Galatians Six

Galatians 5:[24] And they that are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts.
[25] If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.
[26] Let us not be desirous of vain glory, provoking one another, envying one another.

Galatians 6:[1] Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted.
2] Bear ye one another’s burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ.
3] For if a man think himself to be something, when he is nothing, he deceiveth himself.
[4] But let every man prove his own work, and then shall he have rejoicing in himself alone, and not in another.
[5] For every man shall bear his own burden.

Though the common thought on this passage is it is referring to someone engaged in a particular sin, I hold a somewhat different viewpoint. Considering the last verse of chapter five which leads into this statement coupled with verse three of this chapter indicates someone who is a carnal Christian and is puffed up into thinking he is better or is seeking recognition or position over others. Also, one must look at the term “those who are spiritual” which indicates the one at fault is “carnal” which is defined in First Corinthians as one causing division or envying others.
Those who are spiritual are those who walk in the Spirit (5:25) and have reached a certain Christian maturity level. Let us examine similar verses in First Corinthians.

1Corinthians 2:[11] For what man knoweth the things of a man, save the spirit of man which is in him? even so the things of God knoweth no man, but the Spirit of God.
[12] Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God.
[13] Which things also we speak, not in the words which man’s wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual.
[14] But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.
[15] But he that is spiritual judgeth all things, yet he himself is judged of no man.
[16] For who hath known the mind of the Lord, that he may instruct him? But we have the mind of Christ.

1Corinthians 3:[1] And I, brethren, could not speak unto you as unto spiritual, but as unto carnal, even as unto babes in Christ.
[2] I have fed you with milk, and not with meat: for hitherto ye were not able to bear it, neither yet now are ye able.
[3] For ye are yet carnal: for whereas there is among you envying, and strife, and divisions, are ye not carnal, and walk as men?
[4] For while one saith, I am of Paul; and another, I am of Apollos; are ye not carnal?
[5] Who then is Paul, and who is Apollos, but ministers by whom ye believed, even as the Lord gave to every man?
[6] I have planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase.
[7] So then neither is he that planteth any thing, neither he that watereth; but God that giveth the increase.
[8] Now he that planteth and he that watereth are one: and every man shall receive his own reward according to his own labour.
[9] For we are labourers together with God: ye are God’s husbandry, ye are God’s building.

The word “overtaken” indicates to be taken by surprise and fault can mean either side-slip, error or trespass. Since for the previous five chapters we have been discussing the false doctrine of legalism (circumcision in particular) and it would seem hard to me to be taken by surprise by a sin as opposed to the ease of being taken by a false doctrine.
They are warned to be careful to not themselves be tempted, it seems easier to me to be tempted (led astray) by a false doctrine if you are spiritual rather than a sin of the flesh.
Remembering the admonition to the church at Corinth to put out the man taken in fornication. Here we are admonished to “restore” or put back in line or position with meekness not arrogance. So rather than some heinous sin we must be speaking about someone who has erred in doctrine.
Notice it is the meekness in spirit as opposed to the “holier than thou” attitude or I know more than you of the flesh.
Also, note the sign of carnality and not being spiritual is strife envy and division according to 

1 Corinthians 3:1-3

So then here we have: a man who by pride has been lifted up in his own mind. We who are spiritual are not to ignore the situation but rather, being led by the Spirit, attempt to put the man back into right fellowship. There should be no schism in the body but rather unity. We are to bear each others burden which is to say trouble or problem.

1 Corinthians 12:20] But now are they many members, yet but one body.
[21] And the eye cannot say unto the hand, I have no need of thee: nor again the head to the feet, I have no need of you.
[22] Nay, much more those members of the body, which seem to be more feeble, are necessary:
[23] And those members of the body, which we think to be less honourable, upon these we bestow more abundant honour; and our uncomely parts have more abundant comeliness.
[24] For our comely parts have no need: but God hath tempered the body together, having given more abundant honour to that part which lacked:
[25] That there should be no schism in the body; but that the members should have the same care one for another.
[26] And whether one member suffer, all the members suffer with it; or one member be honoured, all the members rejoice with it.

