Bear One Anothers Burden

Introduction

What is the setting of Galatia?

It is evident that there is something or someone troubling the brethren. Gal 1:6-9; 3:1; 5:7-8; 5:13; 6:12-13. They seek to turn them from Christ to the Law.

From the apostle’s view, this bad for them because:

They will fail in their run Gal 5:7

Hindered from obeying Gal 5:7

Removed from the gospel Gal 1:6

Severed from Christ Gal 5:4

As we enter chap. 6 we see some application.

What is the passage saying?

Vs. 1 a. “brethren even if anyone is caught [do before time; “caught by surprise”] in any trespass [a slip up, a false step, falling from the right way.] This is a condition. “something that is essential to the occurence of something else.” This means:

This can happen to us today. We can have a ‘slip up’ that we can’t seem to put behind us.

This can happen to anyone with any trespass. It is not limited to the weak or the trespass.

Vs.1 b. This is the implication of what was said before.“you who are spiritual [Gal 5:25; 18; 16]” those who are not caught right now; “restore [to adjust; to put something right again] such a one”

“in a spirit of gentleness” [quiet, friendly, composed, pleasant, humility, mild]. If i don’t restore in the right spirit it is hard to do the following

Vs. 1 c. “looking [scout, look out for, to yourself, so that you too will not be tempted” This will allow you to see:

Am I spiritual (can i be effective in this restoration)

Do I need one?

Not responding harshly [Gal 5:15; 20; 26, they may have been responding harshly to the “sinner” they were trying to save]

If I’m concerned about boasting then I can’t look properly.

What is the passage saying?

Vs. 2 “Bear one another’s burden”

Bear = carry or pick up and carry

Burden = baros, this word means load but it emphasizes the heaviness of the load.

Burdens can come in various forms [grief, parenting, divorce, financial, fornication]

“and thereby fulfill the law of Christ.” [love and service]

Law = Matt 22:36-39 “the second is like[belonging equally] it”

Jn 13:34 “a new [new in quality] commandment I give to you”

Mk 10:45 [Love and service combined]