Bearing
Burdens
Galatians 6:1-6
These notes are from a transcript of the postings during Bible Study on Thursday Nights at 9 PM Eastern Time US at Bible Study Chat at churchusa.com. You are welcome to join us!
We ask that you will open up our hearts and minds to your Word. Make it real to us we pray. And Father we ask you to change us to be more like you. Let us not fall into the trap of blaming others for our troubles, but let us look fully into the mirror of Your Word, see our faults reflected and allow you to change us, so that our reflection looks like You.
Oh, Lord, we long to be like you! Not like any person on TV or in a magazine, not like any earthly leader or movie star, not like any intellectual or other man, but to be like You Lord, in love and holiness serving God. Lord, we lift those in pain and strife and place them in Your Almighty hands
Holy Spirit we invite you to be our teacher. Help us to center our attention on the Word and on the Word only, leaving all our conflicts and concerns outside this room. Sanctify this study with your cleansing power. In Jesus Name AMEN.
For several weeks, we've talked about Galatians 6:1
Brothers, if someone is caught in a sin, you who are spiritual should restore him gently. But watch yourself, or you also may be tempted.
The first week we spoke of the scriptural way to handle offenses. The second week we talked about how to handle temptation.
What a powerful verse! Isn't God's Word wonderful? And it can change your life if you want it to, and if you do what it says. A couple of more comments on this verse and we can go on to verse two.
Another thought on this: Do not exalt yourself as being above the same fall. There's always a danger of being spiritually prideful when someone else falls, and think, "I'd never do that". Be careful, this is when you are vulnerable to a fall yourself!
Hope - How can you lead that person out of that sin if that person doesn't want to be showed the right way? Is there a way to do that?
Well, Hope, the restoration in this verse I believe refers to one who has sinned, refused to change and been dis-fellowshipped, or excluded from the church, and HAS repented and returned.
Another danger is this: Do not let yourself become agitated in the emotional realm and fall to frustration and anger over it as well.
Sister in Christ - Oldtimer, don't we often see the very fault in others that we ourselves have? Like trying to get a speck out of their eye when we have a log in our own?
We do need to look into the Word and see our faults and take care of them first.
When someone is sinning, they need prayer and sometimes have to hit "rock bottom" before they repent. Sometimes we have remove ourselves from the situation, when our brother or sister has fallen away and won't listen to reason.
But even when they have repented, sometimes the "restoration" is a frustrating process as they are struggling to grow. It takes a lot of patience. And we do have to guard our own spirits in the process.
OlePappy - You need to be in prayer for those that have fallen away...the ones that will not listen to you are the ones that need the most prayer
Think of the Prodigal Son he had to go as low as he could go, before he came to His senses. But look how quickly and how lovingly the Father restored him to fellowship! Of course, the prodigal KNEW he didn't deserve it.
Tal - How do you keep yourself from being agitated in the emotional realm?
Tal, if you find yourself becoming agitated, back off and pray. Either you're not the one to deal with it because the other person won't hear you, or perhaps you need to deal with something inside that this situation has brought up.
Rev.Mike - Surprisingly it is not a sin to get angry ...It's how we express that causes sin!
Ok, let's go on to verse 2...
Galatians 6:2: Carry each other's burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.
The Greek word for burdens here (baros) means a weight, anything pressing on one physically, or that makes a demand on one's resources, whether material, spiritual or religious, always heavy or burdensome, the excess burdens which we need to share with each other, burden, grief, misery and pressure.
OlePappy - If you bear each others burdens they become less of a burden.
Right OP! "A burden shared is a load halved." Now the burdens in 6:2 are the heavy burdens that are more than one can bear, like living with an alcoholic spouse or parent. This is a heavy heavy burden, and they need our prayers and help.
Father God, help your children know how to handle this situation, give them an extra measure of strength, hope and love, and let them know that they can call on us for prayer any time.
Another example would be the burden of grief or a person dealing with an addiction or a life-threatening disease like cancer or a disabled child. We need to help those carry these heavy burdens, pray for them and help them deal with it. A little later we'll talk about what our own burden is (v.5), but just remember that Jesus is OUR burden bearer. He said cast your cares on Him for He careth for you.
I used to be a social worker, but got "burned out" because I was trying to carry everybody's burdens and solve everybody's problems! You need God's wisdom to know what you should help shoulder and what UNNECESSARY burdens you are trying to bear. But more on that in a bit.
Galatians 6:2: Carry each other's burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.
The Word says we are to carry one another's burdens to fulfill the Law of Christ. What is this Law of Christ?
John 13:34 "A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another."
John 15:12 "My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you."
