Christian Community and Accountability: Supporting Each Other with Love

As is common in Paul’s epistles, as he neared the end, he would make miscellaneous exhortations. Though he had dealt with love from several standpoints, he will appeal to it again (5:13-15,20-21,26). If church members practiced New Testament instructions, we could have a little heaven on earth. Is your attitude the same as that of Ezra, Cornelius, Lydia, and Berea about hearing the word of God?

Galatians 6:1 1 Brethren, if a man is overtaken in any trespass, you who are spiritual restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness, considering yourself lest you also be tempted. • Here is one of the most vulnerable situations we face, when love must come into play. • We are responsible as church members for the conversion and restoration of each other. • Being overtaken in a fault is private sin and leaving the truth, just as in James 5:19-20. • The spiritual members are those with godly knowledge, perception, experience, and maturity. • Restoration is done meekly, for if the truth is told, our differences are only by grace. • We must consider ourselves weak and vulnerable to any sin, lest we also be tempted to sin.

Is it true that 2 are better than one? If this bible advice is true, the question is: Why? Can I live my Christian life alone? Can I survive alone? Can I defeat all temptations in my life alone? Can I praise God alone? Can I partake of The Lord’s Supper alone? Can I do the work of the church alone? Can I encourage someone when I am all alone? Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 9 Two are better than one, Because they have a good reward for their labor. 10 For if they fall, one will lift up his companion. But woe to him who is alone when he falls, For he has no one to help him up.

Galatians 6:1 1 Brethren, if a man is overtaken in any trespass, you who are spiritual restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness, considering yourself lest you also be tempted. • When a brother is overtaken… • He’s been found… • Is know that he is in sin… • Who should help: • The church or the individual Christian?

Galatians 6:2 Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ. • What “burdens” are under consideration in this context? • The burdens under consideration are obviously the sins committed by those who choose to walk by the flesh. • How do I “bear” (bastazo) my erring brethren’s sin? • The Greek word “bastazo” = “to lift, raise… to bear, carry, support… to hold in one’s hands… to carry off or take away” • How can I “lift, carry off, or take away” one’s sins? • I can do so just as the Lord does. Consider these facts regarding how Jesus deals with the erring: • Jesus “bears gently” the erring that they may repent (Heb. 5:2). • The words “bears gently” (metriopatheo) is defined as “to bear reasonably with” ; to be gentle, compassionate”. Putting these thoughts with the admonition that we deal gently with the erring we see that this is how Christ deals with all sinners. • Secondly, consider the fact that the Christian is commanded to love our brethren wherever they may be (I Pet. 2:17). • True Bible love takes into consideration the souls of others as God considers our souls (I Jn. 4:10).

If a man is too proud to serve others, he must think he is superior, which is entirely a case of self-delusion, for he is nothing but a loser who has lied to himself .. and believed his own lie! • It is profanely sinful for men to think so highly of themselves as being above helping others. • All men are nothing, so any lofty thought by any man is only self-deceit (Ps 62:9; I Cor 4:7). • Without the grace of God, we are nothing, and true saints always believe and remember this. • Those who think they are spiritually successful and have attained some measure of maturity or perfection are deceived – they are only self-righteous, one of the most noxious sins of all. • Deceiving yourself is lying to yourself about your own abilities, value, status, or worth. • The law of Christ – love – is to think more about others (Phil 2:3-4; James 2:8; Luke 6:31). • Rather than vainly think yourself something, condescend to men of low estate (Rom 12:16). Galatians 6:3 For if anyone thinks himself to be something, when he is nothing, he deceives himself.

Galatians 6:4 But let each one examine his own work, and then he will have rejoicing in himself alone, and not in another. "But let each one examine his own work" - I need to examine my own work, not that of others We will give account of our own lives. Rom. 2:6; 14:12; 2 Cor. 5:10  A thorough examination of self leaves no room for self-glory.  If we are busy examining ourselves regarding our own works, we will not have time to be examining the good works others are doing. "Then shall he have rejoicing in himself alone, and not in another." - 2 Cor. 1:12  One's own self worth (what he knows about his inward self) is what's important.  There is no better feeling that one can experience than to know he is doing God's will. 1 John 3:19-21

1. The Greek word “bastazo” is used again (Gal. 6:2) meaning carry off or take away. • Galatians 6:2 and 6:5 are paradoxical (a seemingly contradictory statement that may nonetheless be true). • Two truths are taught in these two verses. • At verse 2, the truth of the matter is that I must love my brother and see to it that I do all within my power to help him rid sin out of his life. • At verse 5 we find personal responsibility. • It is always easier to see the faults of others, but what about me? • What if I put myself to the test and find that I am walking after the flesh? • Clearly verse 2 speaks of my responsibility to others regarding their sin, and verse 5 teaches that I am responsible for my own sin, too. Galatians 6:5 For each one shall bear his own load.

