COMMENTARY ON GALATIANS
LESSON NUMBER 57
Gal 6:2 "Bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ. 3 For if a man think himself to be something, when he is nothing, he deceiveth himself. 4 For every man shall bear his own burden. " (Gal 6:2-4)
THE INTERDEPENDENCE OF BRETHREN
INTRODUCTION
In choosing how one approaches being justified from all things (Acts 13:39) and accepted by God (Eph 1:6), a certaintrends are set in motion. If men seek such marvelous benefits by means of Law, "the flesh" assumes the dominance. That is something that cannot be avoided. That very circumstance means that it is more difficult, and often impossible, to receive what God has said on a matter, whether it is an affirmation or a commandment (Rom 8:8; 1 Cor 2:14). Self-centeredness, or thinking of oneself more highly that one ought, also becomes a dominating trait. When we find a religious culture in which sin is prominent and the acceptance of the Word of God is difficult, people are, in the very best view, serving God within the principle of Law. They are operating on a "have to" level rather than a "want to" one. That is why it is not necessary to spend in inordinate amount of time attempting to identify the cause of spiritual retardation, or a failure to grow up into Christ in all things. Our text addresses this very matter by referring to the nature of spiritual life. Essentially, it is not self centered. This is because there is a certain independence built into the fabric of spiritual life. God does not save people to navigate alone, but to be part of a body that is sustained by the Head of that body working through its various members. Paul's own ministry to the churches of Galatia is a kind of fulfillment of the text. He is actually carrying part of the burden that has been created by their trust in the Law principle. In a sense, laying aside his own burden, he has taken up their burden. Although he has personally addressed this matter in his ow life, and was not in any way hindered by weight of a law-conscience, he reasons and speaks just as though he was himself hindered. He diagnoses the problem as though it was his own, just as Jesus bore the iniquities of us all, just as though they were his own. There is a labor associated with such an activity that is only known by those who have experienced it. The Kingdom laborer is troubled by the retrogression of his brethren - and it is a heavier burden than they are bearing. Paul is, so to speak, standing in the gap like Moses, thinking like they should be thinking. His words are a call for the Galatians to allow the same mind to be in then, and see themselves as Paul sees them.
BEARING ONE ANOTHER'S BURDEN
Gal 6:2 "Bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ. "
The subject under consideration is restoring one who has been overtaken in a fault. The one overtaken has wandered into forbidden territory, and has therefore been snared by the wicked one. Now we will see how such defections impact upon the whole body of Christ. The weight of this text has especially to do with those who are "spiritual." This is not a term that is applied to novices, but to those who are capable of judging, appraising, or discerning "all things." As it is written, "But he that is spiritual judgeth all things, yet he himself is judged of no man" (1 Cor 2:15). Unlike the man who is overtaken in a fault, the "spiritual" man "is not subject to any man's judgment." NIV Other versions read, "is appraised by no man," NASB "they are themselves subject to no one else's scrutiny." NRSV and "but no one can properly discern or appraise or get an insight into him]." AMPLIFIED
The "spiritual" man is one whose inner eyes have been "enlightened" (Eph 1:18), and who is able to discern the "what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height" of God's great salvation (Eph 3:18). This is what enables him to assess the situation of the one who has been overtaken, and is thus capable of addressing it without himself being ensnared by it.
Others may feel the burden of concern that comes from knowing a person has been overtaken in a trespass, but they are not able to do anything about it. There are times when prayer can be made for such a person, and life will be given to the transgressor on the behalf of the one who prayed (1 John 5:16). Even in that case, however, there must have been some discernment on the part of the one who prayed. I cannot conceive of such a promise being made to the person who simply asked the Lord to help this or that person. It seems to me that such a prayer involves the casting down of imaginations and high thoughts that have been detected through spiritual discernment,
At any rate, this particular text is focusing upon the ones who are "spiritual," or more advanced in the faith. Those who lack wisdom and spiritual understanding (Col 1:19) must be careful not to engage in initiatives that require a more mature faith. There are people who will collapse if any more weight is put upon them. Such must devote themselves to growing up into Christ in all things, in order that their fellowship with the Lord be deeper and more consistent, and that they can engage in more critical battles. This is a lesson the nine disciples had to learn who sought to cast a demon out of boy who had been taken captive by it (Matt 17:20-21).
