What does it mean to live by the Spirit? In Galatians 6, Paul describes Spirit-led living to the Galatians, emphasizing that it is neither isolated nor self-focused. Life in the Spirit is outwardly directed toward others, with an inward reflection marked by humility.

Paul opens Chapter 6 by encouraging the Galatians to restore those who have fallen into sin. Although the exact situation in Galatia isn’t clear, Paul hints (perhaps from 5:26) that living by the Spirit involves actively pursuing those who have been “caught” in any transgression. The Greek word prolambanō, translated here as “caught,” means to be overtaken or caught off guard. Christians who aren’t vigilant in their battle with sin can be overtaken by it, as sin continually seeks to disrupt and destroy. Spirit-filled believers, therefore, have a responsibility to pursue and gently confront those who are struggling, doing so in the spirit of love and humility—just as Christ gently pursued us when we were lost in our sin.

In verse 2, Paul commands the Galatians to “bear one another’s burdens,” fulfilling the law of Christ. This act of bearing burdens certainly includes confronting others lovingly in their sin, as most commentators agree, but it goes beyond that. Burdens aren’t limited to temptation and sin; they include financial, relational, emotional, and physical hardships. With Spirit-filled love directed outward, we’re called to joyfully care for others by sharing in their burdens. At the very least, this means praying for them, loving them, and serving them in ways that draw them closer to Jesus. We do it all with a posture of self examination, not comparison.

MP – Living by the Spirit is looking outward in love, while reflecting inward in humility.

Outline – 3 outworkings of Spirit-led living

1. Repair Wanderers v1
2. Bear Burdens v2
3. Take Ownership vv3-5

Additional Study Questions

1. What does it look like to “Restore” those caught in transgressions? Whose responsibility is it to initiate this?
2. Why do you think Christians are often hesitant to restore other believers who are walking in sin? How might they overcome this and be brought to a place of loving, gentle confrontation?
3. Why is Church discipline so vital for the health of the body (Use other Scriptures to support your answer)?
4. What are practical ways your community group can begin to bear the burdens of one another?
5. What is the connection between vv3-5 and vv1-2? What sin(s) is Paul combatting and why?
6. Why is comparison so dangerous?
7. What other Scriptures warn us to examine our lives in light of God’s coming judgment?