Upwards Church

The Holy Spirit enables us to persevere in serving others doing good.

As Paul wraps up his letter, he offered practical counsel for living “by the Spirit”: keeping in step with the Spirit on the one hand, while avoiding pride and envy on the other. In this section, Paul spelled out in practical terms what a “life in the Spirit” should be like.

Paul outlined the importance of believers balancing their responsibility for their own spiritual growth alongside their responsibility to help others. They are not only to “keep in step with the Spirit” (5:25 niv) but also to encourage others to keep the same pace. Whatever a Christian’s progress or frustration in any day, he or she is to keep going and growing in Christ: “We do not give up!” (6:9 niv). The results, Paul assured us, will be well worth the effort.

6:1 Brothers, if someone is caught in a sin, you who are spiritual should restore him gently.^NIV Paul concluded his letter to the Galatians by affirming the confidence that he had already expressed to them in 5:10. He believed that the Galatians would return to their original faith, get rid of the Judaizers, and get on with the business of walking in the Spirit (5:25). Thus he again addressed them as adelphoi (brothers, friends). Paul was modeling the same gentle approach that he wanted them to practice with each other. Paul both demonstrated and taught how believers should walk in the Spirit.

Paul addressed the problem of individual sin by explaining corporate (group) responsibility. A Christian may sin alone, but because he or she participates in the body of Christ, his or her sin affects the whole.

In 1 Corinthians 12:12-27, Paul explained in detail the “body” aspects of the Christian experience. “If one part suffers,” he wrote, “every part suffers with it” (1 Corinthians 12:26 niv). Our reaction to other Christians’ sins ought not to be how we can rid the church of these sinners. Rather, we should help our brothers and sisters who are fellow members of the body of Christ.

The correct attitude to other people is not “I’m better than you and I’ll prove it” or “You’re better than I and I resent it,” but “You are a person of importance in your own right (because God made you in his own image and Christ died for you) and it is my joy and privilege to serve you.” John Stott

The phrase if someone is caught in a sin can also be translated “if anyone is detected in a transgression” (nrsv) or “if a man is overtaken in any trespass” (nkjv). The original expression presents a vivid picture. “Caught” in a sin could mean either that a believer catches another believer sinning, or that the sinning believer has been trapped or caught by sin. “Entrapped by sin” seems most likely because the verb occurs in the passive voice. “Overtaken” also conveys that the sinning believer was caught and overwhelmed. This could refer to an impulsive sin. In either case, “caught” expresses a strong sense of surprise, as the person was “caught red-handed” in a sin. “Detected” pictures a believer unexpectedly discovering that another believer is trapped in some sin.

LIFE APPLICATION – EXPOSURE

The media perversely delights in exposing the sins of those who claim to be believers. It is sad but true that often others knew about the wrongdoing but did nothing. Silence or inaction regarding sin in the church tends to be read by outsiders as complicity or fear. In reality, people have disobeyed God’s instructions and should be confronted with their sin.

By failing to deal with sin among ourselves in a biblical way, we invite the ridicule of the world. We don’t help ourselves or our brothers and sisters by hiding their problems or by instantly expelling them. Appropriate confrontation, confession, restoration, restitution, and forgiveness would give the world two difficult pills to swallow: (1) It could no longer excuse its own sin by pointing to believers’ failings, and (2) we would weaken the sensational quality of exposing a cover-up in the church

It is uncertain whether “sin” refers specifically to following the Judaizers or to any sin (such as the works of the flesh described in 5:19-21). But we can assume that Paul’s concern for the Galatians certainly extended far beyond the immediate challenges they were facing from the false teachers. No church, indeed no believer, is completely free of sin, for sinful human desires still exist in believers (as Paul explained in 5:16-18). We must not report every sin or point out each person’s failings. While Paul didn’t explain the word sin, he focused on the type of sin that entraps a person, refusing to let him or her go and causing damage to his or her faith. If Paul meant the sin of following the Judaizers, he certainly wanted the church to help the person out of that sin and restore him or her to the fellowship.

