Galatians 6 – Page 2 – Ministry of Grace Church

Category: Galatians 6

Galatians 6:8 – Sowing Life

Posted on March 12, 2008 by admin

Galatians 6:8

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.

Truth to Learn

Where you put the focus of your life will ultimately determine whether you will reap rottenness or life eternal.

Behind the Words

“Flesh” is a word that we have looked at before. The Greek word sarx refers to the meat of a live animal. Allegorically, Paul uses this term to refer to the desires and cravings of our sinful nature; that part of us that is influenced by our body of flesh as distinct from that part of us that is influenced by the Spirit of God.

The word translated “his” is heautou, which means, “his own.” This makes the emphasis clearly on an inward focus of the one sowing to his own flesh.

The word translated “corruption” is phthora, which refers to “decay or spoiling, especially that which is progressively wasting away.”

“Everlasting” is translated from the Greek word aiōnion, which, according to Archibald Robertson in his Word Pictures in The New Testament, “comes as nearly meaning ‘eternal’ as the Greek can express that idea.”

Meaning Explained

The Christians in the Galatian churches were being continually deceived by the false teachers there, teaching a salvation that required adherence to the law. This doing of acts of obedience and contrition focuses on self, and the satisfaction of such requirements produces personal pride. The whole purpose of legalism is to make oneself the center of all thinking and action. A life lived in submission to the Spirit of God, on the other hand, is a life which is focused on others.

Paul uses a farming analogy which all his readers would be familiar with because in the agrarian society of the first century, nearly everyone was involved in sowing seeds as well as in the harvesting of the resultant crop. It was common knowledge that good seed planted in good soil produced good crops and bad seed planted in bad soil produced poor crops. In using this analogy, Paul demonstrates to the Galatians that if their religious “faith” is one in which they are performing selfish works focused on themselves, the resulting crop will only be a progressive rotting of life. If, on the other hand, their faith is solely based in God through the power of the Holy Spirit, the crop they harvest will produce life without end.

Application

If we live our life in a manner that focuses on pleasing our fleshly desires, then we are sowing seed unto the flesh. This is what the world system is all about. “After all, I’m worth it!” And, living a life committed to God will result in your being ridiculed and persecuted by the world. But we, like Moses, must turn from the attractions of the world which only satisfy the flesh and turn to a life dedicated to God and His glory:

By faith Moses, when he became of age, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter, choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God than to enjoy the passing pleasures of sin, (Hebrews 11:24, 25)

Where are you sowing your seed?

In God’s service, for His glory,

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Galatians 6:7 – No More Lies

Posted on March 11, 2008 by admin

Galatians 6:7

Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap.

Truth to Learn

Fleshly works are not the way to please God. Only complete submission to Him and His will can produce peace.

Behind the Words

The word translated “deceived” is a form of planaō, which is derived from planē meaning “a wandering.” Planaō, therefore, means “to cause to wander” or “to lead astray.” Here it is in the passive voice, so it means “to be led astray.” It is also in the imperative mood indicating a command and it is preceeded by the negative article mē which represents relative negation. Putting this altogether, we see that Paul is saying “Stop being led astray!”

“Mocked” is translated from verb muktēridzō, which is from the noun muktēr, meaning “nose” or “nostril.” The verb form means “to turn-up one’s nose in scorn.” Hence, by application it means “to mock” or “to deride.” This verb is in the passive voice also and is preceded by the article ou which expresses direct and full negation. Hence, Paul is saying that God is not mocked or scorned. Though men may believe they are mocking God, they ultimately never get away with it.

“Sow” is translated from speirō, which means “to scatter seed.” And the word “reap” is translated from theridzō, derived from theros, the word for Summer or harvest. Hence it refers to the activity that is done at harvest time.

Meaning Explained

The false teachers in the Galatian churches had been leading the believers astray for years with their false doctrine that a Christian had to fully keep the Law of Moses in order to be completely saved. Paul now tells the believers there in no uncertain terms to stop allowing themselves to be led astray. It is a particularly harsh command on Paul’s part and is meant to get their attention.

It is a known fact that if a person is told a lie often enough and with enough conviction that he or she will eventually believe it to be true. This is exactly what had happened in the Galatian churches. Paul now tells them to come to their senses and stop believing these false teachers. The false teachers had been declaring doctrines absolutely contrary to God’s grace and were, in effect, turning up their noses at what God had declared to be true. That’s why Paul tells the Galatians that God is not mocked. What he means is that even though these legalizers think they are putting one past the Galatians and God, ultimately, they will be shown to be the fools.

These teachers had been sowing discord and lies, a religion based on fleshly activities, instead of one based on submission to the Holy Spirit. What they will ultimately reap is fleshly works and the lake of fire, not grace and peace.

