8: New Creation in Christ (Gal 6:1-18)

I.       The Basics

A.     Setting

In this lesson, Paul continues his exhortations on Christian living. Then he concludes the epistle by emphasizing again the gospel of grace and denouncing the works of the legalists.

B.     Key Verse

            “But God forbid that I should boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world. For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision avails anything, but a new creation” (6:14-15).

II.    Observation

A.     Outline

(6:1-5)

(6:6-10)

(6:11-15)

(6:16-18)

III. Segment Analysis

A.     6:1-5

1.      Who is the command in verse 1 directed to?

2.      How should we restore a brother overtaken in trespass? (cf. Mt 18:15; Jas 5:15-16, 19-20)

3.      With what attitude should such restoration be done?

4.      What would be the wrong way to deal with someone who is overtaken in a trespass?

5.      Have you ever helped a fellow believer in his weakness? What lessons did you learn from the experience?

6.      In the context of verse 2, what does it mean to bear one another’s burdens?

7.      What is the law of Christ (2)? (cf. Jn 13:34; 14:21; 15:12; 1Jn 3:22-23; Jas 2:8; 2Jn 5-6)

8.      According to verse 3, why would a believer fail to bear other’s burdens?

9.      What should someone who thinks himself to be something do, according to verse 4?

10.  Do you examine yourself on a consistent basis? With what measure do you measure yourself?

11.  Explain the apparent contradiction between verses 2 and 5 (Hint: interpret verse 5 in light of verses 3 and 4).

B.     6:6-10

12.  Doing good is the central teaching of this passage. What kind of good deeds is meant here?

13.  What is the golden rule here?

14.  Why does Paul start the command with “Do not be deceived, God is not mocked”? What does this mean?

15.  What kind of a Christian is deceiving himself?

16.  In what areas in your life should you start sowing to the Spirit rather than the will of your flesh?

17.  According to verse 9, what are the possible hindrances of failing to do good?

18.  Are you passive in doing good, or do you find every opportunity to do good? Think of concrete ways to start increasing your good deeds today.

C.     6:11-15

19.  What is the motivation of the false teachers?

20.  In what ways are we sometimes tempted to take the easy way out in being a Christian so as to avoid suffering persecution for the cross of Christ?

21.  What does Paul mean that the world has been crucified to him and he to the world?

22.  Has the world been crucified to you, and you to the world?

23.  Verse 15 brings out a strong contrast between legalism and faith in Christ Jesus. What is the contrast?

D.     6:16-18

24.  What “rule” is verse 16 referring to?

25.  Why is the identity “Israel of God” particularly significant in view of the message of this epistle?

26.  What are the marks of the Lord Jesus on Paul’s body (2Cor 4:10)?