Chapter 6
Bear one another’s Burdens
(Read Galatians 6:1-5):
Paul addresses the Galatians as brethren and encourages them to take care of one another. In the family of God, it is important that we should have a burden for others (Galatians 6:1). Just because we have been saved does not mean we are perfect in life (James 3:2). We all fail in many things and have plenty of room to grow spiritually. God has given us godly men to help us in our needs. Sometimes this requires loving confrontation when we see others engage in willful sin. It is possible that believers may fail unexpectedly when they face temptation off guard. Those who are spiritual should gently help those who are overtaken by sin. The believers should guard their thought life so that they may not fall into temptation. It takes spiritual maturity to restore the one who sins with meekness and forbearance. Thus, they can fulfill the law of Christ. If anyone thinks he is important to help someone in need, he is nothing and deceives himself (Galatians 6:3). No one is immune from temptation. Let everyone examine their own work, knowing that they are accountable to God (Galatians 6:4-5). Who is a spiritual man? He is the one living by the Spirit (Galatians 5:16). He does not glory except in the cross of Jesus Christ (Galatians 6:14). He manifests the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23). A spiritual man takes time to examine his own spiritual condition objectively (Galatians 6:4). He is willing to bear others' burden (Galatians 6:2). He gently helps those who are overtaken by sin (Galatians 6:1). A spiritual man is not weary of doing good to those who are in need (Galatians 6:9). Let us confess the sin of self-exaltation and ask God to help us to live humbly before him. Ask God to strengthen us to help those who need encouragement.
Glory Only in the Cross of Jesus Christ
(Read Galatians 6:6-10)
Paul instructs the Galatians to make sure of the importance of sound doctrines and their responsibility toward those who teach them (Galatians 6:6). The believers are expected to support their teachers financially because they devote their time for the ministry of the Word of God (1 Corinthians 9:14; 1 Timothy 5:17-18). The church that comments on a believer for full time ministry has the responsibility to support him financially. The Christians should be careful that they are not misled by false teachers. None can ignore the false teaching and get away with it. For whatever a man sows that he will also reap. In Galatia, false teaching has negatively impacted the churches (Galatians 6:7-9). Those who live to satisfy their passion will reap corruption but those who live by the Spirit will reap eternal life (Galatians 6:8; Romans 8:13). Sound teaching is essential for spiritual growth. The believers should do good to everyone, especially to fellow believers (Galatians 6:10). They should look for opportunities to serve others. God never intended them to be “solo” Christians. They should continue in fellowship with other believers. The Lord knows that we need fellow believers to help us through our difficulties (Proverbs 27:6). True believers care for each other. When a brother is overtaken by sin, we should restore him in a spirit of gentleness. Weep with those who weep and rejoice with those who rejoice (Romans 12:15). Having a believer-friend is not just a benefit but it is a necessity in the body of Christ. Be devoted to one another in love. In the Bible words "one another" are used to show interdependence. Christians should live in harmony with one another (Romans 12:10, 16). Those who minister the Word of God need our prayerful support to continue in the ministry. They are accountable to God for the spiritual well-being of our souls (Hebrews 13:7). For God is not unjust to forget the labor of love shown towards others in His name (Hebrews 6:10).
Conclusion
(Read Galatians 6:11-18)
Paul concludes the letter by writing with his own hand. He warns the Galatians of the danger of following the false teachers. Those who forced believers to be circumcised want to look good to others (Galatians 6:12). They are not concerned about the spiritual life of others but only about their own comfort and reputation. They pretend to be zealous for the law and persuade Gentiles to be circumcised but they do not keep the whole law (Galatians 6:13). The cross is the symbol of suffering and shame. What was a shame to the false teachers was the object of glory to Paul (Galatians 6:14)? Paul was crucified to the world when he was crucified with Christ (Galatians 2:20). Circumcision affects only the body, not the soul. The law was a failure and the only hope for anyone is the salvation in Christ by grace. Those who trusted in Christ are the true Israel, the spiritual descendants of Abraham (Galatians 6:16). Paul answers all the criticisms of false teachers by stating that “I bear in my body the marks of the Lord Jesus Christ” (Galatians 6:18). Heathens used to stamp their bodies with the names of their gods. Paul bore the marks of stoning and scourging he suffered for the gospel on his body to show that he belongs to Jesus (2 Corinthians 11:24-27). None can question Paul’s apostleship and authority. Paul ends the letter with the expression of endearment and with a fitting benediction. “The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all, Amen” (Galatians 6:18). This is God’s good news for guilty sinners. From beginning to end salvation is by the grace of God. Amen.
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