11 Dec Galatians 13: Gospel community

Galatians 5:16-6:10

²⁶ Let us not become conceited, provoking one another, envying one another.

¹ Brothers, if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness. Keep watch on yourself, lest you too be tempted.

² Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.

³ For if anyone thinks he is something, when he is nothing, he deceives himself.

⁴ But let each one test his own work, and then his reason to boast will be in himself alone and not in his neighbor.

⁵ For each will have to bear his own load.

⁶ One who is taught the word must share all good things with the one who teaches.

⁷ Do not be deceived: God is not mocked, for whatever one sows, that will he also reap.

⁸ For the one who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption, but the one who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life.

⁹ And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.

¹⁰ So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith.

 

A few years ago, during the Covid era, we experienced a big transformation in our way of life, particularly within our own household. During those uncertain times, the fear of the virus loomed large, and I didn’t have the privilege of working from home; I had to commute to work every day. This was especially concerning as we had our newborn daughter, Eleana, to look after. To ensure her safety, we established a strict rule: the outside world was considered a potentially contaminated and dangerous zone, while our home was designated as a clean and secure sanctuary.

Upon returning from work, my routine involved an immediate shower and a thorough sanitization of everything I had touched. I wonder if anyone else found themselves doing something similar during that period? The result of this approach was that, once I had gone through my decontamination ritual, I hesitated to venture outside again. I preferred to stay indoors, fearing the possibility of becoming dirty and contaminated again. The logic seemed clear and does make sense: by staying clean and staying away from potential sources of contamination, we could protect ourselves.

This experience got me thinking: can we apply a similar concept to our Christian lives? We’ve dedicated ourselves to Christ, becoming new creations, but we still have many years ahead of us before we reach heaven. So, could we simply isolate ourselves, avoiding any external influences or activities in the name of salvation?

When we think about our journey as Christians, we can see that living out our faith is something we do together with other believers. It’s like a team effort. It’s community project. What may surprise some people is that keeping in step with the Spirit is not something we do all alone and in secret and isolated.

Our Christian life is going to be lived in community. It is not an isolated life. But Paul gave us the warning that this is going to be tough and challenging. This is the situation that happened to the congregation in Galatia. Look at verse 26 ²⁶ Let us not become conceited, provoking one another, envying one another. But this is what Paul wants to encourage us with: the gospel should free us to love one another. Though these things are unavoidable, we understand that it was truly only by His grace that we could come together, and none of us deserved to be here. Therefore, we will love one another.

If you’ve been with us for the past few months, I want to sum up what Paul has been telling us so far in two simple points:

First, Paul’s main message is that when we trust in Jesus alone, we are fully accepted by God. You don’t need to add anything to Jesus because doing so would take away from Him. Second, when you truly understand and embrace the gospel, it sets you free. At the end of chapter 5, Paul shared some important advice on how to use the freedom that comes from Jesus and the Holy Spirit. He explained that this freedom isn’t just for doing whatever we want, but it’s for living a life of holiness and showing love and service to God and others.

But now, we need to dig deeper and find out what it really looks like in practice. What does it mean to live with the understanding that it’s all about Jesus, and how do we use our freedom to love and serve others? That’s what Paul is going to show us today. And what I love about Paul in this letter, Paul isn’t just talking in theory or doctrines; he wants to be practical.

We are going to talk the fruit after becoming Christian. That’s what we are going to learn today from this pericope; it is not the requirement for becoming believer but the fruit. I will divide my sermon into 3 parts.

 

1.    Restore Each Other (6:1)

 

What should I do when I see my Christian friend sin?  Some people might be really strict and judgmental, telling them to do better. They told them to pull themselves together, to try harder to be obedient. Other extreme sides of the group say it’s not a big deal because we’re free in Christ and God is gracious.

Listen to what Paul said. I love it. Paul did not say that those of you who are spiritually mature, you should judge, disrespect, shame him. No, Paul did not say that. I love how Paul used this word. ¹ Brothers, if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness. That’s what we need to do with our brothers and sisters, church; to restore them in the spirit of gentleness. We do not judge or disrespect them, but we walk with them. We should help them, not only to make them say they’re sorry for what they did, but to bring them back, make them fully committed to being true Christians again. For some introverted people or those who do not care about others, they might say, ‘Their problem is not my problem. I take care of my own business, and you take care of your own business. Listen what Paul said in verse 1 – ¹ Brothers, if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness. Keep watch on yourself, lest you too be tempted. Do you notice here that Paul did not say: Elders or Pastors, you should restore others. Paul is not talking to elders or pastors. He is talking to the member of the church. He is talking to whole church. This is basically what Paul said: Instead of being ignorant, you need to look after other people. Instead of being envious or irritating, you need to look after each other. We all need to look after each other and it includes rebuking one another.

