Our Responsibility

Introduction

I heard a story about a pastor in New York. A woman in the congregation said to him, “Pastor, we need to see more signs and wonders. We just haven’t seen enough signs and wonders.” The pastor responded, “Ma’am, over there sits a lady who has been evicted from her apartment with her children. I would consider it a sign and wonder if you would take them into your house to live for three months.” As a pastor, I’ve been told this many times. “Pastor, we need to be more spiritual.” Pastor, I just don’t feel the spirit here. Pastor, the Spirit isn’t moving here. I wish I was quick on my feet like this pastor.

One of the most unusual figures in church history was a man named Simeon the Stylite. He was the first of the so-called Desert Fathers. Around the year 423, he constructed a short pillar on the edge of the Syrian desert, climbed to the top, and lived on it for the next six years. Simeon received many visitors to his desert perch. No doubt many of them came to see if he was out of his mind. But the hermit explained that he was simply a Christian who wanted to commune with God in solitude, free from worldly distractions. Living on top of a pole in the desert was his way of separating himself from sin and consecrating himself to God.

As strange as it may seem, the life of Simeon the Stylite raises an important question: What does it mean to be spiritual? As far as Simeon was concerned, one could be more spiritual in the desert than in the city, and more spiritual off the ground than on it (the higher, the better). But was he right about what it means to be spiritual? As he reflected on Simeon’s spirituality, one recent writer asked: “Is there child-care in the desert?” The writer was married, with children, and his point was that not everyone is able to go and live alone in the desert. Isn’t there some other way to be spiritual?

I heard a story about a pastor in New York. A woman in the congregation said to him, “Pastor, we need to see more signs and wonders. We just haven’t seen enough signs and wonders.” The pastor responded, “Ma’am, over there sits a lady who has been evicted from her apartment with her children. I would consider it a sign and wonder if you would take them into your house to live for three months.”

Perhaps you are like the first woman. Maybe you’ve asked or said similar questions. It’s okay to have a great desire for the miraculous. There is nothing wrong with wanting to see God do extraordinary things. But do not overlook and undervalue how the Spirit usually works in our lives: through the practical deeds of love for others, especially deeds performed within “the household of faith” (6:10). We need a proper understanding of what God’s Word says about being spiritual before we can claim others aren’t and examine ourselves according to what the Bible says.

wrong with wanting to see God do extraordinary things. But do not overlook and undervalue how the Spirit usually works in our lives: through the practical deeds of love for others, especially deeds performed within “the household of faith” (6:10). Does it surprise you that many Christians talk about the Spirit’s work in their lives but do not even belong to a local church? If a person simply goes from event to event, or only watches sermons at home, and does not have biblical community, then he or she is not applying the New Testament. God saves us and empowers us by the Spirit in order that we may live in community with believers who fulfill His mission in the world.

Does it surprise you that many Christians talk about the Spirit’s work in their lives but do not even belong to a local church? If a person simply goes from event to event, or only watches sermons at home, and does not have biblical community, then he or she is not applying the New Testament. God saves us and empowers us by the Spirit in order that we may live in community with believers who fulfill His mission in the world. So again, the question is: What is a spirit-led life?

What does it look like practically to “walk by the Spirit” (5:16), to be “led by the Spirit” (5:18), and to “live by the Spirit” (5:25)? What are the results of Spirit-filled living?

Platt, David. Exalting Jesus in Galatians (Christ-Centered Exposition Commentary) (p. 121). B&H Publishing Group. Kindle Edition.

Platt, David. Exalting Jesus in Galatians (Christ-Centered Exposition Commentary) (p. 121). B&H Publishing Group. Kindle Edition.

Platt, David. Exalting Jesus in Galatians (Christ-Centered Exposition Commentary) (p. 120). B&H Publishing Group. Kindle Edition.

Transition: The A couple of weeks ago we were in 5:13–26 looking at what comes out of a Spirit-led life. But now now it’s applied to some more specific situations. If mutual envy and provocation are to be renounced, mutual aid is to be fostered. One form of aid is that given to a member of one of the churches who may fall into some ‘transgression’ (παράπτωμα)

1) The Spirit-led believer seeks to restore. VS.1

Galatians 6:1 ESV

Brothers, if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness. Keep watch on yourself, lest you too be tempted.

