“For if anyone thinks himself to be something, when he is nothing, he deceives himself”
For
The “for” gives further qualification to someone who attempts to restore a fallen believer. Not only should spiritual Christians take caution not to fall into the same temptation when restoring others but also they should beware of pride creeping into […]
Archive for June, 2000
“But let each one examine his own work, and then he will have rejoicing in himself alone, and not in another”
The answer to the self-sufficient person of verse three is self-examination.
But let each one examine his own work,
Arrogant people need to “examine” themselves. The word “examine” means to test something for the purpose […]
“For each one shall bear his own load”
Note the apparent contradiction between verse two and verse five. Verse two says, “Bear one another’s burdens…” This verse says, “For each one shall bear his own load.” Whenever we have antithetical statements in close proximity to one another, it is obvious the author did not intend to […]
“Let him who is taught the word share in all good things with him who teaches”
Legalistic Judaizers influenced the Galatians to stop supporting the ministry of those who taught them the Word.
Let him who is taught the word
The word “taught” carries the idea of giving instruction (usually orally). We get our word “catechized” from […]
“Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap”
Verses seven and eight explain verse six.
Do not be deceived,
The word “deceived” means to lead astray. Legalism will lead us astray from grace. That is why we must carefully listen to pastors as they teach us the […]
“Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap”
that he will also reap
It is inevitable that what a man sows, he will reap. This is the overarching principle. The next verse is more specific about what we sow and reap. If we sow corruption then […]
“For he who sows to his flesh will of the flesh reap corruption, but he who sows to the Spirit will of the Spirit reap everlasting life”
For he who sows to his flesh
The idea of “flesh” is the sin capacity. If we give rope to our sinful tendencies, then we will reap those tendencies. […]
“For he who sows to his flesh will of the flesh reap corruption, but he who sows to the Spirit will of the Spirit reap everlasting life”
will of the flesh reap corruption,
The flesh produces “corruption.” “Corruption” means disintegration, deterioration, dissolution. It is not permanent but short-lived and transient. There is no eternal reward when […]
“For he who sows to his flesh will of the flesh reap corruption, but he who sows to the Spirit will of the Spirit reap everlasting life”
but he who sows to the Spirit
Those who live for spiritual things will reap eternal things. This is the person who “walks in the Spirit” (5:16). This person […]
“And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart”
And let us not grow weary
The word “weary” means to be spiritless, exhausted, lose heart, despair. The idea is not tiredness but that Christians can lose their motivation to do “good.” Discouragement causes […]