These are the notes to the ninth and final Session of The Christ Church Wednesday Bible Study group's study of the New Testament book of Galatians.
The end of Paul’s letter to the Galatian churches carries the same weight of seriousness and urgency as the rest of it. Both the beginning and end commend readers to God’s grace and express Paul’s deep concern for their spiritual welfare. of those to whom he was writing. But Paul took no time for the personal amenities found inmost of his other letters.
He gives some brief f instructions about restoring a sinning brother. Then a little about the spiritual law of sowing and reaping, and he contrasted those who would glory in the flesh with those who glory only in the cross.
To hear an audio recording of the session click the YouTube link at the end of the notes
THE CONTEXT
The end of Paul’s letter to the Galatian churches carries the same weight of seriousness and urgency as the rest of it. Both the beginning and end commend readers to God’s grace and express Paul’s deep concern for the spiritual welfare of those to whom he was writing.
Galatians 1:3 NKJV Grace to you and peace from God the Father and our Lord Jesus Christ,
Galatians 6:18 NKJV Brethren, the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Amen.
But Paul took no time for the personal amenities found in most of his other letters. At the end of most of his other letters he is sending personal greetings or mentioning specific people.
Romans 16:21-24 NKJV Timothy, my fellow worker, and Lucius, Jason, and Sosipater, my countrymen, greet you. I, Tertius, who wrote this epistle, greet you in the Lord. Gaius, my host and the host of the whole church, greets you. Erastus, the treasurer of the city, greets you, and Quartus, a brother. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.
I Corinthians 16:19-20 NKJV The churches of Asia greet you. Aquila and Priscilla greet you heartily in the Lord, with the church that is in their house. All the brethren greet you. Greet one another with a holy kiss.
Colossians 4:7-15 NKJV Tychicus, a beloved brother, faithful minister, and fellow servant in the Lord, will tell you all the news about me. I am sending him to you for this very purpose, that he may know your circumstances and comfort your hearts, with Onesimus, a faithful and beloved brother, who is one of you. They will make known to you all things which are happening here. Aristarchus my fellow prisoner greets you, with Mark the cousin of Barnabas (about whom you received instructions: if he comes to you, welcome him), and Jesus who is called Justus. These are my only fellow workers for the kingdom of God who are of the circumcision; they have proved to be a comfort to me. Epaphras, who is one of you, a bondservant of Christ, greets you, always laboring fervently for you in prayers, that you may stand perfect and complete in all the will of God. For I bear him witness that he has a great zeal for you, and those who are in Laodicea, and those in Hierapolis. Luke the beloved physician and Demas greet you. Greet the brethren who are in Laodicea, and Nymphas and the church that is in his house.
He gives some brief f instructions about restoring a sinning brother. Then a little about the spiritual law of sowing and reaping, and he contrasted those who would glory in the flesh with those who glory only in the cross.
Except for the very end when he gives a benediction saying grace be with you he is blasting the Judaizers, whose heretical activities prompted the letter in the first place.
They were teaching the spurious, human-made gospel of salvation by works and of living under the government of law, in complete contradiction to the divine gospel of salvation by grace and living by the Spirit that Paul had preached when he ministered in Galatia.
Paul condemned their motives for teaching their legalistic perversion of the gospel, declaring that they were motivated by religious pride, by cowardice, and by hypocrisy.
He, on the other hand, gloried in the cross because it was this sacrifice of the Lord Jesus Christ that was the source of his and every believer’s righteousness and acceptance before God. Only the cross is able to bring an end to man’s hopeless frustration in pursuing God through works.
So Let’s Read
Galatians 6:1-18 NKJV Brethren, if a man is overtaken in any trespass, you who are spiritual restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness, considering yourself lest you also be tempted. Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ. For if anyone thinks himself to be something, when he is nothing, he deceives himself. But let each one examine his own work, and then he will have rejoicing in himself alone, and not in another. For each one shall bear his own load. Let him who is taught the word share in all good things with him who teaches. Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap. For he who sows to his flesh will of the flesh reap corruption, but he who sows to the Spirit will of the Spirit reap everlasting life. And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith. See with what large letters I have written to you with my own hand! As many as desire to make a good showing in the flesh, these would compel you to be circumcised, only that they may not suffer persecution for the cross of Christ. For not even those who are circumcised keep the law, but they desire to have you circumcised that they may boast in your flesh. But God forbid that I should boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world. For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision avails anything, but a new creation. And as many as walk according to this rule, peace and mercy be upon them, and upon the Israel of God. From now on let no one trouble me, for I bear in my body the marks of the Lord Jesus. Brethren, the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Amen.