Application

If you find yourself still bound by church rules and regulations that aren’t clearly supported by Scripture, then you need to throw off those shackles and lay yourself at the feet of the Savior. Spend time every day reading the Bible and praying for God to guide you to His truth. Believe Him and He will!

In God’s service, for His glory,

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Galatians 6:6 – Shared Blessings

Posted on March 10, 2008 by admin

Galatians 6:6

Let him who is taught the word share in all good things with him who teaches.

Truth to Learn

Consider the spiritual blessings you have received from God as a result of what you have learned from your pastor or teacher and share, in return, a blessing for them.

Behind the Words

The words “taught” and “teaching” are both from the Greek word katēcheō. This is a compound word made up of kata, meaning “down” but used here as an intensifier and ēcheō (from which we get our English word echo), meaning “to sound” So, literally, this word means “to sound down,” but by application it means to teach or instruct orally.

“Share” is translated from the verb koinōneō, which is from the noun koinōnos, meaning an associate or a partaker. Hence, koinōneō means “to be a partner, partaker, or sharer of something.” As used here, it refers to the sharing and distribution of a material resource for the good of all.

The word translated “word” is logos, which refers to the written or spoken word. It is a reference not simply to the representative markings or sounds (written word or spoken word), but the thought or meaning of the word. This term, as is the case here, is often used by itself to refer to the Word of God, or the message of the gospel (see Acts 4:5; 8:4; 11:9; 14:25; 16:6; IThessalonians 1:6; Colossians 4:3).

Meaning Explained

Paul has been talking about assisting a brother or sister in Christ who has stumbled under his or her load. On the other side of this issue, however, is the fact that we should not be lazy and expect everyone else to carry our own load. We should all be working together on building up the church through the power of the Holy Spirit, making sure that what we do is not for ourselves, but for God.

Paul seems to make a specific remark, now, regarding those who receive the spiritual blessing of doctrinal teaching. It appears that he has been so harsh regarding the false teachers that he wants the churches in Galatia to remember what a blessing they receive from those who teach them good doctrine. James warns us not to all want to be teachers because God holds the teachers under special scrutiny:

My brethren, let not many of you become teachers, knowing that we shall receive a stricter judgment. (James 3:1)

Paul also knows how much effort goes into preaching and teaching God’s truth and he encourages those who are the recipient of the teaching to share in material things those who teach. Just as we are all to share the gospel message with the world, those who are gifted to teach are compelled to share doctrinal truths with members of the church. Thus, as teachers share with us the bounty of what they have been given, we too should share the bounty that we have been given with them.

Application

When was the last time you thanked your pastor or teacher for all the work they do? They freely give of their time and effort for God’s glory. What would God have you do today?

In God’s service, for His glory,

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Galatians 6:5 – Burden Bearer

Posted on March 6, 2008 by admin

Galatians 6:5

For each one shall bear his own load.

Truth to Learn

Our load is heavy and each one must bear it alone. But helping others with their load will make your own seem lighter.

Behind the Words

The word translated “load” is phortion, which is a diminutive of phortos, referring to the freight or cargo of a ship. In the book of Acts Paul used this word in reference to ship’s cargo:

saying, “Men, I perceive that this voyage will end with disaster and much loss, not only of the cargo and ship, but also our lives.” (Acts 27:10)

And though phortion is a diminutive, it still carries the notion of a large or heavy load.

Meaning Explained

Each one of us has a load to bear in this life. And, over and above the normal burdens of life, we are occasionally overtaken by temptations that add to that load (Galatians 6:1). But, as Paul tells us in his first letter to the Corinthians, God knows what we can handle and will not over-burden us:

No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it. (1Corinthians 10:13)

When other Christians add to our load by telling us we have to keep a collection of man-made rules and regulations, it only adds to our burden. It was the Pharisees of Jesus’ day who endeavored to make it harder for those less “spiritual” than themselves. Yet, they were not willing to assist others with their loads:

For they bind heavy burdens, hard to bear, and lay them on men’s shoulders; but they themselves will not move them with one of their fingers. (Matthew 23:4)

The Christian walk, on the other hand, is one of submissive service to Christ, rather than burdensome adherence to oppressive regulations. The burden of serving Christ and others is light compared to trying to keep the law.

Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.” (Mat 11:28-30)

The intent of the law is to love the Lord with all your heart and to love others as yourself. That means sharing each other’s burdens. In the early part of this letter Paul put it this way:

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

Application

Do you feel loaded down in your Christian walk? Are you stumbling under the load and being tripped-up by temptations? Instead of complaining about the heaviness of your own load, look around for others who are struggling with their load and reach out a helping hand. You will find that the more you help others in a humble, loving way, the lighter your own burden will seem.

In God’s service, for His glory,

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Galatians 6:4 – Self Examination

Posted on March 4, 2008 by admin

Galatians 6:4

But let each one examine his own work, and then he will have rejoicing in himself alone, and not in another.

