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Galatians 6: Need to Help Others
How can you know if you are strong enough to help others out of their temptations?
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Romans 15:1 We should try to strengthen those who are weak in their faith, but not so we can feel better about ourselves.
Galatians 6:1 My friends, when people have yielded to temptation and you feel spiritually strong, reach out in kindness to restore them to right standing with God. But watch out, guarding your own desires and avoid being tempted yourself.
Ephesians 6:11–18 To stand against all the forces of evil, you need to put on the whole armor of God. Our struggle is not with people but with the forces that influence our desires. We are pressured by spiritual wickedness in high places of authority—social prejudices, government leaders who tell people what they want to hear, and the media that filters, distorts, and spins the “truth” to suit their agendas. That’s why you need every piece of God’s armor to stand strong in the battle and protect yourself from the evil. So stand ready, wearing the bullet-proof vest of righteousness, truth buckled around your waist, fitted with marching boots perfect for sharing the good news of peace. Keep your shield of faith raised to block the flaming arrows of the wicked, and put on your knowledge of God and assurance of salvation like a helmet. Wield the truth of God’s word as a sword in the Spirit. Always be praying, your hearts open to the guidance of the Holy Spirit. Stay alert and relentless in your prayers for believers everywhere.
King James
Romans 15:1 We then that are strong ought to bear the infirmities of the weak, and not to please ourselves.
Galatians 6:1 Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted.
Ephesians 6:11–18 Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;
What value do words have in expressing love?
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Galatians 6:2 By supporting one another in their areas of need, you fulfill the command of Christ.
King James
Galatians 6:2 Bear ye one another’s burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ.
Why do you think helping others is so important?
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Matthew 25:35–40 “I was hungry, and you gave me food. I was thirsty, and you gave me drink. I was homeless, and you opened your home to me. I needed clothes, and you gave me something to wear. I was sick, and you cared for me. I was in prison, and you came to visit me.’
“The righteous will say, ‘Sir, when were you hungry and thirsty, and we gave you food and drink? When did we see you homeless or in need of clothes? When were you sick or in prison, and we came to visit you?’
“The King will say, ‘I assure you, whenever you helped one of my needy people, you did it to me.’ “
Galatians 6:2–3 By supporting one another in their areas of need, you fulfill the command of Christ. If we think we’re above the need to help others, we’ve deceived ourselves.
King James
Matthew 25:35–40 For I was an hungred, and ye gave me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in: Naked, and ye clothed me: I was sick, and ye visited me: I was in prison, and ye came unto me. Then shall the righteous answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee an hungred, and fed thee? or thirsty, and gave thee drink? When saw we thee a stranger, and took thee in? or naked, and clothed thee? Or when saw we thee sick, or in prison, and came unto thee? And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.
Galatians 6:2–3 Bear ye one another’s burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ. For if a man think himself to be something, when he is nothing, he deceiveth himself.
Why might knowing we have pleased the Lord eliminate our need to compare ourselves with others?
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Galatians 6:4 Look at what you’re doing for others, and find satisfaction in knowing you have pleased the Lord. Then you won’t have to compare yourself to anybody else.
King James
Galatians 6:4 But let every man prove his own work, and then shall he have rejoicing in himself alone, and not in another.
To what extent might we be responsible for the conduct of others?
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Galatians 6:5 All believers are responsible for their own conduct.
King James
Galatians 6:5 For every man shall bear his own burden.
In hearing and following the direction of the Holy Spirit, what kind of student should we be?
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Luke 14:33 “Likewise, if you are not ready to give up everything you have, you cannot be my disciple.”
Romans 12:7 If it’s teaching or serving, then strive for excellence in those areas.
Galatians 6:6 Be such a good student of the message of Christ that you could teach the teacher.
2 Timothy 2:15 Diligently study so you will be recognized by God and others as one who correctly interprets Scripture, one who need not be ashamed.
King James
Luke 14:33 So likewise, whosoever he be of you that forsaketh not all that he hath, he cannot be my disciple.