Let’s consider this in the context of our church. Some of us try to avoid this restoration process because it’s challenging. Some of us, especially those who are people pleasers, will struggle to communicate the truth to people especially when it will not feel loving to them. So instead, we tell people what they want to hear. But I do not believe that is acting in love. If we ignore this command, it’s like saying I don’t care about where they end up in eternity.

There is also another group of people who like to rebuke and do it often but are prone to miss out on loving them. In this case, the rebuke may end up being blunt and out of frustration. It will not end in a happy ending. Paul says in Ephesians 4:15 that we need to speak truth in love. When we speak truth in love, it will build trust and relationship with that person. Before we rebuke others, ask these questions; Is my motive that of restoration rather than condemnation? Am I acting in love? Does my rebuke according to the scripture? And pray before you do it; pray for their restoration.

Another thing that we can learn here is when we find ourselves on the receiving end of reminders or rebukes from our fellow brothers and sisters in Christ, how should you respond? Some of us may become defensive, responding with resistance and an unwillingness to listen. I know they sometimes sting at that moment. But when that happens, try to listen first , control your emotion and remember that my goal is not my personal comfort and feel good, but rather to learn how to please God and recalibrate your heart. People who tell you the truth, care about you, they’re not against you. But those who tell you lies for the sake of your comfort, are not good—they do not love you. If you choose a lie that makes you feel good instead of facing a hard truth, your heart will be hardened by the deception of sin.

It’s crucial to bear in mind that rebukes play a significant role in spiritual growth. So, if those reminders are valid reminders and good for your spiritual growth, come to God and repent. Remember that people who rebuke you, they love you. That’s the reason they rebuke you. That’s the community we want here: We have someone who would love us enough to tell us if we cross the line.

 

 

2.    Carry each other’s burdens (v.2‐5)

 

² Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.

³ For if anyone thinks he is something, when he is nothing, he deceives himself.

⁴ But let each one test his own work, and then his reason to boast will be in himself alone and not in his neighbor.

⁵ For each will have to bear his own load.

 Here, Paul emphasizes that living in accordance with the Gospel means carrying each other’s burdens and watching out for one another. This means that, firstly, we need to be aware with our surrounding. It’s all too easy to focus on ourselves, tick off our to-do lists, and move on to the next task, only concerned with our inner circle, such as our family and best friends, while remaining ignorance to anyone else around us.

Or we might be aware about our surrounding. Often, we may think, ‘I know he/she needs help, but I wish I had more time or energy.’ Think about this: there may be someone right now, perhaps in this very church or at home, whose heart is silently crying out, ‘I wish someone knew my burdens and struggles. I wish someone would come and ask, ‘How are you?’ I wish someone would just sit with me and listen.

And Paul said that by carrying other’s burden, we are fulfilling the law of Christ. What does it means? There is a simple law of Christ which he teaches His disciple again and again; in John 13:34-35 ³⁴ A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. ³⁵ By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another. We fulfil the law of Christ which is love by carrying other’s burden.

Carrying other’s burden is hard and we have tendency to avoid this. Why don’t we like this? Paul showed us in verse 3 –  ³ For if anyone thinks he is something, when he is nothing, he deceives himself. Our prideful heart is the main problem that stops us from carrying other’s burden. Our prideful heart would say “I am better than you. Therefore, I deserved a better life, and all attention should be on me”. Pride is our problem.

Then you read verse 4 and 5 and you think: Is this verse encouraging pride?

⁴ But let each one test his own work, and then his reason to boast will be in himself alone and not in his neighbor.

⁵ For each will have to bear his own load.

Is this verse encouraging pride? No, it isn’t. It doesn’t contradict verse 3. What Paul is saying is not to judge yourself by comparing to your neighbour. Instead, look at your life through God’s eyes, and that will help you be less proud. Don’t feel superior just because someone else may have more problems or sins. Paul advises against boosting your ego by comparing. Instead, measure your life using Christ’s teachings, and that will help you be humble. We should spend time honestly thinking about ourselves, not just looking at others. This way, we can genuinely rejoice (in another translation) what God is doing in us, with humility.

