GRACE: Final Thoughts
Study of Galatians
Week 13
Galatians 6
In Galatians chapters 1 and 2, Paul begins his letter to the young Christians by establishing who he is and under whose authority he is addressing them.
In chapters 3 and 4, he shares several doctrinal truths which become foundation pillars for their faith in Christ.
In chapter 5, Paul frames for them what a life of grace looks like. He draws the line in no uncertain terms between a life in the flesh and a life lived in the Spirit.
However, in chapter 6, Paul closes his letter with some final, yet important thoughts.
First, in Galatians 6:1-2, he starts with this, “If a man is caught in any trespass, you who are spiritual, restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness….bear one another’s burden…”
This approach to one who is caught red handed in sin is contradictory to everything these Galatians had experienced. Before, the sinner would have been ostracized, publicly humiliated, or possibly stoned.
Yet, in Christ, there is grace, an offer of restoration. This derivative of the word, restore, is used only one time in the New Testament. It means, “of one who by correction may be brought back into the right way.” (Thayer’s Greek Lexicon)
But how? In a spirit of gentleness. It is the same “gentleness” used in Galatians 5:23 as a fruit of the Spirit of God working in us and through us.
Before Paul closes his letter, he knew he must address how to deal with those who are caught in sin. He even warns them to be careful, “but let each one examine his own work…” (v4)
How quickly we can point a finger at others yet fall into sin ourselves.
The second point Paul wanted to make was to those who had labored in Christ, to those who may have witnessed the seemingly unfair advantages of certain self-seeking people. He exhorts them with this, “For whatever a man sows, that will he also reap… the one who sows to his own flesh shall from the flesh reap corruption, but the one who sows to the Spirit shall from the Spirit reap eternal life.” (v7-8)
This passage provides the framework for a verse that we as Christians regularly affirm, “And let us not lose heart (give up) in doing good, for in due time we shall reap if we do not grow weary.” Galatians 6:9
How often we allow ourselves to grow weary in doing good.
Yet Paul finishes his point with this, “let us do good to all men, and especially to those who are of the household of faith.” (v.10)
Quite simply, do not withhold a kindness.
Paul sets the stage for what real freedom in Christ looks like. Bear one another’s burden and do not lose heart in doing good for others.
He reiterates in Galatians 6:11-13 God’s judgement to those who refuse freedom, the Judaizers. Those that would, for their own gain, impose circumcision.
Then Paul ends his whole letter to the Galatians sharing his heart, his motivation.
“May it never be that I should boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, through which the world had been crucified to me, and I to the world” Galatians 6:14
“For I bear on my body the brand marks of Jesus.” Galatians 6:17
Paul, a man set free by his faith in Christ, selfish only in his love for Christ, demonstrates grace through Christ, that he might win those to Christ.
“I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me, and gave Himself for me.” (Paul)
Galatians 2:20
jeannaswann
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Question for discussion (your email is never posted or shared)
How can we, like Paul, share the love of Christ with others?