LIFE APPLICATION – RESTORATION

The word translated “restore” has a number of meanings, all of which help us understand how to restore someone who has been caught in sin:

 setting a broken bone. We should be helping to reduce pain and promote healing and rehabilitation.

 mending a fishnet. We should repair torn relationships in order that they might be returned to useful service.

 refitting a ship after a difficult voyage. We should fix the damage, restock the supplies, and prepare the vessel for its next voyage.

Restoration doesn’t happen easily or simply. Sometimes those stung with self-discovery reject our efforts to help. We must persevere in the process because God views the restored person as very valuable.

The believers may have wondered how the church should deal with members who have fallen into sin. Should the sin be overlooked in the name of love? Should the sin be exposed to everyone? If not, who needs to know, and what should they do about it?

Paul did not recommend ignoring unrepented sin because, no matter how well hidden, sin will eventually cause problems in the church. Neither did Paul recommend a public humiliation of the sinner, for that would not achieve the objective of restoring the person to the fellowship. Paul recommended action, but he gave advice as to who should act and how the action should be taken.

Action should be taken only by those who are spiritual. Who are these people? Paul was referring to men and women who walk in the Spirit in the sense that Paul had explained at the end of chapter 5. Only those mature in the faith (see also Hebrews 5:13-14) and mature enough to handle this situation properly should deal with it. In other words, the new, immature believers should not deal with the delicate subject of sin (and sinners) in the church. In addition, mature believers should discern when to confront sin (see Matthew 18:15-20). As explained earlier, sin exists in every church, but those less mature in the faith might categorize some personality traits or strong opinions as “sin.” Every person’s fault need not be dragged into the light for all to see, but persistent sin that destroys the person and hurts the fellowship must be resolved.

LIFE APPLICATION – LEGALISTS AND RESTORATION

A person can win a race by running faster than everyone else or by having everyone else quit before the finish line. Legalists aren’t sure that they will be good enough to gain God’s acceptance, and sometimes they take comfort from someone else’s failure. The law provides little room for restoration, so legalists tend to gloat on the failures of others.

Legalists often choose an unbending standard to measure themselves and others. Depending on their own degree of success, legalists exhibit a number of judgmental ways to react to others: false pride, “holier-than-thou” attitudes, and a noticeable lack of love and forgiveness. If you find yourself gloating on someone else’s failure, you may be slipping into legalism.

Next Paul clarified what the spiritually mature should do for the one caught in sin by using one word: restore (katartizete). When leaders confront a person caught in sin, they should avoid humiliating, punishing, or using the person as a public example. Instead, the leaders’ purpose should be to restore the person to the fellowship of believers (see 2 Timothy 2:24-26). The Greek word came from a medical term for setting a broken bone. In the New Testament, the word meant “mending nets” (see Matthew 4:21). In both cases, the picture helps demonstrate that a fallen Christian should be neither neglected nor rejected as if he or she were lost. Instead, mature believers should help get the person on the right track, encourage repentance and accountability, offer assistance if needed, and warmly accept the repentant person back into the church. All church discipline aims at this goal.

Finally Paul explained how to restore in one word: gently. He used the same word form in 5:23, translated “gentleness.” Those walking in the Spirit and exhibiting the fruit of the Spirit will be gentle. They should apply that quality in dealing with sin in the church. They should be humble and patient, realizing that no one is immune to sin—even the “entrapping” kind. They must speak the truth while being considerate of the other person’s feelings. They must always act in submission to God and his Word. Then leaders can help without resentment or a judgmental spirit (see also 2 Timothy 2:24-26; James 2:13).

