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Galatians
BC Weekly Digest Monday, January 24 2000 In this issue: Galatians 6:1-6 Galatians 6:7-10 Galatians 6:11-18 Galatians 6:1-6 Galatians 6:1-6 1 Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted. 2 Bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ. 3 For if a man think himself to be something, when he is nothing, he deceiveth himself. 4 But let every man prove his own work, and then shall he have rejoicing in himself alone, and not in another. 5 For every man shall bear his own burden. 6 Let him that is taught in the word communicate unto him that teacheth in all good things. Comments by Howard Justice. General introduction This passage is probably one of the least appreciated and least understood of the entire Galatian letter. It is a "call to arms" for every individual saint, whether in a small congregation or in a large one, whether one is participating in a working unit in the local congregation or interrelating with worldly neighbors. It relates specifically to the correct attitude and performance that each individual Christian is to exhibit in his or her daily associations with fellow Christians as well as unsaved neighbors, be they good or evil. It is a benchmark by which each of us can judge how effective we are as children of God by the individual effort that each of us makes in our assistance to others, either in spiritual matters or in the relief of common needs of this life. It is unfortunate that many so-called Christians today say, "Take my money but don't take my time." Small congregations can do many good things but only if each member is motivated to do his or her part. The use of the term "a man" indicates that it is specifically directed at individual Christians. As a matter of fact, it is the individual Christian who will be judged after life ends, not the collective bodies or the congregations themselves (2 Cor 5:10, 8:1-3). See also Matthew 7:21-23. Detailed comments *6:1 "Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted." The recipient here is, of course, the individual Christian. It is a wake-up call for each and every one of us that we are to be aware that there are spiritually weaker brethren. Those of us who are spiritually stronger are to assist them in their growth. We are to be ever watchful for their welfare and if we see them beginning to stumble, we are to quickly and actively assist them back to their spiritual feet. Such efforts always call for the highest degree of tact, lest we offend them as well. In doing so, we are to always be mindful that we also can stumble and fall from grace through our everyday temptations. We must be careful and use expeditious caution. And, we are to be fully aware that the same type of fault that has overcome our dear brother (or sister) can easily overwhelm each one of us. *6:2 "Bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ." The "law of Christ" here refers directly to Christ's admonition to the young lawyer when He said: "Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the great and first commandment. And a second like [unto it] is this, Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself. On these two commandments the whole law hangeth, and the prophets" (Matthew 22:37-40 ASV). It is the responsibility of each Christian to assist his weaker brethren in spiritual matters as well as those physical things that they are unable to handle by themselves. We are not to simply let them know that we are concerned but we are to demonstrate toward them that "agape" love that flows directly from the throne of God. *6:3 "For if a man think himself to be something, when he is nothing, he deceiveth himself." There are many who think so highly of themselves that they cannot see downward, as it were, from their lofty perches, the plights and toils of the common man. Thus, they do not notice the needs of others. Paul warns each of us in Romans 12:3 that we are not to have our nose in the air: "For I say, through the grace that was given me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think as to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to each man a measure of faith" (Romans 12:3 ASV). Again, Paul states, "Let no man deceive himself. If any man thinketh that he is wise among you in this world, let him become a fool, that he may become wise. For the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God" (1 Cor 3:18-19 ASV). *6:4 "But let every man prove his own work, and then shall he have rejoicing in himself alone, and not in another." Each individual Christian is to prove his own works [by the performance thereof]. I can think of no better example of this in God's word than the following statement, "And the disciples, every man according to his ability, determined to send relief unto the brethren that dwelt in Judea: which also they did, sending it to the elders by the hand of Barnabas and Saul" (Acts 11:29:30 ASV). Notice that the determination was first made in the heart of the individual Christians present when Agabus made his predictions regarding the coming dearth in Judea and Palestine. It is here that benevolence must first come forth, as it also is for each of us today. Having been informed about the needs of other saints, we must first determine in our hearts how much assistance we can provide without depriving our own families. *6:5 "For every man shall bear his own burden." Every individual Christian shall bear his own burden. In stark contrast to the foregoing admonition, Paul tells each Christian to bear his own burden. What is not said here is deafening. It is that even though we are to assist our fellow saints, both spiritually and physically, we are also to be sure that we are bearing our own share of the load. We cannot shirk our work just because we have been assisting others. We are required to render not only our monies but also our time and personal effort to the Lord. See also Ephesians 4:28 and 1 Timothy 5:8. *6:6 "Let