Can We Do Good To All?

Galatians 5:22-6:10 (especially 6:10 compared to James 1:27 and even 1

Corinthians13 → Where it all lands!)

Paul writes these conciliatory, comforting words in the context of a rebuking
diatribe to the churches of Galatia. They were receiving and listening to Judaizing
beliefs from Jerusalem. They were teaching his gentile converts that they needed to follow the law and be circumcised along with faith in Jesus to be saved. This was a call to arms for Paul and this letter mirrors his opposition to these ideas, especially for the gentiles. Paul emphasizes that it’s not the law or circumcision that saves but only by faith in Christ (Galatians 3). He even rebuked Peter, who seemed intimidated by these
visiting Judaizers (2:11-21). Paul was opposed to this message, and he expressed hi opposition to this message in very strong language. The author of 1 Corinthians 13
pronounces curses and a coarse rebuke both against heretical angels (1:8-9) as well as Judiazers (5:12)

All just prior to writing the beautiful words of Galatians 5:22-25 concerning the
“Fruit of the Holy Spirit”. Was he speaking in the context of the fruit of the Spirit” when in prior chapters he issues such rebukes or is he reflecting on his own, “Acts of the flesh”(5:19-21)? I think Paul the very human Apostle of the Spirit was upset at what the damage these Judaizers were causing to their gentile brothers and sisters that he behaved confrontationally, urgently so he might mitigate the damage that would be done to the key message that would unite as one people, Jew and Gentile. And once he dealt with this hot issue he seems to calm himself down to a more “Fruit of the Spirit” inspired strategy that would unite and be conciliators to are body, both Jew and Gentile; In 6:1-10 illustrates some of how the Spirit inspired qualities would look like and what the central aim would be “to do good to all.”
1) How to treat those entrapped in a sin: possibly one done against the teacher; 6:1:
“People that are spiritual enough to restore sinners, are still possible sinners;”
a) There cannot be any holier than thou Christians in Paul’s view.

2) To fulfill the central law of Christ (Galatians 5:22 & 6:2 “Love must help carry
each others overbearing burdens (see also Galatians 5:14)
a) (Rather than trying to take the speck out of someone else’s eye take the
beam out of our own eye (Matthew 7:5) follow Jesus’s example in 1 Peter
5:7, he accepts all our cares and anxieties, when you help someone with
the burdens, they cannot carry alone, ask yourself why are you or I doing
it?

3) Stay far away from relational pride: comparing, comparing, evaluating, constantly
comparing! Rather focus on self (It’s our actions compared to God’s word and
Spirit (See the acts of the flesh 5:19-21)
4) Learn to Lead by example and don’t be lazy: teach others to be responsible
especially in spiritual matters (note verse 5 is not equal to 6:2 which implies
burdens that come upon others like 6:1 that our brother and sister cannot carry
alone. (See also 2 Corinthians 1:3-7 → comforting each other!)
5) Be generous especially to your teachers, verse 6 (Again the fruit of the Spirit
5:22-26) (See also 2 Corinthians 9:6-15)
6) Reaping and sowing: We can never fool God (Verses 7-8) (or mock God like, for
example Ananias and Sapphira Acts 5:1-11. Note here the negative or
destructive effect doesn’t come from God but “from the flesh” the positive effects
from the Spirit

Conclusion

Warning that this will not be easy for human Christians: Verse 9, but the clearest
evidence that we are keeping in step with the Spirit(5:26) is summarized in verse
10: again not perfectly done but done with humility, honesty and hunger for God’s
glory.
Again read 6:9-10;