Galatians 6: Christian Conduct

v.1 We are to reach out to help and lift the brother or sister who falls. We should show compassion and understanding, remembering that we also are tempted.

v.2 Paul tells the Galatians to lift the burdens from each other in Christian love (John 13:34; Matthew 22:36–40). The false teachers were adding to the Galatians’ burdens by putting them under the law.

v.3 Romans 12:3; James 1:22; 1 John 1:8; 1 Corinthians 4:7.

v.4 Paul suggests that we examine the motivation behind our works to determine whether we did our best. We shouldn’t judge our works in comparison to the works of others, but in comparison to our ideal in Jesus Christ (Luke 18:10–14; John 16:8–11).

v.5 Paul uses a different Greek word here for burden than the word he used in verse two. The burden in verse two is the same as used in Acts 15:28. The burden here in verse five is similar to a “back pack.”

v.6 The Lord blesses those who give cheerfully and willingly to Him (Malachi 3:8–12; Philippians 4:17). Unfortunately, some people try to take advantage of Christians by begging for money, as if the work of God depended on men’s donations.

v.7–8 We must not make allowances for our flesh (Romans 13:14). Many people fool themselves into thinking that they can live to please their flesh and have a good relationship with God, too.

v.9–10 We shouldn’t be so concerned about our own pleasure or comfort that we overlook the people in need who are all around us.

v.12–13 Acts 15:10.

v.14 We shouldn’t glory in ourselves when God chooses to use us in some way (1 Corinthians 1:29). We have to come to the cross in our own personal walk and experience. We must be dead to the world and to the desires the world stirs up in us.

v.15 Outward rituals like circumcision don’t alter our standing with God. He closely observes our inward lives for signs of consecration.

v.17 Paul was tired of defending his teachings and ministry. His faithful and committed conduct, his willingness to suffer beatings and imprisonment for his testimony, and the abundant fruit from his ministry should have been enough to dispel any doubts that arose when the false teachers attacked Paul’s teachings.