Biblical Evidences Toward Bearing One Another ’ s Burdens Gal.6:2

1. Biblical Evidences Toward Bearing One Another’s BurdensGal.6:2

2. What does the Bible teach on this subject. • Do we have a responsibility to assist one another? • The text teaches that we do. • In doing so we fulfill the law of Christ Gal.6:2. • But v.5 seems to contradict. It says each must bear his own burden.

3. Why the difference? • First, what is a burden - a weight of responsibility one has to bear. • It may be physical, material in nature Matt.20:12. Things such as a debilitating disease, chronic illness, sorrow, tragedy, etc. • Spiritual – Gal.6:2. • Even religious Acts 15:28.

4. Same words in English but different words in Greek. • V.2“baros”something heavy or burdensome, so overwhelming it is almost impossible to carry alone such as toils, trials whether physical, spiritual, religious. • V.5“phortion”likea soldier’s pack, a task no one else can carry or do for you.

5. Personal obligation for which each person alone is responsible. • That for which each must answer for self in the Day of judgment. • Burden in Jesus’ invitation Matt.11:30 is “phortion.”Man’s personal responsibility that no else can do for you. • burdens beyond reach of human effort, cast upon Lord Ps.55:22.

6. Brethren to be concerned about each other is a universal principle in the NT, spiritually, materially Rom.15:1-2; Phil.2:4; Eph.4:32; 1.Thes.5:14-15; Jas.2:14-16. • Note how many times the phrase “one another”is used in local membership relationship activity. • 18 times positive “do’s”. • 6 negative “don’ts.”

7. Christianity is a “we” religion, not a “me” one. • We must be concerned about how we can help each other, not self Gal.5:26. • One of the terms that describes the church is “a body”Rom.12:4-5. • A singular body (one), composed of many members, joined together working as a unit (one) Eph.4:16.

8. Individualism is not a virtue in the church (body). • While each member is individually responsible for its own work it does not function without considering the other members of the body. • Note 1.Cor.12:12-26. • We can learn at least 3 things in the passage.

9. 1. Members are dependent on one another. They do not function outside the body vs.15-16. • 2. All members are needed vs.21-22 so we need to be concerned about each other vs.25-26. • 3. Members work in harmony (no schism, division) vs.12, 25. Also Gal.5:13-16; Eph.4:3.

10. So, what do we do when a part of the body suffers? • We try to help however we can. • Certainly one suffering from some disease, illness or trial is carrying a very heavy burden. • So we help them bear the burdens so difficult they should not have to carry them alone, whether physical or spiritual.

11. V.1 gives the example of one caught up in sin. • The shame and guilt is heavy, so brethren help him resolve it. • Some brethren seem to never find a reason to help another. They find many excuses to avoid it. • This is wrong 1.Jn.3:17; Jas.1:27; 2:14-16; 1.Pet.4:9-10; Heb.10.24.

12. Sometimes we judge them as unworthy of help before we know the circumstances. • Remember we are fulfilling the law of Christ and showing our love for Him and our brethren. • How does helping bear burdens benefit the church? • 1. It certainly helps the one with the problem (immediate thing).

13. 2. It causes thanksgiving to be given to God 2.Cor.9:12-14. • 3. It causes the one who is helping to fulfill the law of Christ. • When we do this we do well Jas.2:8-10. • We had better obey it for one day it will be our judge Jn.12:48; Rom.2:16.

14. To what extent should we assist each other? • To the same extent we would help Christ if He were here among us Matt.25:35-40.