BEAR YE ONE ANOTHER'S BURDENS. Other versions read, "carry each other's burdens." NIV "Take on yourselves one another's troubles," BBE "Share each other's burdens," NLT and "Bear (endure, carry) one another's burdens and troublesome moral faults." AMPLIFIED
Once again, this particularly applies to the "spiritual" person who undertakes to restore a fallen brother. Others should not consider themselves capable of dealing with those who are caught in the snare of sin, who were once out of it. We have an example of such an approach in the Corinthian church. Those who were of the house of Chloe, a sister in the church of Corinth, knew of things taking place in Corinth that were not right. I do not doubt that they engaged in some kind of effort to address these situations, but apparently found themselves incapable of doing so. They therefore solicited the help of Paul, a spiritual man, who was able to address the situation with discernment (1 Cor 1:11).
There is a unity within the body of Christ that has very much to do with feelings - not mere fleshly feelings, but spiritual sensitivity. This is not a weight to be thrown off, such as the one mentioned in Hebrews 12:1-2. This is a burden that is shared by those are mature, who have walked in a godly manner, and have not been overtaken with a trespass. This is not referring to one who was once a drunkard sharing a common knowledge of the affect of that sin with someone who is now a drunkard. This is not an empathy that rises from human experience. It is rather the result of abiding in Christ. Nor, indeed, does it refer to someone who lacks discernment but is deeply concerned about the situation.
SO FULFILL THE LAW OF CHRIST. Here the word "law" is not used in the sense of a commandment - like, "This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you" (John 15:12). The use of "law" in this text is similar to Ezekiel's use of the same: "This is the law of the house; Upon the top of the mountain the whole limit thereof round about shall be most holy. Behold, this is the law of the house" (Ezek 43:12). The idea is that this is the MANNER of the Lord Jesus. He took our burden, as He "bore our griefs and carried our sorrows" ,(Isa 53:4). He did "bare the sin of many" (Isa 53:12).
Now that law of holy conduct is fulfilled in the "spiritual" man who looks not on his own things, but "also on the things of others" (Phil 2:4). And again, "Let no man seek his own, but every man another's wealth" (1 Cor 10:24). This is an example of the members of Christ's body having " the same care for one another" (1 Cor 12:25). While we do not look to find faults in one another, the "spiritual" person is more quick to discern when one has been "overtaken."
THE PROPER ESTIMATION OF SELF
6:3 "For if a man think himself to be something, when he is nothing, he deceiveth himself."
Let me again emphasize that Paul is actually doing what he admonishes the "spiritual" to do. He perceived the dilemma in which the Galatians have snared themselves, and sets out to restore them to a state of sound mindedness. Others may have sensed something was wrong, but could not properly identify the problem. Hence, they had no answer for it. Now, Paul addresses the matter of a person thinking he is competent for the work of restoration, yet is not.
IF. Now Paul introduces a circumstance that differs from the required attainment and stance of the "spiritual" man. The language is especially strong because of the seriousness of one's spiritual assessment of themselves. This particular text is like an exposition of what Paul says elsewhere: "Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall" (1 Cor 10:12). Both the Corinthian text and the one we are reviewing have to do with being "tempted" (1 Cor 10:13; Gal 6:1).
