‏ Galatians 6

* Exhortations to meekness, gentleness, and humility. (1-5) To

kindness towards all men, especially believers. (6-11) The

Galatians guarded against the judaizing teachers. (12-15) A

solemn blessing. (16-18)

1-5 We are to bear one another's burdens. So we shall fulfil

the law of Christ. This obliges to mutual forbearance and

compassion towards each other, agreeably to his example. It

becomes us to bear one another's burdens, as fellow-travellers.

It is very common for a man to look upon himself as wiser and

better than other men, and as fit to dictate to them. Such a one

deceives himself; by pretending to what he has not, he puts a

cheat upon himself, and sooner or later will find the sad

effects. This will never gain esteem, either with God or men.

Every one is advised to prove his own work. The better we know

our own hearts and ways, the less shall we despise others, and

the more be disposed to help them under infirmities and

afflictions. How light soever men's sins seem to them when

committed, yet they will be found a heavy burden, when they come

to reckon with God about them. No man can pay a ransom for his

brother; and sin is a burden to the soul. It is a spiritual

burden; and the less a man feels it to be such, the more cause

has he to suspect himself. Most men are dead in their sins, and

therefore have no sight or sense of the spiritual burden of sin.

Feeling the weight and burden of our sins, we must seek to be

eased thereof by the Saviour, and be warned against every sin. 6-11 Many excuse themselves from the work of religion, though

they may make a show, and profess it. They may impose upon

others, yet they deceive themselves if they think to impose upon

God, who knows their hearts as well as actions; and as he cannot

be deceived, so he will not be mocked. Our present time is seed

time; in the other world we shall reap as we sow now. As there

are two sorts of sowing, one to the flesh, and the other to the

Spirit, so will the reckoning be hereafter. Those who live a

carnal, sensual life, must expect no other fruit from such a

course than misery and ruin. But those who, under the guidance

and influences of the Holy Spirit, live a life of faith in

Christ, and abound in Christian graces, shall of the Spirit reap

life everlasting. We are all very apt to tire in duty,

particularly in doing good. This we should carefully watch and

guard against. Only to perseverance in well-doing is the reward

promised. Here is an exhortation to all to do good in their

places. We should take care to do good in our life-time, and

make this the business of our lives. Especially when fresh

occasions offer, and as far as our power reaches. 12-15 Proud, vain, and carnal hearts, are content with just so

much religion as will help to keep up a fair show. But the

apostle professes his own faith, hope, and joy; and that his

principal glory was in the cross of Christ. By which is here

meant, his sufferings and death on the cross, the doctrine of

salvation by a crucified Redeemer. By Christ, or by the cross of

Christ, the world is crucified to the believer, and he to the

world. The more we consider the sufferings of the Redeemer from

the world, the less likely shall we be to love the world. The

apostle was as little affected by its charms, as a beholder

would be by any thing which had been graceful in the face of a

crucified person, when he beholds it blackened in the agonies of

death. He was no more affected by the objects around him, than

one who is expiring would be struck with any of the prospects

his dying eyes might view from the cross on which he hung. And

as to those who have truly believed in Christ Jesus, all things

are counted as utterly worthless compared with him. There is a

new creation; old things are passed away, and new views and

dispositions are brought in under the regenerating influences of

God the Holy Spirit. Believers are brought into a new world, and

being created in Christ Jesus unto good works, are formed to a

life of holiness. It is a change of mind and heart, whereby we

are enabled to believe in the Lord Jesus, and to live to God;

and where this inward, practical religion is wanting, outward

professions, or names, will never stand in any stead. 16-18 A new creation to the image of Christ, as showing faith

in him, is the greatest distinction between one man and another,

and a blessing is declared on all who walk according to this

rule. The blessings are, peace and mercy. Peace with God and our

conscience, and all the comforts of this life, as far as they

are needful. And mercy, an interest in the free love and favour

of God in Christ, the spring and fountain of all other

blessings. The written word of God is the rule we are to go by,

both in its doctrines and precepts. May his grace ever be with

our spirit, to sanctify, quicken, and cheer us, and may we

always be ready to maintain the honour of that which is indeed

our life. The apostle had in his body the marks of the Lord

Jesus, the scars of wounds from persecuting enemies, for his

cleaving to Christ, and the doctrine of the gospel. The apostle

calls the Galatians his brethren, therein he shows his humility

and his tender affection for them; and he takes his leave with a

very serious prayer, that they might enjoy the favour of Christ

Jesus, both in its effects and in its evidences. We need desire

no more to make us happy than the grace of our Lord Jesus

Christ. The apostle does not pray that the law of Moses, or the

righteousness of works, but that the grace of Christ, might be

with them; that it might be in their hearts and with their

spirits, quickening, comforting, and strengthening them: to all

which he sets his Amen; signifying his desire that so it might

be, and his faith that so it would be.