Romans 12:7 Or ministry, let us wait on our ministering: or he that teacheth, on teaching;
Galatians 6:6 Let him that is taught in the word communicate unto him that teacheth in all good things.
2 Timothy 2:15 Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.
What kinds of “seeds” should we sow to enjoy the harvest God wants?
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2 Corinthians 9:6 Remember this truism: He who plants a few seeds will have a small harvest. But he who plants many seeds will have a bountiful harvest.
Galatians 6:7–8 Don’t be fooled, because God certainly isn’t. People reap harvests according to what they have planted. Plant seeds to satisfy your self-serving desires, and you’ll harvest corruption. But plant seeds to satisfy the guidance of the Holy Spirit and you’ll gain eternal life.
King James
2 Corinthians 9:6 But this I say, He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully.
Galatians 6:7–8 Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting.
When can we expect to reap a “harvest of blessing”?
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Luke 18:1–8 To illustrate their need to always pray and never give up, Jesus told a story, saying, “There was a judge in town who did not fear God and had no respect for people. A woman in his town kept coming to him and begging, ‘Give me justice against the one who has done me harm.’ At first, he refused to hear her case, but he eventually changed his mind. He said to himself, ‘I do not fear God or care about people, but this woman keeps pestering me. If I do not do something, she will wear me out with her endless pleas. Therefore, I will hear her case and give her the justice she wants.’ Consider how the unrighteous judge responded. Don’t you know that God, who cares for his people, will hear the case and bring justice to those who cry to him day and night? He will not put them off forever. I am telling you, he will bring justice, and soon. But when the Son of Man comes, will he find such persistent faith on the earth?”
Galatians 6:9 Never tire of doing good, for a harvest of blessing is certain if you never give up on God.
Hebrews 10:36 We can be thankful for delays that bring patience, because endurance is essential for receiving God’s promise.
Hebrews 11:13 All these people believed God’s promises but died without seeing their fulfillment. They saw enough from a distance to be convinced of the truth and confess that they are foreigners just passing through.
King James
Luke 18:1–8 And he spake a parable unto them to this end, that men ought always to pray, and not to faint; Saying, There was in a city a judge, which feared not God, neither regarded man: And there was a widow in that city; and she came unto him, saying, Avenge me of mine adversary. And he would not for a while: but afterward he said within himself, Though I fear not God, nor regard man; Yet because this widow troubleth me, I will avenge her, lest by her continual coming she weary me. And the Lord said, Hear what the unjust judge saith. And shall not God avenge his own elect, which cry day and night unto him, though he bear long with them? I tell you that he will avenge them speedily. Nevertheless when the Son of man cometh, shall he find faith on the earth?
Galatians 6:9 And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.
Hebrews 10:36 For ye have need of patience, that, after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise.
Hebrews 11:13 These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off, and were persuaded of them, and embraced them, and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth.
To what extent should we show kindness to others?
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Matthew 5:43–48 “People usually say, ‘Love your neighbor, and hate your enemy,’ but I say you should show kindness to your enemies, doing good to those who persecute you. Your Father in Heaven causes the sun to rise on the evil as well as the good. He sends rain on both the righteous and unrighteous. You should show kindness as he does. What is commendable about loving only those who love you? Even greedy tax collectors and other sinners do that. If you warmly greet only your brothers, you accomplish no more than the pagans. Show mercy to others, just as your Father has shown mercy to you.”
Luke 6:28 “Show kindness to those who curse you. Pray for those who mistreat you.”
Galatians 6:10 Therefore, every time God opens the door, do good to everyone, especially among the family of believers.
King James
Matthew 5:43–48 Ye have heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt love thy neighbour, and hate thine enemy. But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you; That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust. For if ye love them which love you, what reward have ye? do not even the publicans the same? And if ye salute your brethren only, what do ye more than others? do not even the publicans so? Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.
Luke 6:28 Bless them that curse you, and pray for them which despitefully use you.
Galatians 6:10 As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith.
Why do you think Paul called attention to the size of the letters used in his writing?
