1. The letter known as Galatians was written to "the churches [congregations] of Galatia" (1:2). 2. This letter contains a great amount of valuable information. a. It shows how we are no longer under the Law of Moses (3:23-25; 5:4). b. It reveals the one way for all people to get into Christ (3:26-28). c. It also contains a number of responsibilities that the Lord has given to His people. 3. One responsibility is given in 6:9-10 -- "let us do good unto all men." 4. In our lesson we are concentrating on this responsibility. 5. We are basing our main points on the statements made in these verses. 6. Let us first consider some . . .
Discussion:
I. GENERAL PRINCIPLES THAT RELATE TO DOING GOOD WORKS
A. Jesus was devoted to doing good deeds for others -- Peter said that He "went about doing good" (Acts 10:38). B. Jesus taught His followers to do good deeds for others. 1. He gave the second commandment in Matthew 22:39 -- "love thy neighbor as thyself." 2. He illustrated what this commandment involves in the parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:33-37). C. (Ephesians 2:8-10) When we are saved we are created unto good works, and we are to walk in them. D. (Titus 2:11-14) The Lord wants His people to be "zealous of good works." E. With these principles in mind, let us turn our attention to . . .
II. THE STATEMENTS MADE IN GALATIANS 6:9-10
A. (vs.9a) "And let us not be weary in well doing." 1. A similar statement is found in 2 Thessalonians 3:13. 2. We have shown how Christians are to continually do good works. 3. According to Titus 3, we are to maintain good works because: a. they are "good and profitable unto men" (vs.8) b. they will prevent us from being unfruitful (vs.14). 4. Activity can cause us to become tired, and sometimes our efforts will not be appreciated, but we must never become weary in doing good deeds. 5. One reason why we must not become weary is that . . . B. (vs.9b) "In due season we shall reap, if we faint not." 1. God does not forget the good deeds done by His children (Hebrews 6:10). 2. (Matthew 25:34-40, 46b) Jesus showed how our good deeds will be remembered at the judgment. 3. Receiving a great reward at the judgment should motivate us to practice the admonition given in . . . C. (vs.10) "As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith." 1. (John 9:3-4) Jesus considered a man's blindness to be an opportunity to do the work that God had given Him to do. 2. (Acts 3:1-11) Peter and John considered a man's lameness to be an opportunity to do the work they had been given to do. a. Doing a good deed does not have to cost anything -- they had no silver or gold. b. By doing this good deed they were given an opportunity to preach to a great crowd (vs.12).
Conclusion:
1. From the verses we have studied, the lesson for us to learn is: "Let us do good unto all men." 2. Let us remember that doing a good deed for someone might open the door for saving that person's soul.
