Galatains 6

Introduction

This final chapter puts the lessons in this Epistle into practical application.

We see that the message of grace frees us from selfishness to bear each others burdens, share blessings, and minister with pure motives.

Bear Each Others Burden

Galatians 6:1–5 ESV

1 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. 2 Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ. 3 For if anyone thinks he is something, when he is nothing, he deceives himself. 4 But let each one test his own work, and then his reason to boast will be in himself alone and not in his neighbor. 5 For each will have to bear his own load.

Verse one is important in understanding church discipline.

We see this in the context of bearing burdens. That is important to understand

When we see someone sin, it needs to be brought out, following the other passages on discipline, so that they could be restored.

Caught, lit means detected/overtaken/surprised

In the passive, so someone being entrapped suddenly into temptation

Follows up that we are sure not to get caught ourselves

Patterson quote

V2-3 bearing burdens

We all bear burdens. They will look different from one person to the next.

We need each other. Some for helping, but we need to lean on one another in difficult times.

Galatians (1) Bearing One Another’s Burdens (6:1–3)

The myth of self-sufficiency is not a mark of bravery but rather a sign of pride.

Bearing each others burdens is an imperative, it is a command

We need to remember and remind each other that if we can handle temptation we will fail

Again, knowing it could be you. We think we can get close to the fire, but we will eventually burn our hand.

V4-5 Carrying one another’s load

Its not clear what it means.

Could be consider your achievements.

Could be just your works according to the law

Could be judge your ministry

Regardless which it is, we need to come to it humble in Christ.

If its our conduct, it is our burden to bear and we need to bring it to Christ and lay it out to each other.

If its works, we can look at our work against the law to realize we need the grace of Christ.

If it is our ministry, it is realizing our need for Christ, and remembering his responsibility for any success.

Reap What You Sow

Galatians 6:6–10 ESV

6 Let the one who is taught the word share all good things with the one who teaches. 7 Do not be deceived: God is not mocked, for whatever one sows, that will he also reap. 8 For the one who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption, but the one who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life. 9 And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up. 10 So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith.

V6 A bridge verse, no clear connection to the rest of the passage. It is independant, part of almost a list of advise/ com

Looks in the greek to essentially say, let the student share with the teacher.

In other words this is seen as a command to pay elders that teach. Have paid elders.

Most churches have that, it can be to different degrees, but it is saying support the teachers as possible and needed.

V9 - Continue to do the work

It is easy to

Gal 6:10 “10 So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith.”

This is an important command.

The first is that we are not required to help everybody. We are not capable of that.

I heard a sermon once that said if we pass a homeless person and feel the need to help we must help. While that is true I would say only if we feel it. It is if we have opportunity. Say I have cash in my pocket, I will help. I try to carry McD’s gift cards.

We are especially to help those who are believers.

Churches have benevolence policies for different reasons around this, all though it is not this passage alone.

West Dub policy

CtK

We glorify God, and frankly sanctify ourselves when we help those we have opportunity to help.

Final Warning

Galatians 6:11–17 ESV

11 See with what large letters I am writing to you with my own hand. 12 It is those who want to make a good showing in the flesh who would force you to be circumcised, and only in order that they may not be persecuted for the cross of Christ. 13 For even those who are circumcised do not themselves keep the law, but they desire to have you circumcised that they may boast in your flesh. 14 But far be it from me to boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world. 15 For neither circumcision counts for anything, nor uncircumcision, but a new creation. 16 And as for all who walk by this rule, peace and mercy be upon them, and upon the Israel of God. 17 From now on let no one cause me trouble, for I bear on my body the marks of Jesus.

Benediction

Galatians 6:18 ESV

18 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit, brothers. Amen.

Paul prays a blessing on them.

Despite the conflict, Paul calls them brothers. They are not completely gone, just lost.

See the focus of grace and living by the spirit in this concluding prayer.

While most of the references to spirit in Gal refers to the HS, we still see the emphasis here.

May the grace of Christ be with your spirit

Concluding Thoughts

The importance of Galatians is that we are saved by grace, not works.

We are no longer under the law, but are under the grace in Christ.