This is a real challenge, isn't it? To love each other as Christ loved us, sacrificially, unconditionally. Lord, help us do this. In the flesh, we are selfish, self-centered, not really concerned about others. Jesus give us your heart of compassion we pray. But this loving is what gives us the strength to carry each other's burdens, and to know when to be patient, and when to be firm.
Romans 15:1-3 We who are strong ought to bear with the failings of the weak and not to please ourselves. Each of us should please his neighbor for his good, to build him up. For even Christ did not please himself but, as it is written: "The insults of those who insult you have fallen on me."
Now, this doesn't mean that we have to do what everyone else wants us to do, and say what everyone else wants us to say! Jesus was very strong about following God's moral law and God's principles. We love God first and follow Him always! There were a lot of people in Jesus day who thought He was unloving because He didn't "dance to their tune".
OlePappy - He created His own tune...God's tune, what beautiful music!
He did God's will first, but never failed to show compassion and love to those who needed it. Some things we ask for would destroy us, although they seem to be right at the time! But in love He withholds those things from us for our good.
BSoC - It takes more faith to live with God's no than with His yes.
forgiven - Amen BSoC - living with the "Not Yet" is even more challenging
Also, a lot of times God has provided wonderful resources for us and we refuse to take advantage of them, preferring to throw ourselves pity parties instead of looking to Him for healing. I've thrown myself quite a few pity parties, but somehow they are never as much fun as you think they'd be! Better to take that "woe is me" to God and let Him change it to a blessing! Amen!
Galatians 6: 3 If anyone thinks he is something when he is nothing, he deceives himself.
Ouch! This is one of those verses that really "steps on your toes". Remember Paul was dealing with Judaizers that were trying to lead the Galatians back into following the law. They thought they had "spiritual knowledge" and knew better than Paul what salvation was all about. Let us always always always remember that IN CHRIST we are something, without Him....
Galatians 6:4-5 Each one should test his own actions. Then he can take pride in himself, without comparing himself to somebody else, for each one should carry his own load.
Here we come to the antidote for denial/blame that not only troubles alcoholics, but even Christians as well. It's SOOOOO easy to blame others for our problems, isn't it? Some have said, we have become a nation of victims! You can always find someone else to blame! And that makes you feel better, but does it CHANGE anything?????
But the Bible says to test your OWN actions! Look in to the Word and see if you are measuring up! Test your own actions - emphasis on personal responsibility:
I Corinthians 11:28 A man ought to examine himself before he eats of the bread and drinks of the cup.
I've run into a lot of believers who don't want to take personal responsibility for their actions. They want some kind of quick fix, you know. They play "footsie" with the devil, get filled with all kinds of trash, like fear, despair, suicide, and then want to dump it on someone else instead of dealing with the root cause! Then they leave you with a lot of burdens they should be dealing with and you have to fight to keep from getting defeated in the emotional realm yourself.
Amasa - The Message puts it "don't be impressed with yourself. Don't compare yourself with others. Each must take responsibility for doing the creative best you can with your own life"
Rev.Mike - they want the shout without breaking the chains that bind them!
I AM impressed with what Jesus can do with a life SUBMITTED to Him, but in myself I tend to mess up a lot!
BSoC - It would be nice if we could just have God clean it all up for us, but He is more interested in long term character than good appearances.
Rev.Mike - one must bend down to hammer the chain away in agony and prayer not stand and declare your glories!
I Corinthians 11:28 A man ought to examine himself before he eats of the bread and drinks of the cup.
I mention this verse again, because Paul tells us that some who disobeyed this command became sick and some died. This is serious business, examining yourself before God. Now I'm not here to put any one under condemnation. Just want to exhort you to examine yourself before Jesus, and if you fall short, ask Him to forgive you and fix it!
BSoC - Too many Christians look at God as a genie instead of a father.
BSOC, that is right! A TV bred desire for instant gratification! And as Christians, our primary goal should be to allow the Spirit to develop Christ's character in us, not just to "feel good" spiritually. Sometimes the examination is not pleasant at all!
Rev.Mike - a man can die in these chains living a sham and not know true JOY! ....Pray PRAY ...PRAY!!!
I'm not perfect by any means yet, but there was one particularly painful time I remember, when it seemed that the Lord was lashing me constantly! I cried out, why, Lord, why me? Know what He told me?
"My servants need to be clean! One who desires to preach or teach needs to be clean!"
And the flesh is a nasty thing to deal with. Lord give us patience under discipline so we can be fit servants for you!
II Corinthians 13:5 Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith; test yourselves. Do you not realize that Christ Jesus is in you--unless, of course, you fail the test?
What would be some evidences that we ARE in the faith, do you think?
BSoC - Having the fruit of the Spirit manifest in our lives
Galatians 6:4-5 Each one should test his own actions. Then he can take pride in himself, without comparing himself to somebody else, for each one should carry his own load.
