Galatians 6
-Paul gives some sage advice in this last, but really
important, chapter of the book. He begins with a brother who has been caught in
a transgression (a false step, a sin). This person should be restore by the
spiritual (those that are free from the yoke of slavery by the Law) in a spirit
of gentleness. These spiritual people must stay on watch and be vigilant as
well because they too can be tempted and carried away by the lures of Satan
themselves if not careful and steadfast on Christ (Galatians 6:1). Paul’s admonition
is for them to bear each other’s burdens and so fulfill the law of Christ
Jesus, which is all about love (Galatians 6:2, Matthew 22:36-39). Stay humble
and contrite; test your own work and bear your own load (Galatians 6:3-5). *
Application* Restoration and reconciliation is paramount in the body of Christ
and in the greater sense, His Kingdom. Bear with one another. We do not live in
a perfect world and sin will be a nagging part of even our new life existence
in Christ. There will be people that wrong you, and at times you will unfortunately
wrong others, even those you dearly love. We need to be spiritual and we need
to allow spiritual people in our lives to correct us when we fail. God loves us
and cares enough about us to redeem and discipline. It may be a tough and
difficult process, but it will yield the peaceful fruit of righteousness rather
than a bitter root (Hebrews 12:5-15). Abide in His Grace!
-Paul gives further counsel in the participation of the
teaching aspects of the good word of God. The student is to “share all good
things with the one who teaches (Galatians 6:6).” *Application* Participatory
teaching is what Paul is advising here. The gospel of Christ is not a lecture
series. It is to be shared and feedback is needed to know if comprehension is
taking place or maybe if further instruction may be required. The student
should always share back to his teacher the good things he or she is learning.
This gives encouragement and edification to the instructor and all so that
progress can be made. Apply these principles in any discipleship process you
engage in.
-Paul uses strong exhortation next with principles about
sowing and reaping. God is not mocked; He is true and faithful, all-knowing and
never fooled. He will reward those who continue to sow from His Holy Spirit for
eternal life. The admonition for us is to not give up and grow weary of doing
good. In due season, we will reap a bountiful harvest of righteousness and
blessing from the Heavenly Father, who rewards our abiding faith and obedience
(Galatians 6:7-9). Therefore, as we have opportunity we need to do good to
everyone, and especially our Christian brothers and sisters who are in the
household of faith (Galatians 6:10). *Application* Don’t ever quit! Be strong
and steadfast, always abounding in the work of the Lord. Your faith work is
never in vain. Be patient and finish the tasks and assignments God has called
you to (1 Corinthians 15:5, James 5:7-8).
-Paul makes a final appeal against the legalists who want to
make a good showing in the flesh with his own hand. Their objective in this
return is exposed. They do not want persecution for the cross of Christ (Galatians
6:11-12). Paul reiterates the fallibility of this system in stating that even
these circumcised ones cannot themselves keep the Law. Paul’s boast will be in
the Lord Jesus Christ and Him crucified. He states that the new creation by the
Spirit is all that matters, and those who walk by this rule will have peace and
mercy upon them as the true Israel of God (Galatians 6:13-16). He hopes this is
the last of this legalism within the Galatian church as he has born the marks
on his body for his presentation of the gospel to them in persecution (2 Corinthians
11:23-27, Galatians 6:17). *Application* For us this is a final stanza to not
abide by external and manmade systems of religious observance. Walk by the Holy
Spirit who indwells you as a believer and experience the freedom of Jesus
Christ in your soul!
Verses to Memorize-
Galatians 6:7, 9
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