Galatians 6 — New Creation in Christ
Introduction: As Paul concludes this letter he instructs the Galatians to consider some of the practical examples of conduct that should be part of the Christian life together. He also gives a warning that we are not preparing properly for our heavenly home if our efforts throughout life are toward material gain alone. We should remember that we are a new creation in Christ and therefore our hope is for those things that are eternal.
NOTE: Scripture passages are from the Revised Webster Bible.
A — Restoration Must Be Done with a Spirit of Meekness
Galatians 6 “1 Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye who 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 fulfil the law of Christ. 3 For if a man thinketh 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.”
Comments: Paul’s statement about the likelihood of struggles against sin among believers should not surprise us, for the Lord Jesus spoke of our weakness toward temptations (Matthew 26:41). Paul used a phrase unique in the New Testament in relation to the “law” — “fulfill the law of Christ.” The Lord Jesus summarized all of the law as loving God with all your heart and loving your neighbour as yourself, and on these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets (Matthew 22:36–40). We have freedom from the curse of the Levitical law, but we also have obligations to God and to others within that freedom. 1 Corinthians 10:13 assures us that God is faithful and will not allow us to be tempted above what we are able, but will with the temptation also make a way to escape. Paul used two different Greek words for “burden” in this passage: the mutual burdens (baros) we share as life’s pressures, and the individual burden (phortion) of religious rites for justification. Jesus said of the latter: “my yoke is easy, and my burden (phortion) is light” (Matthew 11:30).
B — You Will Reap What You Sow
Galatians 6 “6 Let him that is taught in the word share with him that teacheth in all good things. 7 Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. 8 For he that soweth to his flesh shall from the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall from the Spirit reap life everlasting. 9 And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not. 10 As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good to all men, especially to them who are of the household of faith.”
Comments: Paul wanted those in the church to know that the shepherds of the church flock deserved to receive compensation from the body of believers (1 Corinthians 9:13–14; 1 Timothy 5:17–18). Paul then made a statement of caution: perhaps not all who gather to worship have been truly converted by faith. Some of the readers may think they belong to the Lord, but they need to be sure they are not actually mocking God with a hollow faith. Hosea 10:12 says to “sow in righteousness, reap in mercy.” Isaiah 29:13 warns of those who honor God with lips while their heart is far from him. Mark 7:6–13 records Jesus applying that same Isaiah passage to those who hold the traditions of men over the commandment of God. James 1:23–25 urges us to be doers of the word and not hearers only, for the one who looks into the perfect law of liberty and continues in it shall be blessed in his deed.
C — A New Creation in Christ
Galatians 6 “11 Ye see how large a letter I have written to you with my own hand. 12 As many as desire to make a fair show in the flesh, they constrain you to be circumcised; only lest they should suffer persecution for the cross of Christ. 13 For neither they themselves who are circumcised keep the law; but desire to have you circumcised, that they may glory in your flesh. 14 But may it never be that I should glory, except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified to me, and I to the world. 15 For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision, but a new creation. 16 And as many as walk according to this rule, peace be on them, and mercy, and upon the Israel of God. 17 From henceforth let no man trouble me: for I bear in my body the marks of the Lord Jesus. 18 Brethren, the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Amen.”
Comments: As he drew the letter to a close Paul again emphasized the central topic of circumcision. Those who require circumcision for everyone are doing so to avoid persecution from staunch Jews who oppose the salvation represented only by the cross of Christ. Those men want to boast about any they have seemingly “converted” even though no one can be saved by keeping the law. Paul wanted it to be clear that he would rejoice only in the salvation brought by the cross of Christ. The mark of being saved by Christ is not in circumcision or uncircumcision, but those who are saved become a new creation in Christ (2 Corinthians 5:14–21). Paul confirmed that peace and mercy will be on those who live as a new creation in Christ, confirming what he had written in Galatians 3:7–9 and 3:29 — those of faith are children of Abraham and heirs according to the promise. His complimentary close again draws attention to Christ: “Brethren, the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Amen.”
Reflections in Prayer
Lord, whether I give words of restoration to another, or am in need of receiving them myself, may I remember the inherent weakness of the flesh so I will conduct myself with humility. Guide all of my relations with other Christians toward the goal of fulfilling the law of Christ in love, while keeping in mind that I must not think more highly of myself than I ought. I need your Spirit within me to direct me toward the daily process of sowing generously to the growth of your kingdom from the resources you have given me. I want to share with the people you bring across my pathway in life, but especially with those of the household of faith. I praise you Lord for making me a new creation in Christ and for giving me grace and peace that is eternal in the spirit. Hallelujah for the incomparable cross of Christ! Amen.
Published 22 January 2013