Notes and References

Galatians

A TimeOnTheWeb.com Bible Study

Introduction

GALATIANS

"The person who can rightly divide Law and Gospel has reason to thank God. He is a true theologian." Martin Luther

Chapter 6
1 Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted. 2 Bear ye one another’s burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ. 3 For if a man think himself to be something, when he is nothing, he deceiveth himself.

I don't know maybe I listened to too many ignorant preachers in my day. Again here is a verse taken out of context sooooo many times. This fault that Paul is referring to is not adultery, or drunkenness, or drugs, or anything like it. This fault is "vain glory" or the desire of power and position. Go to that person in meekness, the opposite of pride, and humbly correct them. Just as Paul had gone to Jerusalem to meet with the apostles, regarding Judaisers subverting the gospel to the Gentiles so not to offend them and not to publically subvert their ministries, but privately to admonish them to accept the revelation of Jesus Christ toward the Gentiles. There is a time and place to publically confront as we saw Paul confront Peter in Antioch and as in this letter to the Galatians. There is also a time to be loving and avoid dishonor.

4 But let every man prove his own work, and then shall he have rejoicing in himself alone, and not in another. 5 For every man shall bear his own burden.

Here is the context of the previous verse explained. Do what God has called you to do, then you can rejoice in the results and not have to give the glory to someone else or steal someone's glory.

6 Let him that is taught in the word communicate unto him that teacheth in all good things.

Those who know the Old Testament scriptures are admonished to teach those about faith in Christ for salvation in these new assemblies and rightly teach God's word. The Old Testament is so much more than just the Mosaic Law, but tell of creation, the flood, Abraham, Lot, Moses and the Exodus, the Judges, the Kings, the Prophets, the plan of salvation, the end of evil, and the coming of Christ, etc. Those who are taught should give back in goods, money, and service to faithful teachers. Not a thousand people giving 10%! That is a thieve's racket! Under Moses Law 11 tribes supported one tribe, the Levites. So a man of God would receive the equivalent average of one man's wages of the ten he served plus 1%. Not double, not triple, not an hundred times! Equal! Widows and Orphans do not tithe under Mosaic Law.

7 Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. 8 For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting. 9 And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not. 10 As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith.

There are laws including natural laws. If you live entirely for the pleasure of your flesh in this life, you will reap the reward of your efforts. If you eat too much you get too fat. If you cheat and lie, you have no friends or credibility. If you take too much risk in sports for a thrill, you may end up injured to the point you cannot work and become destitute.

On the flipside there are rewards for doing good. If you are kind to others and are honest, you will have lifelong friendships. If you work hard for your employer, you get promotions, raises, and bonuses. If you work diligently in your endeavors you become successful. If you strive to gain knowledge and wisdom, you will always be able to achieve some kind of success. If you are honest in your dealings with others, you will gain a good reputation. If you eat right, you will have less illness in your flesh. If you do not take unnecessary physical sporting risks, you may live longer. BUT once we die all these things, good and bad, shall end up gone and in the future no more to be seen. Sowing into God's kingdom - through preaching of the gospel or living the gospel in this world reap everlasting rewards.

God's people should always be the first focus of charity. It is the witness of Christ in you and the blessings of God from you! If you are supporting poor starving children in Africa and neglect those in your own family or church or community, you are not following God's will in giving. I am not talking about supporting your lazy uncle. I am talking about your brother or cousin who lost their job and needs help. That is what a tithe was used for under Moses Law. For us it is sharing God's blessings as a witness to the abundance of Christ! If your church wants to invoke the laws of tithing, then by all means follow the laws to the letter! I dare you! It will be much better for the poor and the widow than for the church.

Why do I emphasize tithing? Because this is one law that is constantly used to coerse people into "giving" and those who invoke it threaten the people in the church with a curse! It is pure evil! We want our churches full as well as our offering plates and will use whatever means necessary to obtain it. This present church ideology is folly for not trusting God or His people!

God never honors foolishness.

I do not know the man in this picture, but if you are building his wealth, there is nothing righteous for giving into this ministry. Too many televangelists are wealthy because of the tactic used above.

11 Ye see how large a letter I have written unto you with mine own hand.

Now if this was one of his first epistles, then you would have to conclude in mention of his earlier visit, someting to do with his eyes, that personally writing this letter would be quite an accomplishment. This letter was personal and important for Paul to write the letter himself. Paul usually had someone else transcribe his later epistles.

12 As many as desire to make a fair shew in the flesh, they constrain you to be circumcised; only lest they should suffer persecution for the cross of Christ. 13 For neither they themselves who are circumcised keep the law; but desire to have you circumcised, that they may glory in your flesh.

This is why Paul called these men pseudadelphous, false brethren. They didn't care about the Galatians but only cared for their own comfort and ease, trying to avoid persecution.

14 But God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world. 15 For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision, but a new creature.

2 Corinthians 5:17 Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.

A new creature, born again, the dead spirit is now made alive, and the Spirit of Christ has made His abode in us. The "new creature" is the proof of salvation!

16 And as many as walk according to this rule, peace be on them, and mercy, and upon the Israel of God. 17 From henceforth let no man trouble me: for I bear in my body the marks of the Lord Jesus. 18 Brethren, the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Amen.

Paul is beaten, bruised, hurting, and tired. He does not want to hear any bad news from them again.

Paul speaks in this epistle of the liberty of the Spirit and the law of the Spirit. Not Mosaic Law, but it is only grace which justifies the believer. The Gentile Christians did not have to follow the Mosaic Law, while the Jewish Christians still followed it to the letter. There is one congealing truth, both Jew and Gentile alike for their salvation must believe that Jesus is the Christ, who died for our sins, rose from the dead, and is seated at the right hand of God.

Paul's letter is written to ensure that Christians hold fast to Paul's gospel which is faith alone in Jesus Christ who brings justification, righteousness, salvation, and everlasting life.