Take care that you yourselves are not tempted.^NRSV The Greek verb skopon means “keep an eye on” or “look out for” and is here translated take care (or “watch yourself,” niv). Paul changed from plural to singular, perhaps indicating the individual’s responsibility to keep an eye on himself or herself and to look out for temptation so as not to be tempted to fall into sin as well. The church has a duty to help erring believers, but each individual believer must take responsibility for dealing with sin and temptation. In situations such as the apostle was describing, those who restore a fallen one could face two temptations: (1) They might be tempted to have spiritual pride, or (2) they might be tripped up by the same temptation faced by the one they are trying to correct. Paul wrote the same advice to the Corinthians, “So, if you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don’t fall!” (1 Corinthians 10:12 niv).

LIFE APPLICATION – SHARE THE LOAD

The church can foster a help-one-another attitude among its members. When we find ourselves under a burden too heavy, we should know that others will help carry our packs. When another believer is overwhelmed by his or her own sin and failings, all believers should be there to encourage, support, and pray. While mature believers must do the work of restoring, even the young and immature believers can help bear burdens, and thereby strengthen their own faith. When another believer faces pain and sorrow, all believers should be ready to offer a word of encouragement, assistance, and persistent prayer on the other person’s behalf.

6:2 Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.^NKJV Paul used the Greek word bastazete, translated bear, in three different forms at other times in this letter. In 5:10, Paul said that any false teacher among them would “pay [bear] the penalty” for spreading error and confusion among the Christians. This would be a heavy burden indeed, for it referred to God’s judgment. In 6:5, he called each believer to “carry [bear] his own load.” He pictured a traveling load, like a shoulder pack, that each person carries on his or her back. Finally, in 6:17, Paul explained, “I bear in my body the marks of the Lord Jesus.” Paul’s use of this particular verb may picture Jesus shouldering (bearing) his cross on the way to Golgotha (John 19:17). As used in this verse, burdens refers to the heavy or oppressive burden that a believer cannot carry alone. It could be financial burdens; it could be burdens of temptation. We must help “bear” the loads that others find too heavy to carry alone. However, we must not regard this load as a burden, but a joy.

Like people hiking a trail, we not only shoulder our own backpacks, but we help out with other people’s loads when the trail gets too steep, they get too tired, or their feet get blistered—whenever they need assistance.

Christians must have strong shoulders and mighty bones. Martin Luther

To bear one another’s burdens brings joy; for not only can the believers help one another in tangible ways, but at the same time they also fulfill the law of Christ. How so? As Paul had explained in 5:14, “For the whole law is summed up in a single commandment, ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself’” (nrsv). Jesus told his disciples on the night before his crucifixion, “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another” (John 13:34 nkjv, see also John 15:12). The “law of Christ” is his “new commandment” summed up when we show love for others. In a sense Paul was saying, “If you insist on carrying burdens, don’t carry the burden of the law; instead, in love, carry one another’s burdens. Then you not only help one another out and build unity among yourselves, you also fulfill the law of Christ!” Or, in other words, when we help others with their burdens, we do Christ’s work (see Romans 15:1-3; 1 Peter 5:7).

LIFE APPLICATION  – MAY I HELP YOU?

No Christian should ever think that he or she is totally independent and doesn’t need help from others. And no one should feel excused from the task of helping others. The body of Christ, the church, functions only when the members work together for the common good. Do you know someone who needs help? Is there a Christian brother or sister who needs correction or encouragement? Humbly and gently reach out to that person, offering to lift his or her load (John 13:34-35).

6:3 For if those who are nothing think they are something, they deceive themselves.^NRSV However, some believers either would refuse to follow Paul’s command to help bear one another’s burdens or would do so in order to be noticed and receive praise. Both motives come from conceit. Those people may have regarded themselves as too spiritual to dirty themselves with others’ problems and failings. They may not have wanted to make the effort to care about others in need, or they may have been motivated by attention getting, not helping others.