It’s a reminder for us that when our brothers or sisters are hurting, it’s not just their pain; it becomes ours too. We’re a family, and that’s what families do – we hurt together, and we help each other through the struggles. So, let me ask you this: Are you actively helping others carry their burdens, or are you letting them face challenges alone? Bearing someone’s burden involves more than just offering a sympathetic nod. It means praying for them, going out of your way to help, and being there with them. Weep with them. Rejoice with them. Now, here’s the thing – there are many people right here in our church who need their burdens lightened. And you know what? It’s not hard to find someone to help. Don’t just be a passive Christian; be an active participant in each other’s lives. Look around, find those who may need a helping hand, and step up.

There is another side that I need to mention briefly. Sometimes, you’re the one who needs help. You have a lot of burdens that need to be shared, but you don’t let that burden be shared with others. It’s not always easy, though. We often hesitate to ask for help because we don’t want to bother anyone. The mindset that says, ‘I can handle it all by myself’ is harmful. And it comes from a prideful heart. Don’t let pride or a desire for privacy keep you from accepting support. Let others in.

 

 

3.    Give Sacrificially (v.6-10)

 

 ⁶ One who is taught the word must share all good things with the one who teaches.

⁷ Do not be deceived: God is not mocked, for whatever one sows, that will he also reap.

⁸ For the one who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption, but the one who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life.

⁹ And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.

¹⁰ So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith.

In verse 6, Paul is quite specific about the need to support those who preach the Gospel, our teachers of the Gospel. The main idea of these verses is to encourage us to do good to everyone, especially fellow believers. It’s easy to say ‘AMEN!’ to this. However, it may give us pause when we realize that the ‘good’ thing Paul is talking about is money. I understand that discussing money in the context of the church can be awkward, but this is the Word of God.

Just imagine if we didn’t provide financial support to our pastors in this church. On a Sunday evening after church, Josh Fernando typically organizes a dinner, and he asks Pastor Yosia, ‘Bro, are you coming to Lestari for dinner?’ Pastor Yosia replies, ‘Sorry, I can’t. I have to work at Wollies as a night filler.’ Or Pastor Yosia might begin his sermon by saying, ‘I apologize, guys. I’m a bit underprepared for this sermon because I’ve had to work long hours this week due to a workers’ strike’

I know it might seem like a funny example, but it’s true. How can all pastors focus and invest their time and energy in their ministry if we do not support them financially? Paul tells us that we should support our teachers, the ones who share the gospel, so that they don’t have to worry about raising money. This way, they can use their time and energy for ministry. It’s crucial not to miss Paul’s ultimate concern, which was not about money or material wealth. It’s not to make Ps Yosia rich and can upgrade his car from Hyundai to Honda Jazz. No, Paul’s deepest burden lay in the spreading of the gospel, the message of hope and salvation through Jesus Christ.

Frequently, we misunderstand the purpose of our offerings, thinking they are payments to pastors for their ministry work. We might wrongly assume that our offering is like saying, “Here’s your payment for summarizing and explaining the Bible, Pastor Yosia.” But that’s not the case. Instead, as Paul emphasizes in verse 6, he doesn’t say we must give all good things (or pay money) to those who teach. Paul’s message is clear: “Share the good things.”

It is completely different. When you only give, it’s like saying, “I did my part by paying, now you take care of the ministry.” There is no ownership in church mission. But when you “share,” you’re taking responsibility for the mission. You’re saying, “what I did is to carry other people burden and I am ready to do whatever God wants me to do to make His mission grow in this world”.

Some of us try to ignore these good works. Paul warned us in verse 7-8;  7 Do not be deceived: God is not mocked, for whatever one sows, that will he also reap. Some Christians today are mocking God. They’re not doing it openly – they’re not looking up to the sky, laughing at God, or challenging Him to punish them. Instead, they are subtly mocking Him through their way of life. They disregard God’s command in their life. They live as they wish. As long as no one finds out, then they can do whatever they want. That’s not the fruit of true believers. It is showing the true state of their heart. It means they haven’t truly accepted Christ or allowed themselves to be led by the Spirit. If they were truly in Christ and guided by the Spirit, being generous and showing good deeds should be the fruit of their life.