Galatians 6:1-18 NCV Brothers and sisters, if someone in your group does something wrong, you who are spiritual should go to that person and gently help make him right again. But be careful, because you might be tempted to sin, too. By helping each other with your troubles, you truly obey the law of Christ. If anyone thinks he is important when he really is not, he is only fooling himself. Each person should judge his own actions and not compare himself with others. Then he can be proud for what he himself has done. Each person must be responsible for himself. Anyone who is learning the teaching of God should share all the good things he has with his teacher. Do not be fooled: You cannot cheat God. People harvest only what they plant. If they plant to satisfy their sinful selves, their sinful selves will bring them ruin. But if they plant to please the Spirit, they will receive eternal life from the Spirit. We must not become tired of doing good. We will receive our harvest of eternal life at the right time if we do not give up. When we have the opportunity to help anyone, we should do it. But we should give special attention to those who are in the family of believers. See what large letters I use to write this myself. Some people are trying to force you to be circumcised so the Jews will accept them. They are afraid they will be attacked if they follow only the cross of Christ. Those who are circumcised do not obey the law themselves, but they want you to be circumcised so they can brag about what they forced you to do. I hope I will never brag about things like that. The cross of our Lord Jesus Christ is my only reason for bragging. Through the cross of Jesus my world was crucified, and I died to the world. It is not important if a man is circumcised or uncircumcised. The important thing is being the new people God has made. Peace and mercy to those who follow this rule—and to all of God’s people. So do not give me any more trouble. I have scars on my body that show I belong to Christ Jesus. My brothers and sisters, the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Amen.
Before we break it down let’s look at some keys to what we just read.
KEYS TO THE TEXT
Reaping and Sowing:
In its literal, physical sense, that rudimentary law of agriculture—you reap what you sow—is self-evident. Absolutely universal, it applies equally to every farmer and gardener in every time and place—to the young and the old, the experienced and inexperienced, the wise and the foolish, the saved and the unsaved. This law operates the same no matter who plants the seeds. It is as impartial, predictable, and immutable as the law of gravity.
The same thing is true in the spiritual and moral world. God’s Word is clear.
Hosea 8:1-7 NKJV“ Set the trumpet to your mouth! He shall come like an eagle against the house of the Lord , Because they have transgressed My covenant And rebelled against My law. Israel will cry to Me, ‘My God, we know You!’ Israel has rejected the good; The enemy will pursue him. “They set up kings, but not by Me; They made princes, but I did not acknowledge them. From their silver and gold They made idols for themselves— That they might be cut off. Your calf is rejected, O Samaria! My anger is aroused against them— How long until they attain to innocence? For from Israel is even this: A workman made it, and it is not God; But the calf of Samaria shall be broken to pieces. “They sow the wind, And reap the whirlwind. The stalk has no bud; It shall never produce meal. If it should produce, Aliens would swallow it up.
Hosea 10:12 NKJV Sow for yourselves righteousness; Reap in mercy; Break up your fallow ground, For it is time to seek the Lord , Till He comes and rains righteousness on you.
The Cross:
Paul gloried in the cross because Christ’s sacrifice on the cross is the source of his and every believer’s righteousness and acceptance before God—bringing an end to the hopeless frustration of pursuing God through works.
God “made Him who knew no sin to be sin on our behalf that we might become the righteousness of God in Him”
(2 Cor. 5:21).
Christians honor and praise the cross because Christ’s sacrifice provided redemption and eternal life, making the cross the supreme symbol of the gospel.
Galatians 6:1-5 NKJV Brethren, if a man is overtaken in any trespass, you who are spiritual restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness, considering yourself lest you also be tempted. Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ. For if anyone thinks himself to be something, when he is nothing, he deceives himself. But let each one examine his own work, and then he will have rejoicing in himself alone, and not in another. For each one shall bear his own load.
1 Brethren, if a man is overtaken in any trespass, you who are spiritual restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness, considering yourself lest you also be tempted.
To be overtaken in any trespass literally means to be “caught,” That may imply the person was actually seen committing the sin, or that he was caught by the sin itself you. If that happens and you see it then it is your obligation as a brother of sister to restore which means to mend or repair them. Now not everybody, and I mean every Christian is to do this restoration. It is only those who are spiritual or those believers who are walking in the Spirit, filled with the spirit doing that restoration with the fruit of the Spirit.
