Galatians: Jesus First

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Pastor Jonathan Falwell

Galatians 6:1-18 NKJV

Galatians 6 is a practical explanation of what “walking in the Spirit” looks like in everyday life. It gives us some gentle, and not so gentle, reminders about how to live according to the principles of God’s Word. To summarize, we are to LOVE GOD and LOVE PEOPLE.

Tony Merida says, “The Spirit works in us to help us love one another, not to devour one another (5:15) nor to provoke and envy one another (5:26).”[1]

1. Be a help to others

Vss 1-6 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. 2 Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ. 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. 5 For each one shall bear his own load. 6 Let him who is taught the word share in all good things with him who teaches.

  • One aspect of being “brothers in Christ” is to help the fallen. Verse 1 states we are to “restore – hatartizō” those who have fallen into sin. This word conveys the idea of setting a broken bone.
  • We all have an obligation to use Biblical guidelines to call a “brother” from sin into right relationship with God, and to do so with gentleness
  • Further, there must never be a spirit of “I’m better than them” because we all have the potential to be tempted. Humility should always be our desire.
  • “burdens” – baros (meaning a very heavy load carried for a long distance)
  • Some may feel there’s a contradiction found in these verses. However, Paul uses a different word in verse 5 for load – phortion (which carries the idea of a lighter weight, perhaps even a backpack one must carry).
  • This conveys the idea that we must all serve one another and help others but ultimately we are responsible for our own walk with God

2. Focus on the right things

Vss 7-10 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. 9 And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart. 10 Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith.

  • We must remember Paul started this letter challenging the Galatians on their sudden “turning away (Gal. 1:6) from the Gospel
  • This book serves as a corrective measure for the Galatians, and us. Here, Paul reminds us there are consequences to our actions.
  • Further, it is impossible for a Christ-follower to “walk in the Spirit” and serve as a restorer when they are always running to the wrong things. This leads to hypocritical legalism.

3. As always, it’s all about Jesus

Vss 11- 15 See with what large letters I have written to you with my own hand! 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. 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. 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. 15 For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision avails anything, but a new creation.

  • Here we see another warning against the legalist Judaizers Paul talks about in chapter 1. Their only desire is to focus on following the law as if our salvation depends on our actions.
  • Ultimately, as verse 13 indicates, this view is one that flows from a desire to be “holier than thou” or, better said, in pride.
  • Our focus should be faith in Christ because of what He has done and to point people to the cross of Christ not the works of self.

 

4. As always, God is always on your side

Vss 16-18 And as many as walk according to this rule, peace and mercy be upon them, and upon the Israel of God. 17 From now on let no one trouble me, for I bear in my body the marks of the Lord Jesus. 18 Brethren, the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Amen.

  • This blessing of “peace and mercy” is given to those who are not deceived by the false teaching of the world but rather those who “walk in the Sprit.”

Max Anders states, “Paul’s stonings and beatings as an apostle of the message of grace are his final proof that he is a true apostle. These markings are his signs that he was a slave of Christ and not of the law. These physical scars were Paul’s final credentials of authenticity.”[2]

[1] David Platt and Tony Merida, Exalting Jesus in Galatians (Nashville, TN: Holman Reference, 2014), 122.

[2] Max Anders, Galatians-Colossians, vol. 8, Holman New Testament Commentary (Nashville, TN: Broadman & Holman Publishers, 1999), 81.

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