Friday, July 14, 2017

The Apostle by Chapter | Galatians Chapter 6


By Sam Nobles

As the Apostle Paul closes out this letter, he leaves the Galatians some final instructions about the practical application of grace, specifically that liberty in Christ involves responsibility inside the lines of two spiritual laws.

The Law of Christ (v.1-5)
Those who are "spiritual" are to restore or help out those who are struggling with sinfulness. This is to be done carefully because anyone is capable of committing any sin and ending up in the same shape. Paul furthered this by calling on the Galatians to bear one another's burdens. By doing this Paul said they were fulfilling the "law of Christ" (v.1-2).  It is easy to point out the flaws in others, that is why Paul instructed that each Christian should examine him or herself and not rely on others to point out your flaws (v.3-5).

The Law of Sowing and Reaping (v.6-10)
The responsibilities of Christian liberty and grace involve sharing resources with those who were teachers (v.6). Believers are responsible to support their Christian teachers. In this context, the meaning is to share in the material things of life, as well as with prayer. Paul reminded the Galatians of the agricultural principles of "sowing" and "reaping", particularly as it relates to the flesh and Spirit (v.7-8). The Apostle knew this was not an easy task; therefore, he encouraged the believers to not become weary in doing good, especially for the household of faith (v.9-10).

Paul's ending remarks hold insight into the motivation behind the Judaizers who were pushing circumcision. These false teachers were seeking to glory in the flesh, but Paul only saw glory in the cross of Jesus Christ (v.11-14).  Paul then recaps his whole letter in one verse as he states that that circumcision is trivial, and being in Christ Jesus is what really matters (v.15).  The Apostle Paul closes this epistle with a prayer of peace, mercy, and grace upon those who live according to the true gospel, and upon Israel (v.16-18).


Scripture to Claim:

Do not be deceived: God is not mocked, for whatever one sows, that will he also reap.(Galatians 6:7 ESV)

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