Adelphos - Brothers and Sister. A close associate of a group of persons having well-defined membership. They know whose who.

Someone in that group has been caught.

prolambano - transgression that are inconsistent with the fruit of the Spirit. Works of the flesh (5:19-21). Not talking about the habitual, this isn’t a settled course of action, but an isolated action. So these people aren’t claiming to be a Christian but still living like they aren’t. This is a one off.

This person is to be restored, and not to be made like an outcast.

Who is suppose to work to restore this person?

pneumatikos - you who are spiritual People who have received the Holy Spirit who are living accordingly. So those who have visibly expressing the “fruit of the Spirit.” Those being controlled by the Holy Spirit. “those who are spiritual” are identical with those Christians who walk in the Spirit, are led by the Spirit, and keep in step with the Spirit.

George, T. (1994). Galatians (Vol. 30, p. 410). Nashville: Broadman & Holman Publishers.

Application: I struggle with this. I have a bad habit of holding grudges. Recently I was hurt by someone who is a Christian, and not just the idea that my feelings were hurt, but sinned against. If I am a man who is spirit-led, I will seek to restore that man in a spirit of gentleness, because if i claim to be a Christian, the Holy Spirit lives within me and will foster the fruit of the Spirit.

How do they do that?

Restore (katartizo)- Return to a former condition or position. Paul had in mind Matthew 18:15-17

Matthew 18:15–17 ESV

“If your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault, between you and him alone. If he listens to you, you have gained your brother. But if he does not listen, take one or two others along with you, that every charge may be established by the evidence of two or three witnesses. If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church. And if he refuses to listen even to the church, let him be to you as a Gentile and a tax collector.

There is a process that has several levels of appeal. 1 + 2 + everyone. The Goal is always to restore. We love them. We want them to be in fellowship. We want the best for them. It hurts when we see people walking down this road. So in gentleness, in wisdom, in humility, we plead, “Make things right.” We know that from back in chapter 5, if the Spirit is within them, that person will grieve over this sin and turn from it.

Gentleness is an aspect of the fruit of the Spirit and cannot coexist with a harsh and severely critical spirit.

Again, something I’m working on through the Holy Spirit. My daughter said to me not to long ago, why are you so harsh on me. I was quickly preparing to be snap back. But by God’s grace, I thought: Is she being sinful at this moment? Yes. But is my response to that sin gentleness or harsh? I had to repent of that. But that’s what God is calling to us here.

As a person who is being led by the Spirit, I need vigilance and self-examination to be the prerequisites if I am to be a restorer, especially if I am not to fall into the same temptation .

Vs. 4 Keep watch on yourself - There’s a realization that you or I are vulnerable to temptation. That vulnerability keeps us from that self-righteous attitude when we are restoring those who have fallen.

BUT we need to remember: Restoration cannot be accomplished without confrontation, and this may require firm words and a stern rebuke. Yet even—especially!—in these cases, Luther’s advice to a pastor charged with setting a lapsed brother back on the right path should be heeded: “Run unto him, and reaching out your hand, raise him up again, comfort him with sweet words, and embrace him with motherly arms.

George, T. (1994). Galatians (Vol. 30, p. 412). Nashville: Broadman & Holman Publishers.

So if a person is in sin, restore him or her. Now Paul does not speak to people who are receiving restoration. But just know that sometimes they may not want you to minister to them. Why? Many think that they are independent. But if one is a Christian, he or she is not independent. We are interdependent. We are a body. The whole body of Christ is affected by one another’s sin. Your sin always affects others. If you are the one who is being led astray into destructive sin, receive help. It is not only for your good, but for the good of the whole church. It’s why Jesus said what he said in . The gospel teaches us how to live, but it also rescues us when we fail to live the way we are supposed to.

George, T. (1994). Galatians (Vol. 30, p. 412). Nashville: Broadman & Holman Publishers.

Platt, David. Exalting Jesus in Galatians (Christ-Centered Exposition Commentary) (p. 125). B&H Publishing Group. Kindle Edition.

