Bible Studies

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The Letters
Galatians 6:1-6 – Working for the Kingdom

Key Verses: (NCV)

• 1: "Brothers and sisters, if someone in your group does something wrong, you who are spiritual should go to that person and gently help make him right again. But be careful, because you might be tempted to sin, too." – Paul is providing us with a gentle and loving suggestion that is filled with pitfalls. We are to help others with their sins only with the help and guidance of the Holy Spirit. Otherwise, the sins of self-righteousness and pride are only a heartbeat away.
  
  
• 2: "By helping each other with your troubles, you truly obey the law of Christ." – "Love your neighbor as yourself."
  
  
• 3: "If anyone thinks he is important when he really is not, he is only fooling himself." – "Deny yourself and follow me."
  
  
• 4: "Each person should judge his own actions and not compare himself with others. Then he can be proud for what he himself has done." – Pride in our own actions can be a source of joy but not if it in someway is used to make us forget our humility among others.
  
  
• 5: "Each person must be responsible for himself." – The buck stops here.
  
  
• 6: "Anyone who is learning the teaching of God should share all the good things he has with his teacher." – We are to show honor and appreciation for our spiritual teachers; sharing with them the fruits of our labor.
  

Points to Contemplate:

• Do you know someone who needs help? Is there something you can do? Can you provide encouragement or suggestions to help them grow closer to God? Are you spiritually strong enough to do so? Are you aware of the self-righteous mine-field that lies ahead when you set upon this course? Have you analyzed your objectives and desires in this action? Have you prayed? Have you looked upon the situation with love? Paul suggests that helping other Christians in their struggles is our responsibility but he also clearly warns us of the dangers involved in this ministry.
  
  
• Are you important? Are you proud of the things you have accomplished for God? Do you seek recognition and approval? Do you compare your actions with the actions of others? Are you measuring your success, even your greatness, against other Christians or churches? If you are, Paul is calling you a fool. Do you see the importance of focusing only on Christ as the measuring stick of your own holiness? That your accomplishments mean nothing if you are not deeply embraced by His Spirit? Paul says that when this happens, when you are able to look inward and see progress along the pathway of becoming Christ-like, then you can be proud. And from this pride, joy will spring eternal.
  
  
• Who are your teachers? Are you thankful for them? Or do you take them for granted? Do you recognize the important role teachers of God's Word have had in your life? Do you see that without the ability to understand God's teachings, without the ability to grow in His Word, you would be lost? Whenever a new insight or understanding of God comes to you through the teachers in your life, do you show your appreciation? Do you share the good things, the blessings, of your life with them? Do you love, lift, and support them for the holy work they are doing?
  

Promises of the Gospel:

Paul's letter to the Galatians began with a critical assessment of Peter's ministry. He accused Peter of hypocrisy because of his sudden emphasis on following the Law and traditions of the Jewish faith as prerequisites to salvation. In his summation, Paul is teaching, however, that there is more to Christianity than faith. What we do in life and how we do it is important. He goes on to say that we reap whatever we sow in life. Goodness begets goodness. We have a responsibility to love, help, guide, lift, and support our brothers and sisters in faith. "When we have the opportunity to help anyone, we should do it. But we should give special attention to those who are in the family of believers." (Gal. 6:10)

FUMC Devotionals

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