How can we "walk by this rule" in our daily Christian lives? Setting the Context “Peace and mercy to all who walk by this rule, even to the Israel of God.” (Galatians 6:16) Paul has just declared, “For neither circumcision nor uncircumcision means anything. What counts is a new creation.” (Galatians 6:15) “This rule” is the principle that salvation and daily life flow from being a new creation in Christ, not from external rituals or human effort. What “This Rule” Means • Christ’s finished work, not human performance, is our standing before God (Ephesians 2:8-9). • The believer is literally made new—“Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation” (2 Corinthians 5:17). • Daily living must align with that new-creation identity (Colossians 2:6). Daily Practices for Walking by the Rule 1. Embrace Your New Creation Identity • Begin each day acknowledging that you belong to Christ, not to your old self (Romans 6:11). • Reject condemnation; rest in the peace promised in Galatians 6:16 and Romans 8:1. 2. Stay Dependent on the Spirit • “Walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.” (Galatians 5:16) • Invite His guidance in choices—small and large—throughout the day (John 15:5). 3. Guard Against Legalism • Measure yourself by Christ’s grace, not by checklists (Colossians 2:20-23). • Celebrate spiritual disciplines as means of fellowship, never as merit badges. 4. Cultivate the Fruit of the Spirit • Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control (Galatians 5:22-23). • Let each trait shape interactions at home, work, and church. 5. Live from the Inside Out • Actions flow from the heart renewed by Christ (Proverbs 4:23; Matthew 12:34). • Focus on inward transformation; outward behaviors will align. 6. Walk in Good Works Prepared by God • “We are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared in advance as our way of life.” (Ephesians 2:10) • Look for opportunities He has placed in your path: serving a neighbor, encouraging a coworker, sharing the gospel. 7. Practice Ongoing Repentance and Faith • Confess sin immediately (1 John 1:9). • Re-affirm trust in Christ’s cleansing and strength to obey (Philippians 2:13). 8. Pursue Peace and Mercy toward Others • Since peace and mercy are promised to those who walk by this rule, extend the same to others (Matthew 5:7; Romans 12:18). • Offer forgiveness quickly; show compassion generously. Encouragement for the Journey The rule is simple yet profound: live each moment as the new creation God has made you, relying on Christ rather than self. As you do, the peace and mercy of Galatians 6:16 will not merely be words on a page—they will become daily realities, overflowing to everyone around you. |
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