NT Fire Starters – Day 264: Galatians 6:1-18

READ: Galatians 6:1-18

THINK: At one time or another you’ve probably strained yourself trying to lift something that was too heavy. But perhaps you were able to move that same object with ease once you had a little help. A load always seems lighter when someone helps you lift it. That’s one of the reasons God links us together with other Christians. It allows us to share His love and it helps us get through the difficulties of life with a little more hope and encouragement.

RESPOND: How should you respond to a fellow believer who gets “caught in a sin”? (See 6: 1 note.) What type of failure is Paul referring to and how does this instruction relate to spiritual leaders? In what ways should another Christian’s failure serve as a warning or caution to you? What does it mean to “carry each other’s burdens,” and how can we do this? (See 6:2 note.) How does this “fulfill the law of Christ” (v. 2)? What problems can stem from comparing ourselves to others (vv. 4-5)? What does it mean that “anyone who receives instruction in the word must share all good things with his instructor”? (See 6:6-10 note.) In what way might a person mock God (v. 7), and what stern warning does this passage give in this regard? (See 6:7 note.) What is the end result of indulging one’s sinful nature and the end result of living to please God’s Spirit (v. 8)? What encouragement can you take from verse 9, and who should benefit from your good deeds (v. 10)? Why do some people try to get you to follow them in spiritual matters? What is their motivation (vv. 12-13)? What does it mean that “the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world”? (See 6:14 note.) What does this indicate about the distinction between those who follow Christ and those who don’t? According to verse 15, what really matters? Who is “the Israel of God”? (See 6:16 note.)

PRAY: Ask God to help you respond with grace and compassion to Christians with legitimate struggles and to leaders who invest their lives ministering to you. Pray for strength to stand for Christ in a world that continues to defy Him.

ACT: Find a way to help another Christian with a problem, struggle or tough issue. Perhaps he or she simply needs encouragement. But also look for an opportunity to help the person in a more tangible way. Also, do something to help, encourage or meet a need for one of your pastors or leaders.