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Galatians 6:11 You see the large letters I have penned by my own hand.
King James
Galatians 6:11 Ye see how large a letter I have written unto you with mine own hand.
Where should we draw the line between pleasing people and pleasing God?
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Acts 5:29 “We are compelled to obey God, not men,” Peter said, and the rest of the apostles agreed.
Romans 8:8 Obviously, those who want to make their own, independent decisions about what is best for them cannot please God.
Romans 12:18 Arguing with people builds strife, which you want to avoid. Do your best to live peaceably with everyone.
Galatians 6:12 Those who compel you to be circumcised say that only to avoid persecution for their faith in Jesus Christ and what he did for us on the cross.
King James
Acts 5:29 Then Peter and the other apostles answered and said, We ought to obey God rather than men.
Romans 8:8 So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God.
Romans 12:18 If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men.
Galatians 6:12 As many as desire to make a fair shew in the flesh, they constrain you to be circumcised; only lest they should suffer persecution for the cross of Christ.
Why do you think people chose to keep only parts of the Law and not all of it?
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Galatians 6:13 The circumcised don’t keep all the Law, but they want you to be circumcised so they can take credit for you being part of their group.
King James
Galatians 6:13 For neither they themselves who are circumcised keep the law; but desire to have you circumcised, that they may glory in your flesh.
What do you think most people are inclined to boast about?
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Jeremiah 9:24 “If anyone is inclined to boast,” God says, “don’t brag about your intellect and talent. Boast that you know me and understand my ways, of your relationship with God, who brings unfailing love, justice, and righteousness to the earth, for that kind of pride pleases me.”
1 Corinthians 1:28–31 Using the insignificant and the trivial, what the world thinks amounts to nothing, God will show that the world’s evidence of success actually amounts to nothing, allowing people no right to boast of their own greatness. Everything you are—abundant in knowledge and strength, forgiven and made righteous, filled with the desire to please God—you owe it all to your relationship with Jesus. As Jeremiah wrote:”If anyone is inclined to boast,” God says, “don’t brag about your intellect and talent. Boast that you know me, for that kind of pride pleases me.”
2 Corinthians 10:17–18 A person should boast in the Lord, not himself. Those who boast about their own work deserve no recognition, because what matters is the Lord’s commendation.
2 Corinthians 11:30 If I must boast, I will boast about things that show how weak I am.
2 Corinthians 12:9 But God said no. “My grace is sufficient,” he said. “In your weakness, your dependence upon me makes you strong.” Therefore, I will boast of this affliction if it makes the power of Jesus Christ alive in me.
Galatians 6:14 God forbid that I should glory in anything other than our Lord Jesus Christ and what he did for me on the cross. Because of my relationship with him, I have no life attachments to the world, nor does the world have any with me.
Ephesians 2:9 Since eternal life is God’s gift, we cannot boast that we have done something to deserve his favor.
King James
Jeremiah 9:24 But let him that glorieth glory in this, that he understandeth and knoweth me, that I am the Lord which exercise lovingkindness, judgment, and righteousness, in the earth: for in these things I delight, saith the Lord.
1 Corinthians 1:28–31 And base things of the world, and things which are despised, hath God chosen, yea, and things which are not, to bring to nought things that are: That no flesh should glory in his presence. But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption: That, according as it is written, He that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord.
2 Corinthians 10:17–18 But he that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord. For not he that commendeth himself is approved, but whom the Lord commendeth.
2 Corinthians 11:30 If I must needs glory, I will glory of the things which concern mine infirmities.
2 Corinthians 12:9 And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.
Galatians 6:14 But God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world.
Ephesians 2:9 Not of works, lest any man should boast.
What kinds of attachments on Earth are likely to diminish our desire to be in Heaven?
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Galatians 6:14 God forbid that I should glory in anything other than our Lord Jesus Christ and what he did for me on the cross. Because of my relationship with him, I have no life attachments to the world, nor does the world have any with me.
King James
Galatians 6:14 But God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world.
How important is it to hear the message? What else might be important?