Galatians 6:6 Let him who is taught the word share in all good things with him who teaches. • Can we skip verse 6, or talk about it? Many preachers say: Let’s move on to verse 7. • Why? • Share in all things: What is the meaning of that? • Is Paul saying that we have to be appreciative toward our leaders? • “Communicate” means to give, transfer, or impart something to another person. • In this context, it is giving financial support (Phil 4:14-16; I Timothy 6:18; Hebrews 13:16). • The “all good things”, are those carnal blessings that support and encourage your teacher, for supplying their portion. To give themselves wholly to their work is encouraging (II Chr 31:4). • Is it right to trade carnal things for spiritual things, from a teacher (I Cor 9:11; Rom 15:27)?

Do Not Be Deceived – (7) • A warning often given – The fate of the unrighteous – 1 Cor 6:9-11 • The danger of ungodly friends – 1 Cor 15:33 • The deception of temptation – Jam 1:13-16 • The danger of beguiling words – Ep 5:6; Co 2:4 • The deceitfulness of sin - Heb 3:13; 1 Jn 1:8 • Hearers but not doers – James 1:22,26 • Deceived into thinking that those who practice righteousness are not really righteous – 1 Jn 3:7 • God Is Not Mocked – • Lit. “to turn up the nose at” – “the reference is not to verbal scoffing, but to the despising of God by a man’s being, by his whole manner of life” • Job 13:8 - Jude 1:18- Ep5:3- Eph. 5:1-18- Rom 1:28-32) Galatians 6:7 Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap.

Galatians 6:8 For he who sows to his flesh will of the flesh reap corruption, but he who sows to the Spirit will of the Spirit reap everlasting life. • We Are All Sowing – but to What? • Sow the flesh (works of the flesh) now – • reap corruption / eternal separation from God in hell – (5:16-21; 2 Thes 1:7-9) • Sow the Spirit (fruit of the Spirit) now – • reap eternal life – (5:16-18,22-25; Rom 2:7,10; 1 Pet 1:3-9) • I will reap what I have sown – not what you have sown – Rom. 2:5-11; 14:10-12; 2 Cor. 5:10; Mat 25:31-46; John 5:28,29

Galatians 6:9 And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart. • Not To Grow Weary In Doing Good In due season we will reap IF we do not lose heart – [9] • the reward is later – not now – (Heb 11:13-16; 1 Cor. 15:58; 2 Thes 3:13; James 5:7; Heb 12:1-3) • Todays Spiritually Minded Christian Can Become Weary And Lose Heart • The Pull of The World - (Tempt. / Worries / Struggles - 1 Jn 2:15-17; Mt 6:19-33; Ep 6:10-18) • Unfaithful brethren – • Pessimists -(Num. 12,13; Phili 4:13) – • Apostates– (Demas - 2 Tim 4:10) – • Hypocrites – (Gal 2:11-14) – • Unloving – (James 3:13) – • Apathetic – (Rev. 3:14-17)

But, even though many times we may grow weary, we are commanded to understand that in due season the reward will come. • The recommendation is to not lose heart, and it will happen from time to time. The problem comes when we get down and out. • The mature Christian must help the immature, and support them as much as they can, in order to encourage them to copy the mature brother. Then, they will have the same zeal for heaven. • Heaven is something that must be desired, heaven is something that we must want, heaven is something that must encourage us to be faithful to God everyday. Galatians 6:9 And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart.

The church in Edmonton pays for: Community BBQ Potluck supplies Teen Activities Congregational meals. Social Meals. Rental of halls for different gatherings Support different societies around the city. All of this under the umbrella of Galatian 6:10 Do good to all!

