April 21, 2022
Freedom Comes Through Christ, Not a Country
Galatians 6
David Dzina
Central Truth
Our actions do not save us; they will only bind us to a performance-based mindset, which will frustrate us and others. The only thing that matters is being a new creation in Christ, and living in that reality produces the fruit of the Spirit.
Key Verse | Galatians 6:3
For if anyone thinks he is something, when he is nothing, he deceives himself.
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.
Listen to the Podcast
Listen NowDive Deeper | Galatians 6
Galatians 5 shows us that life with the Spirit produces fruit (Galatians 5:22-23). In Galatians 6, we see how Spirit-led people live and love each other. We are to be gentle with our brothers and sisters in Christ (Galatians 6:1). We are to carry each other's burdens and be humble (Galatians 6:2-3). We are to live by the Spirit in the freedom received from Christ (Galatians 6:8). And we are to live as new creations, not trying to do good by our own strength but through Christ in us (Galatians 6:15).
At my core, I am hypocritical, unkind, and often think critically of others. But through God's kindness over the last 21 years, the core of who I am has been overcome by Christ—I am a new creation (2 Corinthians 5:17). However, I know I can still be the hypocritical, unkind, and critical man when left to my own devices.
Galatians 6:3 is a great reminder that when I rely on my own strength, I am nothing. The mindset of my flesh makes me believe I do not need anyone's help, and that leads to destruction. In the first 33 years of my life, I lived with that mentality and trouble came. And because of my unwillingness to yield to the Spirit, I made really poor decisions, including deciding to get a divorce.
Thankfully, through the work of the Spirit, I am no longer that person. God has also used men and women in my life to point me back to Christ's sacrificial love (Romans 5:8, 6:23) and my need to follow Jesus and be free from past sins and failures.
Discussion Questions
1. Are you a new creation in Christ? If unsure, e-mail me and let's chat: ddzina@watermark.org.
2. Write down the fruit of the Spirit that's most evident in your life. Then, ask those closest to you what fruit they see in your life and compare.
3. In what area(s) of your life do you rely on your own strength? Have you shared this with your community group?
4. When did you last ask others to help you carry burdensome things?