Galatians 5:22-23 NKJV But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law.
love (v. 22)—One of several Greek words for love, agape, refers to the love of choice, not an emotional affection, physical attraction, or a familial bond, but the respect, devotion, and affection that lead to willing, self-sacrificial service.
joy (v. 22)—a happiness based on unchanging divine promises and eternal spiritual realities. It is the sense of well-being experienced by one who knows all is well between himself or herself and the Lord; it is not the result of favorable circumstances, and even occurs when those circumstances are the most painful and severe. Joy is a gift fromGod, and as such, believers are not to manufacture it but to delight in the blessing they already possess.
peace (v. 22)—the inner calm that results from confidence in one’s saving relationship with Christ. The verb form denotes binding together and is reflected in the expression “having it all together”; like joy, peace is not related to one’s circumstances
longsuffering (v. 22)—the patience to endure injuries inflicted by others and the willingness to accept irritating or painful situations.
kindness (v. 22)—tender concern for others, reflected in a desire to treat others gently,just as the Lord treats all believers
goodness (v. 22)—moral and spiritual excellence manifested in active kindness
faithfulness (v. 22)—loyalty and trustworthiness
gentleness (v. 23)—Better translated “meekness,” this is a humble and gentle attitude that is patiently submissive in every offense, while having no desire for revenge or retribution.
In the New Testament, it is used to describe three attitudes:
submission to the will of God
self-control (v. 23)—This refers to restraining passions and appetites.
The basic process of restoration is outlined in
Matthew 18:15-20 NKJV “Moreover if your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault between you and him alone. If he hears you, you have gained your brother. But if he will not hear, take with you one or two more, that ‘by the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established.’ And if he refuses to hear them, tell it to the church. But if he refuses even to hear the church, let him be to you like a heathen and a tax collector. “Assuredly, I say to you, whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven. “Again I say to you that if two of you agree on earth concerning anything that they ask, it will be done for them by My Father in heaven. For where two or three are gathered together in My name, I am there in the midst of them.”
2 Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.
Bear one another’s burdens “Burdens” are extra heavy loads, which here represent difficulties or problems people have trouble dealing with. We are to be with them to help them through their difficulties, and in so doing we are obeying the law of Christ which is
Matthew 22:36-37, 39-40 NKJV “Teacher, which is the great commandment in the law?” Jesus said to him, “ ‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.’ And the second is like it: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ On these two commandments hang all the Law and the Prophets.”
The law of love which fulfills the entire law
3 For if anyone thinks himself to be something, when he is nothing, he deceives himself.
4 But let each one examine his own work, and then he will have rejoicing in himself alone, and not in another.
To examine yourself is literally “to approve something after testing it”; believers first must be sure their lives are right with God before giving spiritual help to others.
Believers should rejoice or boast in the Lord only for what God has done in him or her (see 2 Cor. 10:12–18), not for what he or she supposedly has accomplished compared to other believers.
We talked about boasting only in the Lord on the sermon on Sunday
II Corinthians 10:12-18 NKJV For we dare not class ourselves or compare ourselves with those who commend themselves. But they, measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise. We, however, will not boast beyond measure, but within the limits of the sphere which God appointed us—a sphere which especially includes you. For we are not overextending ourselves (as though our authority did not extend to you), for it was to you that we came with the gospel of Christ; not boasting of things beyond measure, that is, in other men’s labors, but having hope, that as your faith is increased, we shall be greatly enlarged by you in our sphere, to preach the gospel in the regions beyond you, and not to boast in another man’s sphere of accomplishment. But “he who glories, let him glory in the Lord .” For not he who commends himself is approved, but whom the Lord commends.
5 For each one shall bear his own load.
All of us have to bear our own load. This is not a contradiction to what it says in verse 2 when Paul said that we are to bear one another’s burdens. This load or burden refers to our individual routine obligations and personal ministry calling. Remember we all have spiritual gifts. God requires faithfulness in meeting those responsibilities.
The end of Paul’s letter to the Galatian churches carries the same weight of seriousness and urgency as the rest of it. Both the beginning and end commend readers to God’s grace and express Paul’s deep concern for their spiritual welfare. of those to whom he was writing. But Paul took no time for the personal amenities found inmost of his other letters.
He gives some brief f instructions about restoring a sinning brother. Then a little about the spiritual law of sowing and reaping, and he contrasted those who would glory in the flesh with those who glory only in the cross.
To hear an audio recording of the session click the YouTube link at the end of the notes
THE CONTEXT
The end of Paul’s letter to the Galatian churches carries the same weight of seriousness and urgency as the rest of it. Both the beginning and end commend readers to God’s grace and express Paul’s deep concern for the spiritual welfare of those to whom he was writing.
Galatians 1:3 NKJV Grace to you and peace from God the Father and our Lord Jesus Christ,
Galatians 6:18 NKJV Brethren, the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Amen.
But Paul took no time for the personal amenities found in most of his other letters. At the end of most of his other letters he is sending personal greetings or mentioning specific people.
Romans 16:21-24 NKJV Timothy, my fellow worker, and Lucius, Jason, and Sosipater, my countrymen, greet you. I, Tertius, who wrote this epistle, greet you in the Lord. Gaius, my host and the host of the whole church, greets you. Erastus, the treasurer of the city, greets you, and Quartus, a brother. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.
I Corinthians 16:19-20 NKJV The churches of Asia greet you. Aquila and Priscilla greet you heartily in the Lord, with the church that is in their house. All the brethren greet you. Greet one another with a holy kiss.