Do good unto all men The good we do today might help some soul to know God and be saved. It matters not the quantity of the good deed, reach out and help someone who is in need. Remember, "Little is much when God is in it." Jesus Christ went about doing good. He fed the hungry, raised the dead, healed the sick and gave hope to the depressed and downtrodden. Let us not do good to be seen of men, but do good to fulfill our God given responsibility to humanity. Galatians 6:9-10 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 unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith.

Galatians 6:10 -- What Does It Mean? This verse has been so abused, misused, and misapplied as to make the context meaningless. It is strange indeed that a passage beginning with the words "so then" (ASV) or "therefore" (KJV; NKJV) could be so construed to ignore the context. However, the social gospelconcept has so influenced many that they cannot see the expressions "good works," "work that which is good," or "do good"without seeing mental images of starving orphans, helpless old people, charitable institutions, and programs attached to the church. In my judgment, this passage deals with matters of much greater importance in application than the earthly considerations of money and benevolent programs. A close examination of the context of Galatians 6:10 will show that it neither authorizes congregational action, nor speaks of physical relief.

Galatians 6:10 -- What Does It Mean? Does this passage authorize individual or congregational action? Some argue that because this letter is addressed "unto the churches of Galatia" (Gal. 1:2), all of its instruction must be talking about church (collective) action. If, however, all of its instructions denote group activity, it would unquestionably have to denote the group composed of the parties addressed. Since churches (plural), not a church, are addressed, the argument would prove that diocesan action is scriptural, i.e., the churches of Galatia as a group "working that which is good toward all men." If being addressed "unto the churches of Galatia" means ch. 6:10 refers to organized church action, then why doesn’t Gal. 3:27, "For as many of you as were baptized into Christ did put on Christ," refer to churches? Likewise, why doesn’t Gal. 3:29, "And if you are Christ's, then are you Abraham's seed," refer to churches?

Galatians 6:10 -- What Does It Mean? Why doesn’t Paul’s statement in Gal.5:2, “if you become circumcised, Christ will profit you nothing. " refer to circumcising churches? By what reasoning does one make such expressions as "a man," "every man," "he," "him," "us," and "we," which appear over and over again in Gal. 6:1-10, refer to organized church responsibility? One cannot properly use these expressions to refer to organized church action any more than he could properly apply fleshly circumcision (Gal. 5:2; 6:12,13) to the local church. These verses simply mean "we," "us," "each of us," as they are used in Gal. 5:25,26.

Galatians 6:10 -- What Does It Mean? Is this passage speaking of spiritual or physical matters? Galatians 6:10 is the culmination of a line of thought begun in Gal. 5:13, "For you, brethren, have been called to liberty; only do not use liberty as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another." Then in verse 16, "But I say, walk by the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh." The following verses draw a contrast between the flesh and the Spirit and their works and fruit. Then Paul warns, "And those who are Christ's have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. 25 If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit. " (verses 24-25). The admonition is to walk by the Spirit and not according to the flesh. Now let us consider a verse-by-verse study of Galatians 6:1-10.

Galatians 6:10 -- What Does It Mean? Galatians 6:1 (NKJV) 1 Brethren, if a man is overtaken in any trespass, you who are spiritual restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness, considering yourself lest you also be tempted. Verse 1- Paul enjoins the "spiritual" (one who lives by the Spirit), to restore the erring brother (one who now walks according to the flesh), by means of admonishing and teaching him. He is to do this with the proper attitude and motive of love for his brother’s soul (Cf. 2 Tim. 4:1-2; Mt. 7:1-5). There is neither congregational action nor benevolence in this verse. Saving souls, not restoration of physical health, is the context (Cf. Jas. 5:19-20).

Galatians 6:10 -- What Does It Mean? Galatians 6:2 (NKJV) 2 Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ. Verse 2- There is no congregational action spoken of here. The burdens are not physical; rather, they refer to the burdens (moral infirmities, errors, dishonor and guilt brought on by transgression) of the soul -- to its being "overtaken in a fault." These are the burdens we must help our brethren overcome.