The Greek words in this sentence make strong contrasts. What these people “think” (dokei) about themselves contrasts sharply with what they really “are” (on). A person’s inflated self-image as “something” (or “somebody,” tis) noteworthy has little value if the facts demonstrate that he or she is actually “nothing” (or “nobody,” meden) of any consequence. Paul was anxious to warn the Galatians not to tolerate any form of spiritual superiority, no matter how cleverly disguised.

Paul explained that these people’s lack of love for others revealed both their worthlessness to the body of Christ and also their bankrupt spiritual state. They think they are something or “somebody important.” But such people were really nothing or “nobody.” Paul was deliberately negative and used exaggeration (hyperbole) to correct arrogance in those acting self-important. When we humbly come to God, we are “something” loved and valuable; when we are blinded by sinful pride, we are “nothing” to him.

LIFE APPLICATION – INTOLERANCE

Reading Paul’s words in our times may raise questions about the apostle’s intolerance. Did he really have a right to invalidate the claims of those other teachers? Or should he have been more open-minded and inclusive about the variety of opinions and beliefs present in the Galatian church?

Paul was dealing with revealed truth. He was confronting teachers who themselves were very intolerant. In addition, he was doing them a favor by confronting them with their error because if they believed him, they would be in a position to respond to the gospel. If you believe the truth of God’s Word, sooner or later you will find yourself in disagreement with those who do not believe.

Those who persist in this attitude deceive themselves. These conceited people were the only people who thought they were “too good” or “too spiritual” to help, or “so good” and “so spiritual” that everyone should have noticed their help. They were deceiving no one but themselves. Measured against God’s standards, no one amounts to anything. Only by Christ’s righteousness imparted to us and by God’s Spirit within us do we become acceptable to God. And, as Paul already had explained in chapter 5, that Spirit will produce results in believers’ lives. The true “somebodies” in the church yield the Holy Spirit’s fruit in their lives, and these people won’t even be concerned about their status. They will be busy helping others.

6:4 Each one should test his own actions. Then he can take pride in himself, without comparing himself to somebody else.^NIV While some people may be conceited regarding their burden bearing, others may feel as though they can’t “bear burdens” as well as others. Some might be afraid of grief or pain; some others might get tongue-tied in trying to offer encouragement; others may be so shy as to be unable to approach needy people. Conversely, some may have experienced others who, under the pretense of helping, exploit the vulnerability of a person in trouble or violate a trust that was placed in them regarding very personal matters. Both our abilities and motives need healthy, ongoing examination.

LIFE APPLICATION – REMEDIES

Failing eyesight often happens so gradually that a person makes small adjustments (squints, holds reading material at arm’s length, etc.) along the way. But an eye examination reveals the truth—the person’s eyesight may have deteriorated significantly. Our ability to detect pride works the same way. The Scripture offers three remedies for our self-deception:

1. Watch yourself (6:1). Remind yourself that you are nothing apart from the value that God gives you. Beyond that, imitate Christ, doing what he did while disregarding your own desires for position and respect.

2. Test your own actions (6:4). Be sure you are doing your best; examine yourself under the guidance of the Spirit and God’s Word. Don’t compare yourself with others; instead, focus on the character of Christ.

3. Carry your own load (6:5). Be accountable and trustworthy. Answer to other believers, and serve them by your holding them accountable.

Here Paul offered the solution. Each one should test his own actions. The Greek word dokimazo, translated “test,” could also mean “scrutinize” or “prove.” The word often described God’s scrutiny of the work of an evangelist or teacher. Each of us should examine our own conduct, asking whether we have accomplished what God has required. We know what God has prompted us to do in the case of bearing others’ burdens; thus, we must ask if we did it. Each individual must answer to God. So we should compare ourselves to God’s standard, not to somebody else. Good pride is being able to say, “I have lived up to the potential God gave me.” We will not be judged on the basis of how we have matched up to others, but on how we have met God’s expectations. The danger of comparing ourselves with others is that we either come out ahead (a cause for false pride) or behind (leading to lowered self-esteem and the danger of not doing any more for others at all). Christians have different gifts and abilities, but God does not excuse us from bearing others’ burdens. We are not responsible to do everything or to make the same contributions as others; we are responsible to accomplish what God has called us to do.