Colossians 4:7-15 NKJV Tychicus, a beloved brother, faithful minister, and fellow servant in the Lord, will tell you all the news about me. I am sending him to you for this very purpose, that he may know your circumstances and comfort your hearts, with Onesimus, a faithful and beloved brother, who is one of you. They will make known to you all things which are happening here. Aristarchus my fellow prisoner greets you, with Mark the cousin of Barnabas (about whom you received instructions: if he comes to you, welcome him), and Jesus who is called Justus. These are my only fellow workers for the kingdom of God who are of the circumcision; they have proved to be a comfort to me. Epaphras, who is one of you, a bondservant of Christ, greets you, always laboring fervently for you in prayers, that you may stand perfect and complete in all the will of God. For I bear him witness that he has a great zeal for you, and those who are in Laodicea, and those in Hierapolis. Luke the beloved physician and Demas greet you. Greet the brethren who are in Laodicea, and Nymphas and the church that is in his house.
He gives some brief f instructions about restoring a sinning brother. Then a little about the spiritual law of sowing and reaping, and he contrasted those who would glory in the flesh with those who glory only in the cross.
Except for the very end when he gives a benediction saying grace be with you he is blasting the Judaizers, whose heretical activities prompted the letter in the first place.
They were teaching the spurious, human-made gospel of salvation by works and of living under the government of law, in complete contradiction to the divine gospel of salvation by grace and living by the Spirit that Paul had preached when he ministered in Galatia.
Paul condemned their motives for teaching their legalistic perversion of the gospel, declaring that they were motivated by religious pride, by cowardice, and by hypocrisy.
He, on the other hand, gloried in the cross because it was this sacrifice of the Lord Jesus Christ that was the source of his and every believer’s righteousness and acceptance before God. Only the cross is able to bring an end to man’s hopeless frustration in pursuing God through works.
So Let’s Read
Galatians 6:1-18 NKJV Brethren, if a man is overtaken in any trespass, you who are spiritual restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness, considering yourself lest you also be tempted. Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ. For if anyone thinks himself to be something, when he is nothing, he deceives himself. But let each one examine his own work, and then he will have rejoicing in himself alone, and not in another. For each one shall bear his own load. Let him who is taught the word share in all good things with him who teaches. Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap. For he who sows to his flesh will of the flesh reap corruption, but he who sows to the Spirit will of the Spirit reap everlasting life. And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith. See with what large letters I have written to you with my own hand! As many as desire to make a good showing in the flesh, these would compel you to be circumcised, only that they may not suffer persecution for the cross of Christ. For not even those who are circumcised keep the law, but they desire to have you circumcised that they may boast in your flesh. But God forbid that I should boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world. For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision avails anything, but a new creation. And as many as walk according to this rule, peace and mercy be upon them, and upon the Israel of God. From now on let no one trouble me, for I bear in my body the marks of the Lord Jesus. Brethren, the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Amen.
Galatians 6:1-18 NCV Brothers and sisters, if someone in your group does something wrong, you who are spiritual should go to that person and gently help make him right again. But be careful, because you might be tempted to sin, too. By helping each other with your troubles, you truly obey the law of Christ. If anyone thinks he is important when he really is not, he is only fooling himself. Each person should judge his own actions and not compare himself with others. Then he can be proud for what he himself has done. Each person must be responsible for himself. Anyone who is learning the teaching of God should share all the good things he has with his teacher. Do not be fooled: You cannot cheat God. People harvest only what they plant. If they plant to satisfy their sinful selves, their sinful selves will bring them ruin. But if they plant to please the Spirit, they will receive eternal life from the Spirit. We must not become tired of doing good. We will receive our harvest of eternal life at the right time if we do not give up. When we have the opportunity to help anyone, we should do it. But we should give special attention to those who are in the family of believers. See what large letters I use to write this myself. Some people are trying to force you to be circumcised so the Jews will accept them. They are afraid they will be attacked if they follow only the cross of Christ. Those who are circumcised do not obey the law themselves, but they want you to be circumcised so they can brag about what they forced you to do. I hope I will never brag about things like that. The cross of our Lord Jesus Christ is my only reason for bragging. Through the cross of Jesus my world was crucified, and I died to the world. It is not important if a man is circumcised or uncircumcised. The important thing is being the new people God has made. Peace and mercy to those who follow this rule—and to all of God’s people. So do not give me any more trouble. I have scars on my body that show I belong to Christ Jesus. My brothers and sisters, the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Amen.
Before we break it down let’s look at some keys to what we just read.
