Where the Spirit Leads!
Freedom In Christ- 11
TITLE: Where the Spirit Leads!
TEXT: Galatians 6:1-10
TONE: Encouragement
TARGET: Believers
TASK: To encourage believers to examine their lives to see if they are following the Spirit’s guidance.
TEACH: Back when we used to mountain bike.
TRUTH: In his letter to the Galatians, the Apostle Paul addresses a community not unlike ours, a community facing challenges, temptations, and the weight of sin. He offers guidance on how to navigate these struggles, emphasizing the importance of love, accountability, and encouragement among believers. Paul teaches us about the beautiful and sometimes messy reality of being a part of the body of Christ. He reminds us that we are called to restore one another gently when we fall and to bear each other’s burdens. And this is exactly what the Spirit will lead us to do if we keep in step with Him.
____________________________________________________________________________________
The Spirit will guide you to…
I. Bear One Another’s Burdens (6:1-2).
Explanation: Who are to seek to restore with gentleness. Paul begins by addressing the community directly, using the term “brothers and sisters,” which underscores the familial bond among believers. He acknowledges that sin can ensnare individuals, using the phrase “caught in any transgression” to illustrate that sometimes, people fall into sin unexpectedly or through weakness and neglect. The response of those who are ‘living by the Spirit’ is pivotal. They are called to “restore” the fallen individual gently.
The Greek word for “restore” (καταρτίζω, katartizō) implies mending or setting something right, asking to a doctor setting a broken bone. This indicates that the goal is not punishment but healing and reconciliation. The command to ‘bear one another burdens’ emphasizes mutual support within the community. The term ‘burdens’ (φορτίον, phortion) refers to heavy loads or difficulties that can be overwhelming for an individual to bear alone. This is a call to empathy and action, we are called to come along side one another. This might mean emotional support, practical help, or spiritual guidance.
Paul concludes this exhortation with a powerful statement: ‘and, so fulfill the law of Christ.’ Here, he ties the act of bearing burdens back to the essence of Christ’s teachings. The law of Christ is fundamentally about love -love for God and love for one another. By actively participating in each other’s lives and alleviating burdens, believers, embody the love that Jesus demonstrated through His life and sacrifice.
____________________________________________________________________________________
The Spirit will guide you to…
II. Avoid Pride and Self-Deception (6:3-5).
Explanation: Paul wrote, “keep watch on yourself lest you too, be tempted.” This serves as a reminder that while we are called to help others, we must remain vigilant about our own spiritual health. The temptation to become prideful or judgmental can creep in, and the community must approach restoration with humility and self-awareness.
The implication is clear: self-deception is a significant danger within the community of believers. The phrase ‘this he is something’ suggest an inflated view of oneself, often stemming from a sense of superiority or pride. This self-deception can lead to a lack of empathy, making it difficult for individuals to genuinely help others who are struggling with sin.
The admonition given by Paul serves as a reminder that all believers are fundamentally equal before God; none are inherently superior. The standard for evaluation should not be a comparison with others, but rather a sincere assessment of one’s own actions and heart.
Paul continues with the instruction to ‘…let each one test his own work…’ This process of self-examination encourages believers to engage in honest reflection about their own lives. It involves assessing one’s motivations, behaviors, and spiritual health against the teachings of Christ and the guidance of the Holy Spirit.
The phrase ‘and then his reason to boast will be in himself alone and not his neighbor’ may seem counterintuitive at first, but it emphasizes that true pride should be rooted in genuine self-awareness and integrity, rather than in comparison with others. Paul is advocation for a healthy self-esteem that stems from living authentically and in alignment with one’s faith. This also suggest that when individuals focus on their own growth and walk with God, they are less likely to fall into the trap of judgmentalism.
Finally, Paul states, ‘for each will have to bear his own load.’ The term ‘load’ (φορτίον, phortion) here refers to a personal burden or responsibility that each individual must bear. This is different from the ‘burdens’ mentioned in verse 2, which are heavy and difficult loads that may require communal support. Here, Paul highlights the importance of personal responsibility in the Christian life. While believers are called to help one another, they must also recognize that each person is accountable for their own spiritual journey.
___________________________________________________________________________________
The Spirit will guide you to…
III. Share All Good Things (6:6-8).
Explanation: In this section, Paul begins with a directive that those who receive instruction in the Word should ‘share all good things with their teacher.’ This instruction highlights the mutual relationship between teachers and learners with the church. The phrase ‘all good things’ can refer to material support, encouragement, and recognition of the hard work that teachers and leaders put into their ministry. In the context of the early church, where many teachers relied on the support of their congregations to survive, this directive emphasizes the importance of honoring those who labor in spiritual education of others.
Of course, the principle of reciprocity is underscored. It is a reminder that those who benefit from spiritual teaching have a responsibility to support and uplift those who provide that teaching, reflecting a broader biblical principle found in 1Timothy 5:17-18 regarding the honor and compensation of elders.
In this context, Paul introduces a significant agricultural metaphor: “a man reaps what he sows.’ This is a foundational truth throughout the whole of Scripture, indicating that the choices and actions of individuals have consequences. The notion of ‘sowing’ implies intentionality in one’s actions -what you invest in your life (whether good or bad) will ultimately yield results.
Paul warns, ‘do not be deceived: God is not mocked.’ A sobering statement that serves as a reminder that God is fully aware of our actions and intentions. The consequences of our choices are inescapable; we cannot live in a way that disregards God’s moral order without facing the repercussions. Sowing to the flesh refers to living according to sinful desires, seeking gratification in wats that are contrary to God’s will. The inevitable result will be destruction. Conversely, sowing to the Spirit involves living in accordance with God’s will, seeking to please Him, and investing in spiritual growth and maturity not only of oneself, but others.
__________________________________________________________________________________
The Spirit will guide you to…
IV. Persevere In Doing Good (6:9-10).
Explanation: Paul exhorts the Galatians not to become weary in well-doing. The phrase ‘not become weary’ suggest an awareness of fatigue and discouragement that can arise from persistent efforts to do good. This weariness can stem from various sources: lack of visible results, opposition, or simply the exhaustion of ongoing commitments. Paul acknowledges the reality that doing good can be challenging and may not always yield immediate rewards.
However, ‘at the proper time we will reap a harvest.’ Paul assures believers that perseverance will result in a harvest; this could refer to spiritual rewards, personal growth, or the impact of their good deeds on others. The emphasis on ‘if we do not give up’ highlights the importance of endurance in the Christian life.
In verse 10, Paul expands on the idea of doing good by encouraging believers to take advantage of every opportunity to do good to all people. The phrase ‘as we have opportunity’ implies an active engagement in identifying and seizing moments to serve and bless others. The distinction made between ‘all people’ and ‘especially to those who belong to the family of believers’ underscores the importance of both universal love and prioritizing the Christian community. While believers are called to extend kindness and goodness broadly, there is a special responsibility to care for fellow believers, reflecting the unity and love that should characterize the body of Christ.
TAKE-AWAY:
I. Bear One Another’s Burdens (6:1-2).
II. Avoid Pride and Self-Deception (6:3-5).
III. Share All Good Things (6:6-8).
© 2012 - 2025 Blake Gideon. All rights Reserved
Comments
Post a Comment