It is our responsibility in Christ to care for each other as brothers in Christ. Rather than let the one go in his fault, we should out of love and care for our body attempt to restore.

Those that are led astray are often those who believe themselves to be more highly educated and have been lifted up in pride and then before you know it they are deep into a false doctrine such as these who are troubled about circumcision of the flesh.

Galatians 6:[4] But let every man prove his own work, and then shall he have rejoicing in himself alone, and not in another.
[5] For every man shall bear his own burden.

Burden as in workload. Each of us must take the job within the body which the Lord has given us and do it to the best of our ability. Once we have committed to what ever task the Lord has given us then we may take pleasure in being a faithful servant. Showing we are a faithful servant by example and evidence. Let us look at First Corinthians three again.

1 Corinthians 3:[10] According to the grace of God which is given unto me, as a wise masterbuilder, I have laid the foundation, and another buildeth thereon. But let every man take heed how he buildeth thereupon.
[11] For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ.
12] Now if any man build upon this foundation gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, stubble;
[13] Every man’s work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man’s work of what sort it is.
[14] If any man’s work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward.
[15] If any man’s work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire.

Look in Romans chapter twelve.
Ro 12:[3] For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith.
[4] For as we have many members in one body, and all members have not the same office:
[5] So we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another.
[6] Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, whether prophecy, let us prophesy according to the proportion of faith;

We each have a place in the body and we should be faithful to it. Not being desirous of some others position but to do what God has given us to do. When fulfilling what God has given you there will be a certain satisfaction of accomplishment and reward. When one fails to do his own calling then there is a lack in the body and someone else must step in and take the load.
Burden here is a workload or task or service.

Galatians 6:[6] Let him that is taught in the word communicate unto him that teacheth in all good things.
[7] Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.
[8] For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting.

Those that have been tasked with the job of teaching are to be supported by those who are taught.
Communicate meaning to share or to give. Those that teach are to be financially supported by the church.

We seem to have no problem supporting our favorite football team with our hard earned money but supporting the work of the Lord? The world has nothing permanent to offer but God has given us eternal life. So where do we invest our money? Jesus Himself said where our treasure is so is our heart.
What will you reap from the world? Nothing but corruption. What has God promised us? ETERNAL LIFE!
Let us look once again in First and Second Corinthians.

1Corinthians 9:[10] Or saith he it altogether for our sakes? For our sakes, no doubt, this is written: that he that ploweth should plow in hope; and that he that thresheth in hope should be partaker of his hope.
[11] If we have sown unto you spiritual things, is it a great thing if we shall reap your carnal things?
12] If others be partakers of this power over you, are not we rather? Nevertheless we have not used this power; but suffer all things, lest we should hinder the gospel of Christ.
[13] Do ye not know that they which minister about holy things live of the things of the temple? and they which wait at the alter are partakers with the alter?
[14] Even so hath the Lord ordained that they which preach the gospel should live of the gospel.

2Corinthians 9:[1] For as touching the ministering to the saints, it is superfluous for me to write to you:
[2] For I know the forwardness of your mind, for which I boast of you to them of Macedonia, that Achaia was ready a year ago; and your zeal hath provoked very many.
[3] Yet have I sent the brethren, lest our boasting of you should be in vain in this behalf; that, as I said, ye may be ready:
[4] Lest haply if they of Macedonia come with me, and find you unprepared, we (that we say not, ye) should be ashamed in this same confident boasting.
[5] Therefore I thought it necessary to exhort the brethren, that they would go before unto you, and make up beforehand your bounty, whereof ye had notice before, that the same might be ready, as a matter of bounty, and not as of covetousness.
[6] But this I say, He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully.
[7] Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver.
[8] And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work:
[9] (As it is written, He hath dispersed abroad; he hath given to the poor: his righteousness remaineth for ever.
[10] Now he that ministereth seed to the sower both minister bread for your food, and multiply your seed sown, and increase the fruits of your righteousness;)
[11] Being enriched in every thing to all bountifulness, which causeth through us thanksgiving to God.
[12] For the administration of this service not only supplieth the want of the saints, but is abundant also by many thanksgivings unto God;
[13] Whiles by the experiment of this ministration they glorify God for your professed subjection unto the gospel of Christ, and for your liberal distribution unto them, and unto all men;
[14] And by their prayer for you, which long after you for the exceeding grace of God in you.
[15] Thanks be unto God for his unspeakable gift.