KEYS TO THE TEXT
Reaping and Sowing:
In its literal, physical sense, that rudimentary law of agriculture—you reap what you sow—is self-evident. Absolutely universal, it applies equally to every farmer and gardener in every time and place—to the young and the old, the experienced and inexperienced, the wise and the foolish, the saved and the unsaved. This law operates the same no matter who plants the seeds. It is as impartial, predictable, and immutable as the law of gravity.
The same thing is true in the spiritual and moral world. God’s Word is clear.
Hosea 8:1-7 NKJV“ Set the trumpet to your mouth! He shall come like an eagle against the house of the Lord , Because they have transgressed My covenant And rebelled against My law. Israel will cry to Me, ‘My God, we know You!’ Israel has rejected the good; The enemy will pursue him. “They set up kings, but not by Me; They made princes, but I did not acknowledge them. From their silver and gold They made idols for themselves— That they might be cut off. Your calf is rejected, O Samaria! My anger is aroused against them— How long until they attain to innocence? For from Israel is even this: A workman made it, and it is not God; But the calf of Samaria shall be broken to pieces. “They sow the wind, And reap the whirlwind. The stalk has no bud; It shall never produce meal. If it should produce, Aliens would swallow it up.
Hosea 10:12 NKJV Sow for yourselves righteousness; Reap in mercy; Break up your fallow ground, For it is time to seek the Lord , Till He comes and rains righteousness on you.
The Cross:
Paul gloried in the cross because Christ’s sacrifice on the cross is the source of his and every believer’s righteousness and acceptance before God—bringing an end to the hopeless frustration of pursuing God through works.
God “made Him who knew no sin to be sin on our behalf that we might become the righteousness of God in Him”
(2 Cor. 5:21).
Christians honor and praise the cross because Christ’s sacrifice provided redemption and eternal life, making the cross the supreme symbol of the gospel.
Galatians 6:1-5 NKJV Brethren, if a man is overtaken in any trespass, you who are spiritual restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness, considering yourself lest you also be tempted. Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ. For if anyone thinks himself to be something, when he is nothing, he deceives himself. But let each one examine his own work, and then he will have rejoicing in himself alone, and not in another. For each one shall bear his own load.
1 Brethren, if a man is overtaken in any trespass, you who are spiritual restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness, considering yourself lest you also be tempted.
To be overtaken in any trespass literally means to be “caught,” That may imply the person was actually seen committing the sin, or that he was caught by the sin itself you. If that happens and you see it then it is your obligation as a brother of sister to restore which means to mend or repair them. Now not everybody, and I mean every Christian is to do this restoration. It is only those who are spiritual or those believers who are walking in the Spirit, filled with the spirit doing that restoration with the fruit of the Spirit.
Galatians 5:22-23 NKJV But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law.
love (v. 22)—One of several Greek words for love, agape, refers to the love of choice, not an emotional affection, physical attraction, or a familial bond, but the respect, devotion, and affection that lead to willing, self-sacrificial service.
joy (v. 22)—a happiness based on unchanging divine promises and eternal spiritual realities. It is the sense of well-being experienced by one who knows all is well between himself or herself and the Lord; it is not the result of favorable circumstances, and even occurs when those circumstances are the most painful and severe. Joy is a gift fromGod, and as such, believers are not to manufacture it but to delight in the blessing they already possess.
peace (v. 22)—the inner calm that results from confidence in one’s saving relationship with Christ. The verb form denotes binding together and is reflected in the expression “having it all together”; like joy, peace is not related to one’s circumstances
longsuffering (v. 22)—the patience to endure injuries inflicted by others and the willingness to accept irritating or painful situations.
kindness (v. 22)—tender concern for others, reflected in a desire to treat others gently,just as the Lord treats all believers
goodness (v. 22)—moral and spiritual excellence manifested in active kindness
faithfulness (v. 22)—loyalty and trustworthiness
gentleness (v. 23)—Better translated “meekness,” this is a humble and gentle attitude that is patiently submissive in every offense, while having no desire for revenge or retribution.
In the New Testament, it is used to describe three attitudes:
submission to the will of God
self-control (v. 23)—This refers to restraining passions and appetites.
The basic process of restoration is outlined in
Matthew 18:15-20 NKJV “Moreover if your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault between you and him alone. If he hears you, you have gained your brother. But if he will not hear, take with you one or two more, that ‘by the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established.’ And if he refuses to hear them, tell it to the church. But if he refuses even to hear the church, let him be to you like a heathen and a tax collector. “Assuredly, I say to you, whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven. “Again I say to you that if two of you agree on earth concerning anything that they ask, it will be done for them by My Father in heaven. For where two or three are gathered together in My name, I am there in the midst of them.”
2 Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.
Bear one another’s burdens “Burdens” are extra heavy loads, which here represent difficulties or problems people have trouble dealing with. We are to be with them to help them through their difficulties, and in so doing we are obeying the law of Christ which is
Matthew 22:36-37, 39-40 NKJV “Teacher, which is the great commandment in the law?” Jesus said to him, “ ‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.’ And the second is like it: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ On these two commandments hang all the Law and the Prophets.”