Then, says Paul, he can take pride in himself. This “pride” is very different from the conceit explained in 6:3. In Greek, kauchema literally means “boast, report.” This pride focuses, not on a person’s own accomplishments, but rather on what God has done through his or her life. This pride glorifies God, not oneself. This pride says, “We are unworthy servants; we have only done our duty” (Luke 17:10 niv). The context determines that Paul gave the same advice that he urged the Romans to practice: “For by the grace given to me I say to everyone among you not to think of yourself more highly than you ought to think, but to think with sober judgment, each according to the measure of faith that God has assigned” (Romans 12:3 nrsv).

LIFE APPLICATION – GREAT EXPECTATIONS

When you do your very best, you feel good about the results. There is no need to compare yourself with others. People make comparisons for many reasons. Some point out others’ flaws in order to feel better about themselves. Others simply want reassurance that they are doing well. When you are tempted to compare, look at Jesus Christ. His example will inspire you to do your very best, and his loving acceptance will comfort you when you fall short of your expectations.

6:5 For each one should carry his own load.^NIV In 6:2, Paul encouraged the believers to bear one another’s burdens. Here, he says that each believer should carry his or her own load. This is not contradictory, but complementary. We should bear one another’s burdens while shouldering our own. Each person’s own load (to idion phortion) refers to each believer’s responsibilities and duties. Jesus spoke of this burden in Matthew 11:30 when he promised, “My burden is light.” Each person carries this light load like a shoulder pack. While we each bear our own load, we also must help those with their overwhelming loads. Then everyone will be able to make it to the end of the trail together.

Throughout this paragraph Paul maintained a balance between conscious personal responsibility for one’s own life and looking out for the needs of others. He gave the Philippians similar counsel when he wrote: “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others” (Philippians 2:3-4 niv). By laying aside our attitudes of superiority, we can be ready to help others.

6:6 Those who are taught the word must share in all good things with their teacher.^NRSV

After describing how the Holy Spirit helps believers in their relationships with others, Paul explained how the Holy Spirit would affect their use of money. (See 1 Timothy 5:17-18 as a parallel passage.)

Your checkbook reveals all that you really believe about stewardship. Ron Blue

Some commentators hesitate to apply 6:7-9 to the use of money. While these verses also have a broader application, Paul primarily focused on the thought that he had begun in this verse—believers’ responsible use of money. Bearing each other’s burdens as well as following through on our commitments requires faithfulness in our financial decisions.

LIFE APPLICATION – SELF-ESTEEM

Much of today’s educational emphasis promotes self-esteem. The idea is to have pride in yourself whether you accomplish anything or not. Having removed references to God or the Bible from the classroom, education bases self-esteem on positive thinking. A person attempting to affirm his or her own worth will drift from pride to worthlessness and back.

The Bible provides the basis for the worth of each individual in relation to God—being part of his creation and bearing his image. Thus, each of us has worth because God thinks enough of us to have sent Christ as the supreme sacrifice. But the biblical view of self-image (or self-confidence) differs markedly from the world’s. The Bible promotes a humble self-confidence that recognizes that every talent and accomplishment has been given by God. We do not create our own self-worth. It comes from God. Because we do not dream it up, no one can take it from us. No negative performance or objective analysis can render us worthless. Neither is our self-worth hollow, for it comes from the heavenly Father who loves us.

