GALATIANS 6:8-10 For he who sows to his flesh will of the flesh reap corruption, but he who sows to the Spirit will of the Spirit reap everlasting life. 9 And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart. 10 Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith.
NSB* - Corruption is a term used for a field in which the produce is too rotten to harvest (see Hebrews 6:8). Some interpret corruption to imply eternal destruction, either through losing salvation or through never having been truly saved at all. Others understand a tragic loss of rewards for the carnal believer. (see 1 Corinthians 3:12-15, 2 Corinthians 5:10, and Revelation 22:12). He who sows to the spirit will reap everlasting life does not mean that eternal life is earned by works. Rather, Paul is saying that everlasting life is the glorious end of those who follow the guidance of the Spirit. (see Romans 6:22). Jesus said that He came that we might have eternal life and have it more abundantly. (see John 10:10). In this life, through the indwelling of the Spirit, Christians are developing a capacity to experience Christ to the fullest in the life to come.
Note references: Hebrews 6:8 but if it bears thorns and briers, it is rejected and near to being cursed, whose end is to be burned.
1 Corinthians 3:12-15 Now if anyone builds on this foundation with gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, straw, 13 each one’s work will become clear; for the Day will declare it, because it will be revealed by fire; and the fire will test each one’s work, of what sort it is. 14 If anyone’s work which he has built on it endures, he will receive a reward. 15 If anyone’s work is burned, he will suffer loss; but he himself will be saved, yet so as through fire.
2 Corinthians 5:10 For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive the things done in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad.
Revelation 22:12 “And behold, I am coming quickly, and My reward is with Me, to give to every one according to his work.
Romans 6:22 But now having been set free from sin, and having become slaves of God, you have your fruit to holiness, and the end, everlasting life.
John 10:10 The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.
Corruption: decay, i.e. ruin (spontaneous or inflicted, literally or figuratively). Dodson denotes - corruption, destruction, decay, rottenness, decomposition. The Greek word used here is φθορά phthora. Strong's G5356.
Everlasting: eternal, unending age-long, and therefore: practically eternal, unending; partaking of the character of that which lasts for an age, as contrasted with that which is brief and fleeting. Strong's denotes - perpetual (also used of past time, or past and future as well). The Greek word for everlasting is αἰώνιος aiōnios. Strong's G166.
Moving to Verse 9.
Galatians 6:9 And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart.
NSB* - In this verse, Paul speaks of doing good. The apostle has argued at length that such works cannot justify (2-6), or sanctify (3:3) anyone. However, good works are in fact important fruit of the life of faith (5:5) that God has planned for each believer. (see Ephesians 2:8-10). In 5:19-23 the apostle describes attitudes and actions of those controlled by the "flesh" verses those controlled by the Spirit. In vv. 7-9, Paul shows the impact of those two contradictory ways of the length of a Christian's life. (see 2 Corinthians 5:10 and Revelation 22:12).
In Due Season: 1) due measure 2) a measure of time, a larger or smaller portion of time, hence: 2a) a fixed and definite time, the time when things are brought to crisis, the decisive epoch waited for 2b) opportune or seasonable time 2c) the right time 2d) a limited period of time 2e) to what time brings, the state of the times, the things and events of time. Strong's defines "season" as an occasion, i.e. set or proper time. The Greek word used for season here is καιρός kairos. Strong's G2540.
Lose Heart: Instead of "lose heart" the KJV reads "If we faint not". Faint here has the idea of "to lack courage, lose heart, be fainthearted" (en, "in," kakos, "base"). Thayer expands - 1) to loose, unloose, to set free 2) to dissolve, metaph., to weaken, relax, exhaust 2a) to have one's strength relaxed, to be enfeebled through exhaustion, to grow weak, grow weary, be tired out 2b) to despond, become faint hearted. The Greek word used here for faint is ἐκλύω ekluō. Vine's (def 2), Strong's G1590.
James 5:7-8 Therefore be patient, brethren, until the coming of the Lord. See how the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth, waiting patiently for it until it receives the early and latter rain. 8 You also be patient. Establish your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is at hand.
Moving to Verse 10.
Galatians 6:10 Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith.
NSB* - Therefore indicates that this verse speaks of an important application of the spiritual sowing and reaping process. (vv. 7-9). Christians are not only to serve one another in love (see v. 2; 5:13), they should also do good to non-Christians.
Opportunity: Of uncertain affinity; an occasion, that is, set or proper time. primarily, a due measure," is used of "a fixed and definite period, a time, season," The Greek word for opportunity used here is καιρός kairos. Vine's (def A-1), Strong's G2540.
Household: primarily signifies "of, or belonging to, a house," hence, "of persons, one's household, or kindred,". Thayer denotes - 1) belonging to a house or family, domestic, intimate 1a) belonging to one's household, related by blood, kindred 1b) belonging to the household of God 1c) belonging, devoted to, adherents of a thing. The Greek word used here is οἰκεῖος oikeios. Vine's (def B-1) Strong's G3609.
Titus 3:8 This is a faithful saying, and these things I want you to affirm constantly, that those who have believed in God should be careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable to men.
Romans 12:13 distributing to the needs of the saints, given to hospitality.
Takeaway: The notes in this study are not meant to take one position or the other regarding the assurance of our salvation. I personally believe we cannot be unsealed once we are sealed in the Holy Spirit, Ephesians 1:13. The Greek word for sealed in this text is σφραγίζω sphragizo. It is defined as ownership and security, together with destination. The aorist participle marks the definitiveness and completeness of the act of faith. Having said that, this is no excuse to go on sinning or not doing good towards others. In fact, we are instructed to do both, and they ought to be the result of our salvation.
*NSB - Nelson Study Bible.
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