Galatians, Chapter 6
© Copyright 1998 Darroll Evans-all rights
reserved
Galatians,
Chapter 6
Galatians 6:1 Brethren, if a man be
overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit
of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted.
“Overtaken” describes a person who is caught
before he can hide his "fault," or deviant behavior.
Those who are spiritually mature are to
"restore," or to give the overtaken one a spiritual attitude
adjustment.
In doing that we must remember that before
Christ found us we were in the lost category.
We are to speak the truth in love (Ephesians
4:15), lest we be tempted to leave the teaching of Christ’s grace.
Galatians 6:2 Bear ye one another's
burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ.
Fulfill speaks of accomplishment.
One step to restoration, fulfillment of the
Law of Christ, is to have a deep abiding concern for the general welfare of
others.
The Law of Christ dictates that the strong in
faith shall help the spiritually weak.
In Romans 15, Paul wrote that the strong in
the faith are to "bear the infirmities of the weak."
Galatians 6:3 For if a man think himself
to be something, when he is nothing, he deceiveth himself.
Self-deception is a great threat to mankind,
both lost and saved may succumb to it.
It may be Satan’s greatest weapon against the
Church.
Galatians 6:4 But let every man prove his
own work, and then shall he have rejoicing in himself alone, and not in
another.
"Let prove" indicates
self-examination.
This verse speaks of our responsibility.
As we mature, we take on the responsibilities
of mature sons.
This has a companion scripture:
2 Corinthians 3:5-6
5 Not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think any thing as of
ourselves; but our sufficiency is of God;
6 Who also hath made us able ministers of the new testament; not of the
letter, but of the spirit: for the letter killeth, but the spirit giveth life.
If any person thinks highly of his personal
abilities and/or station in life, he or she is living in self-deception.
Self-exaltation and false humility are sure
signs of self-deception.
Galatians 6:5 For every man shall bear his
own burden.
Bear speaks of carrying.
We must carry, or show responsibility for the
burdens, which we given to us as mature Christians.
2 Timothy 1:6 Wherefore I put thee in remembrance that thou stir up
the gift of God, which is in thee by the putting on of my hands.
Galatians 6:6 Let him that is taught in
the word communicate unto him that teacheth in all good things.
Communication implies sharing.
When we teach, we share with others what the
Spirit has taught us.
Galatians 6:7 Be not deceived; God is not
mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.
This may be the best known verse from
Galatians.
It is often used in a derogatory manner.
“Deceived” points to roaming from the
truth.
If we sow discord, we will reap discord.
However, that proverb cuts two ways.
If we sow harmony, we will reap harmony.
Sowing does not mean just throwing a few
seeds on the ground.
Any good farmer plants the crop and works the
soil.
"No-till farming" works but it is
not very productive.
Many Churches work on the "no-till"
theory.
Sowing seed is never spoken of as giving
money to any local Church!
Luke
8:11b The seed is the word of God.
Galatians 6:8 For he that soweth to his
flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit
shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting.
Then, Paul offers this example of both good
and bad sowing.
Galatians 6:9 And let us not be weary in
well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.
Don’t become discouraged.
If we continue to work the soil of men’s
lives, God will raise up the crop.
Galatians 6:10 As we have therefore
opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the
household of faith.
“Especially” points to the prime objective.
Above all, do good to those of the household
of faith.
Galatians 6:11 Ye see how large a letter I
have written unto you with mine own hand.
Paul did not have good eyesight.
He uses that to prove he wrote this part of
the letter personally.
Galatians 6:12 As many as desire to make a
fair shew in the flesh, they constrain you to be circumcised; only lest they
should suffer persecution for the cross of Christ.
"To make a fair shew" (Gr.
euprosoopeesai-euproswphsai) speaks of those who want a public trophy.
They attempt to compel others to take up
legalism so they themselves will not suffer for the cause of Christ.
Galatians 6:13 For neither they themselves
who are circumcised keep the law; but desire to have you circumcised, that they
may glory in your flesh.
If someone says they keep all the
commandments, exercise this choice.
Bow down and worship---or run.
Christians don’t keep the Law! Christ Jesus
kept the law for us!
In that we establish the Law through faith in
Christ Jesus!
Our righteousness is not ours, but His
righteousness superimposed on us.
Galatians 6:14 But God forbid that I
should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world is
crucified unto me, and I unto the world.
Paul returns to his focus---the cross of
Jesus Christ.
Galatians 6:15 For in Christ Jesus neither
circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision, but a new creature.
If you suffer from the "just an old
sinner" syndrome—grow up!
If you are in Christ you are a new creation.
2 Corinthians 5:17 Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new
creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.
If you cannot deal with the new creation
reality---you are immature at best!
Galatians 6:16 And as many as walk
according to this rule, peace be on them, and mercy, and upon the
This verse is a special blessing for the
mature in Christ.
Galatians 6:17 From henceforth let no man
trouble me: for I bear in my body the marks of the Lord Jesus.
"Marks" (Gr. stigmata-stigmata) has nothing to do with the pseudo-stigmata seen in
the Roman Catholic Church.
In ancient times, slaves were branded to show
their ownership.
Paul received the "marks" or brand
of Christ.
Galatians 6:18 Brethren, the grace of our
Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Amen.
From the harsh words for legalists, Paul
turns again to his brothers in the faith, "Brothers, may the grace of our
Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Amen."