The law of love which fulfills the entire law
3 For if anyone thinks himself to be something, when he is nothing, he deceives himself.
4 But let each one examine his own work, and then he will have rejoicing in himself alone, and not in another.
To examine yourself is literally “to approve something after testing it”; believers first must be sure their lives are right with God before giving spiritual help to others.
Believers should rejoice or boast in the Lord only for what God has done in him or her (see 2 Cor. 10:12–18), not for what he or she supposedly has accomplished compared to other believers.
We talked about boasting only in the Lord on the sermon on Sunday
II Corinthians 10:12-18 NKJV For we dare not class ourselves or compare ourselves with those who commend themselves. But they, measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise. We, however, will not boast beyond measure, but within the limits of the sphere which God appointed us—a sphere which especially includes you. For we are not overextending ourselves (as though our authority did not extend to you), for it was to you that we came with the gospel of Christ; not boasting of things beyond measure, that is, in other men’s labors, but having hope, that as your faith is increased, we shall be greatly enlarged by you in our sphere, to preach the gospel in the regions beyond you, and not to boast in another man’s sphere of accomplishment. But “he who glories, let him glory in the Lord .” For not he who commends himself is approved, but whom the Lord commends.
5 For each one shall bear his own load.
All of us have to bear our own load. This is not a contradiction to what it says in verse 2 when Paul said that we are to bear one another’s burdens. This load or burden refers to our individual routine obligations and personal ministry calling. Remember we all have spiritual gifts. God requires faithfulness in meeting those responsibilities.
Be Generous And Do Good
Galatians 6:6-10 NKJV Let him who is taught the word share in all good things with him who teaches. Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap. For he who sows to his flesh will of the flesh reap corruption, but he who sows to the Spirit will of the Spirit reap everlasting life. And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith.
6 Let him who is taught the word share in all good things with him teaches.
7 Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap. 8 For he who sows to his flesh will of the flesh reap corruption, but he who sows to the Spirit will of the Spirit reap everlasting life.
Here Paul when he says “sows to his flesh” it means pandering to the flesh’s evil desires. The counterfeit stuff we talked about Sunday; “the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life”.
1 John 2:16 NIV For everything in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—comes not from the Father but from the world.
The word corruption in verse 8 is from the Greek word for degeneration, as in decaying food; sin always corrupts and, when left unchecked, always makes a person progressively worse in character.
Romans 6:23a NKJV For the wages of sin is death
On the other hand the person who sows to the Spirit or walks by the Holy Spirit reaps or receives everlasting life.
This expression describes not only a life that endures forever but, is also the highest quality of living that one can experience.
Ephesians 1:3, 18 NKJV Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ, the eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that you may know what is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints,
John 10:7-10 NKJV Then Jesus said to them again, “Most assuredly, I say to you, I am the door of the sheep. All who ever came before Me are thieves and robbers, but the sheep did not hear them. I am the door. If anyone enters by Me, he will be saved, and will go in and out and find pasture. The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.
Because we know this we shouldn’t grow weary because we will in do season reap everlasting life and that abundant life Jesus was talking about. We just have to be patient and wait.
9 And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart.
Psalms 25:3 NKJV Indeed, let no one who waits on You be ashamed; Let those be ashamed who deal treacherously without cause.
Isaiah 40:31 NKJV But those who wait on the Lord Shall renew their strength; They shall mount up with wings like eagles, They shall run and not be weary, They shall walk and not faint.
10 Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith.
We should take advantage of every opportunity to do good works. The Greek word for opportunity is kairos and it refers to a distinct, fixed time period, rather than occasional moments. Paul's point is that our entire lives provide the unique privilege to serve others in Christ’s name.
Ephesians 2:8-10 NKJV For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast. For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.
All this God did by His love, grace, and mercy. While it involved their faith, it did not involve any works whereby one could boast.
The end result is that they have been created in Christ to walk in good works, as God planned beforehand.
These good works are the result of the seed of the fruit of the Spirit sowed in you at salvation.
We should do good for everybody and our love for fellow Christians is one of the primary tests of our love for God.
We have talked about this in our sermons from 1 John. Remember the two tests that prove that we have fellowship with God. The first test is obeying His commands and the second is that of loving each other.
1 John 2:9 NIV Anyone who claims to be in the light but hates a brother or sister is still in the darkness.
Glory Only In The Cross
Galatians 6:11-15 NKJV See with what large letters I have written to you with my own hand! As many as desire to make a good showing in the flesh, these would compel you to be circumcised, only that they may not suffer persecution for the cross of Christ. For not even those who are circumcised keep the law, but they desire to have you circumcised that they may boast in your flesh. But God forbid that I should boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world. For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision avails anything, but a new creation.