Keep watch on yourself - There’s a realization that you or I are vulnerable to temptation. That vulnerability keeps us from that self-righteous attitude when we are restoring those who have fallen.

BI: As People who have the Spirit, we have a responsibility to live a Spirit-led life by seeking to restore those who have fallen.

2) Spirit-led Believers Bear other Burdens Vs. 2-5

Intro: The church of Jesus Christ is not a charitable organization like the Red Cross or a civic club such as the Rotary or Kiwanis. It is rather a family of born-again brothers and sisters supernaturally knit together by the Holy Spirit in a common fellowship of mutual edification and love.

Burdens (Baros) A hardship which is burdensome and exhausting. It’s a heavy weight that someone has to carry for a long time.

Four things:

Burdens are reality of the Christian life. All Christians have burdens of different sizes and shapes and will vary in kind. Maybe its temptation, physical health, mental disorder, family crisis, unemployment. No Christian is exempt from burdens.

We aren’t called to do it alone. There’s no such thing as a Christian ninja. We all have burdens, and God does not intend for us to carry them by ourselves in isolation from our brothers and sisters. The idea that you think you can do it alone is not a mark of bravery, but a sign of pride. Repent.

We are all commanded to bear each others burdens. All Christians have burdens. We aren’t told to do it alone. God has made the local church body and it’s members to litterally, “pastor” care, of one another. Luther said that a Christian must have “broad shoulders and husky bones” in order to carry the burdens of his brothers and sisters. The command to bear one another’s burdens in no way mitigates against the other New Testament imperative to cast all our cares upon Christ, since he cares for us ().

God’s comfort was not given to Paul through his private prayer and waiting upon the Lord, but through the companionship of a friend and through the good news which he brought. Human friendship, in which we bear one another’s burdens, is part of the purpose of God for his people. So we should not keep our burdens to ourselves, but rather seek a Christian friend who will help to bear them with us. - John Stott

The duty of bearing one another’s burdens is stated in the imperative mood; it is not an option but a command. Why would God command that? Did Jesus not do that for us. Did he not take our sins upon himself? We are told to do the very thing that we have experienced.

4. Bearing each others burdens fulfills the Law of Christ. What’s the law of Christ? Its conforming to the conduct and character of Jesus. It’s becoming more like Christ. Which is the evidence of the Holy Spirit in you. Showing more and more the fruit of the Spirit.

The duty of bearing one another’s burdens is stated in the imperative mood; it is not an option but a command.

“I am not what I ought to be. I am not what I wish to be. I am not what I hope to be. Yet I can truly say, I am not what I once was. By the grace of God, I am what I am.” - John Newton.

George, T. (1994). Galatians (Vol. 30, p. 415). Nashville: Broadman & Holman Publishers.

Test his own work - True self-examination is not merely taking one’s spiritual pulse beat on a regular basis but rather submitting one’s thoughts, attitudes, and actions to the will of God and the mind of Christ revealed in Holy Scripture. Mutual concern should not lead to mutual competition or to insidious comparisons of ones own imagined spiritual maturity with the perceived in others.

An important part of bearing one another’s burdens is to offer spiritual guidance and friendship to one another, holding each other accountable to the high calling of God in our lives. And you can’t do that unless you yourself are regularly submitting yourself to God’s Word.

What are ”burden”?

George, T. (1994). Galatians (Vol. 30, p. 417). Nashville: Broadman & Holman Publishers.

A Married couple has three children, and one day there is an accident. One of the parents dies in a car wreck. The remaining parent and the kids have needs.

A husband abandons his wife for another woman, leaving her with four kids. SHe needs help meeting daily responsibilities.

An older, faithful church member gets sick and is having a hard time. SHe needs help with meals, transportation, and occasional living expenses.

George, T. (1994). Galatians (Vol. 30, p. 417). Nashville: Broadman & Holman Publishers.

Bear his own load - Paul uses two different words. This one is talking about something like a soldiers knapsack. This is your responsibility before God. On the day when Jesus’ comes back. you will not be asked how your achievements compare to the person beside you. Each of us will give an account of ourselves before God. No blaming other and no being compared.