A MAN THINK HIMSELF TO BE SOMETHING. Other versions read, "if those who are nothing think themselves to be something," NRSV "if any man seem to himself, that he is somewhat," GENEVA " if any one of you thinks you're important when you're really not," GWN and "thinks himself to be somebody [too important to condescend to shoulder another's load] when he is nobody [of superiority except in his own estimation]." AMPLIFIED
The Amplified Bible, in my judgment, misses the whole point. The text is dealing with the nature of the person seeking to restore another, not the obligation to do so. Neither, indeed, has Paul launched into another subject. He is still speaking about the need for one to be "spiritual" who engages in the restoration of another. However, what of the person who considers himself to be "spiritual," and fully capable of restoring the transgressor - yet, who, in fact, is not what he supposes. Will he not himself be snared as he wades into waters too deep for him? Here "something" refers to the required trait: "spiritual."
The Scriptures speak of those who cannot contend with footmen, yet think themselves equal to the challenge of horsemen. "If thou hast run with the footmen, and they have wearied thee, then how canst thou contend with horses? and if in the land of peace, wherein thou trustedst, they wearied thee, then how wilt thou do in the swelling of Jordan?" (Jer 12:5). If the ordinary challenges of life have proved too much for these poor souls, what will they do when they face one who is dominated by the enemy?
Does a person imagine they are "spiritual," and are thus capable of restoring one who has been overcome by, and is dominated by the devil? That such people exist cannot be denied, yet each person must make sure their assessment is correct.
WHEN HE IS NOTHING. "Nothing," as used here, is a comparative term. It means that such a person is not equal to the task that is required. This is a person that is overcome by the ordinary cares of this life - "the cares of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, and the lusts of other things" (Mark 4:19). Such are distracted by lesser things that have to do with life in this world. Even though the King has said, "Let not your heart be troubled" (John 14:1),their heart is troubled about "many things" (Lk 10:41). Even though they are admonished, "be careful for nothing" (Phil 4:6), yet they are always succumbing to care. When it comes to challenges that can be handled by "he that is spiritual," such people are "nothing." They bring no advantage to the good fight of faith. The army of the Lord is not made stronger by them, but they only introduce jeopardy. These are the people who think they can stand, but really do not know (1 Cor 10:12). They either do not know, or have forgotten the exhortation, "Thou wilt say then, The branches were broken off, that I might be grafted in. Well; because of unbelief they were broken off, and thou standest by faith. Be not highminded, but fear" (Rom 11:19-20).
HE DECEIVETH HIMSELF. This unwarranted assumption that is here mentioned is not the result of faith. It has not been produced by a godly stance, and has not come forth from a walk of faith. It is a self-deception - a conclusion that has been reached by flawed thinking. The nature of the Kingdom has not been seen properly, and therefore reasoning has been distorted.
Right here it is important to see one of the by-products of Babylonish religion - a religion that lacks spiritual reality, and is founded upon delusion. Babylon the Great has a form of godliness, but lacks its power. This kind of shallow and unproductive living causes those with a modicum of spiritual knowledge and character to over-estimate where they are. When compared to the childishness that is fostered in Babylon, it may appear as though they were rather advanced. However, that is not a proper comparison. If, in fact, the chosen ones are being conformed to the image of God's Son (Rom 8:29), then a proper comparison can only be made with the Son Himself. When a person fails to make that comparison, examining himself to see if he is in the faith (2 Cor 3:5), self-delusion is inevitable. Deluding oneself is a process that involves an erroneous assessment of self - one that is not based on a proper comparison.
EVERY MAN SHALL BEAR HIS OWN BURDEN
6:3 "But let every man prove his own work, and then shall he have rejoicing in himself alone, and not in another. 4 For every man shall bear his own burden."
Here is the remedy for flawed self-assessment. A person who engages in this kind of activity will be able to determine whether he is capable of fighting mature battles or not.
PROVE HIS OWN WORK. Other versions read, "examine his own work," NKJV "test his own actions," NIV "test his own work," NRSV "examine his own achievement," NJB and "carefully scrutinize and examine and test his own conduct and his own work." AMPLIFIED
God has not called us to be policemen, constantly examining and censuring the conduct of others. This is not what brings a person to the state called "spiritual." A truly "spiritual" man scrutinizes himself, not requiring the scrutiny of his peers. He measure himself by the Person of Christ, and applies the plumb line of the Word of God to his own demeanor. The assumption is that any deficiencies will be addressed, and appropriate progress made. A person who is not regularly engaged in such activity should make no effort to restore a fallen brother.
