Galatians 6:1-18
By Dave Newell
We come to find that the difference between living by the spirit and living by the law is a question of motivation. Both groups will keep watch over each other, but one (law) is for competition and the other (Spirit) for cooperation. Yes, we need to keep watch over each other, but not so that we might condemn, but that we can restore. It’s easy for each of us to fall into sin, and therefore we do need to be watching out for each other. Both groups will also do good things while avoiding bad, but again the question is motivation. The Judaizers (law) do good things to make themselves look good, while the Spirit-filled do it to express God’s love to the world. Both groups will strive for morally ethic lives, but don’t be deceived; God promises that we will reap what we sow. Our motivation is the key to what God is watching, even if no one else can see it. And it’s our motivations that will drive the fruit we reap. That motivation ultimately comes down to either the person who wants to boast about themselves or in the cross- the finished work of Jesus. That’s the crux and the finale of Paul’s letter – is this spiritual life about you, or about God? Do you care about making yourself look good, or praising (raising) the name of Christ? Is your life about you, or Him? That’s the question that determines your motivation. It will determine your actions. It will determine your faith.
Care for One Another (v1-5)
If one is overcome by sin, we are not to judge, but to restore that one with gentleness and humility to guide that one back to fellowship and right choices. Burdens are thrust upon us by varied situations. These may result in sin, stress, physical difficulties, and many others that we need help to overcome. We need help to restore us during those times.
Support and encouragement from fellow believers will help us move from under the burden. But, beware. We need to be cautious not to get drawn into the same temptation and sin as well. Stay focused on your own work so you may be satisfied with a job well done without a need to compare yourself to anyone.
The load referred to in verse 5 is something we alone are responsible to take upon ourselves like providing for the family, going to work and serving others well, guiding our family in service to our Lord. While burdens may come, the load is ours alone.
Each person is accountable for his own conduct or load. This is a great reminder that we are accountable for our own actions, not those of others.
Serve One Another (v6-10)
In a similar way, while caring for one another, we are reminded that the student, benefiting from the care and guidance of the teacher, should provide for the care and support for the teacher. Do we realize the “cost” of how our teachers/mentors invest in us?
This is a reminder that we are accountable for our actions in applying what is taught. God is just and will hold all accountable for how we apply His instruction. Honor the teacher through positive application of what is taught.
If we choose to pursue our own sinful nature, we will reap or harvest the consequences. Paul calls it the harvest of decay and death. We always have a choice how we live. But, for those who choose to live to please the Spirit, we will harvest everlasting life.
So, as we focus on pleasing the Spirit, the result is an encouragement not to get tired of doing good. For those who pursue doing good will reap a harvest of blessing – if we don’t give up. Therefore, we are called to do good to everyone, even the Judaizers. But, especially focus on those who are of our family of faith.
Wake Up! Don’t be Deceived (v11-16)
Paul issues a warning – he adds a personal note. He almost always had a scribe write his letters dictated to them. Now, to emphasis the critical nature, he writes his own section.
Beware of those who are trying to convince you to return to the Law. They do it for their own selfish purpose and don’t even follow the Law themselves. Their motive is to look good to their followers, not to elevate Jesus Christ.
Take social media – we win when we have the most followers. The actual truth and value of the investment has little to do with how we feel. So, these Law seekers strive to convince the people to go back to the old and boast in their success because it makes them “look good.”
But, instead of boasting in works, we are called to boast in the cross of Christ. The real issue is whether we have been transformed into a new creation for Christ.
Credentials and Closing (v17-18)
The focus here is Paul’s choice to move away from those trying to trouble him regarding the false teaching. He is not entering into their deception. He has proof by the scars gained for suffering for Christ that he belongs to Christ.
The closing is to bless them with the grace of our Lord Jesus. After all, our relationship with Jesus is the main factor in our life choices.
Application
- Restore: Caring for one another, not to judge, but with gentleness and humility to lift up and care for one another as believers
- Harvest a Blessing: Reaping what we sow, as we pursue the Spirit of God, results in a harvesting everlasting life from the Spirit.
- Boast in Christ alone: What counts is whether we have been transformed into a new creation. 2 Cor 5:17 This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun.
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