As we continue in Chapter 6, Paul gives the Galatians further tangible evidence of the Spirit’s work in their lives. Recognizing the ministry of the Word as central to the church, Paul exhorts the Galatians to ensure that the needs of those who preach and teach the Word are met. He instructs them, “Let the one who is taught the Word share all good things with the one who teaches” (v. 6).

Paul’s primary focus here is financial support for pastors who minister the Word. But why is this so important? Consider the context of Galatians. Paul wrote this letter because the Word of God had been distorted, and he is deeply concerned with the sound teaching of Scripture. To free ministers to study, pray, and faithfully proclaim the Word, Paul emphasizes that the church must meet their material needs. This principle extends beyond Galatia—it is a biblical mandate repeated throughout the New Testament (see 1 Corinthians 9, Luke 10:7, and 1 Timothy 5:17-18).

To combat greed, Paul introduces the principle of sowing and reaping. He addresses those who are reluctant to support the ministry of the Word due to selfishness, warning that sowing to the flesh leads to reaping corruption. Conversely, sowing to the Spirit results in reaping eternal life (vv. 7-8). Paul exhorts the church to generosity, recognizing the human tendency toward greed, and calls believers to live out their faith by supporting the ministry of the Word.

Main Point: We are generous people because we serve a generous God.

Outline: Paul’s argument unfolds in four parts:

1. Paul’s Plea (v. 6)
2. God’s Principle (vv. 7-8)
3. Our Perseverance (v. 9)
4. Our Priority (v. 10)

Additional Study Questions:

1. What other Scripture passages clarify the principle of financially supporting those who preach the Word? Why is this principle vital for those who receive the Word?
2. What challenges make it difficult for us to give to the ministry of the Word?
3. When have you experienced encouragement from another believer that helped you persevere through a difficult time?
4. Why does Paul encourage believers to “do good to everyone”? How can your group work together to “do good to everyone”?
5. Why should the household of faith be the priority in our service and generosity? What other passages in Scripture support this idea?

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?

Coming Soon..

Additional Study Questions

1. What is the difference between gospel freedom and all other types of freedom? Why is gospel freedom better?

2. Why does Paul refer to legalism and idolatry as a yoke? Why is Jesus’ yoke better (see Matthew 11:28-30)?

3. Read v13. How is true, gospel freedom NOT to be used? How is it to be used? How does this mirror the gospel? Use Scripture to support this. 4. Discuss ways you can grow in your service towards others? What opportunities are available in the church and community for your group to serve others together?

Coming Soon..

Additional Study Questions

1. How does Paul classify both idolatry and legalism? Why does he refer to them as “weak and worthless principles of the world?” What does this suggest about the belief systems of the world?
2. Our idolatry may be more sophisticated, but it is still the same. Idolatry is empty and vain. Read Psalm 11:1-8. What idols still need to be crushed in your heart?
3. What practices do you have in place to help you receive God’s Word each Sunday?
4. Read Galatians 4:19. Paul labors for Christ to be formed in the Galatians. What does Paul mean by this? What other passages of Scripture connect sanctification with God’s Word?

Coming Soon...

Coming Soon..

Cursed or Blessed

Paul begins this section by stating that all who rely on works of the law to justify themselves are under a curse. Referring to his previous statements, he distinguishes between two groups: those of the law and those of faith. As mentioned in verse 9, those of faith are blessed. However, those who rely on works of the law are not blessed but cursed, as quoted from Deuteronomy 27:26. This curse stems from the law’s demand for perfection (James 2:9). To be saved by the law, one must keep it entirely. The Galatians, and we too, must remember this in our struggle to rely solely on Christ.

Having demonstrated the impossibility of keeping the law, Paul reveals its incompatibility with faith. Faith is humble reliance on God’s mercy, while law-keeping is a prideful attempt to earn a reward. These two approaches are fundamentally opposed.

Paul then presents the cure for the curse of the law: the cross. Christ became the curse! We praise God for His grace.Christ exchanged places with the lawbreaker, bearing the curse we deserve. We don’t receive this cure through our efforts but by faith, as Paul clarifies in verse 14.