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Matthew 7:26 “Anyone who hears my words but never acts on them is like a foolish man who built his house on sand, without a foundation.”
Galatians 6:15 In Christ Jesus, whether or not we’ve been circumcised doesn’t matter at all. What counts is whether his message and the Holy Spirit has made us like him, an entirely different person from who we once were.
Revelation 12:10–11 A loud voice from Heaven shouted, “Salvation and power has come through God’s dominion and Christ’s authority. Satan, who has been accusing the people day and night, is now cast down. The people have overcome Satan by the sacrifice of the Lamb, by giving their testimonies, and by complete surrender to God’s will, even unto death.”
King James
Matthew 7:26 And every one that heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them not, shall be likened unto a foolish man, which built his house upon the sand:
Galatians 6:15 For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision, but a new creature.
Revelation 12:10–11 And I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, Now is come salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of his Christ: for the accuser of our brethren is cast down, which accused them before our God day and night. And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death.
How is it possible to live free from sin?
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Romans 8:1–4 When it’s our nature to hear and obey God, we don’t have to feel condemned. That’s because we’re not living to satisfy our flesh, but we’re seeking to be led by the Spirit. For the law of the Spirit, which brings life in Jesus Christ, is the changing of our desires, where we are fully committed to pleasing him. This frees us from worry about penalties for violating God’s rules and regulations. The Law wasn’t enough to change our fleshly desires, so God sent his Son, embodied in human flesh, capable of sin. Living without sin, Jesus exposed the destructive nature of sin and showed how people can walk in the Spirit and not be driven by fleshly needs. The kind of righteous behavior that the Law requires is fulfilled when our desires entirely follow what pleases the Spirit, so we’re not doing anything from a fleshly initiative.
Galatians 5:16 Let me make this perfectly clear: if you listen to God’s Spirit within, you will seek to please him and to benefit others, not to satisfy your selfish desires.
Galatians 6:16 May God’s peace and mercy rest upon those who live free from sin under the direction of the Holy Spirit, for they truly are God’s children.
King James
Romans 8:1–4 There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death. For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh: That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.
Galatians 5:16 This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh.
Galatians 6:16 And as many as walk according to this rule, peace be on them, and mercy, and upon the Israel of God.
Since people never choose to die for something they don’t believe, we can be sure Paul was convinced of the truth of his message. However, suicide bombers may be sincerely wrong at the expense of their own lives and others. How can we be sure Paul’s words are true?
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John 16:13 “But when the Spirit of Truth comes, he will guide you into all truth. He will not speak on his own authority but will say only what he hears. He will reveal to you things to come.”
Romans 8:16 God’s Spirit confirms in our human spirit that we are his children.
Galatians 6:17 From here on out, you need not question the validity of what I preach. I wear the scars that prove the reality of my relationship with the Lord Jesus.
King James
John 16:13 Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come.
Romans 8:16 The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God:
Galatians 6:17 From henceforth let no man trouble me: for I bear in my body the marks of the Lord Jesus.
If God’s grace is “unmerited favor,” we can do nothing to become deserving. Is there anything we must do before we can receive his gifts?
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Luke 12:47–48 “The servant who knows what his master wants but fails to prepare and do the work will be severely punished, but the one who does wrong out of ignorance will receive a lighter sentence. Much is required of those who are given much responsibility, and more is required of those who are given more.”
Acts 2:38 “Repent,” Peter said, “and be baptized. By the authority of Jesus Christ, your sins will be forgiven and you will receive this gift of the Holy Spirit.
Galatians 6:18 My friends, may your spirit be strengthened as our Lord Jesus Christ gives you unmerited favor. Let it be so.
King James
Luke 12:47–48 And that servant, which knew his lord’s will, and prepared not himself, neither did according to his will, shall be beaten with many stripes. But he that knew not, and did commit things worthy of stripes, shall be beaten with few stripes. For unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required: and to whom men have committed much, of him they will ask the more.
Acts 2:38 Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.
Galatians 6:18 Brethren, the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Amen.