![[20211006-GalatiansHeader.png]] ## Bear and Share the Burdens ![[Bear and Share the Burdens 6.1-5]] Bearing in mind that Galatians is a letter, and letters didn’t originally have chapter breaks and Chapter 6 continues the thoughts of the end of [[Galatians Chapter 5]]. One of the things that the Apostle Paul was speaking to was the divisions that had come up between those who emphasized keeping the law in the flesh and those who embraced living by faith in the Spirit. One result was spiritual elitism and a temptation to look down on those who were “wrong” (see [[Galatians 5.26]]). Chapter 6 continues the admonition to avoid spiritual conceit and instead be compassionate towards others. Because we enter into the riches of the inheritance of the saints through Christ by faith we can not boast as though we did anything special to earn it. > [!hyperlinks] Hyperlink: Walking and Falling Down > In [[Galatians 5.25]] we are encouraged to *walk* in the Spirit. In [[Galatians 6.1|v1]], the word translated as *trespass* is *paráptōma* and the root of this word means *to fall down.* It describes not being able to stand upwardly and walk rightly. The Original Language is useful for us to see that these two thoughts are connected. We walk in the Spirit. When we sin, we are not walking in the Spirit anymore. We’ve fallen down off of the path. ***What does it mean if a person is overtaken in any trespass?*** Being overtaken in trespass could mean being caught or surprised by sin, suggesting a stumble or fall in one's spiritual walk. The Greek word implies a surprise or being caught off guard, indicating that the sin was not intentional or premeditated. If a person is surprised or caught off guard by their sin, ***what attitude should we take towards that person?*** We seek to restore them. The Greek word for *restore* carries the idea of reinserting a dislocated joint, implying the process of helping someone return to their proper spiritual state. It suggests a gentle, corrective action aimed at healing and realigning someone's life with spiritual truth, much like the restoration of the prodigal son ([[Luke 15.11-32]]). Notice that it is a *spiritual* person who has this attitude of restoration. ***What does it mean to be "spiritual" in this context?*** Being "spiritual" implies maturity and the ability to handle situations with the guidance of the Holy Spirit. It suggests a mature approach to dealing with others' sins, characterized by humility, gentleness, and a non-judgmental attitude, focusing on restoration rather than condemnation. The ultimate goal is for that person to be restored to a relationship with God and the church (the people of God). ***Why is considering yourself important when helping to restore someone?*** We need self-awareness and humility because we, too, are vulnerable to sin and even fall like the person we are helping. This prevents the attitude of conceit and pride and helps us maintain compassion and empathy as we help others. > [!todo]- For Further Study: Judge Yourself > How does this idea of examining our works correlate with judgment? Read and reflect on [[Matthew 7.1-2]]. What is Jesus teaching about judgment and what does He mean when He is talking about the measure we judge? Additionally, consider [[1 Corinthians 11.27-34]] and what the Apostle Paul seems to be saying about the relationship between how the members of the church treated one another and sickness. The Apostle Paul says that when we who are spiritual restore someone in this way, we are fulfilling the law of Christ. ***What is the law of Christ?*** The law of Christ refers to the principle of love, which underpins the entire discussion. It emphasizes that bearing one another's burdens in a spirit of love fulfills Christ's command to love one another, contrasting with the legalistic approaches criticized elsewhere in Galatians. Instead of judging others, ***what should we focus on?*** We are to be responsible for *our conduct* and to find satisfaction in doing well. In this way, we are honoring God and fulfilling the law of Christ (cf. [[John 15.10]]). We are supposed to take personal responsibility for our walk with God. We receive the grace and blessings of God and we are accountable for them. ***Where does personal accountability fit within bearing one another’s burdens?*** In context, it means that it is our responsibility to help carry someone’s burdens. We are responsible for ourselves and part of our responsibility to God is to help others especially those in the household of faith. God will hold us accountable for that responsibility. ## Be Generous and Do Good ![[Be Generous and Do Good 6.6-10]] Continuing the theme of bearing one another’s burdens and fulfilling the law of Christ is the idea of generosity and good works. In v6, the Apostle Paul commands that those who receive teaching share in all good things with their teachers. ***What are the good things that the Apostle is referring to?*** The Apostle Paul is speaking of honoring spiritual teachers by sharing materially with them. ***How do we know?*** This same idea is presented in [[1 Corinthians 9.8-12]] where he especially says, “*If we have sown spiritual things for you, is it a great thing if we reap your material things?*” In context, this sharing is both considered good works and a part of sharing the burden of the leaders. > [!todo]- For Further Study: Worthy of Wages > The Apostle Paul exhorts the church to consider elders as worthy of “double honor” in [[1 Timothy 5.17-18]]. The word translated as honor is *timḗ*. Do a word study on *timḗ* and what it means. It is recommended that you use a concordance and look up Strong’s [g5092](https://www.blueletterbible.org/lexicon/g5092/nkjv/tr/0-1/). What is meant by rendering honor in this way? How does that apply to the church? ***In what way do verses 7 and 8 connect to verses prior?*** We are sowing into brothers and sisters who are burdened as well as spiritual leaders. This is not a waste, this is not worthless. We are not to be deceived if we think it is better to hold on to what we have than to give generously. We are also deceived if we think that we are not supposed to keep God’s word in this aspect of our lives. ***Which is more important, what others do with our gifts or our obedience to God in giving?*** Our responsibility is to do good for the glory of God (cf. [[John 15.8]]). Even if people take advantage of our good works, *God is not mocked.* > [!hyperlinks] Hyperlink: God and Giving > This idea of God not being mocked when it comes to our obedience in giving relates to His message to the people in [[Malachi 3.1-12]]. God challenges the people on their faithlessness in tithes and the condition of their offerings and challenges them to test His commitment to them. That if they fulfill their responsibility, He will keep His. He even calls on them to *test Him* in this. The principle is that if you sow you will reap but the context is doing good works and meeting people’s needs. %%For further study: how does giving as a spiritual discipline keep us from being selfish?%% ***Who do we do these good deeds for and is there a priority?*** Generally speaking, we do good to everyone whenever we have an opportunity. The priority, however, is the church.