Christmas by Whitestone

My friend, Whitestone, posted an excellent blog entry on her reflections regarding celebrating Christmas. Check it out. She also relates from her personal testimony, what life was like as a young girl where she writes: "Our last winter there we subsisted on rabbits, squirrels, and corn meal mush." And also, how she first heard of Jesus through the song, "Jesus Loves Me."

The article starts out like this:

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Christmas Eve We Celebrate the End of Death

Whoa! To some that might sound like a weird title. "We Celebrate the End of Death?" And some might wonder, "How do you get THAT out of Christmas?"

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Click here to read the whole thing.

And if you want to see some pictures of Whitestone's old Homstead, click here.

Have Merry Christmas, and may our Lord Jesus Christ be exalted in the hearts of His People. Let all that has breath praise his most Holy and Glorious name.

Ps 150:6
2Ti 1:10

Capitol Visitor Center

Dr. John Piper's article "Writing Religion out of Our History", over at the Desiring God blog pointed me to a recent article written by United States Senator, Jim DeMint. Although I read this article several days ago, it's contents continue to prick my thoughts. Both articles point to a deliberate left-leaning intention to misrepresent our nations religious history within the new Capitol Visitor Center. Consider the engraving on a plaque intended to be read by visitors as they enter the new Capitol Visitor Center.

We have built no temple but the Capitol. We consult no common oracle but the Constitution.

I encourage you to read both Dr. John Piper and Senator DeMint's articles.

Click Here for Dr. John Piper on Writing Religion out of our History.

Click Here for U.S. Senator Jim DeMint's article on the new Capitol Visitor Center.

Young, Restless, Reformed

You may have heard of the fairly new book by Collin Hansen:

Young, Restless, Reformed: A Journalist’s Journey with the New Calvinists, written by Collin Hansen (Crossway, 2008; 160 pp, paperback, ISBN 978-1-58134-940-5)

Not having read the book, I found the Banner of Truth Trust review by Erroll Hulse very intriguing. It appears to me that Mr. Hulse not only gives a condensed description of Hansen's book, but also adds additional insight.

It was beneficial for me to read this review as an encouragement and a refreshing of the providential outworking of the Doctrines of Grace within America and England over the past 100 years or so.

You can read the full article, here.

Errol Hulse closes his article with D. A. Carson's endorsement of Hansen's book, I'll do the same as Carson's words speak to me with timely admonishment.

"This is not the time for Reformed triumphalism. It is time for quiet gratitude to God and earnest intercessory prayer, with tears, that what has begun will flourish beyond all human expectation."

The Reformed Pastor-3

The Reformed Pastor

By Richard Baxter

Yet another email from my son with his progressing thoughts on Baxter's book, The Reformed Pastor.

The first observation you will note below is the definition of Reformed, like my son, I to have been reflecting on J.I. Packer's "helpful observation" these past few days.

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Dad,

One thing that just keeps coming to my mind as I read this book is Packer's helpful observation made in his introduction, that the word "Reformed" in the title was not used by Baxter to refer to Calvinistic doctrine, but to being renewed in practice.

"By 'reformed' he means, not Calvinistic doctrine, but renewed in practice."

In light of that, the title 'The Reformed Pastor' should be understood to mean 'The Renewed Pastor.'

In pages 72 to 86 Baxter supplies numerous stirring and convicting motives for us to 'take heed' to our own walk with Christ. There is so much meat in this section that it is a bit painful to condense it for you. So I will supply the main points and the comments which struck me the most, and of course, the verse upon which this book is based, Acts 20:28. The following is so plain, I don't think there can be much that I can contribute to it. There is such a degree of strength in it that my words would but water it down.

"Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseeers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood." Acts 20:28

"1. Take heed for you have heaven to win or lose..."

"...it concerneth you to begin at home, and to take heed to yourselves as well as to others."

"O sirs, how many men have preached Christ, and yet have perished for want of saving interest in him?"

"How many, who are now in hell have told their people of the torments of hell, and warned them to escape from it?"

"a holy calling will not save an unholy man."

"2. Take heed to yourselves, for you have a depraved nature and sinful inclinations."

"Sin dwelleth in us, when we have preached ever so much against it."

"In us there are, at the best, the remnants of pride, unbelief, self-seeking, hypocrisy, and all the most hateful, deadly, sins."

"3. Take heed to yourselves, because the tempter will more ply you with his temptations than other men."

"he knows what a route he will make... if the leaders fall before their eyes"

"As wise and learned as you are, take heed to yourselves, lest he outwit you... The devil is a greater scholar than you, and a nimbler disputant..."

"4. Take heed to yourselves, because there are many eyes upon you, and there will be many to observe your falls."

"5. Take heed to yourselves, for your sins have more heinous aggravations than other men's."

"It was a saying of king Alphonsus, that 'a great man cannot commit a small' sin'"

"a. You are more likely than others to sin against knowledge, because you have more than they..."

"b. your sins have more hypocrisy in them than other men's, by how much the more you have spoken against them."

"6. Take heed to yourselves, because such work as ours require greater grace than other men's."

