Galatians 5

In Francis Chan’s Book ‘Multiply’ he asks

“When is the last time someone asked you about your faith? Most of us would have to answer “never”…”

“…We don’t give anyone a reason to ask about what makes us unique, so nobody asks”

Ouch! As we’ve been going through our series over Galatians we’ve heard over and over that human efforts to be “obedient” and “good” ultimately result in a tired and cold doctrine of legalism, which is not a welcoming church wide characteristic, and is obviously not just a problem that the new testament church dealt with.

So, what is it that makes us unique? What is it that sets us apart? In Galatians 5, Paul gives us a list of things that can serve as evidence of the work of the Holy Sprit in someone’s life.

“The fruit of The Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.” (v22,23)

This is what should make us unique.

Notice that Seriousness is not listed as a fruit of the spirit. Neither is Conservative (or Liberal) Politics, Perfect Church Attendance, or A Limited Amount of Tattoos and Body Piercings. Also notice that love is listed first. This is important. Earlier in the chapter it said that all of the law could be summarized in one word

“Love your neighbor as yourself” (v14)

God’s plan was for the church to be and continually strive to be characterized by a supernatural love. Paul tells us that we will be defined by this love only when we walk by The Spirit. Our Church, right here in Hutto, Texas (and all over the world) is essential to Gods incredible plan of redemption!

Prayer:

God thank you for loving us and including us in your plan of redemption. Give us a desire to be selfless servants to our community. Root out selfish desires and replace them with ones that act out the selfless love of the gospel. Lead us to look at the community around us with the compassion of Jesus. Help Hutto Bible Church become an attractive family of believers that displays your love, and hope. Amen.

SPENCER ROTH  |  Pastoral Intern

 Spencer went to and graduated from Hutto High School. After graduating he attended Texas A&M for two years before moving to Birmingham, Alabama to serve as an intern for a year in the worship ministry at the Church At Brook Hills.