Galatians 6: Sowing and Reaping in the Spirit
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.
Bear ye one another’s burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ.
For if a man think himself to be something, when he is nothing, he deceiveth himself.
But let every man prove his own work, and then shall he have rejoicing in himself alone, and not in another.
For every man shall bear his own burden.
Let him that is taught in the word communicate unto him that teacheth in all good things.
Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.
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.
And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.
As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith.
Ye see how large a letter I have written unto you with mine own hand.
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.
For neither they themselves who are circumcised keep the law; but desire to have you circumcised, that they may glory in your flesh.
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.
For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision, but a new creature.
And as many as walk according to this rule, peace be on them, and mercy, and upon the Israel of God.
From henceforth let no man trouble me: for I bear in my body the marks of the Lord Jesus.
Brethren, the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Amen. Unto the Galatians written from Rome.
Galatians 6 builds upon the themes Paul established in Galatians 5, particularly the contrast between living according to the flesh and living according to the Spirit. This chapter provides practical guidance on how Spirit-led believers should interact with each other and with the world, emphasizing the importance of love, humility, and a focus on the cross of Christ. Galatians 6 serves as a powerful call to authentic Christian living, where faith is demonstrated through acts of service and a commitment to God's transforming power. This chapter is a reminder that our actions have consequences, and that sowing to the Spirit leads to eternal life.
Restoring the Fallen and Bearing Burdens (Galatians 6:1-2)
Paul begins by addressing the delicate issue of dealing with fellow believers who have been "overtaken in any wrongdoing" (Galatians 6:1). Instead of judgment or condemnation, the emphasis is on restoration. Those who are "spiritual" – those walking in the Spirit and exhibiting spiritual maturity – are called to gently and humbly help the erring brother or sister back onto the right path. The word translated "restore" suggests setting a broken bone, highlighting the need for careful and skillful intervention. The use of the plural "you" emphasizes that restoration is not a solo endeavor, but a community responsibility.
This process requires a spirit of gentleness, not because we compromise on truth, but because we treat others as we would want to be treated – with patience, care, and kindness. Paul adds a crucial warning: "Watch out that you yourselves are not tempted" (Galatians 6:1). Helping someone struggling with sin exposes us to temptation, underscoring the need for vigilance and prayer.
Restoring a sinning brother or sister is an example of "carrying one another's burdens" (Galatians 6:2). These burdens extend beyond sin; they encompass the various weighty problems of life – physical, relational, financial, and emotional. Just as spotters assist weightlifters, believers should support each other through difficult times. This support can take many forms: prayer, practical assistance, financial help, or simply a listening ear. By bearing one another's burdens, we "fulfill the law of Christ" (Galatians 6:2), the law of love that Jesus exemplified (John 13:34).
Humility and Personal Responsibility (Galatians 6:3-5)
Paul cautions against self-righteousness and pride. Anyone who thinks they are too good to serve others is deceiving themselves (Galatians 6:3). No one is above service. The Lord Jesus served his disciples by washing their feet (John 13:2-15). Instead of comparing ourselves with others, we should compare ourselves to Jesus, which keeps us from thinking more highly of ourselves than we ought.
While we are called to carry one another’s burdens, Paul also emphasizes individual responsibility: "each one should test their own actions. Then they can take pride in themselves alone, without comparing themselves to someone else, for each one should carry their own load" (Galatians 6:4-5). While believers need help with their burdens, this doesn’t absolve them of responsibilities. Helping with burdens doesn’t mean carrying someone’s full load for them so that they are alleviated of all responsibility. Each must be willing to carry his own backpack. We must be willing to take responsibility for our own actions and not simply shift them onto others.
Sowing and Reaping (Galatians 6:6-10)
Paul transitions to the important principle of sowing and reaping. He starts with a practical application: "Anyone who receives instruction in the word must share all good things with their instructor" (Galatians 6:6). Those who benefit from spiritual teaching should support their teachers, recognizing the value of their ministry. Reciprocity in ministry keeps believers from becoming selfish and self-centered.
Paul then broadens the scope to a universal principle: "Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows" (Galatians 6:7). This is a fundamental law of the spiritual realm, just as gravity governs the physical world. We cannot expect to sow seeds of sin and reap a harvest of righteousness. Our choices have consequences.
