Galatians - Chapter 6
The Demands of the Spirit
Paul once more focuses upon the never ending conflict between the Spirit and the flesh. He arranges for believers the proper character of those in Christ toward the brethren and with specific examples instructs us on how we should conduct ourselves inside our Christian community.
In the first portion of the final chapter, Paul provides us with:
Instruction in bearing the burdens of others (6:1-5)
Appeal to support those who teach (6:6)
Encouragement to persevere in doing good (6:7-10)
When a brother in Christ has done something wrong, or evidently began a turn down an improper path, all those who walk by the Spirit are to restore him gently. We are taught that bearing one another’s burdens fulfills the law of Christ.
But Paul also includes a warning that in the restoration we are not to think too highly of ourselves as each of us will have to “bear our own burden” which means we must answer individually for our own actions. So care is necessary as we strive to help each other. Paul even goes so far as to caution us to provide help to our brethren in “meekness” meaning we should be humble in these moments.
Those who teach must be supported, which may mean moral support or possible financial support as those who travel and instruct are not necessarily earning a daily living in other ways.
In instructing the saints to persevere, Paul is not simply repeating some golden rule, but rather teaches that the doing good is in the character of a true believer who wishes to reflect Christ. The lesson is that doing good is sowing the seeds of the Spirit, not the flesh, and that it is the will of God for the believer to bear fruit for the kingdom, and when in obedience, joyful life here results as well as joyful rewards later when each is judged.
We should note carefully that Paul emphasizes the effort at restoration of those who have perhaps gone astray, NOT punishment within the church.
(Remember the parable of the prodigal son).
Luther provided us with a most profound and beautiful description of this very important point:
“… If there is anything in us, it is not our own; it is a gift of God. But if it is a gift of God, then it is entirely a debt one owes to love, that is, to the law of Christ. And if it is a debt owed to love, then I must serve others with it, not myself…”.
Faith which is active in love for others is the strongest indicator of the freedom granted by salvation in Christ. Remember John 13:35 which teaches that it is by this love shown for one another that we will be revealed as His followers.
Paul seems to be saying that in the coming judgment of believers, each will account for the integrity of life in Christ and how their faith has expressed itself while we labored in this life to build the kingdom. We cannot be lax or take the Lord for granted. Faith is not simply friendship nor warm feelings, nor is it just good thoughts. Our faith must be an extension of ourselves in loving others, especially those in the household of faith (verse 10).
Paul concludes his letter as follows:
His acknowledgement of his own writing (6:11)
The motives of the opponents (6:12-13)
Glory in the cross and the new creation (6:14-15)
The first blessing (6:16)
Final appeal (6-17)
The second blessing (6:18)
Paul used larger letters to emphasize his focus, much like a message by email today in all capital letters, seen to be very important.
Paul accuses the opponents two ways:
They advocate circumcision just to make a good showing, as they even boast of leading you to accept this outward sign.
By placing so much emphasis on this minor matter, they are not harshly brought to task on the much larger matter, which is the sufficiency of Jesus Christ to save souls and grant eternal life.
Now Paul himself perhaps boasts a little as he brings forward his putting aside all worldly things for the cross of Christ and further of the marks he bears from suffering for the one who went to the cross for us.
Paul tells us that neither circumcision nor lack of it matters. Now those who live and walk in the Spirit of Christ are a new creation, gaining God’s blessing of peace and mercy.
What does Paul mean when he writes that the world has been crucified to him and him to the world?
The world here is meant to be “this present evil age” as a reminder of Galatians 1:4 which is a world which makes slaves to sin those who do not believe. Living lives of freedom in Christ crucifies and makes new those who accept the path of the Lord through His Son. Paul sees the cross not as death and violence but as the door to new life and freedom. Therefore we find no grief in it, only joy and we may gladly boast of that newfound joyful life.
To participate in the death of Christ means that freedom replaces bondage. As we also participate in His resurrection we are ourselves resurrected into a newness of life. WE ARE BORN AGAIN!
Finally Paul blesses all those who read his words, then and now, as he wishes that the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.