The Satisfying Work of Mutual Support

Galatians 6:1-10
Tim Nay

Part of Galatians

November 23, 2025

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. Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.” —Galatians 6:1-2 

19 “Now the works of the flesh are evident: sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, divisions, envy, drunkenness, orgies, and things like these. I warn you, as I warned you before, that those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.” —Galatians 5:19-21 

CONDEMNATION: 
Often an emotional, impulsive reaction stemming from anger, self-righteousness, or a need for self-protection. It can provide a temporary feeling of superiority or a boost in self-worth by pointing out others’ flaws.

RESTORATION: 
Requires vulnerability, empathy, and the humble acknowledgment of one’s own weaknesses and brokenness.

We emphasize RESTORATION, not ACCUSATION. 

The GOAL of CONDEMNATION is often punishment or shaming, leading to despair and a downward spiral. 

The GOAL of RESTORATION is reconciliation, growth, and freedom, which involves a multi-step process of learning, molding, and getting back on the right path.

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.” —Galatians 6:3-5 

11 “The Pharisee, standing by himself, prayed thus: ‘God, I thank you that I am not like other men, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even like this tax collector.” —Luke 18:11 

Our approach is from a humble and gentle spirit. 

“Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall.” —Proverbs 16:12 

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.” —Galatians 6:3-5 

Burden = baros = “heaviness (of life)” 

Burden = baros = “heaviness (of life)”

Load = phortion = “lading of a ship”

We bear the burden, but do not assume responsibility for the load. 

6 “Let the one who is taught the word 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. —Galatians 6:6-8 

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.” —Galatians 6:9-10 

We encourage steadfast sowing for eventual blessings.

TAKEAWAY: Who can you mutually support in their desire to live by the Spirit? 

Woman Caught in Adultery 
(John 8:1-11)

TAKEAWAY: Who can you mutually support in their desire to live by the Spirit?