Exploring the Scripture

Paul continues to teach how to live in the Spirit (continuing from Chapter 5). The Galatians have erred by trying to earn their salvation by obedience to the law. It has led to competition, envy, and divisiveness (5:26). Chapter 6 outlines the actions needed to restore their community through grace.

Paul teaches those who live in the Spirit (or center their faith in Christ and the gospel of grace) to accept and gently restore those in error. Recriminations are counterproductive. But in accepting those who have stressed obedience, they should be cautious not to fall into the trap of also insisting on obedience as the way forward. “Bear one another’s burdens” (v. 2) is a reminder that all are human, needing support and understanding. None is perfect. The “law” of Christ is love, the foundation for all relationships and true community.

Paul addresses several kinds of pride in the next few verses. First, the pride of thinking too highly of oneself (v. 3). Second, false humility of idealizing the work of others and criticizing your own (v. 4). Third, the pride of thinking you are special and must be taken care of by others (v. 5). Freedom through grace doesn’t mean freedom to do whatever one wants.

Everyone must contribute to the community with their skills and abilities, no matter how small. All are needed to restore the whole. For example, those who have grown in discipleship through mentoring must recognize and honor the needs of their teacher (v. 6).

Using the symbols of sowing and reaping, Paul elaborates on contributing to the community. God knows what each person “sows” or contributes. Taking false credit for another’s efforts or selfishly contributing only to benefit oneself can corrupt and destroy the community. Paul encourages the saints to “not grow weary in doing what is right” (v. 9). The Spirit gives eternal life to those who contribute their gifts lovingly and generously for “the good of all, and especially for those of the family of faith” (v. 10).

In verse 11, Paul begins a personal message written in his hand. He comments on how large his lettering is compared to the professional scribe who transcribed his previous words. Here Paul summarizes the themes presented throughout the letter:

1. Teachers who urged new Christians to be circumcised as Jews were promoting their worth, prestige, and popularity as Jewish Christians.
2. Paul upholds the cross of Christ as the center of the gospel. By embracing Christ’s death and resurrection, Paul affirms the world is dead to him and he to the world.
3. New life in Christ is all that matters. For all who embrace the gospel of grace, “… a new creation is everything!” (v. 15). He ends with a benediction that he makes conditional: He blesses those who follow the rule of grace and love.

We can benefit from following the guidance in Chapter 6. People should not think too highly or too little of themselves. Every skill and ability is needed. Consideration for others and the whole community is of top priority. God gives us grace, and we extend grace into the lives of others. Those who live the life of the Spirit are part of God’s new creation and find joy.

Project Zion Podcast

Hosts Karin Peter and Blake Smith consider how this week's scripture connects to our lives today.

LISTEN

Central Ideas

1. We are freed from legalism to live for others and build a loving community.
2. Gospel freedom still requires shouldering responsibility.
3. “Bear one another’s burdens” is a reminder that all are human, needing support and understanding, and none is perfect.
4. The cross is at the center of the gospel. We enter Christ’s death and resurrection through faith, which is life in the Spirit.
5. God’s new creation is everything!

Questions to Consider

1. How do we “test” new members or seekers, asking them to prove they are worthy of the gospel of grace? How do we promote grace-filled-community thinking?
2. How do you reconcile the statement “You reap what you sow” with Paul’s insistence on God’s grace and forgiveness?
3. What does the sentence “New creation is everything!” mean for your congregation? How are you being called to new creation? Where is the resistance?