Some of you may question Paul comment here in verse 7. Does the Bible teach us about sows and reap? Is that the principle of prosperity gospel? The prosperity gospel often uses verses like Galatians 6:7 to encourage people to give with the promise that they’ll receive a multiplication of blessings, especially in material wealth. You may have heard phrases like, “Sow a seed and reap tenfold or twentyfold,” or “If you’re facing financial problems, sow a seed and watch your problems disappear.” They even provide phone numbers for you to call and give the money right now (don’t delay) and promising God’s blessings will flow.

When we approach any verse in the Bible, especially Galatians 6:7, it’s crucial to consider the context. The prosperity gospel often takes a single sentence out of context without considering the entire message of the Bible. Let’s look verse 7 and 8.

⁷ Do not be deceived: God is not mocked, for whatever one sows, that will he also reap.

⁸ For the one who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption, but the one who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life.

The key to understanding the sowing and reaping principle is to view it from an eternal perspective. The issue with the prosperity gospel is that it often misinterprets this concept, making it seem like everything happens right now in this life for our personal benefit. That’s where the problem arises because our faith is about so much more than just immediate gains. The sowing and reaping principle in the Bible isn’t just about getting rich quick or solving your financial problems with a simple seed offering. The prosperity gospel tends to focus on immediate material gains, but the Bible speaks of sowing and reaping in terms of spiritual growth and eternal life.

In regard to sowing and reaping, i don’t think what Paul has in mind in here is about money. Paul is drawing a line between sowing to the flesh and sowing to the Spirit. Sowing to the flesh? That’s like chasing after our selfish desires and thinking we can earn our salvation through our own efforts. Paul straight up says, “That’s a path to corruption.”

Now, sowing to the Spirit is a whole different vibe. It’s about letting the Holy Spirit lead us, yielding to its work. The promise in verse 9? 9 And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up. If we stick to the gospel and live a Spirit-led life, doing good stuff, we’re going to see results. It might not happen overnight; it could be a slow process.

—-

let’s be honest – carrying the burdens of others, being generous, and helping people, it’s not always easy.  It’s tough. Why? Because often, it means giving up our comfort, our preferences, and even our pride. So, how do we do it then? Paul didn’t simply say, ‘Remind yourself over and over to carry other people’s burdens and stop sinning. Try your best’ No, it’s not that simple. He emphasises that to truly be zealous for good works, we must focus on the Cross, on the Christ’s sacrifice, and reflect on how the grace of God entered our world when we were yet sinners.

So often we don’t want to help others because we forgot His grace upon us. So often we don’t want to carry other people’s burden because we forgot that we once also carried the burden. But that burden is different from the burden that Paul encouraged us to bear with one another.  That burden is extremely heavy and no friends can help us carry that burden. It is the burden of sin. We were overwhelmed with that burden and until the only person who could help us with that burden came to us and carried that burden for us.

And what’s more, He didn’t just shoulder a part of it, as we often do with others. No, He bore the entire weight of our transgressions. He carried that burden to the cruel cross, not for His own sins, but to pay our debt in full. This is the incredible act of love and sacrifice that Jesus performed for us.

Martyn Lloyd-Jones once said that if someone paid off your entire debt with such boundless love, you wouldn’t just tap his shoulder and merely offer a casual ‘Thanks.’ No, you’d fall to your knees, overwhelmed with gratitude, and you’d declare, ‘Command me!’. You do whatever you need to do to please Him.

Religious changes or outward appearances changes, they only result in frustration and pride. Even if we force ourselves to act right, yes, we may do all good things but our hearts keep pulling us in another direction; away from God. True transformation must come from within, from the heart. Jerry Bridges said that “Duty or guilty may motivate us for a while, but only a sense of Christ’s love for us will motive us for a lifetime.”

When we grasp the depth of this grace, our service to others becomes a natural outpouring of God’s love. Let us be a community of believers who love one another as Christ loved us, carrying each other’s burdens, restore one another and give sacrificially. Church, we need each other! We need each other daily for our spiritual growth. This community (this body of Christ) is the gift of God. No one can do the Christian life by themselves.

 

 

Discussion questions:

 

1. What struck you the most from the sermon?
2. What are some difficulties you might face in restoring someone who is caught in transgression?
3. As Christians, we know we are called to bear one another’s burden. But why do we often not do it? How can we do it better?
4. Read verses 7 and 8. What do these verses mean in the context of the book of Galatians?
5. Why we can’t separate gospel community from gospel truth? What happens when you choose one over the other?