Galatians 6

Commands that Many Christians have Largely Ignored (6:1-6)

Brothers, if someone is caught in a sin, you who are spiritual should restore him gently. But watch yourself, or you also may be tempted.

1. Brothers- We often try to enforce these commands on unbelievers
2. If- Sin is rampant in the church
3. Restore- Many times the goal seems to be elimination
4. Gently- When sin is dealt with, it is often in a harsh manner
5. Watch- Some Christians get ‘too’ gentle and put themselves in jeopardy

Carry each other's burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ. If anyone thinks he is something when he is nothing, he deceives himself. Each one should test his own actions. Then he can take pride in himself, without comparing himself to somebody else for each one should carry his own load

1. Carry- It’s easy to say ‘I’ll pray’, it’s harder to actually help
2. Something- A lot of Christians come to think pretty highly of themselves
3. Test his own actions- Many look for flaws in others, but never in the mirror
4. Pride- Christians are often taught to consider themselves scum
5. Comparing- It’s carnal to compare, but spiritual to seek Christ’s standard
6. Own- We have a personal responsibility to be solid disciples

Anyone who receives instruction in the word must share all good things with his instructor.

1. Receives- Many Christians don’t seek out instruction in the word
2. Instruction- Some Christian teachers today deliver ‘feel good’ messages
3. In the Word- Many Christian teachers don’t preach the word
4. Must share- Fewer and fewer Christians share testimonies regularly
5. Instructor- Many teachers get burnt-out b/c by hearing only bad news

Consequences (6:7-10)

Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked.

1. Do you think this was a warning or a judgment?
2. In what ways may have the Galatians been mocking God?
3. Why do people think they can trick God?
4. Read Matthew 7:21-23
5. Read Matthew 25:31-46

A man reaps what he sows. The one who sows to please his sinful nature, from that nature will reap destruction; the one who sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life.

1. Are consequences inevitable?
2. What types of things please the sinful nature?
3. What types of things please the Spirit?
4. What are the consequences of each?

Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.

1. Is it easy to be a Christian?
2. Are rewards always experienced on this side of eternity?
3. Why are we so prone to give up?

Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.

1. What opportunity is Paul referring to?
2. What does ‘do good’ entail?
3. What does he tell us to ‘especially’ do good to Christians?

Something New

See what large letters I use as I write to you with my own hand!

1. Who ‘literally’ wrote Paul’s letters? (Romans 16:22)
2. Why do you think Paul wrote this line? (1 Corinthians 16:21)
3. How passionate & serious does Paul come across here?

Those who want to make a good impression outwardly are trying to compel you to be circumcised. The only reason they do this is to avoid being persecuted for the cross of Christ.

1. Who are the ‘those’ Paul is speaking of?
2. What was most important to these People? Internals or Externals?
3. Why were these men doing what they were doing?
4. Why would being more ‘Jewish’ make one safer?
5. Do we ever choose safety/comfort over righteousness?

Not even those who are circumcised obey the law, yet they want you to be circumcised that they may boast about your flesh. May I never boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, through which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world.

1. What did the Jews ‘try’ to present as their motivation?
2. Why do people think the flesh/externals is/are worth boasting about?
3. Where do we as Christians place our pride?
4. What does it mean to say that the world has been crucified to me?
5. What does it mean to be crucified to the world?

Neither circumcision nor uncircumcision means anything; what counts is a new creation. Peace and mercy to all who follow this rule, even to the Israel of God.

1. Are externals bad?
2. What matters most?
3. Who is the ‘Israel of God’?

Finally, let no one cause me trouble, for I bear on my body the marks of Jesus. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit, brothers. Amen.

1. What externals did Paul count as important? (2 Corinthians 11:23-25)
2. What did these marks indicate?