Men's Group Study Guide
NIV Notes by Kelly Link
Introduction
Last week we looked at how a man can walk in his new nature. As far as our position goes, we know we are perfect in God’s eyes because of what Jesus did on the cross. That is we are justified by faith. But practically we need to live each day.
This week we will look at some practical things we can do to live out this new life we have been given. Paul shows us three ways to do this: restore those who are in sin, bear each others burdens and bear our own load, and do good to others especially those in the family of God. Paul ends by revealing the motives of the legalist’s verses his own. Let’s pray and dig right in.
STUDY NOTES: verses 1-18
V1. Brothers, if someone is caught in sin, you who are spiritual should restore him gently. But watch yourself, or you also may be tempted. – When people fall into sin, our attitude should be one of sorrow. Many times people rejoice when someone is caught in sin but this is a carnal response that is rooted in pride. Paul needed to tell the Galatians how to act because the Judaizers (legalists) had infiltrated the church and they were very hard on people who were caught in sin. The spiritual person is sorrowful and gentle because he/she knows their weakness and that it could have very easily been them. (Genesis 9: 20-24)
V2. Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ. – This is the mark of a Christian. When we see others in need whether it is spiritual, physical or financial we should be quick to help. (Matthew 26: 36-40), (Luke 11: 46)
V3. If anyone thinks he is something when he is nothing, he deceives himself. – This attitude is what separates many in today’s world. When men think they are above others, their response isn’t to serve but to be served. The truth is we are all nothing in this world. When we are gone from this world it is not long after that we are forgotten. (2Corinthians 3: 5)
V4. Each one should test his own actions. Then he can take pride in himself, without comparing himself to somebody else, – A spiritual person finds pride and fulfillment inside by his walk with the Lord which is measured by God’s word. The legalist finds pride by comparing himself against others. This is why a legalist rejoices when others fail. (2Corinthians 13: 5)
V5. for each one should carry his own load. – This verse doesn’t contradict verse 2. Verse 2 means we are to help each other when we can’t carry our own load. There are times all of us need help. Here in verse 5 means we are not to let others carry our load when we can carry it ourselves. (Romans 2: 6-9)
V6. Anyone who receives instruction in the word must share all good things with his instructor. – Paul is telling the Galatians that they need to physically share their possessions, wealth, etc with their instructors. This is the one area God has allowed that we can test Him in. (Malachi 3: 10)
V7-8. Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. The one who sows to please his sinful nature, from that nature will reap destruction; the one who sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life. – Remember we relate to God by grace. When we do something bad we ask God for forgiveness and He forgives us. He does not condemn us. But the law of the harvest is sure. In this world there are consequences to sin whether we experience God’s forgiveness or not. Our relationship to this world and others is governed by cause and effect. When we sow a seed from our sin nature it produces a destructive or deadly consequence. And when we sow a Spiritual seed from that seed we reap blessing and life. In time, the seeds of our life will germinate and many times it is then that we realize the nature by which we live. (1John 3: 7), (Job 4: 8)
V9. Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. – Many times we sow from our spiritual nature yet we don’t see much fruit. Hang in there saint. The law of the harvest is sure. It is just a matter of time till you reap the good fruit of your love. (1Corinthians 15: 58)
V10. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers. – Paul says to the Galatians, “let us do good to all people”. Remember what Jesus said in (Matthew 5: 44-46). Isn’t it easy to be good to those who are good to you? But Paul says we need to be good to all people. Even more so we need to be good to the saints of God.
V11. See what large letters I use as I write to you with my own hand! – Paul wrote this in his own hand. This letter must have been important because Paul usually had his letters written for him.
V12-13. Those who want to make a good impression outwardly are trying to compel you to be circumcised. The only reason they do this is to avoid being persecuted for the cross of Christ. Not even those who are circumcised obey the law, yet they want you to be circumcised that they may boast about your flesh – Paul said the Judaizers looked good outwardly because they didn’t want to suffer due to the cross of Jesus Christ. This is the way a legalist protects self; first they try and look good on the outside and second they try and sell others on their way of approaching God so they can show others their way is valid. But the hard truth is they can’t keep the law themselves. (Matthew 6: 2, 5, 16)
V14. May I never boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, through which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world. – Paul is not interested in bringing glory to himself. When he boasts it will only be in the cross. (Philippians 3: 3-8)
V15-16. Neither circumcision nor uncircumcision means anything; what counts is a new creation. Peace and mercy to all who follow this rule, even to the Israel of God. – What Paul wanted the Galatians to know was that circumcision or uncircumcision has no value in regards to our relationship with God and others. It is simply being born of the Spirit by faith. (2Corinthians 5: 17), (John 14: 27)
V17-18. Finally, let no one cause me trouble, for I bear on my body the marks of Jesus. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit, brothers. Amen. – Paul concludes his letter to the Galatians by saying the marks of circumcision are nothing compared to the marks he has received from following Jesus. (2Corinthians 1 :5)
TRUTH APPLIED:
Q. 1 If you are married, how do you deal with your wife when she is caught in sin? Do you treat her differently if her sin is against you? Why?
Q. 2 Please share a time when you treated someone harshly for sinning only for you to fall into the same sin. How do you react now when others sin?
Q. 3 How do you develop your sense of self esteem? Is it developed by comparing yourself against others or do you find it in your relationship with God?
Q. 4 Please define the law of the harvest. Please share a time when you sowed to your flesh and God forgave you yet you still had to deal with the consequence of your sin.
Q. 5 Please differentiate between how a legalist and a grace case treat others who sin? Bear each others burdens? Carry their own load? Share material things with their teachers? Are there areas where legalists might out do the grace case? Why?
Q. 6 Please describe the different motives a legalist might have verses a grace case? Why are motives important? Does God care why you do something?
CONCLUSION:
As we can see from this study, God is interested in the inward condition of the heart. Not just in doing or not doing. Living a good life without inward change leads to a shallow and empty spiritual walk. Like Paul said, “what counts is a new creation”. Please take some time to pray and reflect on how you walk.
Grace and Peace to You,
Kelly Link