(Gal. 6:2-5) Paul connects burden bearing with fulfilling the law of Christ. What does he mean by “the law of Christ”? Gal. 5:14, Gal. 6:2, John 13:34, Matt. 22:34-40. Paul’s use of the phrase “the law of Christ” (ton nomon tou Christou) occurs nowhere else in the Bible, though he uses a similar expression in 1 Corinthians 9:21 (ennomos Christou). The uniqueness of this … Continue reading –>
(Gal. 6:2-5) In addition to restoring the fallen, what other instructions does Paul give to the believers in Galatia? (Gal. 6:2-5; see also Rom. 15:1, Matt. 7:12). The Greek word translated “burden” in Galatians 6:2 is baros. It literally referred to a heavy weight or load that someone had to carry a long distance. Over time, however, it became a metaphor … Continue reading –>
“And Nathan said to David, Thou art the man” (2 Sam. 12:7). The seriousness of Paul’s words in Galatians 6:1 — to guard our own lives lest we also follow into temptation — should not be overlooked. An indication of the urgency and personal concern behind Paul’s counsel can be seen in the way he makes his appeal. … Continue reading –>
While Paul has lofty expectations for the nature of the Christian life (Gal. 5:16), his counsel to the believers in Galatians 6:1 also is refreshingly realistic. Humans are not perfect, and even the most dedicated Christians are not immune from mistakes. In Greek, Paul’s words in Galatians 5:16 indicate that he is envisioning a situation that is likely to happen … Continue reading –>
Read for This Week’s Study: Gal. 6:1-10, Matt. 18:15-17, 1 Cor. 10:12, Rom. 15:1, John 13:34, Luke 22:3. Memory Text: “So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith” (Galatians 6:10, ESV). Some farmers decided to save the biggest vegetables for themselves and to plant the smaller ones as … Continue reading –>
Further Thought: “The life of the Christian is not all smooth. He has stern conflicts to meet. Severe temptations assail him. ‘The flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh.’ The nearer we come to the close of this earth’s history, the more delusive and ensnaring will be the attacks of the … Continue reading –>
Although an inward conflict between the flesh and the Spirit always will rage in the heart of every believer, the Christian life does not have to be dominated by defeat, failure, and sin. According to Galatians 5:16-26, what is the key to living a life where the Spirit reigns over the flesh? Galatians 5:16-26 contains five key … Continue reading –>
(Gal. 5:22-24) “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law” (Gal. 5:22-23, ESV). In what ways does obedience to the Ten Commandments reflect the fruit of the Spirit as it is expressed in these verses? (See also Matt. 5:21-22, Matt. 5:27-28; Matt. 22:35-40.) The … Continue reading –>
Having introduced the conflict that exists between the flesh and the Spirit, Paul in Galatians 5:18-26 elaborates on the nature of this contrast by means of a list of ethical vices and virtues. The catalog of vices or virtues was a well-established literary feature present in both Jewish and Greco-Roman literature. These lists identified behavior to be … Continue reading –>
“For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would” (Gal. 5:17; see also Rom. 7:14-24). How have you, in your own life as a believer, experienced the harsh and painful reality of these words? The … Continue reading –>