Paul contrasts sowing to the flesh with sowing to the Spirit. "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" (Galatians 6:8). Sowing to the flesh involves indulging in sinful desires and pursuing selfish ambitions. This ultimately leads to corruption and death. Sowing to the Spirit, on the other hand, involves living according to God's will, pursuing righteousness, and bearing the fruit of the Spirit. This leads to eternal life – a life of quality, fulfillment, and victory.
Therefore, Paul exhorts, "Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up" (Galatians 6:9). Doing good can be tiring and discouraging, but we must persevere, trusting that God will reward our faithfulness. There’s an appropriate seasonal time gap for the purpose of development between sowing and reaping.
He concludes this section with a call to action: "Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers" (Galatians 6:10). We should seize every opportunity to show love and kindness to others, with a particular focus on our fellow Christians. We are called to show love to all people, but we are to have a special love for the people of God.
The Supremacy of the Cross (Galatians 6:11-18)
Paul concludes his letter with a personal touch, noting that he is writing the final words in his own handwriting, perhaps using larger letters for emphasis (Galatians 6:11). He returns to the central theme of the letter: the futility of legalism and the all-sufficiency of the cross of Christ.
He exposes the motives of the false teachers, who were pressuring the Galatians to be circumcised in order to avoid persecution and to boast about their converts (Galatians 6:12-13). Their focus was on outward appearances and human approval, rather than on genuine faith.
In stark contrast, Paul declares, "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" (Galatians 6:14). The cross is the only thing worth boasting about. Through the cross, Paul has died to the world and the world has died to him. He is no longer bound by its values or its allure.
He reiterates that "Neither circumcision nor uncircumcision means anything; what matters is a new creation" (Galatians 6:15). Outward rituals are irrelevant. What truly matters is the inward transformation brought about by faith in Christ. Those who live according to this principle will experience God's peace and mercy (Galatians 6:16).
Paul closes with a plea to be left alone, as he bears on his body the "marks of Jesus" (Galatians 6:17). These marks are likely the scars from the beatings and hardships he endured for the sake of the gospel. They are a testament to his unwavering commitment to Christ. Paul embraced persecution for the sake of the true gospel.
He ends with a final blessing: "The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit, brothers and sisters. Amen" (Galatians 6:18). This grace, which is the foundation of the gospel, is Paul's parting gift to the Galatians, reminding them of the love and mercy they have received through Christ.
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.
Bear ye one another’s burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ.
For if a man think himself to be something, when he is nothing, he deceiveth himself.
But let every man prove his own work, and then shall he have rejoicing in himself alone, and not in another.
For every man shall bear his own burden.
Let him that is taught in the word communicate unto him that teacheth in all good things.
Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.
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.
And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.
As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith.
Ye see how large a letter I have written unto you with mine own hand.
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.
For neither they themselves who are circumcised keep the law; but desire to have you circumcised, that they may glory in your flesh.
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.
For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision, but a new creature.
And as many as walk according to this rule, peace be on them, and mercy, and upon the Israel of God.
From henceforth let no man trouble me: for I bear in my body the marks of the Lord Jesus.
Brethren, the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Amen. Unto the Galatians written from Rome.
Galatians 6 builds upon the themes Paul established in Galatians 5, particularly the contrast between living according to the flesh and living according to the Spirit. This chapter provides practical guidance on how Spirit-led believers should interact with each other and with the world, emphasizing the importance of love, humility, and a focus on the cross of Christ. Galatians 6 serves as a powerful call to authentic Christian living, where faith is demonstrated through acts of service and a commitment to God's transforming power. This chapter is a reminder that our actions have consequences, and that sowing to the Spirit leads to eternal life.
Restoring the Fallen and Bearing Burdens (Galatians 6:1-2)
Paul begins by addressing the delicate issue of dealing with fellow believers who have been "overtaken in any wrongdoing" (Galatians 6:1). Instead of judgment or condemnation, the emphasis is on restoration. Those who are "spiritual" – those walking in the Spirit and exhibiting spiritual maturity – are called to gently and humbly help the erring brother or sister back onto the right path. The word translated "restore" suggests setting a broken bone, highlighting the need for careful and skillful intervention. The use of the plural "you" emphasizes that restoration is not a solo endeavor, but a community responsibility.
This process requires a spirit of gentleness, not because we compromise on truth, but because we treat others as we would want to be treated – with patience, care, and kindness. Paul adds a crucial warning: "Watch out that you yourselves are not tempted" (Galatians 6:1). Helping someone struggling with sin exposes us to temptation, underscoring the need for vigilance and prayer.