Paul’s first admonition prescribed support of each Christian teacher (the true teachers as opposed to the false teachers) in the Galatian churches. These teachers were serving full-time in preaching and teaching. The congregations (those who are taught the word) should voluntarily and generously provide for the teachers’ needs. This included financial support and sharing material items and services, as well as personal encouragement (all good things). While the radical giving and sharing of the early church in Jerusalem (recorded in Acts 2:44-45) was a model, all churches were not required to follow it. Instead, Paul recommended a spirit of giving among the believers in the churches that he had founded, especially regarding their care for those who were devoting their time to ministry. Most likely Paul had mentioned this, for he usually set up leaders in the churches before he moved on. He must have explained how they were to be cared for by the church members. But the Galatians apparently needed a reminder.

As opposed to the fees and taxes that paid for teachers in the Jewish and Greek religions, Paul’s wording emphasized that this giving and sharing with the Christian teachers was really a partnership. As the teachers taught the “good things” of the gospel, the believers reciprocated with sharing “good things” to provide for the teachers. Jesus gave the same advice in Luke 10:7. In the context of the principle Paul was about to state, the teachers were sowing the good seed of God’s Word and had a right to expect a harvest of goodness from their students.

LIFE APPLICATION – HONOR YOUR TEACHERS

Paul instructed students to take care of the material needs of their teachers (1 Corinthians 9:3-14). It is easy to receive the benefit of good Bible teaching and then to take our spiritual leaders for granted, ignoring their financial and physical needs. We should care for our teachers, not grudgingly or reluctantly, but with a generous spirit, showing honor and appreciation for all they have done (2 Corinthians 11:7-9; Philippians 4:10-19; 2 Thessalonians 3:7-9; 1 Timothy 5:17-18).

6:7 Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap.^NKJV This sentence, inserted within Paul’s flow of thought regarding money, gives a general principle about the attitudes of kindness, giving, and sharing. Those doing the mocking were the self-righteous, pious Christians who were boasting about their spiritual superiority (5:26; 6:3). While people can deceive one another, and even themselves, about their motives and attitudes for giving, they cannot deceive God. Paul said that these believers themselves must not be deceived or “led astray.” This phrase is a formula that precedes a severe warning of a prophetic nature (see also 1 Corinthians 6:9; James 1:16). The passive tense indicates that some of the Galatians had already been deceived in this matter of financial responsibility. The phrase God is not mocked reveals the immutability of this natural law of God. The Greek word literally means “turn up the nose at.” This could also be translated “God is not fooled” or “You cannot mock [or fool] God.” What they sowed, they would reap. Sow means “spread, utilize, invest.” Whatever we use as key values determines the course of our life. Jesus taught the importance of investing our time and utilizing our resources wisely for the kingdom. He said, “Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, . . . but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven. . . . For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also” (Matthew 6:19-21 nkjv). Paul’s concept parallels what Jesus taught.

While believers have received God’s special blessings and promises, God does not change the positive and negative of the natural law that whatever a man sows, that he will also reap. From farming to finances, this saying holds true (Proverbs 22:8). A farmer plants corn and grows corn; he should not expect nor desire anything else. Believers must decide what crop they want and plant accordingly, for what they get back will be directly related to what they put in, as Paul explains in the next verse.

LIFE APPLICATION – REAPING OR WEEPING?

It would certainly be a surprise if you planted corn and pumpkins came up. It’s a natural law that we reap what we sow. The principle holds true in other areas as well. If you gossip about your friends, you will lose their friendship. Every action leads to results or consequences. If you plant to please your own desires, you’ll reap a crop of sorrow and evil. If you plant to please God, you’ll reap joy and everlasting life. What kind of seeds are you sowing?

6:8 The one who sows to please his sinful nature, from that nature will reap destruction.^NIV Believers who use their lives and sow their resources in wasteful indulgence in order to do no more than please [the] sinful nature (sarx, flesh, see note on 5:13) will earn a harvest of destruction. The Greek word sarx refers to the unregenerate, uncrucified self. Those who invest their lives in fulfilling sinful human desires are practicing the works of the flesh that Paul listed in 5:19-21. Paul was most concerned about the libertine tendencies of the Galatians who were practicing sins particularly harmful to the church:

quarrelsomeness (5:16, 21), conceit (5:26), envy (5:26), indifference to needs (6:1-2), and pride. Those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God (5:21). When we sow to the flesh, we bring these seeds of destruction into our life.

