Lesson 80 December 15, 2002

Review

6:5 Remember your own responsibility

For each one will bear his own load.

You are responsible before the Lord for your actions today and tomorrow and at the JSC the final evaluation will be given as to extent or degree we lived out the truth of the Word of God.

Summary

1. There is a contrast here between the heavy crushing loads (6:2 barh) and the burdens/load that we are expected to bear (6:5 fortion) that we find here.

2. What is a crushing burden to one may only be a load to another. The reason goes to ones spiritual growth and willingness to live out the truth known.

3. Beware of those who seek to give you loads that they themselves will not carry. Matt 23:4; Luke 11:46

4. What is in view here is the bearing of the tests, the sufferings in life in our particular niche which is a part of the maturing process that results in DGP. 2 Cor 4:16-17

3. Toward the Pastor-Teacher 6:6-9

And let the one who is taught the word share all good things with him who teaches.

What the Congregation is commanded to do here; share koinwne,w basic idea is to fellowship, to have in common

Summary

1. Isogogics, some historical background:

a. believe from this context the implication is that Paul had left men in these congregations in Galatia with the responsibility to teach the Word.

b. Also that some of the congregations were not supporting financially the needs of the churches and the pastors.

c. Voluntary giving to support the church and the pastor was a revolutionary concept at the time Paul writes, unheard of.

- the Jews were used to being taxed by the Sanhedrin to support the Synagogue.

- The Gentiles paid fees, made vows to support their pagan gods.

2. The teacher (P/T) and the student are to have a reciprocal relationship that is based on the Living Word.

3. Clear communication should be the objective of the P/T not fancy speech. 1 Cor 14:19

4. The one being taught must have a desire to be taught the Word and seeking to live out what he learns. Js 1:19-25

5. When one shares spiritual things, sharing material things is really an insignificant matter. Rom 15:27

6. The church's attitude should be a desire to financially take care of their pastor. 1 Cor 9:1-14; 1 Tim 5:17-18

7. The pastor's responsibility is to do his job of teaching the truth even if he is not being supported and guard against falling prey to the love of money. Phil 4:10-14; 1 Tim 6:8-10

8. Giving some principles:

a. The motivation to give: must be a decision that is not coerced, willingly 2 Cor 9:7.

- let each one give as he purposed (decision) not grudgingly or under compulsion.

b. Our attitude in giving: we are to give with an attitude of joy, cheerfully, not grudgingly 2 Cor. 8:2 ; 2 Cor 9:7

c. The amount to give: giving is to be proportionate as God blesses you. 1 Cor 16:2

Going beyond proportionate, or sacrificial giving, going beyond their ability 2 Cor 8:3.

This must be balanced against the logistical needs of the family 1 Tim 5:8.

The greatest hindrance to giving is not poverty but covetousness 2 Cor. 9:5.

9. Giving ultimately then is a response to God's gracious provision through Christ specifically the faithful teaching of the instrument or tool God has established the P/T.