Galatians 6:[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.

It does NOT say if we faint we shall not reap BUT if we faint we shall not reap IN DUE SEASON!
We as Christians should be doing good works not to maintain our salvation but to SHOW our salvation. God has promised us reward for sowing for Him.
As in First Corinthians Three those who have sown to the flesh lose their rewards as they are burned up but those who have sown rightly reap rewards.
There are many Christians whose life was cut short due to sowing to the flesh and not the Spirit. Not that they lose their salvation but indeed they do not reap in due season (proper time).

1 Corinthians 11:30] For this cause many are weak and sickly among you, and many sleep.
[31] For if we would judge ourselves, we should not be judged.
[32] But when we are judged, we are chastened of the Lord, that we should not be condemned with the world.

1 Corinthians 3:[5] Who then is Paul, and who is Apollos, but ministers by whom ye believed, even as the Lord gave to every man?
[6] I have planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase.
[7] So then neither is he that planteth any thing, neither he that watereth; but God that giveth the increase.
[8] Now he that planteth and he that watereth are one: and every man shall receive his own reward according to his own labour.
[9] For we are labourers together with God: ye are God’s husbandry, ye are God’s building.
[10] According to the grace of God which is given unto me, as a wise masterbuilder, I have laid the foundation, and another buildeth thereon. But let every man take heed how he buildeth thereupon.
[11] For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ.
[12] Now if any man build upon this foundation gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, stubble;
[13] Every man’s work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man’s work of what sort it is.
[14] If any man’s work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward.
[15] If any man’s work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire.

Galatians 6:[11] Ye see how large a letter I have written unto you with mine own hand.
[12] As many as desire to make a fair shew in the flesh, they constrain you to be circumcised; only lest they should suffer persecution for the cross of Christ.
[13] For neither they themselves who are circumcised keep the law; but desire to have you circumcised, that they may glory in your flesh.
[14] But God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world.

Isn’t being concerned about fleshly circumcision sowing to the flesh? The leaven of the Pharisees?
Paul always chose persecution over compromise. Just as he told us in chapter four the flesh persecutes the true Christians.

Galatians 6:[15] For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision availeth anything, nor uncircumcision, but a new creature.
[16] And as many as walk according to this rule, peace be on them, and mercy, and upon the Israel of God.

We indeed being born of the Spirit are a new creature wherein we are neither Jew or Gentile but a child of God.
Let us be those who glory in the heart and spirit and not the outward show of a vain religion. We have nothing of ourselves to glory about. Jesus did all of the work for us.
Though it is not definitively stated as to whom the reference “the Israel of God is to let us consider:

I believe it is a reference to those who have followed after the gospel of Circumcision as given by Peter, James and John. (Galatians 2) Considering at the beginning only Jews were reached out to.
(Romans 11:[1] I say then, Hath God cast away his people? God forbid. For I also am an Israelite, of the seed of Abraham, of the tribe of Benjamin.
[2] God hath not cast away his people which he foreknew. Wot ye not what the scripture saith of Elias? how he maketh intercession to God against Israel, saying,
[3] Lord, they have killed thy prophets, and digged down thine altars; and I am left alone, and they seek my life.
[4] But what saith the answer of God unto him? I have reserved to myself seven thousand men, who have not bowed the knee to the image of Baal.
[5] Even so then at this present time also there is a remnant according to the election of grace. )

Galatians 6:[17] From henceforth let no man 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 Apostle Paul did indeed suffer much for the cause of Christ and the service of the church. He that was least did indeed become the greatest.
Too many Christians concern themselves with outward actions and neglect the condition of their spirit. Not realizing the root of sin lies within and is only manifested on the outside.