Another thought in this verse, IF we do examine ourselves and pass the test, we can take pride in the fact that we are following Jesus! WITHOUT comparing ourselves to somebody else! If we could be free from the sin of comparison! The only one the Bible tells us to test ourselves by is JESUS.
Can Christians still sin? My religion Prof. told me this (he had Latin for it, which I can't remember), Before salvation, we are NOT able NOT to sin. After salvation, we ARE able NOT to sin (although sometimes we still do). After resurrection, we are NOT able TO sin anymore! Hallelujah, may that day come quickly, Lord Jesus AMEN
Amasa - however, we are not made perfect and sinless until Jesus comes for us....we can still stumble and fall in the flesh... that's why they call it grace and mercy...if we had to be perfect, no one could ever get to heaven... but his blood covers our sins, and becoming more like him by the day is a process of time...not instant sinlessness...
If Christians can still sin, what does this verse mean?
I John 3:6 No one who abides in Him sins; no one who sins has seen Him or knows Him.
It's clearer in the Amplified Version:
I John 3:6 No one who abides in Him - who lives and remains in communion with in obedience to Him, [deliberately and knowingly] habitually commits (practices) sin. No one who habitually sins has either seen or known Him - recognized, perceived or understood Him, or has had an experimental acquaintance with Him.
See the difference? "Habitually and knowingly practices sin", is a lot different from occasionally missing the mark, giving into anger or pride or whatever. The difference is that Christians PRACTISE righteousness! Sinners PRACTISE sin!
Amasa - ultimately, isn't it repentance that makes the difference, because we do sometimes give in to our flesh, and isn't that the struggle we face over a lifetime even in Christ? We examine ourselves and our sins...accidental or otherwise...and ask God for forgiveness and to help us become more like him?
Practice makes perfect, Hallelujah. From glory to glory He's changing me, changing me, changing me. His image and likeness to perfect in me, the love of God shown to the world! For He's changing, changing me, from the earthly to the heavenly ... Sorry OT bursts into song!
Sanctification is a lifelong process! And God is so patient with us. Thank you Jesus!
BSoC - What about those times when I am in rebellion and practice premeditated sin?
BSOC, those are very dangerous times, and we all have faced that at times. QUICKLY repent and get back into fellowship! Don't let the devil take advantage of a bad situation.
Amasa - however, there are consequences we still have to walk out when we do something we know we should not do, right?
Amasa, sadly that's true. If we are in rebellion, we take ourselves out from under the covering of Christ's blood, and sometimes consequences do follow. Again, I have walked in rebellion, and now regret every minute of it. My consolation is the love of Christ and the hard-won knowledge this experience brings. The NEXT time the devil tempts me to rebel, my conscience reminds me of this pain and helps me keep in the right path.
Amasa - it doesn't mean you have lost your salvation right, just that you are going to go through some rough times until you get back into being right with Jesus...?
Remember Amasa, your salvation is based on GRACE not on your works. We're not necessarily talking about salvation here, but about consecration and walking in the Spirit.
BSoC - Jesus said that no one can snatch us out of His hand, but our relationship with Him suffers when we sin.
Sometimes when we are in rebellion, God sends people across our path to bring us back to Him, and do they ever make us angry! When someone really makes you angry, especially if you're in rebellion, the first thing you need to do is stop and ask, why am I reacting like this?
Consecrate means essentially the same thing as sanctify - to make holy, to set aside for God's use. As we walk with Jesus and yield to the Holy Spirit, we become more like Him. It's both positive and negative - putting ON Christ and putting OFF the deeds of the flesh. Like I said, it's a life long process - making us ready to dwell eternally with Him. If we are not changed to be like Him, we will be miserable in heaven.
If you do fail the Lord, or should I say WHEN you fail the Lord, don't beat yourself up about it. Just ask God to forgive you for losing your temper, or indulging in a harmful habit, or whatever, and go on. And yes, I assure you NEXT time you'll remember not to do it!
BSoC - Jesus puts a much higher priority on improving our character than on improving our circumstances.
If you're in that circumstance of failing God, here is a prayer for you:
Father God, bless our brother or sister right now. We ask you to cut out the root of bitterness that is defiling them, and replace it with your love and forgiveness. We thank you that you brought this to their attention and that they is willing to yield it to You. Grant them the wisdom not to yield to this sin when it comes up again, and to draw closer to You through this! AMEN
Depression, we come against you in the Name of Jesus. Quit tormenting God's child! We bind you and rebuke you and cast you out in Jesus Name! Father God we ask for you to restore to your child the joy of their salvation and renew a right spirit within them. Thank you Jesus for the lesson you have given them and help them to praise You and trust You for everything Lord. Father God give your child the knowledge to know what to do and the strength to do it in Jesus Name.