Truth to Learn

Instead of focusing on ourselves, we are to focus on doing works of the Spirit. These alone will give us something of value.

Behind the Words

The word translated “let … examine” is dokimadzō. This is the word which is used of examining or testing a precious metal, like gold or silver, in order to determine its worth. The purpose of this examining, or testing, is to find good, not to find bad. In the current verse the word is expressed in the imperative mood, indicating a command, hence the use of “let.”

“Work” is translated from ergon, which refers to “work” or “toil.” I n physics, the unit of measure of work done is called the erg, taken from this word. But the emphasis of this word, as it is used here, is not so much on the amount of the effort as it is on the result of the effort.

The Greek word translated “rejoicing” is kauchēma, the noun form of the verb kauchēomai, which means “to boast.” As a noun, however, it does not refer to the act but to the objective, or result, of boasting. It is the word Paul used in 2Cointhians 1:14 where he said:

(as also you have understood us in part), that we are your boast as you also are ours, in the day of the Lord Jesus.

Meaning Explained

Keeping this in context, Paul has told us to restore a fellow Christian who has been tripped-up in his or her walk with the Lord. When we do, we are also to share their burden. But when we do, we are not to think of ourselves as something special or better than they are. When we look at ourselves with pride we don’t have our eyes on God, otherwise we would see how sinful we really are compared to Him.

Instead of looking at ourselves, we are to examine the things we are doing. If they are works of the flesh then they have no value at all. If they are works of the Spirit, according to Paul, we have something to boast about. The works done for ourselves give us no reason to boast but those done for Christ will be our boasting. At the Judgment Seat of Christ (the day of the Lord Jesus) all our works will be tested by fire and it will be clear which ones are done for us and which ones are done for God.

each one’s work will become clear; for the Day will declare it, because it will be revealed by fire; and the fire will test each one’s work, of what sort it is. (1Cointhians 3:13)

Application

One day, all Christians will stand before the Judgment Seat of Christ where our works will be judged. Those works done in the Spirit will result in crowns being given to us as rewards. But later as we stand before God the Father we will cast our crowns at His feet proclaiming “You are worthy, of Lord.” After all, it is He who is working in us to do what pleases Him.

May all the glory be given to Him!

In God’s service, for His glory,

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Galatians 6:3 – Deceptive Thinking

Posted on March 3, 2008 by admin

Galatians 6:3

For if anyone thinks himself to be something, when he is nothing, he deceives himself.

Truth to Learn

Our value lies in God, not in ourselves.

Behind the Words

The word translated “thinks” is dokeō, meaning “to think” or “to imagine.” It does not mean “think” as in that mental exercise we do when we are trying to understand something or trying to solve a problem. Instead, as used in this verse, this word expresses the mental estimate or opinion formed by man concerning his own value.

“Deceives” is translated from the Greek word phrenapataō, from phren, meaning “the mind” and apataō, meaning “to deceive.” Hence, it refers to one who tricks others into believing something that is not true.

The word “when” is not in the Greek and should not be included in the translation of this verse.

Meaning Explained

Paul’s reference here to “anyone thinks himself to be something” is very likely a reference to the false teachers in the Galatian churches. In the earlier verses of this letter Paul used the same expression in reference to them (the word “seemed” is translated from the same word which is translated “thinks” in the current verse):

But from those who seemed to be something—whatever they were, it makes no difference to me; God shows personal favoritism to no man—for those who seemed to be something added nothing to me. (Galatians 2:6)

And, in his first letter to the Corinthians Paul even used this expression about himself, although in a humble sense, not an arrogant sense:

I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the increase. So then neither he who plants is anything, nor he who waters, but God who gives the increase. (1Corinthians 3:6)

Paul has just been talking about restoring a fellow Christian who has been tripped up or who is walking in the wrong direction. The false teachers in Galatia had taken advantage of the immature believers there by trying to convince them to adopt the legalistic practices of the Jews. They weren’t trying to restore the wayward Christians or to help bear their burdens. Instead, they were deceiving them.

Paul now instructs the believers there that not only were they being deceived by these false teachers, but the teachers were actually deceiving themselves, believing themselves to be something important when they really weren’t. Paul says these who were teaching bad doctrine were nothing of importance and nothing of value to anyone, certainly not to God.

Application

There is no class structure in the church. Though some churches have made an arbitrary distinction between the priests and the common people, this is not part of God’s design. We are all children of God and members of the body of Christ. Our responsibility is to build up the church. We are all common laborers, each with his or her own job to do. It is only in our humble submission to God that we have any real lasting value.

In God’s service, for His glory,

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Galatians 6:2 – Weight Lifting

Posted on March 2, 2008 by admin

Galatians 6:2

Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.

