Opening Up
Member testimony: have one member share his or her two-minute story of faith.
In Galatians 5, Paul drew a compelling portrait of our freedom in action: denying the flesh and walking with the Spirit in Christ-likeness. That portrait flows into Galatians 6, as he applies our freedom to difficult situations, with an eye to long-term consequences.
Read
Galatians 6:1–18
Doing Good to All
6 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.
Digging In
Why is the command in Galatians 6:1 so important, but also very challenging?
Which do you find easier: bearing another’s burden or letting others bear yours? Can you see examples of burden-bearing in our church?
When faced with one another’s sin and need, we can fall into ‘fleshly’ thinking. How does Paul describe it and what solution does he give (v.3-5)?
According to 6:6, how should the teacher and the taught relate to one another? Why is this a good and necessary thing?
God cannot be mocked or tricked. He is eternal and will hold all accountable. Give examples of good and bad reaping in your experience (v.7-10).
Why might we grow weary in doing good (v.9)? Why should we keep going? And why should the church receive our particular attention (v.10)?
What motivates the Judaizers (v.12-13)?
Why does Paul boast in the cross (v.14-15)?
Share Life Go
Galatians 6 reminds us that a crop takes time to grow before it’s ready for harvest (v.9). So, let’s consistently do good, even when the fruit is not yet visible.
Also, the cross is worth boasting about! How might you consistently boast about the cross, inside and outside the church, even when the fruit is not yet visible?
Next term we aim to lift the evangelistic activity of our church. To be ready, we encourage you to finish the Share Life Go Journal during the school holidays. At the end of the journal, you’ll find information about extra opportunities for evangelistic training and support. These are high-quality resources but they are opt-in, so make sure you finish the journal in order to access the extra material.
Taking it with you
Share one or two things from this study series that have challenged and encouraged you.
What could you share from this study with someone at home or elsewhere?