Galatians 6:10 -- What Does It Mean? Galatians 6:3-4 (NKJV) 3 For if anyone thinks himself to be something, when he is nothing, he deceives himself. 4 But let each one examine his own work, and then he will have rejoicing in himself alone, and not in another. Verse 3-4 These verses warn against self-righteousness and self-deception. We must be careful, as we try to restore the one overtaken in a fault, lest we conclude that we are something (superior to our erring brother), when in reality we are nothing. One proves his own life by living according to the proper standard, the divine standard -- God’s word. There is no reason for the one who attempts to restore the fallen to develop an inflated view of himself. There is no reward in comparing myself with a fallen brother. These verses are strictly spiritual in nature, pertaining to the soul, and not to one’s physical well being.

Galatians 6:10 -- What Does It Mean? Galatians 6:5 (NKJV) 5 For each one shall bear his own load. Verse 5 Every man must fulfill his own responsibilities before God. He must not shun his load, which he himself is expected to bear, to be borne by some other individual or the church (Cf. Rom. 14:12; 2 Cor. 5:10). The original word "phortion," translated "burden" in this text has reference to burdens or obligations of a spiritual nature.

Galatians 6:10 -- What Does It Mean? Galatians 6:6 (NKJV) 6 Let him who is taught the word share in all good things with him who teaches. Verse 6 The instruction in this verse is, "Let him that is taught in the word (one 'overcome in a fault,' one living according to the flesh,) communicate unto him that teaches (one who is 'spiritual,' walking according to the Spirit,) in all good things.“ The riches are with the teacher of the word, the poor in this case is the one learning. The one learning must initiate this communion with the one that is teaching, and this he will do in order to be enriched by the word. Is Paul saying that all “good things are material things”? No. I don’t see it, and this is the mistake of many.

Galatians 6:10 -- What Does It Mean? Verse 6 This verse has generally been understood to mean that the student (one "overcome in a fault," one living according to the flesh) is under responsibility to pay his teacher (one who is "spiritual," walking according to the Spirit). Can you imagine the fornicator of 1 Cor. 5 being rebuked by one who is "spiritual" in Corinth and his response being (as he reaches for his wallet), "Here, let me pay you for coming to my house to rebuke me"? Though it is true that "the laborer is worthy of his hire" (Lk. 10:7; 1 Cor. 9:14), I am not persuaded that is what is taught in Gal. 6:6.

Galatians 6:10 -- What Does It Mean? Verse 6 The verb “share” or "communicate" is from the Greek word "koinoneito" (root "koinos"). It is akin to the noun "koinonia," which is recognized as the Greek word from which our word "fellowship" is translated. Thayer defines the verb "to enter into fellowship, join one’s self as an associate, make one’s self a sharer or partner". Though this word may, and sometimes does, refer to monetary support, this is not its exclusive significance in the New Testament. The Jews had the spiritual things (the gospel with its blessings); the Gentiles became their partners or sharers in these spiritual things. The erring brother is not only to listen, but he is also to DO what he is instructed to do to correct the situation in order that fellowship with the Lord may be restored, and he may share with his teacher in the practice of all that is morally and spiritually good, with its attendant blessings.

Galatians 6:10 -- What Does It Mean? Verse 7,8,9 In these verses, Paul enforces the admonition by the warning: "Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap. 8 For he who sows to his flesh will of the flesh reap corruption, but he who sows to the Spirit will of the Spirit reap everlasting life. 9 And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart”. Paul continues to contrast walking after the flesh with walking after the Spirit and shows the rewards of diligent efforts to walk after the Spirit. This contrast has been the context since 5:13.

Galatians 6:10 -- What Does It Mean? Galatians 6:10 (NKJV) 10 Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith. Verse 10 Here, Paul gives all Christians a general admonition concerning the matter. The word therefore (KJV and NKJV) and the words So then (ASV) indicate that what follows is a conclusion to what was previously discussed. The do good of which he speaks is THE good he has been discussing -- correcting and instructing those in error, especially those of the household of faith -- who have been overtaken in trespasses. This is THE good that we can, and are obligated to, render to all men, especially to fellow believers. This we are to do as we have opportunity. The verse is not speaking of the occasional opportunities that come along from time to time, but of an ever-present season of opportunity to do THE good Paul discusses.

