Don't Give Up

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March 22, 2009 - Galatians 6:1-10

Open It

  1. How easily do you share your time and skills with others?

  2. What's hardest about serving others?

  3. How do you feel when you aren't thanked for going out of your way to help someone?

Explore It

  1. What did Paul say about helping a Christian overtaken by sin? (6:1)

  2. What warning about sin do strong Christians need to heed? (6:1)

  3. How should Christians support each other? (6:2)

  4. What is the law of Christ? (6:2)

  5. What is the antidote to self-deception? (6:3-4)

  6. How is carrying one's own load different from bearing the burdens of others? (6:5)

  7. What is the responsibility of church members toward their teaching elders? (6:6)

  8. How did Paul warn against a lack of financial support for the Christian workers in the Galatian churches? (6:7-8)

  9. How did Paul encourage the Christians to endure in service? (6:9)

  10. What did Paul say about a Christian's social responsibility? (6:10)

  11. What responsibility do believers have toward each other? (6:10)

Get It

  1. What is the best approach to helping a Christian brother or sister caught in sin?

  2. How is your view of yourself in line with God's?

  3. What encourages you to keep going in Christian service even when you feel like giving up?

  4. How would you evaluate your history of tithing?

  5. How can you help meet the needs of others outside the church?

Apply It

  1. How can you help a member of your church this week with a particular burden he or she has?

  2. This week, what can you do to support someone in missions in a way that will please the Spirit?

Notes

Galatians 6:1-3: No Christian should ever think that he or she is totally independent and doesn't need help from others, and no one should feel excused from the task of helping others. The body of Christ-the church-functions only when the members work together for the common good. Do you know someone who needs help? Is there a Christian brother or sister who needs correction or encouragement? Humbly and gently reach out to that person (John 13:34-35).

Galatians 6:4: When you do your very best, you feel good about the results. There is no need to compare yourself with others. People make comparisons for many reasons. Some point out others' flaws in order to feel better about themselves. Others simply want reassurance that they are doing well. When you are tempted to compare, look at Jesus Christ. His example will inspire you to do your very best, and his loving acceptance will comfort you when you fall short of your expectations.

Galatians 6:6: Paul says that students should take care of the material needs of their teachers (1 Cor. 9:7-12). It is easy to receive the benefit of good Bible teaching and then to take our spiritual leaders for granted, ignoring their financial and physical needs. We should care for our teachers, not grudgingly or reluctantly, but with a generous spirit, showing honor and appreciation for all they have done (1 Tim. 5:17-18).

Galatians 6:7-8: It would certainly be a surprise if you planted corn and pumpkins came up. It's a natural law to reap what we sow. It's true in other areas too. If you gossip about your friends, you will lose their friendship. Every action has results. If you plant to please your own desires, you'll reap a crop of sorrow and evil. If you plant to please God, you'll reap joy and everlasting life. What kind of seeds are you sowing?

Galatians 6:9-10: It is discouraging to continue to do right and receive no word of thanks or see no tangible results. But Paul challenged the Galatians and he challenges us to keep on doing good and to trust God for the results. In due time, we will reap a harvest of blessing.

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