“Galatians 6”

Saturday, May 06, 2017

Paul concludes the Galatians letter with some practical applications of their faith.

He speaks first of their relationships with each other. The chapter opens with words about helping those who struggle spiritually to overcome and defeat sin in their lives. He particularly addresses “you who are spiritual,” referring to those who remain faithful to God. He point their attention and concern to those Christians who have been “overtaken in any trespass.” We all know of our fellow disciples who at times have found it difficult to overcome temptations and have, therefore, surrendered to them. Paul wants the strong to help the weak, which is a common theme of his writings.

His advice (inspired, by the way) is to bear each other’s burdens, that is, to help others where we are strong and they are weak. In turn, in areas where they are strong and we are the weaker, they can assist us in remaining true to the Lord. It is rarely a one way activity. You may be stronger today and I may be stronger tomorrow. Or it may be that I struggle with a sin that you have conquered and you can help me to do better. We are a family of faith and instructed by our Master to exhort and encourage one another as we have the opportunity to do so.

In verses 3-5, he reminds us that we will be judged personally. As individuals, we can help each other to live better, but ultimately, I am responsible for me and you are accountable for you, so we need to make certain that we are doing the best we can. If I need help in an area of my life, I may need to go to someone who can provide the strength I need to make it through the struggle and ask for their aid.

Verses 6-10 are filled with individual responsibilities to carry out with loyalty to God and His cause. We should share physical blessings with each other, especially with those who help us to learn, know and obey the truth.

He speaks of the importance of remembering that we will reap what we sow in life, whether good or bad. Sometimes we act as though we forget that there will be consequences to our actions. And we should not grow weary or discouraged in doing the right thing in every circumstance of life.

Verse 10 reminds us again that Christians are to be benevolent, thoughtful people toward those who are less fortunate and less blessed materially. And that includes both fellow believers and non-Christians, as well.

Verse 11 begins the concluding section of the text and Paul spends a little more time reminding them that we should do all that we do to the glory of God. If we have any basis for boasting, it is only in those things that God accomplishes in us through the sacrificial cross of Jesus. Without we are and can do nothing.

He ends this great letter with a prayer that the grace of Jesus Christ might with them. What a blessing to know that this is so.

--Roger Hillis

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