11 See with what large letters I have written to you with my own hand!
—This can be interpreted in two ways: (1) Paul’s poor eyesight forced him to use large letters or (2) instead of the normal cursive style of writing used by professional scribes, Paul used the large, block letters (frequently employed in public notices) to emphasize the letter’s content rather than its form.
He was indicating that he had written this letter himself. This letter was not dictated as were some of his others.
II Thessalonians 3:17 NKJV The salutation of Paul with my own hand, which is a sign in every epistle; so I write.
This letter was so important that he needed to write it all himself.
Now he voices his frustration about the Judaizers.
12 As many as desire to make a good showing in the flesh, these would compel you to be circumcised, only that they may not suffer persecution for the cross of Christ.
The Judaizers were motivated by religious pride and wanted to impress others with their external piety. They were more concerned about their personal safety than correct doctrine. By adhering more to the Mosaic Law than to the gospel of Jesus, they hoped to avoid social and financial ostracism from other Jews and maintain their protected status as Jews within the Roman Empire.
13 For not even those who are circumcised keep the law, but they desire to have you circumcised that they may boast in your flesh.
They worked to win Gentile converts to the law so they could brag about their effective proselytizing.
But not Paul
14 But God forbid that I should boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world.
We talked about where and in whom our boasting should be earlier today and last Sunday.
The Greek word for “boast” is a basic expression of praise, unlike the English word, which necessarily includes the aspect of pride. Paul glories and rejoices in the sacrifice of Jesus Christ.
The world system with its counterfeits is spiritually dead to believers.
The old system and covenant of works and law has been overtaken by a new covenant based faith so that those who believe on the author of the new covenant, Jesus become new creatures.
II Corinthians 5:16-17 NKJV Therefore, from now on, we regard no one according to the flesh. Even though we have known Christ according to the flesh, yet now we know Him thus no longer. Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.
Blessing And Plea
Galatians 6:16-18 NKJV And as many as walk according to this rule, peace and mercy be upon them, and upon the Israel of God. From now on let no one trouble me, for I bear in my body the marks of the Lord Jesus. Brethren, the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Amen.
16 And as many as walk according to this rule, peace and mercy be upon them, and upon the Israel of God.
The new rule Paul here is talking about is salvation by grace through faith and not works.
Romans 5:1-2 NKJV Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom also we have access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.
As a result we have peace
Romans 8:6 NKJV For to be carnally minded is death, but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.
The Israel of God includes all those who are both physical those born Jewish and spiritual descendants, those us saved by faith of Abraham.
17 From now on let no one trouble me, for I bear in my body the marks of the Lord Jesus.
Paul says now do not give me any more trouble. I have scars on my body that show I belong to Christ Jesus.
18 Brethren, the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Amen.
TRUTH FOR TODAY
The most important pursuit for all Christians, individually and corporately, is holiness. The first mission of the church is to honor and glorify God, and He can be honored and glorified by His children only as they grow to be like Him in character. Although evangelism is the cutting edge of the church’s ministry, holiness is the only foundation on which effective evangelism or any other ministry can be built. The supreme priority of the church is holiness, purity of inward life. God can accomplish whatever He desires through a believer or a church that is holy, but He can do little through one that is not.
Galatians 6:6-10 NKJV Let him who is taught the word share in all good things with him who teaches. Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap. For he who sows to his flesh will of the flesh reap corruption, but he who sows to the Spirit will of the Spirit reap everlasting life. And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith.
6 Let him who is taught the word share in all good things with him teaches.
7 Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap. 8 For he who sows to his flesh will of the flesh reap corruption, but he who sows to the Spirit will of the Spirit reap everlasting life.
Here Paul when he says “sows to his flesh” it means pandering to the flesh’s evil desires. The counterfeit stuff we talked about Sunday; “the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life”.
1 John 2:16 NIV For everything in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—comes not from the Father but from the world.
The word corruption in verse 8 is from the Greek word for degeneration, as in decaying food; sin always corrupts and, when left unchecked, always makes a person progressively worse in character.
Romans 6:23a NKJV For the wages of sin is death
On the other hand the person who sows to the Spirit or walks by the Holy Spirit reaps or receives everlasting life.
This expression describes not only a life that endures forever but, is also the highest quality of living that one can experience.
Ephesians 1:3, 18 NKJV Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ, the eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that you may know what is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints,
John 10:7-10 NKJV Then Jesus said to them again, “Most assuredly, I say to you, I am the door of the sheep. All who ever came before Me are thieves and robbers, but the sheep did not hear them. I am the door. If anyone enters by Me, he will be saved, and will go in and out and find pasture. The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.
Because we know this we shouldn’t grow weary because we will in do season reap everlasting life and that abundant life Jesus was talking about. We just have to be patient and wait.
