Chapter 6
Themes, discussion questions, Christ connections, and denomination lenses.
Just read this chapter →Scripture
KJV1Brethren, 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.
2Bear ye one another’s burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ.
3For if a man think himself to be something, when he is nothing, he deceiveth himself.
4But let every man prove his own work, and then shall he have rejoicing in himself alone, and not in another.
5For every man shall bear his own burden.
6Let him that is taught in the word communicate unto him that teacheth in all good things.
7Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.
8For 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.
9And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.
10As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith.
11Ye see how large a letter I have written unto you with mine own hand.
12As 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.
13For neither they themselves who are circumcised keep the law; but desire to have you circumcised, that they may glory in your flesh.
14But 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.
15For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision, but a new creature.
16And as many as walk according to this rule, peace be on them, and mercy, and upon the Israel of God.
17From henceforth let no man trouble me: for I bear in my body the marks of the Lord Jesus.
18Brethren, the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Amen.
“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.”
Overview
Paul gives practical instruction for the Christian life: restoring the fallen in a spirit of meekness, bearing one another's burdens, and sowing to the Spirit rather than the flesh. He warns that God is not mocked and that whatever a person sows, they will reap. He closes by declaring that neither circumcision nor uncircumcision matters but only the new creation, and he bears in his body the marks of the Lord Jesus.
Key Themes
Sowing and Reaping
The law of the harvest is inescapable: those who sow to the flesh reap corruption, while those who sow to the Spirit reap life everlasting.
Bearing One Another's Burdens
Believers are called to restore the fallen gently and to carry each other's heavy loads, fulfilling the law of Christ through mutual care.
The New Creation
What matters ultimately is not outward religious observance but being made new by God, for in Christ Jesus the new creation is what counts.
Study Questions
How should the church restore someone caught in a fault 'in the spirit of meekness' (v. 1)?
What is the difference between bearing one another's burdens (v. 2) and each carrying their own load (v. 5)?
What does it mean that 'God is not mocked' in the context of sowing and reaping (v. 7)?
How do you practically 'sow to the Spirit' in daily life (v. 8)?
What does Paul mean when he says 'I bear in my body the marks of the Lord Jesus' (v. 17)?
Connection to Christ
The 'law of Christ' (v. 2) that believers fulfill through mutual burden-bearing is the law of love demonstrated by Jesus on the cross. Paul's boasting is only in the cross of Christ, by which the world is crucified to him and he to the world (v. 14).
Personal Reflection
Take time to journal or meditate on what God is teaching you through Galatians 6. How can these truths transform your thinking and actions today?