Early in human history, Job was determined to examine himself. Even during the difficult trial he endures, he said. "Though he slay me, yet will I trust in him: but I will maintain mine own ways before him" (Job 13:15). In his self-assessment, David called upon the Lord to also search and try him: "Examine me, O LORD, and prove me; try my reins and my heart" (Psa 26:2).
REJOICING IN HIMSELF ALONE. Other versions read, "then he will have reason for boasting in regard to himself alone," NASB "Then he can take pride in himself," NIV and "He can then have the personal satisfaction and joy of doing something commendable in itself alone]." AMPLIFIED
This is an aspect of rejoicing in the Lord (Phil 3:1; 4:4). First, there is a rejoicing in the Person of Christ (Phil 3:3). There is also rejoicing in what He has done to effect of salvation (). There is also this matter of rejoicing in what the Lord has done in the individual. This is what Jeremiah referred to as glorying "that he understandeth and knoweth me, that I am the LORD which exercise lovingkindness, judgment, and righteousness, in the earth" (Jer 9:24).
Paul proved his own work and gave God the glory: "I labored more abundantly than they all: yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me" (1 Cor 15:10).
There is a glad satisfaction in knowing such things that is known only by those who examine themselves and find an abundance that the Lord has done, and is doing. A person who does not have this experience will not do well in attempting to restore the fallen.
AND NOT IN ANOTHER. Other versions read, "and not in regard to another," NASB "without comparing himself to somebody else," NIV "not merely on a judgment that you are better than someone else," CJB " and not compare himself with someone else," NET "without [resorting to] boastful comparison with his neighbor." AMPLIFIED
The "spiritual" man approaches the fallen one with a mind to restore him. His intentions are based upon an assessment of himself that has confirmed him equal to the occasion. He does not approach the transgressor as one that is inherently superior, comparing himself with the sinner.
The fact that a person may not have fallen into the same sin does not necessarily mean that he is superior. His exemption from such a failure may be owing to the lack of opportunity rather than any imagined superiority. A "spiritual" man knows why his efforts to be holy have been successful. It is because he has been taught by grace (Tit 2:11-12), kept by the power of God through faith (1 Pet 1:5), and because he was walking in the light (1 John 1:7).
EVERY MAN SHALL BEAR HIS OWN BURDEN. Other versions read, "for each one must carry his own load," NIV "all must carry their own loads," NRSV "Because every man is responsible for his part of the work," BBE "Assume your own responsibility, GWN and "For every person will have to bear (be equal to understanding and calmly receive) his own [little] load [of oppressive faults]." AMPLIFIED On the surface, this statement appears to contradict that of verse two: "bear ye one another's burden." However, there is no contradiction here.
Ultimately, every person will have to answer for what they have been given to do, whether it is the "spiritual" man who restores the brother, or the brother who has to be restored. The man given five talents had to bear his own load, and the steward with one talent had to do the same. Bearing one another's burden does not mean some are exempt from that requirement, even though others assist them. This applies to Paul, who was laboring to restore the Galatians, and to the Galatians themselves who had to get back to living by faith. It is also true that the fallen one has to bear the burden associated with the fall - remorse, repentance, sorrow, etc.
In the type atmosphere that has been created by Babylon the Great, a sense of personal responsibility vanishes away. Protection is offered under a sectarian canopy - without Gospel proclamation, and without personal involvement with the Lord Jesus Christ. Resorting to a system of Law for salvation and recovery is not considered a serious offense - certainly not something from which recovery is necessary. This has greatly complicated life, and thrown the professing church into ma backward stance where satisfaction with the nominal is normal.