In my previous post I pointed out that Galatians 6:1-5 has the structure ABCAB. The next 5 verses have a slightly different structure: ABBAC. Verses 6 and 9 go together because they are both exhortations, verses 7 and 8 go together because they give us the reasons for the exhortations, and verse 10 is the conclusion.
The First Exhortation
The first exhortation (v. 6) is an exhortation to support those who teach the gospel. There are three things I want to say about that.
First, this is an example of bearing one another’s burdens, as Paul exhorts in verse 2. Those who teach bear our burden by their teaching. We bear theirs in caring for their temporal needs.
Second, this is a very brief summary of what Paul says much more extensively in 1 Corinthians 9. There Paul argues at length for his right to earn a living from the preaching of the gospel. His arguments include the following. 1) Other laborers, such as soldiers, vinedressers and shepherds, earn their living from their work. The same should apply to preachers (v. 7). 2) The law of God says that you must not muzzle the ox that tread out the corn. God was establishing the principle that the laborer is worthy of his wages (vv. 9-10). 3) I have given you spiritual things that are far more valuable than any earthly wages you may give me. Is it a great thing, then, if I “reap your carnal things?” 4) The priests who served at the altar partook of the sacrifices offered there (v. 13).
Paul had not used this right because he did not want to hinder the gospel. Instead, he had robbed other churches to do the Corinthians service (2 Cor. 11:8). Nevertheless, it was his right to receive wages, and they had no right to deprive him of it. This is a principle which applies today as much as it did then. We owe those who teach the word all the good things that they need to live and work in the world.
Third, Paul does not say that those who send the preacher must pay his wages. He says rather that those who are taught should do it. This is consistent with Jesus’ practice of sending out his disciples without money, food, extra clothing or staves (Matt. 10:9-10). “A worker is worthy of his food.” We should think about this when we send out missionaries. Our practice sometimes sets the missionary apart from his hearers as “a rich American” and deprives the hearers of their privilege and obligation of support for those who bring them the great gift of salvation.
However, the Scriptures also make clear that this principle must not be applied to the hindrance of the gospel. That’s why Paul did not use his right. It’s also why, on another occasion, Jesus said, “When I sent you without money bag, knapsack, and sandals, did you lack anything?” So they said, “Nothing.” Then He said to them, “But now, he who has a money bag, let him take it, and likewise a knapsack; and he who has no sword, let him sell his garment and buy one” (Lk 22:35-36).
The Second Exhortation
The second exhortation is in verse 9: “Let us not grow weary while doing good.” Once and done acts of good are easy. Continuing to do the same good over a lengthy period of time is hard. We become displeased with the constant drain on our resources and begin to think of ways to escape the obligation. We must not let this happen. We must persevere in obedience.
The encouragement is that in due time we will receive a reward. It may be a long time coming, but God does not forget our work and labor of love (Heb. 6:10). He rewards every man according to his work.
That’s in 9b. Paul explains further in verses 7-8.
The Reasons for Obedience
Whatever a man sows, that he will reap. If we sow good to others, we will reap good for ourselves. If we sow evil, we will reap evil. If we sow nothing, we will reap nothing. God is righteous. We must not persuade ourselves that it will be otherwise, that somehow we will reap the good that we have not sown or not reap the evil that we have sown.
The harvest is great. The harvest of evil is corruption, that is, at best the perishable things of this world. As Jesus said of those who do their good deeds before men, “They have their reward.” But the harvest of good is everlasting life. That is an imperishable crown.
The Conclusion
In the final verse (v. 10) Paul extends the command to support those who teach the gospel to cover all our dealings with our fellow men. Let us do good to all.
This does not mean that we are to support all. Good here is a much more general thing. Do whatever good God enables you to do. And also do not grow weary in doing it.
Do good as you have opportunity. God knows that most of you do not have unlimited resources, but he will set opportunities in your way. You must be ready, like the good Samaritan, to do whatever good is possible for you. You may be too poor to give money. You may have to make a choice between one good deed and another because of limitations of strength or time. You may have to judge whether this is more important than that. But apply yourself. Work at it. Look for the opportunities God gives, and prepare yourself to do the best you can with them.
The household of faith comes first. Do good to all, even to your enemies, as opportunities arise, but, other things being equal, if there is a choice between helping the unbelieving or helping fellow Christians, your fellow Christians should come first. They are the special objects of God’s love.