9 And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart.
Psalms 25:3 NKJV Indeed, let no one who waits on You be ashamed; Let those be ashamed who deal treacherously without cause.
Isaiah 40:31 NKJV But those who wait on the Lord Shall renew their strength; They shall mount up with wings like eagles, They shall run and not be weary, They shall walk and not faint.
10 Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith.
We should take advantage of every opportunity to do good works. The Greek word for opportunity is kairos and it refers to a distinct, fixed time period, rather than occasional moments. Paul's point is that our entire lives provide the unique privilege to serve others in Christ’s name.
Ephesians 2:8-10 NKJV For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast. For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.
All this God did by His love, grace, and mercy. While it involved their faith, it did not involve any works whereby one could boast.
The end result is that they have been created in Christ to walk in good works, as God planned beforehand.
These good works are the result of the seed of the fruit of the Spirit sowed in you at salvation.
We should do good for everybody and our love for fellow Christians is one of the primary tests of our love for God.
We have talked about this in our sermons from 1 John. Remember the two tests that prove that we have fellowship with God. The first test is obeying His commands and the second is that of loving each other.
1 John 2:9 NIV Anyone who claims to be in the light but hates a brother or sister is still in the darkness.
Glory Only In The Cross
Galatians 6:11-15 NKJV See with what large letters I have written to you with my own hand! As many as desire to make a good showing in the flesh, these would compel you to be circumcised, only that they may not suffer persecution for the cross of Christ. For not even those who are circumcised keep the law, but they desire to have you circumcised that they may boast in your flesh. But God forbid that I should boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world. For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision avails anything, but a new creation.
11 See with what large letters I have written to you with my own hand!
—This can be interpreted in two ways: (1) Paul’s poor eyesight forced him to use large letters or (2) instead of the normal cursive style of writing used by professional scribes, Paul used the large, block letters (frequently employed in public notices) to emphasize the letter’s content rather than its form.
He was indicating that he had written this letter himself. This letter was not dictated as were some of his others.
II Thessalonians 3:17 NKJV The salutation of Paul with my own hand, which is a sign in every epistle; so I write.
This letter was so important that he needed to write it all himself.
Now he voices his frustration about the Judaizers.
12 As many as desire to make a good showing in the flesh, these would compel you to be circumcised, only that they may not suffer persecution for the cross of Christ.
The Judaizers were motivated by religious pride and wanted to impress others with their external piety. They were more concerned about their personal safety than correct doctrine. By adhering more to the Mosaic Law than to the gospel of Jesus, they hoped to avoid social and financial ostracism from other Jews and maintain their protected status as Jews within the Roman Empire.
13 For not even those who are circumcised keep the law, but they desire to have you circumcised that they may boast in your flesh.
They worked to win Gentile converts to the law so they could brag about their effective proselytizing.
But not Paul
14 But God forbid that I should boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world.
We talked about where and in whom our boasting should be earlier today and last Sunday.
The Greek word for “boast” is a basic expression of praise, unlike the English word, which necessarily includes the aspect of pride. Paul glories and rejoices in the sacrifice of Jesus Christ.
The world system with its counterfeits is spiritually dead to believers.
The old system and covenant of works and law has been overtaken by a new covenant based faith so that those who believe on the author of the new covenant, Jesus become new creatures.
II Corinthians 5:16-17 NKJV Therefore, from now on, we regard no one according to the flesh. Even though we have known Christ according to the flesh, yet now we know Him thus no longer. Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.
Blessing And Plea
Galatians 6:16-18 NKJV And as many as walk according to this rule, peace and mercy be upon them, and upon the Israel of God. From now on let no one trouble me, for I bear in my body the marks of the Lord Jesus. Brethren, the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Amen.
16 And as many as walk according to this rule, peace and mercy be upon them, and upon the Israel of God.
The new rule Paul here is talking about is salvation by grace through faith and not works.
Romans 5:1-2 NKJV Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom also we have access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.
As a result we have peace
Romans 8:6 NKJV For to be carnally minded is death, but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.
The Israel of God includes all those who are both physical those born Jewish and spiritual descendants, those us saved by faith of Abraham.
17 From now on let no one trouble me, for I bear in my body the marks of the Lord Jesus.
Paul says now do not give me any more trouble. I have scars on my body that show I belong to Christ Jesus.
18 Brethren, the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Amen.
TRUTH FOR TODAY
The most important pursuit for all Christians, individually and corporately, is holiness. The first mission of the church is to honor and glorify God, and He can be honored and glorified by His children only as they grow to be like Him in character. Although evangelism is the cutting edge of the church’s ministry, holiness is the only foundation on which effective evangelism or any other ministry can be built. The supreme priority of the church is holiness, purity of inward life. God can accomplish whatever He desires through a believer or a church that is holy, but He can do little through one that is not.
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