Pastor Luther Walker continues teaching through Galatians chapter 6, emphasizing that our boast is in Christ alone, not in man or self-effort. Spiritual believers should restore those caught in trespass, bear one another’s burdens to fulfill the law of Christ, and examine their own works without self-deception. Each person must bear their own load regarding the consequences of personal sin.
Believers are urged not to grow weary in doing what is proper (moral excellence and conduct aligned with Christ), for in due season they will reap if they do not lose heart. This draws from examples in 2 Corinthians 4:1, 2 Thessalonians 3:13, Romans 7:18 and 12:17, showing that proper conduct cannot come from fleshly self-effort but from living out our identity in Christ. We should test all things, hold fast to what is proper, abstain from malignant evil, pursue peaceful and godly lives, fight the proper fight, and lay hold of eternal life we already possess.
As we have opportunity, we must do what is beneficial to all, especially the household of faith. Good works flow not from self-effort or law but from who we are in Christ, as God prepared them beforehand (Ephesians 2:10). Our words should edify and impart grace; former thieves must labor honestly to have something to share. All things work together for good for those loving God through active love for the brethren.
Paul writes the conclusion in large letters due to eye trouble from past persecution. He rebukes those compelling circumcision to make a fleshly show and avoid persecution, noting they do not keep the law themselves but seek to boast in others’ flesh. Our only boast is in the cross of Christ, through whom the world is crucified to us and we to the world. Salvation is by grace through faith, a gift of God—not works, confession for salvation, or self-maintenance. We are a new creation in Christ; Jew and Gentile distinctions hold no value in Him. The church is one body under Christ as head, distinct from Israel.
Those who walk by this rule experience peace and mercy, upon the church and the Israel of God. Paul bears the marks of the Lord and asks that no one trouble him further. The letter closes with the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ with your spirit.
