Galatians 6:4

But let every man prove his own work, and then shall he have rejoicing in himself alone, and not in another. HIS OWN WORK - not merely his own opinion of himself. HAVE REJOICING IN HIMSELF ALONE. Translate, 'have his matter for glorying [to kaucheema (G2745); distinct from kaucheesis (G2746), the act of glorying] in regard to himself [ eis (G1519) heauton (G1438)] alone, and not in regard to the other'-namely, his neighbour-by comparing himself with whom he fancied he has matter for boasting as superior (1 Corinthians 4:5). Not th...

4._But let every man prove his own work_. By a powerful blow, Paul has already struck down the pride of man. But it frequently happens that, by comparing ourselves with others, the low opinion which we form of them leads us to entertain a high opinion of ourselves. Paul declares that no such comparison ought to be allowed. Let no man, he says, measure himself by the standard of another, or please himself with the thought, that others appear to him less worthy of approbation. Let him lay aside all regard to other men, examine his own conscience, and inquire what is _his own work_. It is not what we gain by detracting from others, but what we have without any comparison, that can be regarded as true praise. Some consider Paul to be speaking in irony. “Thou flatterest thyself by a comparison with the faults of others; but if thou wilt consider who thou art, thou wilt then enjoy the praise w...

1-5 We are to bear one another's burdens. So we shall fulfil the law of Christ. This obliges to mutual forbearance and compassion towards each other, agreeably to his example. It becomes us to bear one another's burdens, as fellow-travellers. It is very common for a man to look upon himself as wiser and better than other men, and as fit to dictate to them. Such a one deceives himself; by pretending to what he has not, he puts a cheat upon himself, and sooner or later will find the sad effects. This will never gain esteem, either with God or men. Every one is advised to prove his own work. The better we know our own hearts and ways, the less shall we despise others, and the more be disposed to help them under infirmities and afflictions. How light soever men's sins seem to them when committed, yet they will be found a heavy burden, when they come to reckon with God about them. No man can...

Verse Galatians 6:4. _PROVE HIS OWN WORK_] Let him examine himself and his conduct by the words and example of Christ; and if he find that they bear this _touchstone_, then he shall have _rejoicing in himself_ _alone_, feeling that he resembles his Lord and Master, _and not in_ _another_-not derive his consolation from comparing himself with another who may be _weaker_, or less instructed than himself. The only _rule_ for a Christian is the word of Christ; the only _pattern_ for his imitation is the _example_ of Christ. He should not compare himself with _others_; they are not his _standard_. Christ hath left us an example that we should follow _his_ steps....

BUT LET EVERY MAN PROVE - That is, try or examine in a proper manner. Let him form a proper estimate of what is due to himself, according to his real character. Let him compare himself with the word of God, and the infallible rule which he has given, and by which we are to be judged in the last great day; compare the Romans 12:3 note; 1 Corinthians 11:28 note; 2 Corinthians 13:5 note. HIS OWN WORK - What he does. Let him form a fair and impartial estimate of his own character. AND THEN SHALL HE HAVE REJOICING - That is, he will be appropriately rewarded, and will meet with no disappoin

EXPOSITION GALATIANS 6:1 BRETHREN, IF (or, _although_)_ _A MAN BE OVERTAKEN IN A FAULT (ἀδελφοί ἐὰν καὶ προληφθῇ ἄνθρωπος ἔν τινι παραπτέματι);_ brethren_',_ if even a man hath been overtaken in some trespass. _"Brethren;" the compellation so introduced betokens a somewhat pathetic urgency: el. above, Galatians 3:15; Galatians 4:31; Galatians 5:11. But Philippians 3:13,...

BUT LET EVERY MAN PROVE HIS OWN WORK,.... Not concern himself about the actions and works of others; let him review his own heart and actions; let him examine, try, and prove his whole conduct in life by the rule of God's word, when he will find enough at home, without bearing hard upon, and censuring others: AND THEN SHALL HE HAVE REJOICING IN HIMSELF ALONE, and not in another; which is either ironically said, he will then see what reason he has to rejoice and glory in his own works, and vaunt over others, and to boast of his performances, and despise others; so far from it, that he will have reason to be ashamed of himself, and to own and acknowledge his unworthiness and unprofitableness: or if, upon such a review, examination, and probation of his works, it shall appear that he has had his conversation in the world, by the grace of God, in simplicity and godly sincerity, this testimo...

Galatians 6:1. _Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault,_ He is a slow traveler; he is not speeding swiftly on the way to heaven, so the fault overtakes him. Had he been quicker of pace, he might have outstripped it; but he is «overtaken in a fault.» What then? Turn him out of the church? Have done with him? No. «If a man be overtaken in a fault,» Galatians 6:1. _Ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness;_ Pick him up, help him to run better than he did before. Galatians 6:1. _Considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted._ Paul does not say, «Lest thou also fall;» but, «Lest thou also be tempted,» as much as to say, «

CHAPTER 6 _ 1. Concerning the Restoration of a brother. (Galatians 6:1)_ 2. Concerning Reaping and Sowing. (Galatians 6:6) 3. The conclusion. (Galatians 6:11) Practical exhortations conclude the defense of the gospel. The previous chapter stated that they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh and its lusts. In the beginning of this chapter the treatment to be accorded to a man (a brother) who has been overtaken in a fault is given. The law would demand the cutting off of such a one. It is harsh and merciless. But grace bears a different message. “Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such a one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself,

Third safeguard. If things become bad and a Christian falls into open fault, loving Christian friends (acting as individuals rather than as a church? But, on any view, the verse is an important contribution towards a theory of church discipline) may restore him again. The only thing which could hinder this would be self-righteous pride, which thwarts all good. By thus bearing each other's burdens, we fulfil Christ's true law if we are humble. If, however, we think ourselves too good to sympathise with our stumbling brothers, we are deluded. Let us look closer into our own hearts and lives! It is quite true that, in the end, every one is to answer for himself to God (_cf._ Romans 14:12) and to bear his own load (_mg._; a different word from that rendered burdens in Galatians 6:2; not that anything is to b