Bible Version: New International Version (NIV)
Application Notes: Life Application Study Bible (NIV)
GALATIANS 6
Doing Good to All
1 Brothers and sisters, if someone is caught in a sin, you who live by the Spirit should restore that person gently. But watch yourselves, or you also may be tempted. 2 Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ. 3 If anyone thinks they are something when they are not, they deceive themselves. 4 Each one should test their own actions. Then they can take pride in themselves alone, without comparing themselves to someone else, 5 for each one should carry their own load. 6 Nevertheless, the one who receives instruction in the word should share all good things with their instructor.
7 Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. 8 Whoever sows to please their flesh, from the flesh will reap destruction; whoever sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life. 9 Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. 10 Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.
Not Circumcision but the New Creation
11 See what large letters I use as I write to you with my own hand!
12 Those who want to impress people by means of the flesh are trying to compel you to be circumcised. The only reason they do this is to avoid being persecuted for the cross of Christ. 13 Not even those who are circumcised keep the law, yet they want you to be circumcised that they may boast about your circumcision in the flesh. 14 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. 15 Neither circumcision nor uncircumcision means anything; what counts is the new creation. 16 Peace and mercy to all who follow this rule—to the Israel of God.
17 From now on, let no one cause me trouble, for I bear on my body the marks of Jesus.
18 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit, brothers and sisters. Amen.
Application Notes
6:1-3 We should never think that we are totally independent and don't need help from others or think that we are excused from helping others because we are too important. The body of Christ--the church--functions only when the members work together for the common good. Do you know someone who needs help? Does a Christian brother or sister need correction or encouragement? Humbly and gently reach out, offering to lift that person's load (John 13:34-35).
6:4 When you do your very best, you feel good about the results and don't need to compare yourself with others. People make comparisons for many reasons. Some point out others' flaws in order to feel better about themselves. Others simply want reassurance that they are doing well. When you are tempted to compare yourself with others, look at Jesus Christ. His example will inspire you to do your very best, and his loving acceptance will comfort you when you fall short of your expectations.
6:6 Paul says that students should take care of the material needs of their teachers (1 Corinthians 9:7-12). It is easy to receive the benefit of good Bible teaching and then take our spiritual leaders for granted, ignoring their financial and physical needs. Instead, we should care for our teachers, not grudgingly or reluctantly, but with a generous spirit, showing honour and appreciation for all they have done (1 Timothy 5:17-18).
6:7-8 It would certainly be a surprise if you planted corn and pumpkins came up. It's a natural law that we reap what we sow. This principle is true in other areas too. If we gossip about our friends, we may discover them gossiping about us and find ourselves surrounded by other selfish people. Every action has results. If you plant to please your own desires, you'll reap a crop of sorrow and evil. If you plant to please God, you'll reap joy and everlasting life. What kind of seeds are you sowing?
6:9-10 It is discouraging to continue to do what is right and neither receive any word of thanks nor see any tangible results. But Paul challenged the Galatians--and he challenges us--not to give up but to keep on doing good and to trust God for the results. In due time, we will reap a harvest of blessing.
6:11 Up to this point, Paul had probably dictated the letter to a scribe. Here he takes the pen into his own hand to write his conclusion. Paul did this in other letters as well, adding emphasis to his words and validating that each letter was genuine.
6:13 Some of the Judaizers were emphasising circumcision as proof of holiness but were ignoring the other Jewish laws. People often choose a certain principle or prohibition and make it the measure of faith. Some may condemn drunkenness but ignore gluttony. Others may despise promiscuity but tolerate prejudice. Some who are adamant against practising homosexuality may ignore human trafficking and child abuse. The Bible in its entirety is our rule of faith and practice. We cannot pick and choose the mandates we will follow.
6:14 The world offers a full range of enticements and compelling offers and claims. Daily we are confronted with subtle cultural pressure to discover and develop new interests that are not in agreement with biblical values. We can escape these distractions and harmful influences by asking God to crucify our attraction to them and keep us focused on what is most important, just as Paul did. How much do the interests of this world matter to you? (For more on this concept, see 2:20; 5:24; Philippians 4:6-9; and 1 John 2:15-17.)
6:15 As we try to live out our faith, our human nature gravitates toward conforming to external rules and behaviours instead of pursuing a vital relationship with our creator. Following a set of rules becomes easier than keeping our hearts right with God. Beware of those who emphasise actions that we should or shouldn't do with no concern for the inward condition of our hearts. Doing what is right without inward change leaves us feeling shallow or empty. What matters to God is that we be completely changed from the inside out (2 Corinthians 5:17).
6:17 Paul sums up his argument against heresy and controversy by saying, essentially, "Stop it! I don't want to hear about this anymore; my scars have been trouble enough." He had received some of these scars while in Galatia (see Acts 13-14; Philippians 3:10; Colossians 1:24). His scars showed who owned him and proved he had the experience to be heard. Most believers are so well insulated from pain, conflict, and persecution that our skin is as smooth as a baby's. Yet the gospel will not reach the ends of the earth unless we lay aside our fear of physical and emotional discomfort to reach out to others.
6:18 Paul's closing comments to the Galatians boldly declare the freedom of the Christian. These early Christians in Galatia doubtless wanted to grow in the Christian life, but they were being misled by those who said this could be done only by keeping certain Jewish laws.
How strange it would be for a prisoner who had been set free to walk back into his or her cell and refuse to leave! How strange for an animal released from a trap to go back inside it! How sad for a believer to be freed from the bondage of sin only to ·return to rigid conformity to a set of rules and regulations!
If you believe in Jesus Christ, you have been set free. Instead of returning to some form of slavery, whether to legalism or to sin, use your freedom to live for Christ and serve him as he desires.
Taken from Life Application Study Bible - Third Edition - (NIV)