Covenant Promises

Concluding this section, Paul returns to Abraham and the covenant God made with him. He wants the Galatians to understand that everyone who is joined to Abraham’s promised offspring by faith is a recipient of Abraham’s blessing (verses 17-18). God’s covenant with Abraham is unconditional and forms the foundation for every covenant in Scripture.The law, introduced centuries after God’s promise to Abraham, cannot invalidate this covenant. Therefore, our salvation is not based on our ability to earn righteousness but on God’s faithfulness to His promise of a people for Himself through the work of His offspring, Jesus.

Outline: Three Interwoven Responses to Crush Pride

1. Realize the Curse (verses 10-12)
2. Receive the Cure (verses 13-14)
3. Rest in the Covenant (verses 15-18)

Main Point: God’s gracious promises crush our sinful pride.

Additional Study Questions

1. How does using the law as a means to earn righteousness hinder us from receiving God’s gift of salvation? Use Paul’s argument in Galatians and other scriptures to support your answer.
2. At the core of Paul’s gospel is the fact that Christ became a curse for us. This means Christ took the punishment we deserve on the cross. Why was this the only way of salvation? How does this evoke thanksgiving and praise in your heart?
3. Why does Paul reference the covenant God made with Abraham in his argument (verses 15-18)? How does God’s faithfulness shape your thoughts, actions, and life?
4. Where else in the Scriptures do you find examples of God’s faithfulness?
5. How do you specifically struggle with pride? How does grace counteract your pride?

The Context

In Galatians 1-2, Paul defends both his apostleship and the gospel message under attack in Galatia. In the final verses of Chapter 2, detailing his confrontation with Peter, Paul clarifies the foundation of the gospel: we are made right with God not by our works, but solely by faith in Jesus. Now, in Chapter 3, Paul continues to expand on the doctrine of justification by faith alone, shifting the focus to the Galatians’ experience with the Holy Spirit.

Why So Foolish?

In Galatians 3:1, Paul expresses his shock: “Oh foolish Galatians! Who has bewitched you?” The word “bewitched,” though rare in the New Testament, reflects the idea of being deceived or under a spell. Paul is astonished that the Galatians, who had seen the truth of the bloody cross and God’s grace through Christ’s saving work, have now been lured away from that grace. How could they begin by faith in Jesus and now turn to trusting in their own works?

Paul responds by asking a series of rhetorical questions, urging them to remember the work of the Holy Spirit in their lives. In verses 2-5, Paul connects the doctrine of justification by faith with their personal experience of the Spirit.

Why Abraham?

In verse 6, Paul shifts to Abraham as an example of justification by faith. The Judaizers held Abraham in high esteem as the ultimate model of faithfulness and obedience. They likely taught, “Yes, you need Jesus, but to truly belong to God’s family, as a true son of Abraham, you must also obey like Abraham.” Paul corrects this thinking. Abraham was not justified by his works but by faith. In fact, Abraham was still a Gentile when he was declared righteous in Genesis 15:6. It wasn’t until Genesis 17, years later, that Abraham received the sign of circumcision. Paul argues that just as Abraham was justified by faith, so too are all who believe—both Jews and Gentiles.

Outline: Two reminders to prevent spiritual foolishness:

1. Don’t forget the work of the Spirit that validates our justification by faith alone (vv. 2-5).
2. Don’t forget the Word of God that promises justification by faith alone (vv. 6-9).

Main Point – Foolishness is caused by forgetfulness, so don’t forget!

Study Questions

1. Why is the cross such a focal point in Paul’s preaching? What other Scriptures come to mind when you think of the cross in Paul’s writings? Why should the cross be central to Christian preaching?
2. In what ways are you tempted to rely on your own strength instead of the Spirit for your sanctification?
3. How does God preach the gospel to Abraham in Genesis 12:1-3, showing that both Jews and Gentiles are saved by faith alone?
4. Are there other Old Testament characters or stories that point to justification by faith alone?
5. Why is Scripture so important in our constant battle to rest in Jesus’ finished work? What practices do you use in your Bible reading to keep the gospel central in your life?