Don't let the enemy bring down condemnation upon your heart and make you think the Lord is against you. Jesus loves you still, even if you gave in to sin. You're still His child and He is working in your life.
Are we EVER appreciative of these lessons? It's hard to remember DURING a trial that God is allowing it for our good!
Galatians 6:4-5 Each one should test his own actions. Then he can take pride in himself, without comparing himself to somebody else, for each one should carry his own load.
What do you think it means, "each one should carry his own load"? In Galatians 6:2 we were told to bear one another's burdens. Remember here burdens (baros) means a weight, anything pressing on one physically, or that makes a demand on one's resources, whether material, spiritual or religious, always heavy or burdensome, the excess burdens which we need to share with each other, burden, grief, misery and pressure.
Now in verse 5, the Greek word for load or burden is a different one. In Galatians 6:5 load or burden (phortion) means something carried, of that which, though "light", is involved in the discipleship of Christ (Matt. 11:30), the normal amount which each must carry for himself, his responsibility- the law of Christ - a life of love and service.
So our load or burden that we carry is living for Jesus, doing what He says to do, and constantly examining ourselves according to His Word. Filling our minds with His thoughts, not dung from Hollywood! AMEN
Matthew 11: 28-30 "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light."
See we exchange our heavy burdens for Jesus yoke, which is light and brings rest and peace. What a deal! Do you know what a yoke is?
BSoC - The wooden collar piece for carrying with the shoulders.
Right, they were usually made of wood in Biblical days and were commonly used to join two oxen in harness so they can work together more efficiently.
BSoC - Also for people when carrying 2 buckets or bundles.
Sometimes Paul called his fellow workers "yokefellows" in Christ. We can be yoked with Christ and work with Him, think how efficient that would be!
Amasa - if the flesh would just stay out of the way so the yoke would stay on properly....
So we are to help our brothers and sisters in Christ with their heavy burdens, and to take responsibility for carrying our own load, and cast all our burdens on Him for He cares for us. In return, we get rest and peace. Sounds like a lot better deal that anything that comes out of Hollywood to me.
Reborn - I am very convicted about movies and television in general. I don not feel right watching anything a child could not watch. That does not leave much. Even though I am tempted to, I have drawn what I feel is Gods standard and will not watch anything beyond PG not even PG-13. What are you opinions on this?
BSoC - We have become jaded and are entertained by the sin that Jesus died for.
Reborn, I feel myself being drawn away from a lot of that stuff too. I wouldn't want to make it a command or anything but what we allow to enter our minds DOES affect our thoughts and behavior. And you need to look at the motives BEHIND these shows - what morals are it promoting?
TV especially is designed to make us feel ugly, stupid, smelly, fat, etc. so it can sell us products! And teach us to be IMpatient and seek INSTANT gratification instead of developing character as God desires.
Reborn - My family gets a lot of flack over this from Christians as well as unbelievers, But if Jesus were sitting next to me as I am viewing someone using the Lords name in vein or all the other trash I just cringe. My mother in-law tried to convey to me that the movies are rated for us so we do not have to judge for ourselves. I told her the last people I would allow to make a standard for my family was the adulterers of Hollywood.
The Greek word for church (ecclesia) means "called-out ones". Christian means "little Christ" or "Christ-like".
BSoC - Christ means anointed one.
OlePappy - I think we should follow the WWJD movement...What Would Jesus Do!
In either case, we need to be in the world but not OF the world!
Galatians 6:6 Anyone who receives instruction in the word must share all good things with his instructor.
What a good verse to end with! If you receive instruction, share GOOD things with your instructor! Share all good things with your teacher:
BSoC - Is this a good time to pass the offering plate OT?
I Timothy 5:17-18 The elders who direct the affairs of the church well are worthy of double honor, especially those whose work is preaching and teaching. For the Scripture says, "Do not muzzle the ox while it is treading out the grain," and "The worker deserves his wages."
Servant - @--/-- here's a rose for the instructor hehehe
Well, right now the Lord is amply provided us with everything we need financially, but... There are two things you can do for us... One is pray for us - the devil hates the fact that the Word is being proclaimed and people are growing - keep us in prayer, OK?
And secondly, if you have been blessed with this ministry, remember that James is carrying a heavy heavy financial burden to keep it on line. If you have resources to share, please send him a contribution!
Father God, we thank you for this study and pray that the seeds you have planted will take fruit and grow! Help us to examine ourselves in the light of your Word. AMEN Father, we thank you for the blessing of Your Holy Word, the love you give us and the fellowship we have had tonight. Send your blessings to one and all as we depart, in the sweet sweet name of Jesus. AMEN
Remember, whenever God gives us a
revelation, the devil tries to steal it from us. Guard
your hearts and meditate on what you've learned!
And
put it into practice!
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