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,
Copyright © 2008 Will Krause. All rights reserved.
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