him that is taught in the word communicate unto him that teacheth in all good things." This verse might seem out of place were it not for our understanding that Paul required the churches to support the preaching of the gospel, and taught that it was the responsibility of the local congregations, made up of individual Christians, to support evangelists, especially those who worked in their midst (1 Cor 9:3-14). The warning is inherent that we are not to assist those who are not teaching the word. If we support one who teaches error, then we have become partakers of his evil deeds (2 John 1:11). Not only are we to support the preaching of the gospel financially, but "in all good things." This means that we are to assist in every way possible. There are many ways we can assist those who are actively teaching the gospel at home and abroad. To the extent of our ability, we are all to do our part in teaching others as well. We must all learn to be better stewards of the task the Lord has set before us (Mark 16:15-16; Matthew 28:19). Howard Justice ------------------------------ Galatians 6:7-10 Galatians 6:7-10 ASV 7 Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. 8 For he that soweth unto his own flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth unto the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap eternal life. 9 And let us not be weary in well-doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not. 10 So then, as we have opportunity, let us work that which is good toward all men, and especially toward them that are of the household of the faith. Comments by Howard Justice *6:7 "Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap." Do not be fooled, my brethren; because one cannot fool God. Whatever works a man undertakes, that work will bear fruit unto him. It is this surety that Paul embraces here regarding the works of man, be they good or evil. Sooner or later, one's efforts will return to him and they will either be a boon or a bane. *6:8 "For he that soweth unto his own flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth unto the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap eternal life." Those efforts that have been done from a good heart will reap good results to the benefactor and those that have been done from an evil heart will bring condemnation to the malefactor. Of course the lesson here is that anything that each of us does will bear fruit, whether we see the result or not. Those who are evil and die without receiving evil as payment for their unholy works in this life will surely receive a just condemnation in the judgment. Likewise, those who do good without receiving any reward in this lifetime will also receive a just and favorable return in the judgment. But one cannot limit the foregoing just to material works. This promise is much more meaningful than this. It concerns all that we do, say and think, either from a spiritual or a carnal viewpoint. We must, therefore shore up our efforts, both spiritual as well as material, so that we will receive a favorable judgment in the hereafter. *6:9 "And let us not be weary in well-doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not." The additional warning is given here that each one of us must not tire in our good works because our harvest depends upon it. A farmer does not plant a crop and then sit idly until harvest but tends the field constantly. This same applies to us. Just because we have done some good thing, we are not to then quit and wait for a harvest. Neither are we to expect reciprocation for our good deeds. Jesus taught that we were to love those who are our enemies just as we love our friends. In Luke 6: 30-36, He stated: "Give to every one that asketh thee; and of him that taketh away thy goods ask them not again. And as ye would that men should do to you, do ye also to them likewise. And if ye love them that love you, what thank have ye? for even sinners love those that love them. And if ye do good to them that do good to you, what thank have ye? for even sinners do the same. And if ye lend to them of whom ye hope to receive, what thank have ye? even sinners lend to sinners, to receive again as much. But love your enemies , and do [them] good, and lend, never despairing; and your reward shall be great, and ye shall be sons of the Most High: for he is kind toward the unthankful and evil. Be ye merciful, even as your Father is merciful." *6:10 "So then, as we have opportunity, let us work that which is good toward all men, and especially toward them that are of the household of the faith." There is much that we could say about this conclusion but time nor space will not allow a lengthy dissertation. It is simply that each one of us is to be charitable toward others because it is each one of us that will be judged in the last day. We are to be ever watchful for the needs of those around us each day and be willing to assist in whatever way is right and just. And, we must pay special attention to the needs of our own brethren because they are to be the more favored recipients of our good works. Howard Justice ------------------------------ Galatians 6:11-18 Galatians 6:11-18 ASV 11 See with how large letters I write unto you with mine own hand. 12 As many as desire to make a fair show in the flesh, they compel you to be circumcised; only that they may not be persecuted for the cross of Christ. 13 For not even they who receive circumcision do themselves keep the law; but they desire to have you circumcised, that they may glory in your flesh. 14 But far be it from me to glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, through which the world hath been crucified unto me, and I unto the world. 15 For neither is circumcision anything, nor uncircumcision, but a new creature. 16 And as many as shall walk by this rule, peace [be] upon them, and mercy, and upon the Israel of God. 17 Henceforth, let no man trouble me; for I bear branded on my body the marks of Jesus. 