To “sow to the flesh” is to pander to it, to cosset, cuddle and stroke it, instead of crucifying it. John Stott

The one who sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life.^NIV Believers who sow their resources and invest their lives to please the Spirit have a far different harvest. Their harvest will reap eternal life (see Romans 6:20-23).

How do we sow “to please the Spirit“? When we use our resources to grow spiritually and to support the Lord’s work so that others can enter the kingdom and grow spiritually, we are sowing to please the Spirit. Why? Because our harvest results in spiritual growth and souls reached for the kingdom; thus, our harvest lasts forever. This kind of stewardship of our resources can only be done through the power of the Holy Spirit. When the Holy Spirit controls a believer’s life, the results are amazing. As 5:22-23 pointed out, the fruit borne in a believer is life changing. That change will affect the believer’s handling of money, use of talent, and investment of time.

Because of our sinful human desires, we will always resist the initiatives of the Holy Spirit. Because actions that “please the Spirit” often involve eternal matters, the harvest may not actually come until eternity. Christian efforts, such as character building or caring for others, have long-range results. But, as Paul will write, just because the harvest is not immediate does not in any way lessen its reality!

6:9 Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.^NIV While good works will never earn salvation, Paul did encourage believers to persist in doing good.  Paul included himself in his admonishment, saying that while we do good, we should not become weary and give up or lose heart. By repeating this admonition twice, Paul placed great emphasis upon perseverance. Faithful Christians will find innumerable ways to do good. Using the fruit of the Spirit and sharing the burdens of others, we will persevere in our works of service.

LIFE APPLICATION – FULL CIRCLE

As Paul brought this letter to a close, he was inspired by the Spirit to provide us with a well-rounded picture of healthy, spiritual living. Living by the Spirit is not an individualistic achievement, nor does individual participation get lost by making every action a “shared responsibility.” Life in the Spirit involves a continual ebb and flow of receiving and giving. Those who practice the ministry of restoration today may themselves require restoration tomorrow. Those who have their burdens lifted today may be called to lift another’s burdens in the days to come. Christians, in obedient and growing relationship with God, discover wonderful support from one another along the way. The biblical picture proves true: Christians are parts of the body of Christ; each one is charged with a function so that together all bring glory to God.

Paul may have been feeling very weary as he considered his hard work and suffering on behalf of the churches in Galatia. It is discouraging to continue to do good and serve God while receiving no word of thanks and seeing no tangible results. But results take time. Jesus pointed out to the disciples that months elapse between planting and harvesting (John 4:35). To continue the analogy of sowing and reaping, a farmer will have no harvest to reap if he becomes too weary to labor in the fields or if he gives up altogether. The harvest will not reap itself. Every aspect of farming, planting, maintaining, and finally the harvesting takes hard work. So, too, believers must not become weary and give up when they follow the Holy Spirit’s guidance, grow spiritually, and do good for God’s kingdom. While it may seem at times like a losing battle, we are assured that at the proper time we will reap a harvest.

What kind of harvest did the apostle have in mind? His original statement of the parable “A man reaps what he sows” (6:7 niv) was a warning. But in the space of three verses, the principle has been used to encourage believers to serve faithfully even when facing weariness. A Christian will reap a harvest of present blessings: the fruit of the Spirit, well-instructed believers, restored sinners, and mutual support. But ultimately he or she will reap the harvest of eternal life in the Holy Spirit (6:8). Though the proper time is the time of God’s own choosing, Paul was most likely referring to the time of the fulfillment of God’s promises at Christ’s second coming (1 Timothy 6:15).

