Sermon - 2013-07-03

A few days ago there was the anniversary of one of the largest battles that was ever fought upon US soil.  The Battle of Gettysburg.  The war between the North and the South is often known as the war over slavery within the US.  While this is one of the main reasons the war was fought it was not the only reason.  Now this was a war that the slaves did not get to fight in until they ran away and made it to the North, where they could join the Union and actually be given a chance to fight.  But mostly this was a war that was fought by free men who felt it was important to fight for the freedom of others.  

Being in the present, we can often forget the sweat, blood, the heartache and the people.  It just becomes a past event, something we hear about and may even think, “Oh that’s so sad.” Yet the events of the past influence us greatly and we need to take time to realize that.  Why have they done that?  What was at stake? And what did it give us?

That is precisely what Paul is calling the Galatians to do.  Remember what Jesus Christ has done for you?  Jesus came and taught among the people of this world.  Announcing to us that he was going to fight the battle and win the war for us and we would be given our freedom.  The battle and war was intense being brought before religious people, political people and even the common person.  each were not satisfied with what Christ was doing because they wanted something to do.  So they did something, they placed him on a cross.  There he died and fought the last battle, the battle against the death.  And Christ overcame that death.  

Paul is taking the Galatians and us as readers, back to the cross. Back to the battle field to be reminded of what exactly Christ has done for you.  How that cross has changed your life by setting you free.  Paul goes on to remind the people that the chains are gone but what are you going to do with that freedom?  Because we are still within the world, we are still creatures within the creation, that we should not fall into the desires of our flesh.  But instead, we should seek after spiritual things.  Now don’t get me wrong, the flesh is not an evil thing. Absolutely not, we are not Manichaeans, a heresy that said that the flesh is evil and that no good should come from it. No, God created you and said, “You are good.”  But what are you going to do with that goodness? What are you going to do with that freedom?

Paul is reminding the people and you, that you should return to the cross, be reminded of what it took for you to receive your life, your freedom, and even be reminded of the very love that brings you there. Now in light of that cross, that sacrifice, and that gift that you have been given, what are you going to do with it?  Let me be perfectly clear, I am not asking you to choose Christ.  Absolutely not, Christ has come and done the work already, without your choice, without your doing a thing.  Your salvation is secure in the promise of Christ.  Now it is time to respond to that love, to that gift. Yes, Christ has done the work for you and calls you to serve God and bearing the fruit of the spirit.  

Paul helps us to understand what it looks like when we are bearing fruit of the spirit or the flesh.  May you never forget the work, the struggle, and the gift that was given to you on the cross. May you cling to the cross and that victory.  May you be lead by the spirit in this world.