Gospel Relationships

INTRODUCTION
• This is a very short passage, but it is bristling with practical principles
for relating to others.
• The gospel creates a whole new self-image (5:26, 6:3-5) which is not
based on comparisons with others.
• Only the gospel makes us neither self-confident nor self-disdaining,
but both bold and humble.
• That works itself out in relationships with everyone. Rather than
comparing ourselves with those “above” or “below” (cf..5:26), we look
only at our own responsibility to take what we have and are and offer
it to God, as sacrifices of gratitude for what Christ has done.
READ Galatians 5:26-6:5
Considering the context of 6:1-5, how would you define conceit?
According to verse 26, what are the two possible effects of conceit on
relationships?
How could conceit and pride lead to both superiority and
inferiority complexes?
Do you have more of a tendency to provoke or to envy in
relationships?
How can you use the gospel to overcome your tendency
whatever it is?
Compare 6:2 with 5:13-14, and decide what “the
law of Christ” is and what “bearing burdens” is.
How does “bearing burdens” help define our
relationship with others?
From the context of v.2 and v.5, explain why
they are not contradictory. How does our view
of ourselves (v.3-5) influence how we treat
others (v.2)?
6:1. What principles does Paul lay down in this verse? How does v.2
shed light on v.1?
Make a list of the reasons that Christians do so poorly at
both 6:2 and 6:1 relationships.
How do you think our particular small group or church
community is at “restoration” of 6:1?
What could you do practically to do better at 6:2? At
6:1?
 CONCLUSION
• Outside the gospel we are either confident
(if achieving) or humble (if failing), but in
the gospel our new self-image produces a
bold humility that changes all relationships.
• Without the gospel, your self-image is
based upon living up to some standards--
whether yours or someone's imposed upon
you.
• If you live up to those standards, you will
be confident but not humble. If you don't
• Paul shows us that this new, unique self-image
changes all relationships. “Don’t be
conceited---provoking or envying each other.”
(Gal.5:26).
• Because we are humbled by the gospel, we
don’t “provoke” or approach anyone with a
sense of superiority.
• Because we are powerfully loved in the gospel,
we don’t “envy” or approach anyone with a