Galatians: Chapter 6

Eternal Truth and Eternal Life

Remember, God’s Word is ETERNAL. Jesus told us that “Heaven and Earth will pass away, BUT My Words will NEVER pass away”. So, knowing this Truth, how important is it to carefully study God’s Word on a DAILY basis? Crucial! Our very success in life depends on God and His Word; so, make it a practice to continue to study and search God’s Word; and apply His Word to your life!

6:1

Paul once more exhorts them as Brothers, saying IF any person is overcome by sin, you who are spiritual and are responsive to and controlled by the Holy Spirit, should gently set the sinner right and restore and reinstate him without any sense of superiority; keeping a prayerful attitude to avoid temptation yourself. Notice a ‘spiritual’ person is one who is controlled by the Holy Spirit, NOT someone who claims to be spiritual. Spiritual people are always humble.

6:2-3

The Greek word for ‘burden’ refers to a very heavy burden too heavy to carry alone. An especially heavy temptation and spiritual failure. We learn to get along with others, even those who fail miserably. In this way, we follow the example Jesus gave us of forgiving others, regardless of if they ‘deserve’ it or not. (3.) We must set aside all self-pride; avoiding the false idea of thinking WE would never commit such a sin. We are ALL sinners in one way or another. There, but for the Grace of God, go I.

6:4

We are admonished to scrutinize ourselves to see our own faults and sins, confess my own sins and seek to repent and accept God’s forgiveness. We can NEVER compare ourselves to others. We can rejoice and have the personal satisfaction of knowing we have obeyed the Holy Spirit without the need to boast to others.

6:5-6

Now the Greek word refers to a pack carried by a soldier. It only contained the things needed, and was kept as light as possible, so the soldier could move quickly and easily. This is the same word Jesus used to indicate what He assigned to His followers. (See Matt. 11:30, Rom 15:1; I John 3:16, 17) Yet do not neglect your own personal responsibilities; a warning to assist others, but not to take responsibility for them. We are responsible TO others, not FOR them. (6.) An instruction to share our material wealth with those who instruct us in God’s Word. We must contribute to those who sacrifice to teach us the Truth of God’s Word.

6:7

A warning against being deceived and misled. We must guard ourselves against those who would attempt to ‘water-down’ the Word of God. God will never allow Himself to be mocked; pretensions and false teachings will eventually snare those who deceive themselves and others. Whatever we sow, we will reap. Good brings good, evil brings evil. Today we say, “What goes around, comes around.”

6:8

Paul wants to make certain we do not miss this universal law of living. If we put our time and efforts into seeking after worldly, fleshly desires and wants, we will reap decay, ruin, and destruction, but those who spend their time and effort seeking after Eternal Truth will reap the blessings of Eternal Life. (Consider memorizing Matt. 7: 24-27: “Therefore, anyone who hears these words of Mine and puts them into practice, it like a wise man who builds his house (life) on the rock (Jesus). The rains came down, the streams rose, the wind blew and beat (this represents the disasters that come into our lives) against that house, and yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the Rock. But anyone who hears these words of Mine and does not put them into practice is like the foolish man who build his house on sand (the world’s values). The rains came down, the streams rose, and the wind blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash and was completely destroyed.” Notice that the “Therefore” refers to ALL of Jesus’ words from Matt. 5 through Matt. 7:23.

6:9

Paul continues by encouraging us to not lose heart and grow weary in doing what is right. We must be patient; God will bring His blessings into our lives. The blessings will come at just the right time in God’s Eternal Plan. Maybe not according to our schedules, yet we must remain faithful and trusting. He knows the best for the long term, not our short-sighted plans. Keep in mind that most rewards will be given in Heaven, so we should not expect to see results for everything here on earth. Plus, the rewards in Heaven last forever! We Americans are very gratification-oriented, causing us to miss the Eternal rewards. Consider memorizing Hebrews 12:1-3. Don’t be lazy, look it up!