“So we are to bear one another’s ‘burdens’ which are too heavy for a man to bear alone, but there is one burden which we cannot share—indeed do not need to because it is a pack light enough for every man to carry himself—and that is our responsibility to God on the day of judgment. On that day you cannot carry my pack and I cannot carry yours.” John Stott

What about bearing my own load?

George, T. (1994). Galatians (Vol. 30, p. 418). Nashville: Broadman & Holman Publishers.

Bear his own load - Paul uses two different words. This one is talking about something like a soldiers knapsack. This is your responsibility before God. On the day when Jesus’ comes back. you will not be asked how your achievements compare to the person beside you. Each of us will give an account of ourselves before God. No blaming other and no being compared.

GOSPEL MOVE. So the question is: what pack are you caring? Who’s work will you stand before God on?

Think of these things:

A young person who constantly gets up late for work or school because he or she is staying up late to watch netflix or play games.

A guy who wastes his money on beer, cigarettes, and lottery tickets but refuses to find a job and asks you for money.

A parent working twelve hours a day including Saturdays and asks you yo take his or her child to sport practices.

These are burdens that we are held responsible for before God. And we are charged to carry them.

BI: As People who have the Spirit, we have a responsibility to live a Spirit-led life, that is caring for each others burdens.

3) Spirit-Led Teachers and Student Vs. 6

The New International Greek Testament Commentary: The Epistle to the Galatians VII Mutual Help and Service (6:1–10)

The teacher relieves the ignorance of the pupil; the pupil should relieve the teacher of concern for his subsistence.

3) Spirit-Led Teachers and Student Vs. 6

The teacher relieves the ignorance of the pupil; the pupil should relieve the teacher of concern for his subsistence. This is another way of stating the principle that ‘the labourer deserves his wages’ (; ; cf. ) or, as Paul elsewhere paraphrases these words of Jesus, ‘those who proclaim the gospel should get their living by the gospel’ (). Whereas the emphasis in those other places is on the right of the preacher or teacher to claim his support, here it lies on the duty of those who are taught to make material provision for their teachers.

This is another way of stating the principle that ‘the labourer deserves his wages’ (; ; cf. ) or, as Paul elsewhere paraphrases these words of Jesus, ‘those who proclaim the gospel should get their living by the gospel’ (). Whereas the emphasis in those other places is on the right of the preacher or teacher to claim his support, here it lies on the duty of those who are taught to make material provision for their teachers.

The role of the pastor-teacher is not to entertain or to use gimmicks to attract people to watch the performance. he is called to reach the truths of Scripture. Why? As a pastor I am commanded to do so (). But it is also because the bible is what people need to hear. The giving that is done allows the pastor and the church to teach these truths without having to worry about how to get food on the table.

4) Spirit-Led Believers Seek Holiness Vs. 7-8

Vs. 7 Mykterizetein - turn up the nose in mockery or contempt. Do not be deceived: God is not mocked. “Don’t let anybody pull the wool over your eyes - you can’t turn up your nose at God.” Paul’s point was the same: God cannot be mocked! There will be a payday someday because “a man reaps what he sows.” You cannot outwit God; the crop you plant in the soil in the spring will inevitably sprout forth into the harvest of the fall.

Vs. 8 phthora, “destruction,” “decay,” “corruption,” conveys the idea of a putrid corpse in the process of decomposition. We see here drawn out on a canvas of eternity a scenario of the end results of the two catalogs of virtues and vices Paul enumerated in 5:19–23. If we continue to indulge in the works of the flesh, moving deeper and deeper into the pit of depravity, then we can be certain of the harvest we will receive—corruption.

Paul’s point was the same: God cannot be mocked! There will be a payday someday because “a man reaps what he sows.” You cannot outwit God; the crop you plant in the soil in the spring will inevitably sprout forth into the harvest of the fall.

We see here drawn out on a canvas of eternity a scenario of the end results of the two catalogs of virtues and vices Paul enumerated in 5:19–23. If we continue to indulge in the works of the flesh, moving deeper and deeper into the pit of depravity, then we can be certain of the harvest we will receive—corruption.

