Bible Commentaries
Galatians 6

Verses 1-5

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.

Overtaken - caught off guard; sin can sneak up from behind us

Sin can take us, even when we are trying our best.

Restore - bring back to former condition

HOW?

1 - Spirit of meekensss - put the shoe on the other foot - What if you were in sins? How would you want to be approached?

2 - Consider youself

2 Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.

Burdens - anything that is a weight

Helping others is the law of Christ.

Contrast with verse 5 -

3 For if anyone thinks himself to be something, when he is nothing, he deceives himself.

Some people get "too big for their britches." Christians are not big-heads.

Do not over estimate your importance.

4 But let each one examine his own work, and then he will have rejoicing in himself alone, and not in another.

Let your work speak for you.

You can rejoice in the work accomplished.

5 For each one shall bear his own load.

Burden - your responsibility

We can help each other over the rough spots in life.

But we can not obey God for others.

Verse 6

6 Let him who is taught the word share in all good things with him who teaches.

Communicate - share, exchange, fellowship

This verse supports "paid preachers"

Verses 7-8

7 Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap.

Don't fool yourself. (vs. 4)

God is not fooled. Others will only be fooled temporarily.

Eventually, it will be harvest time. All will learn the quality of our work.

LESSONS ABOUT SOWING:

1. We reap WHAT we sow.

2. We reap MORE that we sow.

3. We reap in PROPORTION to what we sow.

4. Weeds grow FASTER than wheat.

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.

Sow to the flesh - Reap corruption

Sow to the spirit - Read eternal life

Verse 9

9 And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart.

Don't quit. Keep on keeping on.

Harvest is coming.

Do not faint. Do not relax, become weary, grow tired.

Verse 10

10 Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith.

Opportunity - a fitting time

All men - saint or sinner, Christian or not

First priority is to the family of God.

Verse 11

11 See with what large letters I have written to you with my own hand!

Two explanations:

1 - Large letters (characters) because of poor eyesight

2 - Long letter without using a scribe - penned the letter himself

Verses 12-13

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.

False teachers - Act_15:1

Are they willing to suffer? No!

They do not keep ALL the law.

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.

BUT - they demand this of you.

Only reason, their fleshly pride.

Verses 14-16

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.

Glory in the cross - Praise God

This is where the glory belongs.

15 For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision avails anything, but a new creation.

See Gal_5:6

16 And as many as walk according to this rule, peace and mercy be upon them, and upon the Israel of God.

Live according to this rule.

Verses 17-18

17 From now on let no one trouble me, for I bear in my body the marks of the Lord Jesus.

Don't let men trouble you. They are not the judge.

Please Jesus! At least two will be happy.

If you seek to please men - no one will be happy.

18 Brethren, the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Amen.

Amen - So be it. Let it be so. I agree.