Restoring a sinning brother or sister is an example of "carrying one another's burdens" (Galatians 6:2). These burdens extend beyond sin; they encompass the various weighty problems of life – physical, relational, financial, and emotional. Just as spotters assist weightlifters, believers should support each other through difficult times. This support can take many forms: prayer, practical assistance, financial help, or simply a listening ear. By bearing one another's burdens, we "fulfill the law of Christ" (Galatians 6:2), the law of love that Jesus exemplified (John 13:34).
Humility and Personal Responsibility (Galatians 6:3-5)
Paul cautions against self-righteousness and pride. Anyone who thinks they are too good to serve others is deceiving themselves (Galatians 6:3). No one is above service. The Lord Jesus served his disciples by washing their feet (John 13:2-15). Instead of comparing ourselves with others, we should compare ourselves to Jesus, which keeps us from thinking more highly of ourselves than we ought.
While we are called to carry one another’s burdens, Paul also emphasizes individual responsibility: "each one should test their own actions. Then they can take pride in themselves alone, without comparing themselves to someone else, for each one should carry their own load" (Galatians 6:4-5). While believers need help with their burdens, this doesn’t absolve them of responsibilities. Helping with burdens doesn’t mean carrying someone’s full load for them so that they are alleviated of all responsibility. Each must be willing to carry his own backpack. We must be willing to take responsibility for our own actions and not simply shift them onto others.
Sowing and Reaping (Galatians 6:6-10)
Paul transitions to the important principle of sowing and reaping. He starts with a practical application: "Anyone who receives instruction in the word must share all good things with their instructor" (Galatians 6:6). Those who benefit from spiritual teaching should support their teachers, recognizing the value of their ministry. Reciprocity in ministry keeps believers from becoming selfish and self-centered.
Paul then broadens the scope to a universal principle: "Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows" (Galatians 6:7). This is a fundamental law of the spiritual realm, just as gravity governs the physical world. We cannot expect to sow seeds of sin and reap a harvest of righteousness. Our choices have consequences.
Paul contrasts sowing to the flesh with sowing to the Spirit. "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" (Galatians 6:8). Sowing to the flesh involves indulging in sinful desires and pursuing selfish ambitions. This ultimately leads to corruption and death. Sowing to the Spirit, on the other hand, involves living according to God's will, pursuing righteousness, and bearing the fruit of the Spirit. This leads to eternal life – a life of quality, fulfillment, and victory.
Therefore, Paul exhorts, "Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up" (Galatians 6:9). Doing good can be tiring and discouraging, but we must persevere, trusting that God will reward our faithfulness. There’s an appropriate seasonal time gap for the purpose of development between sowing and reaping.
He concludes this section with a call to action: "Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers" (Galatians 6:10). We should seize every opportunity to show love and kindness to others, with a particular focus on our fellow Christians. We are called to show love to all people, but we are to have a special love for the people of God.
The Supremacy of the Cross (Galatians 6:11-18)
Paul concludes his letter with a personal touch, noting that he is writing the final words in his own handwriting, perhaps using larger letters for emphasis (Galatians 6:11). He returns to the central theme of the letter: the futility of legalism and the all-sufficiency of the cross of Christ.
He exposes the motives of the false teachers, who were pressuring the Galatians to be circumcised in order to avoid persecution and to boast about their converts (Galatians 6:12-13). Their focus was on outward appearances and human approval, rather than on genuine faith.
In stark contrast, Paul declares, "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" (Galatians 6:14). The cross is the only thing worth boasting about. Through the cross, Paul has died to the world and the world has died to him. He is no longer bound by its values or its allure.
He reiterates that "Neither circumcision nor uncircumcision means anything; what matters is a new creation" (Galatians 6:15). Outward rituals are irrelevant. What truly matters is the inward transformation brought about by faith in Christ. Those who live according to this principle will experience God's peace and mercy (Galatians 6:16).
Paul closes with a plea to be left alone, as he bears on his body the "marks of Jesus" (Galatians 6:17). These marks are likely the scars from the beatings and hardships he endured for the sake of the gospel. They are a testament to his unwavering commitment to Christ. Paul embraced persecution for the sake of the true gospel.
He ends with a final blessing: "The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit, brothers and sisters. Amen" (Galatians 6:18). This grace, which is the foundation of the gospel, is Paul's parting gift to the Galatians, reminding them of the love and mercy they have received through Christ.