John MacArthur says, “The Christian has only two fields in which he can sow, that of his own flesh and that of the Spirit” (Galatians, 188). This is a divine law: you reap what you sow. If you sow in the Spirit, you will reap the Spirit. If you sow in the flesh, you reap the flesh (5:16-25). To sow to one’s flesh is to pander to it, give in to it, and coddle it—instead of crucifying it! The old adage is true: “Sow a thought, reap an act; sow an act, reap a habit; sow a habit, reap a character; sow a character, reap a destiny”

Holiness is a harvest. The seeds are mainly thoughts and deeds. Stott summarizes it powerfully: Every time we allow our mind to harbor a grudge, nurse a grievance, entertain an impure fantasy, wallow in self-pity, we are sowing to the flesh. Every time we linger in bad company whose insidious influence we know we cannot resist, every time we lie in bed when we ought to be up and praying, every time we read pornographic literature, every time we take a risk that strains our self-control we are sowing, sowing, sowing, to the flesh. (Ibid.)

George, T. (1994). Galatians (Vol. 30, p. 423). Nashville: Broadman & Holman Publishers.

Platt, David. Exalting Jesus in Galatians (Christ-Centered Exposition Commentary) (p. 132). B&H Publishing Group. Kindle Edition.

Some Christians sow to the flesh every day and wonder why they do not reap holiness and victory and blessing. Let me provide some examples. When a dating couple gets caught up in the sensuality of the moment and engages in sexual activity outside of marriage, then they are sowing to the flesh. When a man fantasizes about taking control of an organization and decides to scheme and cheat to get to the top, then he is sowing seeds of destruction, not only for others, but for his own soul. When a woman secretly despises another woman in the church, without ever seeking reconciliation, she is sowing to the flesh, hurting her own soul and the fellowship of the church. When a husband and wife allow bitterness and resentment to build in marriage without ever trying to resolve their differences and forgive one another, then they are sowing seeds of the flesh, hurting themselves and the whole family.

Remember, says Stott, “Holiness is a harvest; whether we reap it or not depends almost entirely on what we sow” God cannot be mocked. Your sins will find you out. Choose your field wisely. Holiness is a harvest.

George, T. (1994). Galatians (Vol. 30, p. 423). Nashville: Broadman & Holman Publishers.

Platt, David. Exalting Jesus in Galatians (Christ-Centered Exposition Commentary) (p. 132). B&H Publishing Group. Kindle Edition.

Platt, David. Exalting Jesus in Galatians (Christ-Centered Exposition Commentary) (pp. 131-132). B&H Publishing Group. Kindle Edition.

Platt, David. Exalting Jesus in Galatians (Christ-Centered Exposition Commentary) (p. 132). B&H Publishing Group. Kindle Edition.

BI: As People who have the Spirit, we have a responsibility to live a Spirit-led life and will so a holy harvest.

Platt, David. Exalting Jesus in Galatians (Christ-Centered Exposition Commentary) (p. 132). B&H Publishing Group. Kindle Edition.

5) Spirit-led Believers seek to do Good. Vs. 9-10

Doing the good in this sense is the same thing as fulfilling the law of Christ. Why did Paul feel it necessary to persist in reminding the Galatian believers to practice the plain duties of the Christian faith? Calvin offers several answers to this question:

This precept is especially necessary because we are naturally lazy in the duties of love, and many little stumbling-blocks hinder and put off even the well-disposed. We meet with many unworthy, many ungrateful people. The vast number of the needy overwhelms us; we are drained by paying out on every side. Our warmth is damped by the coldness of others. Finally, the whole world is full of hindrances which turn us aside from the right path. Therefore Paul does well to confirm our efforts, so that we do not faint through weariness.

Paul’s message to the Galatians is quite simply, “Don’t quit!”

Faced with the temptation of legalism on the one hand and libertinism on the other, many of Paul’s converts in Galatia were beginning to lose heart. Having begun well in the life of the Spirit, they were in danger of losing their first love, being diverted from witness and service into petty bickering and greedy self-concern. To these fatigued and spiritually exhausted Christians, Paul made his appeal: “Let us not become weary in doing good.”

We counter that feeling by remind each other and ourselves, of the good news of Jesus Christ. Of the grace and mercy he has poured out on us.