6:10

So, knowing all this, we must be looking for opportunities to do good to all people; especially those who are believers. We should seek to obey the Holy Spirit and be useful and helpful to others; not just in spiritual matters but being a blessing in every area of their lives. Remember those who have great needs; those who are hungry (support your local Food Bank) especially children who are hungry and abused (every eight minutes a child dies of starvation-related causes). Your church has a benevolent fund; plus, we hear of needs of those ill and out of work; the list goes on and on. If you want to be blessed by Jesus, just pray, and ask for guidance. The needs are great, He will direct you, IF you are sincere about helping others! Consider using the Thank You and Live Forever envelopes to help the working poor AND share the Truth of Jesus!

6:11

Now Paul gives a summary in his own handwriting by saying, see what large letters I am writing with my own hand. We assume because of his vision problems, the only way he could write was with large letters. This was to make certain the Galatians (and us) clearly understood these were his summary of these issues.

6:12

All those who want to make an impression on others and a “show”; compel and force you to be circumcised so that they can escape being persecuted for the allegiance to the cross of Christ Jesus, the Messiah. Whenever anyone says “You MUST do such and such to be called a Christian” it is a sure warning that they are 21st century Judaizers. Beware! Only obeying God’s Word by repenting and following Jesus is required to be Truly His follower.

6:13-14

Paul tells them that even the circumcised Jews do not really keep the Law, but want the Galatians circumcised so they can brag about it. Ever hear anyone say: “I got five people saved last week!” Really? God’s Word says ONLY the Holy Spirit saves; we are called to disciple (teach and guide) those who God saves. Beware of these types of braggarts. (14.) Paul says he would not brag, or glory, in anything or anyone except the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Messiah; through whom the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world. Paul had such a strong and certain belief in Jesus, that his peace, joy, and victory was in Jesus alone. Nothing could change his clear and powerful faith in Jesus as Lord, God, and Savior. Paul lived a life of proper balance, so that nothing, not even severe beatings and near-starvation could cause his faith to falter. Paul confirms that only Jesus can save anyone. There is absolutely no other way to God and Heaven.

6:15

So now we should all understand clearly that circumcision, or any other ritual, has any importance, but only the new creation, being born again as a new creation in Christ Jesus. Our new nature is our born-again spirit. We were dead in our spirit, we are now alive forever in Christ Jesus. We can never be lost; Jesus promises us He will never leave us or forsake us; we are His forever!

6:16

We can be at peace in our lives. God’s true peace and mercy are ours. We must discipline ourselves to live by this Truth, not allowing ourselves to be swayed by what is going on around us in the world. We can stand fast, knowing we already have Eternal Life. We fear nothing, not even death! The Almighty God Creator of the Universe is my Savior and Lord. He is all powerful, all knowing, everywhere, always! Who or what can ever come against us?

6:17

Paul asserts that from this time forward let no one ever trouble him by making is necessary for him to vindicate his God given authority and the divine and eternal Truth of the Gospel. He testifies that he bears on his body the wounds, scars, and other outward evidence of severe persecutions as marks of the Lord Jesus. All these testify to the fact that Jesus owns Paul! Does Jesus own you? Are there ‘marks’ (sacrifices and other things that testify to Jesus owning you?)

6:18

Paul ends with a prayer for ‘the grace, spiritual blessing of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Anointed Messiah to be with your spirit brothers. Amen.’ Do we end our letters and correspondence to other believers with a prayer for all God’s grace and spiritual blessings of Jesus, our Lord, God, and Savior to be with their spirits? When we say goodbye to family and friends, why not add something like this closing prayer for their spiritual well-being and encouragement! How much more powerful would this be than simply; ‘so long, have a safe trip.’ Simple changes can make a world of difference. Try by saying, “God bless you!” rather than just “have a nice day”. As you see someone hurting, offer to pray for them. Remember, they probably really do need your prayers! Be open to the leading of the Holy Spirit. Seek God with all your heart and soul. Pray God’s Word into your own life and the lives of others, especially your family and loved ones. Begin each day with heartfelt thanksgiving and prayer, seeking God’s guidance and direction. End each day with prayers of thanksgiving and worship. Remember those you have promised to pray for. Truly successful people ALWAYS pray and seek the Wisdom and Guidance of the Holy Spirit.

May God richly bless you as you pray Psalm 119: 10-11 into your own life: With my whole heart I have sought you, oh, let me not wander from your commandments. Your Word I have hidden in my heart that I might not sin against you.