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SEPTEMBER 28
3 For if anyone thinks himself to be something,
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when he is nothing, he deceives himself. But
let each one examine his own work, and then
he will have rejoicing in himself alone, and not in 6:10 opportunity. This Greek word refers to a
distinct, fixed time period rather than occa-
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another. For each one shall bear his own load.
6 Let him who is taught the word share in all sional moments.Paul’s point is that the believ-
good things with him who teaches. er’s entire life provides the unique privilege by
which he can serve others in Christ’s name.
7 Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for especially…the household of faith. Our
whatever a man sows, that he will also reap. love for fellow Christians is the primary test of
8 For he who sows to his flesh will of the flesh our love for God.
reap corruption, but he who sows to the Spirit
will of the Spirit reap everlasting life. And let
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us not grow weary while doing good, for in
due season we shall reap if we do not lose 11 See with what large letters I have written
to you with my own hand! As many as desire
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to make a good showing in the flesh, these
would compel you to be circumcised, only that
they may not suffer persecution for the cross
6:8 sows to his flesh. Here it means pander- of Christ. For not even those who are cir-
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ing to the flesh’s evil desires.corruption. From cumcised keep the law, but they desire to have
the Greek word for degeneration, as in decay- you circumcised that they may boast in your
ing food. Sin always corrupts and, when left flesh. But God forbid that I should boast
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unchecked, always makes a person progres- except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ,
sively worse in character (Rom. 6:23). sows to by whom the world has been crucified to me,
the Spirit. To walk by the Holy Spirit.everlast- and I to the world. For in Christ Jesus neither
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ing life. This expression describes not only a
life that endures forever but, primarily, the circumcision nor uncircumcision avails any-
highest quality of living that one can experi- thing, but a new creation.
16 And as many as walk according to this
ence (Ps. 51:12; John 10:10; Eph. 1:3,18).
rule, peace and mercy be upon them, and upon
the Israel of God.
From now on let no one trouble me, for I
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heart. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let bear in my body the marks of the Lord Jesus.
us do good to all, especially to those who are 18 Brethren, the grace of our Lord Jesus
of the household of faith. Christ be with your spirit. Amen.
DAY 28: How do we restore a believer overtaken in sin?
In Galatians 6:1, Paul addresses the situation where someone is overtaken in a sin, which may
imply the person was actually seen committing the sin or that he was caught or snared by the sin
itself.Those believers who are walking in the Spirit, filled with the Spirit, and evidencing the fruit of
the Spirit are to “restore”such a one.This is sometimes used metaphorically of settling disputes or
arguments.It means “to mend”or “repair”and was used of setting a broken bone or repairing a dis-
located limb (Heb. 12:12,13; Rom. 15:1; 1 Thess. 5:14).The basic process of restoration is outlined in
Matthew 18:15–20.“In a spirit of gentleness, considering yourself lest you also be tempted.” The
Greek form strongly emphasizes a continual, diligent attentiveness.
“Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ” (v. 2).“Burdens” are extra heavy
loads, which here represent difficulties or problems people have trouble dealing with.“Bear” con-
notes carrying something with endurance.The law of love which fulfills the entire law (John 13:34;
Rom. 13:8,10).
“But let each one examine his own work”(v.4).Literally,“to approve something after testing it.”
Believers first must be sure their lives are right with God before giving spiritual help to others (Matt.
7:3–5).“Have rejoicing in himself.” If a believer rejoices or boasts, it should be only boasting in the
Lord for what God has done in him (2 Cor.10:12–18),not for what he supposedly has accomplished
compared to other believers.
“For each one shall bear his own load”(v.5).This is not a contradiction to v.2.“Load”has no con-
notation of difficulty; it refers to life’s routine obligations and each believer’s ministry calling (Matt.
11:30; 1 Cor. 3:12–15; 2 Cor. 5:10). God requires faithfulness in meeting those responsibilities.

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