George, T. (1994). Galatians (Vol. 30, p. 425). Nashville: Broadman & Holman Publishers.

BI: As People who have the Spirit, we have a responsibility to live a Spirit-led life and will continue to do good. Not because we win favour with God, but because that’s an outpouring of the Spirit within us.

Conclusion

So What?

Bruce, F. F. (1982). The Epistle to the Galatians: a commentary on the Greek text (pp. 259–260). Grand Rapids, MI: W.B. Eerdmans Pub. Co.

Remember the questions from before? So, what does it mean to live a spirit-led life? What does it look like practically to “walk by the Spirit” (5:16), to be “led by the Spirit” (5:18), and to “live by the Spirit” (5:25)? What are the results of Spirit-filled living? Paul answers it in these verses. What does it look like?

A spirit filled church is a group of Christians who are being led by the Holy Spirit. God doesn’t judge a church that is spirit filled by it’s music style or the instruments that are used or not used, God judges a church that is “Spirit-filled” by individuals who are being lead by the Holy Spirit, and God lays out what that looks like.

Let us be a Spirit-led people marked by gentle restoration, humble burden bearing, generous sharing, personal holiness, and practical goodness. This is life in the Spirit. Were these qualities not embodied in Jesus? Yes, perfectly. Jesus restored us from our broken relationship with God. He continues to restore our souls. He carried our greatest burden, the crushing weight of sin. He kept God’s law in our place, and then died in our place, removing the penalty of sin that was upon us, so that there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. Jesus is the ultimate generous giver, who made us rich through His poverty (2 Cor 8:9). Jesus constantly sowed in the Spirit, lived a life of perfect righteousness, and reaped eternal glory. Jesus was a prophet mighty in word and deed, who “went about doing good” (Acts 10:38). Jesus gives us the example, and He gives us the Spirit to live out these responsibilities.

Put the whole section together now. Let us be a Spirit-led people marked by gentle restoration, humble burden bearing, generous sharing, personal holiness, and practical goodness. This is life in the Spirit. Were these qualities not embodied in Jesus? Yes, perfectly. Jesus restored us from our broken relationship with God. He continues to restore our souls. He carried our greatest burden, the crushing weight of sin. He kept God’s law in our place, and then died in our place, removing the penalty of sin that was upon us, so that there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. Jesus is the ultimate generous giver, who made us rich through His poverty (). Jesus constantly sowed in the Spirit, lived a life of perfect righteousness, and reaped eternal glory. Jesus was a prophet mighty in word and deed, who “went about doing good” (). Jesus gives us the example, and He gives us the Spirit to live out these responsibilities.

Platt, David. Exalting Jesus in Galatians (Christ-Centered Exposition Commentary) (p. 134). B&H Publishing Group. Kindle Edition.

BI: As People who have the Spirit, we have a responsibility to live a Spirit-led life.

Platt, David. Exalting Jesus in Galatians (Christ-Centered Exposition Commentary) (p. 134). B&H Publishing Group. Kindle Edition.

Questions

What sets the church apart from other, charitable organizations and clubs, even religious ones?

How does the discussion about the “fruit of the Spirit” (5:16-26) relate to this passage (6:1-10)?

How is confronting the sin of other believers different from Jesus’ command, “Do not judge” ()?

Platt, David. Exalting Jesus in Galatians (Christ-Centered Exposition Commentary) (p. 134). B&H Publishing Group. Kindle Edition.

Platt, David. Exalting Jesus in Galatians (Christ-Centered Exposition Commentary) (p. 134). B&H Publishing Group. Kindle Edition.

What is the difference between “burdens” and “loads” (6:2,5)?

How is holiness a harvest?

Platt, David. Exalting Jesus in Galatians (Christ-Centered Exposition Commentary) (p. 135). B&H Publishing Group. Kindle Edition.

Platt, David. Exalting Jesus in Galatians (Christ-Centered Exposition Commentary) (p. 135). B&H Publishing Group. Kindle Edition.

Platt, David. Exalting Jesus in Galatians (Christ-Centered Exposition Commentary) (p. 134). B&H Publishing Group. Kindle Edition.