|
Galatians 6:2
|
“Bear one another’s
burdens, and thus fulfill the law of Christ” (NASB).
“Carry each other’s burdens, and in this
way you will fulfill the law of Christ” (NIV).
|
|
What are examples of carrying each
other’s burdens?
Galatians 5:13 talks about freedom and
shows that the freedom God gives, true freedom, is other’s centered
rather than self-centered. That would correspond well with bearing
one another’s burdens. We have freedom in Christ, but there are
still expectations Christ has for the believer. One of those is the
bear one another’s burdens.
Let’s see where God is going with this
command by looking at the whole context (Galatians 6:1-10).
How does verse 1 relate to bearing the
burdens of others?
What caution is included here?
What is the point or points of verses
3-5?
Avoid pride and
self-exaltation (restore others gently/watch yourself/think of
others first)
Don’t compare yourself or
your accomplishments to others (Christ is the Standard)
How does verse 5
compare/contrast with verse 2?
What does verse 6 mean and does it only
apply to pastors?
Verses 7 and 8 are motive related. We
can deceive others by our actions, but not God. Sometimes we serve
with good motives, led by the Spirit. Other times we serve in a
grudging manner based on improper motives.
What are some examples of improper
motives in serving others?
Verse 9 is about endurance. Give some
examples of enduring in the Christian life.
Verse 10 is about opportunity and
priority. If we are genuine about helping to bear the burdens of
others, God will present opportunities. Don’t make opportunities or
ignore them either. Go as the Spirit of God leads.
We are to do good to all, but where
should our major emphasis be?
Our best testimony of our love for
Christ to the world is to love our fellow Christians. If we hate
one another, either actively or passively, the world will see us as
hypocrites and doubt that we love Jesus and doubt that Jesus can
truly change lives. However, if we love one another, the people of
this world will do one of two things: they will be interested in
finding out more about Jesus, or they will hate us because they
hated Him.
To top of page |