Galatians 6:10 -- What Does It Mean? Galatians 6:10 (NKJV) 10 Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith. Verse 10 The context of this passage (Gal. 5:13 - 6:9) has been spiritual matters, specifically, walking after the Spirit, as opposed to walking after the flesh, restoring those who have fallen, and being diligent in these efforts because "we shall reap, if we faint not." It would be strange indeed for the writer to begin his concluding remarks (verse 10) with "so then" or "therefore" and now abruptly change the thought to earthly considerations, such as preacher support and benevolent work, much less church institutional and social programs. These verses do not discuss helping those who are materially destitute. Those who try to teach congregational action in general benevolence need a passage that supports congregational action. Galatians 6:10 is not the passage, because it speaks of individual action. However, the entire context does not refer to material support, but to spiritual support. The good of the soul, not the physical body or its welfare, is under consideration.

What Paul has been talking since the beginning… • Paul Defends His Apostleship - (1:11-2:21) • Promise of Abraham Not Through The Law But Through Faith In Christ! - (3:1-29) • In Christ We Are Adopted As Sons & Heirs of God Through Christ! - (3:26-4:7) • Paul’s Concern For The Churches - (4:8-20) • “Allegory of Hagar & Sarah”—(4:21-31) • “Stand Fast—Don’t Fall!” - 5:1-7 • “Sin of Hindering Others” - 5:8-15 • “The Flesh, (Law), & Spirit, (Gospel), Produce Different Things” - 5:16-26 • “Fulfilling The Law of Christ” - Bearing Burdens - reaping what we sow - 6:1-10 • Then, The final Lesson tonight base on Galatians…

“The Actual ‘Israel’ of God” - 6:11-18

“The Actual ‘Israel’ of God” - 6:11-18 Practical Application of Christian Liberty – Galatians 5,6 • Personal Responsibility Cannot Be Shifted – • Standing fast in the liberty by which Christ has made us free – 5:1-6 (cf 1:6-9; 3:26,27) • Fulfilling the “Law of Love” – 5:7-15 • Walking in the Spirit – 5:16-26 • Fulfilling the law of Christ - 6:1-10

Final Warnings Concerning The Judaizers “The Actual ‘Israel’ of God” - 6:11-18 • Their motivation - 12 • Their inconsistency - 13 • Their misguided focus - 14 • What they were missing - 15,16 • Paul’s appeal & farewell - 17,18

Galatians 6:11-18 (NKJV) 11 See with what large letters I have written to you with my own hand! 12 As many as desire to make a good showing in the flesh, these would compel you to be circumcised, only that they may not suffer persecution for the cross of Christ. 13 For not even those who are circumcised keep the law, but they desire to have you circumcised that they may boast in your flesh.

Galatians 6:11-18 (NKJV) 14 But God forbid that I should boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world. 15 For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision avails anything, but a new creation.

Galatians 6:11-18 (NKJV) 16 And as many as walk according to this rule, peace and mercy be upon them, and upon the Israel of God. 17 From now on let no one 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.

“The Actual ‘Israel’ of God” - 6:11-18 From Paul’s own hand - 6:11 • Paul normally dictated his lettersOften he would write a few words at the end to authenticate the letter (Rom 16:22, 1 Cor 16:21, Col 4:18, 2 Thes 3:17) • Here he writes with ‘LARGE letters’

“The Actual ‘Israel’ of God” - 6:11-18 From Paul’s own hand - 6:11 The Bible Knowledge Commentary

“The Actual ‘Israel’ of God” - 6:11-18 From Paul’s own hand - 6:11

Their motivation - 12,13b “The Actual ‘Israel’ of God” - 6:11-18 • The Judaizers who insisted that circumcision was necessary for salvation (cf. Acts 15:1), in summary, • were only men-pleasers (cf. Gal. 1:10) seeking to make a good impression outwardly; • were afraid of persecution (6:12b); • wanted to boast about the number of Galatians they hoped to win over to circumcision as a religious and merit-earning rite (v. 13b).

Their motivation - 12,13b “The Actual ‘Israel’ of God” - 6:11-18 • These were orthodox Jews who sought to alleviate the persecution they were experiencing by adding the Law to the gospel. • The Judaizers knew the offense of the Cross would be softened if they openly proclaimed justification by faith and the Law (i.e., circumcision) - Acts 6:13,14; 7:54-8:1; 14:19; 21:27-29; Gal. 5:11)

Christian Community and Accountability: Supporting Each Other with Love