Monday, July 16, 2012

Part CXXVII on Galatians Study

Galatians 6:1
Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault (some sin suddenly over takes him), ye  which are spiritual (those who have the knowledge of God and wisdom in divine things), restore such an one in the spirit of meekness ( he is already deeply humbled and distressed, and needs much encouragement and lenient usage. There is a great difference between a man who being suddenly assailed falls into sin, and the man who transgressed in consequence of having Walked in the counsel of the Ungodly, or Stood in the way of Sinners. So we in the same meekness of Christ or Moses and Paul as
mentioned above are to restore such a person after a period of retraining); considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted.”

Now we'll look at James chapter 5 verses 19 and 20:

James 5:19-20
Brethren, if any of you do err from the truth, and one convert him; Let him know, that he which converteth the sinner from the error of his way shall save a soul from death, and shall hide a multitude of sins.” This is in plane enough language and needs no explanation.  From here then we'll go to 1 John chapter 5 and verse 16,

1John 5:16
If any man see his brother sin a sin which is not unto death, he shall ask, and he shall give him life for them that sin not unto death. There is a sin unto death: I do not say that he shall pray for it.” Each scripture so nicely inter locks with the others. Galatians chapter 5 verse 23 in or with all meekness is here at work in the Spirit of Love. Now moving on the verse 2.


Galatians 6:2-3
Bear ye one another's burdens (feel for each other; and consider the case of a distressed brother as our own),  and so fulfil the law (what is called the royal Law of Love, God's Agape Love) of Christ. For if a man think himself to be something, when he is nothing, he deceiveth himself.”
What we have here is a warning not to deceive ourselves for if we have other than honorable or virtuous qualities then. Those who suppose themselves to excel in all others in piety, in understanding, etc., while they are harsh, censorious, and overbearing, prove that they have not the charity that thinks no evil; and in the sight of God are only as sounding brass and a tinkling cymbal. There are no people more censorious or uncharitable than those among some religious people who pretend to more light and a deeper communion with God. They are generally carried away with a sort of sublime, high sounding phraseology, which seems to argue a wonderfully deep acquaintance with Divine things; stripped of this, many of them are like Samson without his hair. Now verse 4.


Galatians 6:4-5
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 examine himself and his conduct by the words and example of Christ and Paul; and if he find that they bear this touchstone, then he shall have rejoicing in himself alone, feeling that he resembles his Lord and Master, and not in another - not derive his consolation from comparing himself with another who may be weaker, or less or more instructed than himself. The only rule for a Christian is the Word of Christ as revealed through the Holy Spirit and Paul; the only pattern for his imitation is the example of Christ. He should not compare himself with others; they are not his standard. Christ and Paul have left us an example that we should follow in their fashion or their steps. For we all answer for ourselves and not for our neighbor.


Galatians 6:6
Let him that is taught in the word (receives spiritual instruction) communicate unto  him that teacheth (should be in the ready to aid and held the teacher by way of prayer, encouragement and financial support) in all good things.”


Galatians 6:7
Be not deceived ( Neither deceive yourselves, nor permit yourselves to be deceived by others. Paul again seems to refer to the Judaizers teachings.); God is not mocked (We cannot deceive Him, and He will not permit us to mock Him with pretensions): for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.”  
Darnel (thorns and thistles) will not produce wheat, nor wheat, darnel (thistles). Then Paul repeats the thought again for our attention.

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