Paul begins to wrap up his letter with some short instructions, similar in style to the proverbial statements of Jewish wisdom. Among the instructions are some personal concerns and comments.
Galatians 6: 1-8, Humility and compassion
Brothers, if someone is caught in a sin, you who are spiritual should restore him gently. But watch yourself, or you also may be tempted.
Carry each other's burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.
If anyone thinks he is something when he is nothing, he deceives himself. Each one should test his own actions. Then he can take pride in himself, without comparing himself to somebody else, for each one should carry his own load.
Anyone who receives instruction in the word must share all good things with his instructor.
Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. The one who sows to please his sinful nature, from that nature will reap destruction; the one who sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life.
Galatians 6: 1-8, Humility and compassion
Brothers, if someone is caught in a sin, you who are spiritual should restore him gently. But watch yourself, or you also may be tempted.
Carry each other's burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.
If anyone thinks he is something when he is nothing, he deceives himself. Each one should test his own actions. Then he can take pride in himself, without comparing himself to somebody else, for each one should carry his own load.
Anyone who receives instruction in the word must share all good things with his instructor.
Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. The one who sows to please his sinful nature, from that nature will reap destruction; the one who sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life.
Paul's instructions express concern about caring for others and carrying their burdens. Compassion and humility are important characteristics. So is patience, as implied in the agricultural metaphor about "reaping".
Galatians 6: 9-10, Do good!
Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.
I am encouraged by the fact that good actions lead to good results, a "good harvest", but the process may take some time.
Galatians 6: 11, My signature
See what large letters I use as I write to you with my own hand!
This is a strange verse. Presumably Paul has been dictating the letter but now takes the pen and writes a personal note. If we believe (see Galatians 4:15) that Paul had bad eyesight, then one can image Paul picking up a pen, squinting over the text and scrawling, in large letters, the sentence above.
Galatians 6:12-16, Live more than "good impressions"!
Those who want to make a good impression outwardly are trying to compel you to be circumcised. The only reason they do this is to avoid being persecuted for the cross of Christ. Not even those who are circumcised obey the law, yet they want you to be circumcised that they may boast about your flesh.
Galatians 6:12-16, Live more than "good impressions"!
Those who want to make a good impression outwardly are trying to compel you to be circumcised. The only reason they do this is to avoid being persecuted for the cross of Christ. Not even those who are circumcised obey the law, yet they want you to be circumcised that they may boast about your flesh.
May I never boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, through which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world. Neither circumcision nor uncircumcision means anything; what counts is a new creation. Peace and mercy to all who follow this rule, even to the Israel of God.
Outwardly, legalism and asceticism will appear to be "religious", appear to meet some type of high discipline. But this is only an outward appearance. Following Jesus, guided by the Holy Spirit, living in love and compassion, that is a much more subtle life. It is deeper and, in some ways, much less visible.
Galatians 6: 17-18, The marks of Jesus
Finally, 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.
Amen. ("So be it!")
Some time after writing the letter to Galatians, Paul pens a more careful theological treatise to the church in Rome. That letter will be the subject of our next study.
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