Galatians Chapter 6

INTRODUCTION:

We are wrapping up our final chapter of the Book of Galatians this week.  Let me recap what Paul has written so far to the churches in Galatia.  

The churches in Galatia were composed of both Jewish and Gentile converts. Paul’s purpose in writing to these churches was to confirm them in the faith because they were facing a theological crisis. The Judaizers, in the early church, were those who taught a combination of God’s grace and human effort. These Judaizers denied the essential truth of the gospel, justification by faith alone rather than human effort. The Judaizers wanted approval from the Jewish leaders by showing how effective they were at converting Gentiles into a form of Judaism. They were also creating division within the churches of Galatia, thus Paul's very strong reaction and quick letter to these churches.

In the prior chapters Paul spent time differentiating between law and grace as well as slavery and freedom. Last week we asked ourselves the question “Why would anyone choose slavery over freedom or choose the law over grace?” 

This week, Galatians Chapter 6 is the concluding chapter of Paul's letter to the Galatians, and it brings all of it together with practical instructions. This chapter is so rich and filled with many principles but today I want to hone on one of the main themes…The Importance of TAKING CARE OF ONE ANOTHER (even when it’s hard) In this chapter, Paul gives us many instructions regarding caring for one another…  by means of restoring fellow believers, bearing with one another, sowing in the Spirit and persevering to do good to name a few.

I remember hearing a story about two brothers who were walking one day, and the younger one became tired, so he asked his older brother to carry him. The older boy scooped his brother up in his arms and began to carry him. As he walked, a neighbor chuckled and said, "Wow. He must be heavy."

And the older boy replied: "He's not heavy, he's, my brother!"

Now think about your spiritual family. The people you call your brothers and sisters in Christ. Do you really treat them as brothers and sisters?  

Let’s dive into Galatians Chapter 6!

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

Let the one who is taught the word share all good things with the one who teaches. Do not be deceived: God is not mocked, for whatever one sows, that will he also reap. 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. And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up. So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith.

Final Warning and Benediction

See with what large letters I am writing to you with my own hand. 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. 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. But far be it from me to boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by which[b] the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world. For neither circumcision counts for anything, nor uncircumcision, but a new creation. And as for all who walk by this rule, peace and mercy be upon them, and upon the Israel of God.  From now on let no one cause me trouble, for I bear on my body the marks of Jesus.  The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit, brothers. Amen.

Alright, let's break it down…and see how this all works into taking care of one another.

Restore with Gentleness (Galatians 6:1-5)

• Paul urges believers to gently restore those who have fallen into sin, emphasizing a compassionate and humble approach, reflecting Christ’s love and compassion (Galatians 6:1).

• Paul calls us to carrying each other's burdens and is highlighted as a fulfillment of the law of Christ, pointing to the importance of mutual support and care within the community (Galatians 6:2)

• We are reminded that each person is to examine their own actions and take responsibility for their own conduct, without comparing themselves to others (Galatians 6:4-5).

Key Scripture: "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. Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ" (Galatians 6:1-2)

• The word for restoration is the same Greek word that is used for setting a broken bone or for restoring a dislocated bone to its original position. 

• The goal is ALWAYS restoration and never destruction

• Carrying each other's burdens is highlighted as a fulfillment of the law of Christ, pointing to the importance of mutual support and care within the community…Having compassion towards other's weaknesses/faults and mistakes

Sowing and Reaping (Galatians 6:7-8)

• We have heard this before, right?  Paul teaches that our actions have consequences and that we will reap what we sow. This affects our relationships with one another. Sowing to the Spirit leads to eternal life, while sowing to the flesh leads to destruction.  Just like last week's description of the flesh vs Spirit.

(Galatians 6:7-8).

Key Scripture: "Do not be deceived: God is not mocked, for whatever one sows, that will he also reap. 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" (Galatians 6:7-8)

Charles G Finney, preacher in the 1800s, wrote about the effects of mocking God: "To mock God is to pretend to love and serve him when we do not; to act in a false manner, to be insincere and hypocritical in our professions, pretending to obey him, love, serve, and worship him, when we do not. . . . Mocking God grieves the Holy Spirit, and sears the conscience; and thus, the bands of sin become stronger and stronger. The heart becomes gradually hardened by such a process."

Persist in Doing Good (Galatians 6:9-10)

• Paul encourages believers not to grow weary in doing good, promising a harvest if they persist. Sometimes we don't see the results right away but stay the course!  I think we can all relate to this from some point in our lives.  This highlights the need for endurance and faithfulness (Galatians 6:9). 

• Here we read about doing good to all, especially to those in the family of believers, Paul emphasizes the importance of kindness and good deeds, reinforcing the idea of a supportive faith community (Galatians 6:10).

Key Scripture: "And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up." (Galatians 6:9)

Remember the story of the boy, carrying his brother?  I’m guessing his brother wasn’t light but the boy carrying him knew something. There was a goal, a finish line of sorts, and he knew he couldn’t give up. It’s hard sometimes we know but let’s not grow weary today or tomorrow because there is a harvest upcoming. 

CONCLUSION:

The main thing I want you to walk away with today is to understand that we are called to take care of one another (even when it’s hard) …. Based on the things we just spoke of, here are some ways that can look:

Approach others with kindness and patience, especially when they are struggling, because we have been there before, right? Create a community of support and healing by being gentle and non-judgmental. 

Be mindful of your actions and choices, ensuring they align with spiritual growth and godly living. Don't forget! “Invest” in activities and relationships that nurture your faith in Jesus and draw you closer to God.  Remember last week?  Sowing to the flesh is the opposite of crucifying the flesh as talked about in Gal 5.

Continue to show kindness and perform good deeds, even when it’s challenging or when you feel tired, frustrated, etc. (Check yo face, Jerry) Trust that your faithfulness will bear fruit and strengthen both you and those around you.

If you've noticed something here… Love is the bottom line. Every encouragement we have from Paul is an opportunity to love God and love the Family of God. So Church, you are brothers and sisters in Christ, you are a spiritual family. Take Care of Your Family.

Discussion Question Ideas:

• What are some seeds that were planted in your life or in others' lives that you have seen results of?  

• What are some ways we can help bear one another's burdens? Or another way to think of it is - what are some suggestions of actions that you find helpful when you need help from others?

• Why do we become weary and what mindset do we need to embrace to continue doing good?