever a man sows, he will reap in return.” (Galatians 6:7, BSB)

o This is NOT KARMA.

Karma is impersonal -Reaping & Sowing are overseen by an all Wise & knowing God.

• Sowing to the flesh = DESTRUCTION

“8The one who sows to please his flesh, from the flesh will reap destruction…” (Galatians 6:8a, BSB)

• Sowing to the Spirit = LIFE

“8…but the one who sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life.” (Galatians 6:8b, BSB)

2) Some Signs of a Free Christian Community

• RESTORATION

“1Brothers, if someone is caught in a trespass, you who are spiritual should restore him with a spirit of gentleness. But watch yourself, or you also may be tempted.” (Galatians 6:1, BSB)

Brothers and sisters, if a person gets trapped by wrongdoing, those of you who are spiritual should help that person turn away from doing wrong. Do it in a gentle way. At the same time watch yourself so that you also are not tempted. Galatians 6:1 (GW)

• OPENNESS

“2Carry one another’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.”… “6Nevertheless, the one who receives instruction in the word must share in all good things with his instructor.” (Galatians 6:2, 6, BSB)

Burden = Something far too heavy or large to one person to carry – my move last week!

• I need to share both the GOOD & the BAD
• COOPERATION

“3If anyone thinks he is something when he is nothing, he deceives himself. 4Each one should test his own work. Then he will have reason to boast in himself alone, and not in someone else.” (Galatians 6:3–4, BSB)

o I must stop COMPARING myself to others.

• RESPONSIBILITY

“5For each one should carry his own load.” (Galatians 6:5, BSB)

Load = a normal load for a ship, animal or person to carry.

Assume your own responsibility. Galatians 6:5 (GW)

• PERSISTENCE

“9Let us not grow weary in well-doing, for in due time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. 10Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to the family of faith.” (Galatians 6:9–10, BSB)

So let's not allow ourselves to get fatigued doing good. At the right time we will harvest a good crop if we don't give up, or quit. Right now, therefore, every time we get the chance, let us work for the benefit of all, starting with the people closest to us in the community of faith. Galatians 6:9-10 (MSG)