Galatians (11) - Community, Cross, and New Creation (Gal. 6:1-18)

Galatians 6:1-18 - Brethren, if a man has gone ahead in any transgression, you who are spiritually mature restore [mend] such [a person] in a spirit of gentleness. Pay close attention to yourselves, so that you are not also tempted.  2 Carry one another’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the Torah of Messiah. 3 For if anyone thinks he is something when he is nothing, he deceives himself. 4 Let each one test his own work. Then he can “boast” in himself alone and not compare himself with others. 5 For each one will carry his own burden. 6 But the one who receives [catechesis] instruction in the Word must share all good things with the one who instructs. 7 Do not be deceived. God will not be mocked. For what a man sows, this he reaps, 8 because the person sowing to his own fleshliness will reap destruction from fleshliness, but the one who sows to the Spirit will reap life of the age to come from the Spirit.  9 So we must not be discouraged in making good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not faint. 10 So then, whenever seasonable, let us work the good for all, and exceedingly to the household of faith.  11 See how large [these] letters [which] I write with my own hand! 12 Those who want to make a good showing in fleshliness, compelling you to be circumcised do so only that they may not be persecuted for the cross of Messiah. 13 For not even those circumcised keep Torah themselves, but they want you to be circumcised so that they may boast about [cutting] your [foreskin] flesh.  14 But may it never be that I boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, through which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world. 15 For neither circumcision nor uncircumcision is anything; but new creation [Is. 65:17]! 16 And all who will live in this rule, peace and mercy be on them, even on the [true] Israel of God. 17 From now on let no one cause me trouble, for I bear the marks [stigma] of Jesus on my body. 18 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit, brethren. Amen. (GS trans.)

Outline:
Community Restoration and Reward (1-10)
Circumcision vs the Cross and New Creation (11-18)