Galatians
Galatians was taught by Dr. James Modlish

Chapter Six
(Lesson Six - 6:1-18)

Intro:

Although the Judgment Seat of Christ is not mentioned by name in chapter six, the context certainly dictates that this is the issue at hand. Chapter five has set the stage. I believe the key verse is verse ten, "As we have therefore opportunity..."

I don't believe in coincidences, fate, luck, etc. I believe everything that happens in a Christians life is the direct result of God's grand design for that individual. I would even go so far as to say that this is true in an unsaved man's life to a point.

Opportunity is a vague term and can refer to almost anything. Within the context of chapter six, we see some of the opportunities God is speaking of. Remember: "Every man's work shall be made manifest... of what sort it is." "If any man's work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss." (1 Cor. 3:13,15)
 

I. You'll have opportunity to restore a man overtaken in a fault - (vs. 1)

Our personal relationships with others are going to be weighed in the balance. When you find a friend, neighbor or love one "in a mess" do you criticize, slander or kick them while they are down?

 

II. You'll have opportunity to bear one another's burden - (Vs. 2)

JOY: Jesus, Others, Yourself - The "social gospel" is not the saving gospel of the Grace of God, yet we have a grave responsibility to help "a friend in need." Having someone to talk to, a word of encouragement, maybe a love gift of a few dollars to a friend who is going through some trial, these things are situations that we are often confronted with. What do you do with the opportunity to be a blessing?

 

III. You'll have opportunity to humble yourself - (vs. 3)

(Jer. 9:23,24) "Thus saith the Lord, let not the wise man glory in his wisdom, neither let the mighty man glory in his might, let not the rich man glory in his riches: But let him that glorieth glory in this, that he understandeth and knoweth me, that I am the Lord which exercise lovingkindness, judgment and righteousness, in the earth: for in these things I delight, saith the Lord."

 

IV. You'll have opportunity to prove your own work - (Vs. 4)

It's easy to get lost or hide yourself on a football, basketball, or baseball team. Not so in wrestling, boxing, tennis, gymnastics, etc. Some people coast along for the ride, others are pulling the wagon! It's easy to hide in a large church with so much activity, but what are you doing? The Word of God tells me a day will come when I will have an opportunity to Prove my own work! Do you have the proof?

 

V. You'll have the opportunity to bear your own burdens - (Vs. 5)

You may have a burden to carry that no one but the Lord knows about. It may be that the Lord will not relieve you of that burden! "My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness." (2 Cor. 12:9) You never know what someone else has to bear either. Do not envy another man's circumstances, he may be bearing something you know nothing about.

 

VI. You'll have opportunity to communicate to those who teach you - (vs. 6)

Communication has a twofold meaning. The more common is communication with reference to a verbal discourse, e.g. (Eph. 4:29; Col. 3:8). But communication also means "giving", showing thanks to one who has taught you in the word, e.g. (Phil 4:14,15; 1 Tim. 6:18). In the context both meanings could apply; we are admonished to show both verbally and materially our thanks to those who God has place above us spiritually.

 

VII. You'll have opportunity to sow and reap - (Vs. 7-9)

Most look at verse seven in a negative light. Unfortunately that manifests our guilt! Aren't you glad to know that God is going to give you exactly what you deserve?! That's what we're afraid of! "For he that soweth to his flesh" (Gal. 5: 19-21), (the works of the flesh), shall of the flesh reap corruption, (wood, hay, stubble - 1 Cor. 3:12). (See: 1 Cor. 1:514; Phil 3:8; 1 Thess. 2:19; Matt. 6:19-21; 2 Tim. 1:12)

 

VIII. You'll have opportunity to "do good unto all men." - (Vs. 10)

A lost man is like a little baby, he doesn't always know what's good for him. The best thing you can do for anyone is show an interest in the eternal destiny of another's immortal soul. Your testimony, attitudes, and way of life will create untold opportunities to witness for the Lord Jesus Christ.

 

IX. You'll have opportunity to do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the Household of faith - (Vs. 10)

(Rom. 12:10) says, "Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another...". How? (See Rom. 12:11) - in business, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord, rejoicing, patient, in prayer, distributing to necessities, hospitality.

Paul's conclusion: The Judaizers are men who desire to bring you into subjection to them and not the law of Christ. They don't keep the Law themselves (vs. 13) yet they want to gather their own little following, that they may glory in your flesh. Neither circumcision not uncircumcision mean anything. What is important is the new creature created in Christ Jesus unto good works. (Gal 6:15; Eph. 2:8-10)

Lastly, Paul contrasts the cowardly Judaizers, "lest they should suffer persecution" (vs. 13), with himself; "I bear in my body the marks of the Lord Jesus." (2 Cor. 11:24-28) Now who are you going to listen to?

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