LIFE APPLICATION – FROM FURROW TO SICKLE

Paul challenged the Galatians and he challenges us to keep on doing good and to trust God for the results. Our weariness can be eased by the strength we find in the Spirit and by the relief we find when other Christians help us bear our burdens. We must not fall back into a self-serving, self-centered life, for that denies our claim to be Christ-centered persons.

As Christians, we must persevere. A farmer, for all the work done, doesn’t “make” the crops grow. The principles of nature mirror spiritual principles. We are to persist in sowing goodness. In due time, we will reap a harvest of goodness. Whether that “due time” is in this life or the next (or maybe both) is not for us to decide. But as the farmer knows his crops will grow, so we know that our harvest is sure. For more on persevering, see 1 Corinthians 15:58; 16:13; Philippians 1:27; Hebrews 12:3.

6:10 Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.^NIV The wordplay on “time” (kairos) in 6:9 and 6:10 does not come through in English. The word is translated “season,” or “time” in 6:9, referring to God’s proper timing—the harvest will not be reaped before God says so. In this verse, the word is translated opportunity, meaning that every time we can do good, we must do so—the timing for doing good is always right. The opportunity is not optional. We are to treat it as strategically placed by God in our path. Our settings may continually change, but each one will bring a fresh opportunity for helping and serving. In concluding his letter to the Colossians, Paul issued a similar challenge: “Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity” (Colossians 4:5 niv).

This word for “time” in Greek conveys the meaning that once missed, we cannot regain the opportunity. We cannot miss the “time” of the harvest; we dare not miss the “time” of doing good. In both cases, when the time is past, it will never return. How often have we looked back and regretted missing a chance to say a word of encouragement or to do a kind deed?

God calls believers to do good to all people, believers and nonbelievers alike. The fruit of the Holy Spirit must be shared with both the Christian and the non-Christian world. Jesus made it quite clear that doing good would not always be easy: “But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you” (Matthew 5:44 niv). Some fields may be very difficult to “work,” but our purpose should be to sow goodness anyway!

LIFE APPLICATION – GOOD DEEDS

Does Paul’s emphasis on good works contradict his teaching that salvation is by faith and not by works? No, because the Pastoral Epistles encourage good works for all the believers (Titus 2:4; 3:8, 14), for leaders (Titus 2:7), for the wealthy (1 Timothy 6:18), and for widows (1 Timothy 5:9-10). Jesus himself stressed good works based on love. Paul does not teach that those good works were needed for salvation, but he does stress the practical side of the Christian faith, expressed by good works (see, for example, Ephesians 2:10; Colossians 1:10; 1 Thessalonians 5:12; 1 Peter 2:12). Everyone’s involvement and service matters. Can you help other members identify the good works they should be doing?

If Paul still had in mind our financial responsibility, we should be willing to help others financially whenever we are able. But we should focus particularly on the needs of those who belong to the family of believers. This “family” (oikeios, household) refers to all who have become God’s children by believing in Christ; thus, all God’s children are related (Ephesians 2:19). The Christian family extends far beyond the walls of a particular church or the limits of a particular denomination to include all true believers. Paul’s directive parallels Jesus’ words: “By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another” (John 13:35 niv).

When Paul told individual believers to “do good,” he spoke to their responsibility in the community as well as in the church. The church is not meant to become merely a social agency, but individual believers can work together in meeting social needs, giving time and resources as God calls and enables them. Sowing seeds of kindness to those in need expresses Christ’s love and prepares hearts to receive the gospel.

www.Upwards.Church

Message Audio/Video and Outline: https://upwards.church/watch-now/leander-campus-videos

Watch Messages: YouTube-Upwards Church

Facebook: Upwards Church

Read Along Daily Bible Reading: YouVersion (https://www.bible.com/organizations/370f8a6e-16bc-464f-8c43-0b7623fd2952)

Source:

Bruce B. Barton et al., Life Application Bible Commentary – Galatians, (Wheaton, IL: Tyndale, 1994), WORDsearch CROSS e-book, Under: “GALATIANS 6”.