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6 Brothers, if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness. Keep watch on yourself, lest you too be tempted. Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ. For if anyone thinks he is something, when he is nothing, he deceives himself. But let each one test his own work, and then his reason to boast will be in himself alone and not in his neighbor. For each will have to bear his own load.
Let the one who is taught the word share all good things with the one who teaches. Do not be deceived: God is not mocked, for whatever one sows, that will he also reap. For the one who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption, but the one who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life. And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up. So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith.
See with what large letters I am writing to you with my own hand. It is those who want to make a good showing in the flesh who would force you to be circumcised, and only in order that they may not be persecuted for the cross of Christ. For even those who are circumcised do not themselves keep the law, but they desire to have you circumcised that they may boast in your flesh. But far be it from me to boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world. For neither circumcision counts for anything, nor uncircumcision, but a new creation. And as for all who walk by this rule, peace and mercy be upon them, and upon the Israel of God.
From now on let no one cause me trouble, for I bear on my body the marks of Jesus.
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit, brothers. Amen.
(ESV)
The problem in the Galatian church was two-fold. As we’ve already outlined, the Jewish Christians were loading laws on top of grace. However, this was causing a huge divide in the church. Here in Galatians 6, Paul addresses this divide by focusing on both the corporate and individual responsibility of believers.
1. corporate: restore him gently2. individual: watch yourself3. corporate: carry each other’s burdens4. individual: each one should test his own actions… each one should carry his own load5. corporate: share all good things with his instructor6. individual: do not be deceived… a man reaps what he sows7. corporate: do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers(IVP New Testament Commentary)
This is a message to those who are filled with the Spirit. They are ones who must pave the way toward reconciliation, accountability, and restoration. It is often said the church should be a hospital, not a country club. It can’t be a hospital without doctors. True Spirit-led believers must pave the way for spiritual maturity and the equipping for service. This cannot be done until reconciliation takes place.
Gentleness, humility, self-control is the key. So many who attempt to correct others lead with arrogance and anger. This is exactly why the Galatian church was struggling with “biting and devouring one another.”
Another key element of this chapter is Paul’s focus on the responsibility of every Spirit-led believer. In many churches today, the majority of the responsibilities fall upon leadership or a small percentage of the congregation. Paul makes the point that every believer who is filled with the Spirit has a responsibility to serve and exercise their gifts. However, on top of this, every believer must examine themselves to make sure they are walking in the Spirit.