18 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit, brethren. Amen. Comments by Howard Justice *6:11 "See with how large letters I write unto you with mine own hand." There is some conflict in the interpretations of this verse. The King James version reads: "Ye see how large a letter I have written unto you with mine own hand." The King James version seems to indicate that it was the size of the entire message or letter while the American Standard Version (that from which I most often work) seems to indicate that it was the specific size of the individual letters. There is yet another possibility. Paul might have written another letter (or letters) to these brethren of a comparable size. But since there is no evidence of any other writings to these brethren, this is doubtful. W. E. Vine notes that this word "grammasin" is in the dative case, is plural and is the word which refers to the drawings or tracings that were used to express the components or letters of a word. It is also worth noting that the term "epistole" is used in every other passage which refers to the epistles or messages that Paul transcribed or had transcribed to the churches. Thus, the weight of the evidence is in favor of the large characters that were used to express his words in the letter. Some commentators believe that Paul had some difficulty making the transition in writing from the Hebrew to the Greek. This would certainly be understandable since they were written quite differently and in different directions on a parchment. Others believe that this was an indication that Paul's eyesight was failing and was the "thorn in the flesh" that he describes in 2 Corinthians 12:7. Whatever the reason, it is certain that Paul had personally written this letter and it was proof of his deep concern for those who were troubled by the Jewish false teachers. Equally, it was a verification to those false teachers, mentioned in the following verses, that Paul had personally taken a devoted interest in their endeavors to corrupt these brethren with the traditions of Judaism; traditions that were abolished by the coming of the law of Christ. *6:12 "As many as desire to make a fair show in the flesh, they compel you to be circumcised; only that they may not be persecuted for the cross of Christ." The apostle states that it was simply for a show in the flesh that these Jewish false teachers had tried to bind circumcision upon the Galatian Gentiles. It was not because of their desire to please Christ but rather, it was their arrogant pride that had taken control of their lives to the point that they compelled their brethren to do something that was no longer their duty. Judaism had ceased and the law of Christ (Galatians 6:2) was now in force in their lives, having been endorsed by the Holy Spirit on Pentecost. See also Jeremiah 31:31-34. *6:13 "For not even they who receive circumcision do themselves keep the law; but they desire to have you circumcised, that they may glory in your flesh." Even those false teachers, Jews who had received circumcision, did not keep the law. And they desired that these former Gentile converts do something that these Jews did not do themselves. They had stopped doing those things that were burdensome to themselves like offering animal sacrifices, keeping certain holy days, etc. They were the epitome of hypocrites. *6:14 "But far be it from me to glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, through which the world hath been crucified unto me, and I unto the world." Just as Paul expresses here, a Christian has no right to glory or to take undue satisfaction in anything except the glory of the cross of Christ. This does not refer to the physical cross, or to some physical representation of the cross. This refers to the magnificent sacrifice that was made on our behalf by the only begotten Son of God. It is in this great gift that we can all take great satisfaction because it is the means by which we have been given deliverance from the penalty of sin; the separation from the presence of God. With this gift comes the possibility of restoration to the family of God (John 1:12). *6:15 "For neither is circumcision anything, nor uncircumcision, but a new creature." For the Christian, circumcision means absolutely nothing as a religious act. It does not make one a Christian. And, if one uses circumcision or any other Jewish tradition, including Sabbath-keeping, for a religious reason, he is a debtor to keep the entire law of Moses (Galatians 5:3). Every person who truly believes, repents, confesses that Christ is the Son of God and is immersed in water for the remission of his or her sins is a new creature. He has put off the old man of sin and has arisen to walk in newness of life (Romans 6:3-7). *6:16 "And as many as shall walk by this rule, peace [be] upon them, and mercy, and upon the Israel of God." Those who live their lives by the law of Christ share in the blessings of God which include peace and mercy which fall upon the spiritual Israel of God. We are that Israel (1 Peter 2:5). *6:17 "Henceforth, let no man trouble me; for I bear branded on my body the marks of Jesus." "In the future, don't even bother me with Jewish law- keeping because my body wears the brand of Jesus Christ." It was Jesus' mark that Paul wore. It is the identity of Christ and His suffering that all who have accepted Christ bear. Through His suffering, we are made His. As much as a cattle farmer brands his cattle, Christians also wear a sort of "brand" which identifies them as belonging to Christ. Not the scars caused by a painful branding but a changed heart which seeks to serve only Christ. Paul may refer to the scars on his body from the many beatings that he had received because he was a Christian (2 Corinthians 11:24,25). *6:18 " The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit, brethren. Amen." Paul wished them the unmerited favor of their Lord Jesus Christ, just as we should also wish upon all who serve Christ faithfully. Howard Justice