Galatians 6
Beginning this study in Galatians 6 does not seem right, because there is so much that has gone before this basically the book is about recognising that we are free from having to obey the letter of the law, and that going back into that way of thinking is contrary to the freedom that we now have in Christ. This is centred around the need or not to be circumcised. Walking by the flesh is living in a way that obeying the law is the way to live for God. Which is against living by the Spirit, which will lead us to not carry out the desire of the flesh.
What it shows throughout Galatians is that trying to live according to the law we allow our natural fleshly character to become dominant. That is the bad fruit of the flesh, On the other hand if we live by the Spirit the good fruit of the Spirit will become evident in our lives. ‘If we live by the Spirit we will not carry out the desires of the flesh.’ Galatians 5:16. We come to chapter 6 I was listening with intent to Galatians one day and felt the urge to study this chapter specifically. Maybe it was talking to my situation at the time. The Title at the top of the page in my Bible says, ‘bear one another’s burdens.’
Brethren, even if anyone is caught in any trespass, you who are spiritual, restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness; each one looking to yourself, so that you too will not be tempted. Bear one another’s burdens, and thereby fulfill the law of Christ. Galatians 6:1-2.
I was struck by the first verse, it seems so contrary to what many Christian churches practice. I think that we should find out what a trespass is. Because else where the Bible seems to make a distinction between trespasses and sins. Although there is a close connection there is a difference. I found this about trespasses; The Greek word most often translated “trespass” in the New Testament literally means “a false step.” It implies a falling away after being close beside. It is a tripping up, a deviation of course, a stumble away from the truth, or a falling over of some kind. Trespasses can be intentional or non-intentional.
It is not too clear, but trespasses are more likely the odd slip up that we make, rather than a habitual sin. Things like a harsh word spoken, a wrong thought, an unforgiveness, Many things that we do not actually consider as sins, they are usually thing that we do or say to other people. Sin is a part of our human nature, we are born into sin. Our Flesh, our minds are happy to continue in a sinful lifestyle, until we become born again. Yet still some sinful habits continue to persist in our lives. Our conscience helps us to deal with them. As we read the word of God our minds become renewed.
1 John tell us that is we are I Christ we do not sin, but if we do sin we have an advocate with the Father. Jesus Christ is our advocate with our Father. An advocate can be describe as lawyer who pleads your case before the judge. Jesus is the advocate that always wins. Because He has already won the victory for us, He paid the price that was due to us. Back to our verse above.
Brethren, He is talking to believers here. Even if a man is caught in any trespass. That is statement right there. How many sins did Jesus pay for? ALL. Even that mean if one is caught red handed, in the very act, as the adulteress was, they cannot wiggle out of it, in the very act! Even! Now it does not matter what definition of Trespass you want to hold on to. Any trespass, no matter how small or how big. If it is a one off thing, or even a repeated trespass. Even if one is caught in any trespass. We are to rile them and beat them down with words and make them feel ashamed, condemn them to hell?
No that is not what it says. It does say to restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness, Not with a club hammer, not even with a judgemental attitude. A spirit of gentleness. Gentleness is a part of the fruit of the spirit, so with the gentleness comes love, joy peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, and self-control. Things that Paul spoke about just 3-4 verses earlier Galatians 5:22-23
We cannot restore someone who has stumbled in the path of righteousness, if we are walking according to the flesh, if we are thinking according to the flesh. We have be walking by the Spirit to retore someone with a spirit of gentleness. That is why Paul tells to look at ourselves when we deal with someone unless we become tempted. That sounds a little strange. Someone else has trespassed, but we have to be careful that we are not tempted to trespass. How can we be tempted to trespass when we are helping someone else?
But each one is tempted when he is carried away and enticed by his own lust. Then when lust has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and when sin is accomplished, it brings forth death. James 1:14-15
Look to yourselves lest you be tempted too. The main point in this short piece is that We should not condemn, beat people down, and cause self-condemnation, just because they were caught in some kind of sin or trespass. We are told to restore them.
In a Spirit of Gentleness
More to come😊
Charlie
I was struck by the first verse, it seems so contrary to what many Christian churches practice. I think that we should find out what a trespass is. Because else where the Bible seems to make a distinction between trespasses and sins. Although there is a close connection there is a difference. I found this about trespasses; The Greek word most often translated “trespass” in the New Testament literally means “a false step.” It implies a falling away after being close beside. It is a tripping up, a deviation of course, a stumble away from the truth, or a falling over of some kind. Trespasses can be intentional or non-intentional.
It is not too clear, but trespasses are more likely the odd slip up that we make, rather than a habitual sin. Things like a harsh word spoken, a wrong thought, an unforgiveness, Many things that we do not actually consider as sins, they are usually thing that we do or say to other people. Sin is a part of our human nature, we are born into sin. Our Flesh, our minds are happy to continue in a sinful lifestyle, until we become born again. Yet still some sinful habits continue to persist in our lives. Our conscience helps us to deal with them. As we read the word of God our minds become renewed.
1 John tell us that is we are I Christ we do not sin, but if we do sin we have an advocate with the Father. Jesus Christ is our advocate with our Father. An advocate can be describe as lawyer who pleads your case before the judge. Jesus is the advocate that always wins. Because He has already won the victory for us, He paid the price that was due to us. Back to our verse above.
Brethren, He is talking to believers here. Even if a man is caught in any trespass. That is statement right there. How many sins did Jesus pay for? ALL. Even that mean if one is caught red handed, in the very act, as the adulteress was, they cannot wiggle out of it, in the very act! Even! Now it does not matter what definition of Trespass you want to hold on to. Any trespass, no matter how small or how big. If it is a one off thing, or even a repeated trespass. Even if one is caught in any trespass. We are to rile them and beat them down with words and make them feel ashamed, condemn them to hell?
No that is not what it says. It does say to restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness, Not with a club hammer, not even with a judgemental attitude. A spirit of gentleness. Gentleness is a part of the fruit of the spirit, so with the gentleness comes love, joy peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, and self-control. Things that Paul spoke about just 3-4 verses earlier Galatians 5:22-23
We cannot restore someone who has stumbled in the path of righteousness, if we are walking according to the flesh, if we are thinking according to the flesh. We have be walking by the Spirit to retore someone with a spirit of gentleness. That is why Paul tells to look at ourselves when we deal with someone unless we become tempted. That sounds a little strange. Someone else has trespassed, but we have to be careful that we are not tempted to trespass. How can we be tempted to trespass when we are helping someone else?
But each one is tempted when he is carried away and enticed by his own lust. Then when lust has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and when sin is accomplished, it brings forth death. James 1:14-15
Look to yourselves lest you be tempted too. The main point in this short piece is that We should not condemn beat people down, and cause self-condemnation, just because they were caught in some kind of sin or trespass. We are told to restore them.
In a Spirit of Gentleness
More to come😊
Charlie
