April 28, 2014
WE'RE ALL IN THIS TOGETHER
Galatians 6
Audrey Burks
Central Truth
God never intended for us to go through life on our own. He's given us one another to help through what we call "community." When you learn to live in community, you'll never go back to flying solo again.
Key Verse | Galatians 6:2
Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ. (Galatians 6:2)
Galatians 6
Bear One Another's Burdens
1 Brothers, 1 6:1 Or Brothers and sisters; also verse 18 if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness. Keep watch on yourself, lest you too be tempted. 2 Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ. 3 For if anyone thinks he is something, when he is nothing, he deceives himself. 4 But let each one test his own work, and then his reason to boast will be in himself alone and not in his neighbor. 5 For each will have to bear his own load.
6 Let the one who is taught the word share all good things with the one who teaches. 7 Do not be deceived: God is not mocked, for whatever one sows, that will he also reap. 8 For the one who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption, but the one who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life. 9 And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up. 10 So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith.
Final Warning and Benediction
11 See with what large letters I am writing to you with my own hand. 12 It is those who want to make a good showing in the flesh who would force you to be circumcised, and only in order that they may not be persecuted for the cross of Christ. 13 For even those who are circumcised do not themselves keep the law, but they desire to have you circumcised that they may boast in your flesh. 14 But far be it from me to boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by which 2 6:14 Or through whom the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world. 15 For neither circumcision counts for anything, nor uncircumcision, but a new creation. 16 And as for all who walk by this rule, peace and mercy be upon them, and upon the Israel of God.
17 From now on let no one cause me trouble, for I bear on my body the marks of Jesus.
18 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit, brothers. Amen.
Dive Deeper | Galatians 6
Is there anyone else who can't help but sing the High School Musical song in your head every time you hear the phrase, "We're All in This Together"? No? Maybe that's just me! Anyways, back to the topic at hand.
My natural instinct is to fend for myself, and only myself. I would walk through life thinking of number one, ME, and leave everyone else in the dust. I'll never forget my very first engineering class in college when they told us we'd have GROUP assignment due every week. The amount of work was so large that no single person could finish it, which forced us to learn to work together every week to pass the class. It wasn't long before I learned the importance of teamwork, helping each other survive that difficult major, and maybe even cracking a smile while doing it.
I learned this same lesson in my first Watermark small group, which started in middle school. For several years, we spent our time studying the Bible, barely grazing the surface of our biggest hurts, habits, and hang ups. During those years, most of us wanted to appear perfect, godly, and just fit in with everyone else. Once we hit high school, we began sharing our burdens with each other and realized that "fitting in" didn't mean being perfect, it meant being broken and a sinner just like everyone else. We opened up, and, before too long, we started to feel the weight lifted from our shoulders. The others took part of our burden and helped carry it, leaving us to wonder how we ever managed to do it on our own.
God always has our best in mind, and He knew exactly what He was doing when He commanded us to "carry each other's burdens." He put us in one another's lives to help us. The sooner we realize that, the better.
So where are you today? Feeling the weight of carrying your own burdens? Or have you brought others along side you to help carry the weight? Remember, we're all in this together!
Discussion Questions
1. What is burdening you today? Have you shared that with your community group or someone else with whom you walk through life together?
2. List the results of sharing your burdens with others.
3. God calls us to be in community with others (Hebrews 10:24-25). Think through your schedule this week and ask yourself if others (your family, community group, friends, neighbors) will have the chance to receive quality time and care from you? Are there any changes you need to make in your schedule that would allow you to serve someone else? Commit now to "do good" for someone else this week.