Truth to Learn

The law of Christ is fulfilled by unselfishly helping others.

Behind the Words

“Bear” is translated from the Greek word bastidzō, which is derived from the word basis, meaning a base or pedestal. It refers to the act of lifting a heavy object to set it upon the pedestal. Hence, it carries the notion of picking up a heavy load.

The word translated “burdens” is baros, which means “weight.” This word does not appear in any Greek writing except the New Testament. It is used here in reference to the load or burden of a heavy weight.

The word “fulfill” is translated from anaplēroō, a compound word made up of ana, meaning “up” (used here as an emphatic, meaning completely) and plēroō, meaning “to fill.” Therefore, this word literally means “to fill up” or “completely fill.” It is used here in the sense of completely satisfying the law of Christ.

Meaning Explained

Paul has been dealing with the problem in the Galatian churches where false teachers have been teaching that a Christian is not fully saved unless he or she also observes the Law of Moses. Throughout this letter Paul’s references to “the law” have generally referred to this law as given to Moses by God on Mt. Sinai. In the current verse, however, he introduces another law, which he refers to as “the law of Christ.”

In the previous portion of this letter he contrasted the works of the flesh, produced by the selfish adherence to rules and regulations, with the works of the Spirit, produced by humble, unselfish submission to God as our Lord and Master. Using this distinction between the flesh and the Spirit, Paul described a higher law in the book of Romans:

There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit. For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has made me free from the law of sin and death. (Romans 8:1,2)

Paul has just told the Galatians, that they are to assist a fellow Christian who has stumbled by gently restoring him or her in a humble, loving way. Paul now takes that notion one step further by telling the Galatians (and us) that not only should we help them get back on the path, but we should also pick-up part of their load. In doing so, we fulfill that higher law of Christ, which is based on selfless love for others.

Application

As Christians we are to hate sin and love righteousness. We must take caution, however, that we hate the sin and not the sinner. When we see a brother or sister in Christ sinning, our first reaction should be to gently and lovingly restore them to full fellowship with our Heavenly Father. But we shouldn’t stop there! If we truly love our neighbor as our self (Galatians 5:14) then we need to take the next step by discovering what kind of a load they are being weighed down with, and assisting them with the load in whatever manner we can.

In God’s service, for His glory,

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Galatians 6:1 – Gentle Restoration

Posted on February 28, 2008 by admin

Galatians 6:1

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.

Truth to Learn

Offer help and gracious support to a stumbling brother or sister instead of harsh condemnation.

Behind the Words

The word translated “overtaken” is from prolambanō, comprised of pro, meaning “before” or “in front of” and lambanō, meaning “to take.” Literally, this word means “to take what is ahead of you.” It is a picture of two people running a race in which the one who is behind suddenly catches up with the one who is ahead. When used in the passive voice, as it is in this verse, it means that the person has unexpectedly been overtaken by someone or something else.

“Trespass” is the noun form of the verb parapiptō, made up of para, meaning “to the side of” and piptō, meaning “to fall.” This verb means “to fall away” or “to fall aside.” Hence, the noun parapiptō is often used to mean something which causes someone to stray from the path or to stumble.

The word translated “restore” is katartidzō, which fundamentally means “to put a thing in its appropriate condition; that is, to establish, to thoroughly equip, or to restore.” In the current verse this word appears in the imperative mood indicating a command.

“Gentleness” is translated from praotētos, a form of praos, meaning “meek.” Hence, it means “meekness or mildness.” That is not as much an outward expression of feeling as it is an inward grace and humility.

Meaning Explained

One of the tendencies that spring out of legalism, like that which had developed in the Galatian churches, is a judgmental and condemning attitude toward those who don’t follow all the rules. In the previous verse Paul cautions us not to become conceited and not to provoke. He now adds another thing to that list, though quite indirectly: instead of judging and condemning others, assist and restore them.

Even the most dedicated Christian among us will occasionally be surprised and overtaken by his or her sin nature or by the wiles of our adversary. This is not referring to habitual sinfulness, but to those things which occasionally trip us up. When we see this in ourselves, we are quick to dismiss it, knowing that it is not the way we normally behave. But in others we tend to quickly judge. This is especially true in an environment where there are a lot of rules and regulations.

Instead of attacking the one who has fallen, however, we should behave in a spiritual way and seek to restore their position of blessedness in God. Gently, we need to assist our brother or sister while keeping their ultimate good in mind. And, when attending to their transgression, we need to guard against the temptation of puffing ourselves up in the process.

Application

We have all experienced the stinging rebuke of a well-meaning Christian brother or sister when we have stumbled in our own walk with God. Let us all strive to be gracious to others in a similar situation. We have been shown an abundant amount of grace by our Heavenly Father, so there is plenty left over for us to share with others.

In God’s service, for His glory,

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