READ Galatians 6:1-5

The basic focus of today’s passage focuses upon helping fallen and/or needy Christians.  Verse one speaks of how we should respond to one who is overtaken in a fault (which is a sin or misdeed).  "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."  It is the duty of people who are spiritual (walking in the Spirit) to restore erring believers.  Christian duty is not to condemn or criticize the errant brother. It rather is to restore (imperative mode) him to a proper position. Moreover, we are directed to do so in a “spirit of meekness.” The word translated as meekness is often misunderstood. The common misconception is that of timidity or humility. The thought rather is an even-natured response wherein emotions are disciplined. The practical thought is of controlling our tongue, attitude, or reaction—" considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted.”  Particularly considering the common forms of carnality enumerated in the preceding chapter (loss of temper, bitterness, being argumentative, etc.), Paul warns lest the ‘spiritual one’ fall into the same sin.

Paul presents a second imperative in vs 2, "Bear ye one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ."  We are challenged to share in the heavy burdens of other brethren: to weep when they weep and rejoice when they rejoice (Romans 12:15).  It is important that we contrast the Greek word translated "burden" in verse two with that in verse five.  The Greek word in verse two is "baros" which speaks of a crushing or extremely heavy weight.  The Greek word translated "burden" in verse five is "portion" which speaks of individually born burdens.  It was used by a Roman soldier and his backpack. The law of Christ likely referred to is found in Galatians 5:14, “…thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself.” Our Lord uttered the essence of that on numerous occasions. Read John 13:34-35, John 15:12,17.  Such agape-love will supersede and preempt carnal bickering.

vs 3 - Paul now touches upon a directly related problem—pride. "For if a man think himself to be something, when he is nothing, he deceiveth himself." The prophet Obadiah wrote long before, “The pride of thine heart hath deceived thee.”  Carnal pride is at the root of most disputes. Moreover, it is self-deceiving.  When pride overtakes, we think we deserve more significant approbation than we have. It deceives us. Pride is at the heart of carnality.

vs. 4 - Paul’s divinely inspired advice at this juncture is: "But let every man prove his own work, and then shall he have rejoicing in himself alone, and not in another.” The word translated "prove"  has the sense to ‘test’  or ‘examine.’ The literal thought is after testing our own accomplishments, we may have cause to glory in our own work and not be jealous of another. If we would stop to be honestly critical of ourselves, we would be less prone to criticize others. Without touching upon it, Paul comes close to Jesus’ parable of the beam in the eye of another (Matthew 7:3). 

Finally, in verse 5 Paul states, "For every man shall bear his own burden." This statement does not contradict verse 2. Rather, it complements and concludes the greater thought. You are responsible to bear your own problems. That is one of the evident realities in life. The overarching point Paul seeks to establish is where he began in verse 2. Help others with their burdens. We each carry our own. Be willing to help others with theirs.

Your Friend and HIS,

Pastor Abbott

MEDITATIONS

1.  Who do you personally know who fell into sin but was restored by other Christians?  What kinds of things did these loving people do for this person?

2.  How could you, having a spirit of meekness, affect the fallen Christian that you are trying to reach?

3.  Pride has a way of producing blind spots in people.  What kind of blind spots does pride produce in you?

4.  What was the heaviest burden that you had to bear?  Why was it so heavy?  Who came alongside you to help you bear your heavy burden?  What was the outcome?

5.  Who is to be the model for your life?

6.  When are you least likely to own up to your responsibilities?  Why?