"we have seen some private Christians of good esteem, who, having thought too highly of their parts, and thrust themselves into the ministerial office, have proved weak and empty men, and have become greater burdens to the Church than some whom we endeavored to cast out. They might have done God more service in the higher rank of private men, than they do among the lowest of the ministry."

"7. Take heed to yourselves, for the honor of your Lord and Master, and of his holy truth and ways, doth lie more on you than on other men."

"Would it not wound you to the heart to hear the name and truth of God reproached for your sakes; to see men point to you, and say, 'There goes a covetous priest, a secret tippler [alcoholic], a scandalous man; these are they that preach for strictness, while they themselves can live as loose as others; they condemn us by their sermons, and condemn themselves by their lives; notwithstanding all their talk, they are as bad as we.'"

"O take heed, brethren, of every word you speak, and of every step you tread, for you bear the ark of the Lord, you are entrusted with His honor!"

"Never did a man dishonor God, but it proved the greatest dishonor to himself."

"8. Lastly, Take heed to yourselves, for the success of all your labors doth very much depend upon this."

"a. Can it be expected that God will bless that man's labors, (I mean comparatively, as to other ministers) who worketh not for God, but for himself? Now, this is the case with every unsanctified man. None but converted men do make God their chief end, and do all or any thing heartily for his honor; others make the ministry but a trade to live by."

"O sirs, all your preaching and persuading of others, will be but dreaming and vile hypocrisy, till the work be thoroughly done upon your own hearts. How can you set yourselves, day and night, to a work that your carnal hearts are averse to? How can you call, with serious fervor, upon poor sinners to repent and return to God, that never repented or returned yourselves? How can you heartily follow poor sinners, with importunate solicitations to take heed of sin, and to lead a holy life, that never felt yourselves the evil of sin, or the worth of holiness?"

"What, can you love other men better than yourselves?"

"As Calvin saith on my text; 'For never will the man take diligent care for the salvation of others who neglects his own salvation.'"

"I CONFESS, THAT MAN SHALL NEVER HAVE MY CONSENT TO HAVE THE CHARGE OF OTHER MEN'S SOULS, AND TO OVERSEE THEM IN ORDER TO THEIR SALVATION, THAT TAKES NOT HEED TO HIMSELF, BUT IS CARELESS OF HIS OWN, except it were in case of absolute necessity, that no better could be had." [Original text was upper case]

"he who cherisheth sin in his own heart doth never fall upon it in good earnest in others... a wicked man may be more willing for the reformation of others than of his own... he can preach against sin at an easier rate than he can forsake it..."

The Reformed Pastor-2

The Reformed Pastor

By Richard Baxter

[This is the 2nd post commenting on this book]

Today I received another email from my son with some more great observations from Baxter’s, The Reformed Pastor. His thoughts as follows:

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Baxter really bears down heavily on the negligence of preachers in caring for their own souls.

"Oh sirs, how many men have preached Christ, and yet have perished for want of a saving interest in him?" "A holy calling will not save an unholy man."

While the book is very rich and appealing to the intellect, it is not a 'thrill' read. I have to read slowly and prayerfully. It is very convicting. He also gives the 'beware that you don't study to your own further damnation' warning.

He particularly points out that people ought not to be studying theology as they would physics. On the other hand, he does intensely desire that people study physics almost as they would study theology. Namely, study physics as a textbook declaring the glory of God in science, as all creation is a textbook declaring the glory of the Lord. He would rather that young people first study theology so that their foundation is set for other studies.

"Nothing can be rightly known if God be not known; nor is any study well managed, nor to any great purpose, if God is not studied."

"It is one thing to know the creatures as Aristotle, and another thing to know them as a Christian. None but a Christian can read one line of his Physics so as to understand it rightly. It is a high and excellent study, and of greater use than many apprehend; but it is the smallest part of it that Aristotle may teach us."

The Reformed Pastor

THE REFORMED PASTOR

By Richard Baxter

As part of the 2008 Puritan Reading Challenge ,my son is currently reading Baxter’s The Reformed Pastor.

Available on line here.

Following are some introductory comments he passed on to me by way of an email:

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I am 67 pages deep into reading Richard Baxter's Reformed Pastor. Wow, what a book! Very, very piercing.

J.I Packer says, "By 'reformed' he means, not Calvinistic doctrine, but renewed in practice." Regarding the book, Packer writes, "It's words have hands and feet... the book has reality... a model of rationality."

Baxter seems to be imminently practical. His goal is to seriously convict preaches, and work them towards renewal for their sake and the sakes of their flocks. And so he writes,

"How can you choose, when you are laying a corpse in the grave, but think with yourselves, 'here lieth the body; but where is the soul? and what have I done for it, before it departed? It was part of my charge; what account can I give of it?'"

Baxter puts more weight on follow-up one-on-one ministry, (the personal imparting of doctrine through catechisms and counseling) than preaching.

"I know that preaching the gospel publicly is the most excellent means, because we speak to many at once. But it is usually far more effectual to preach it privately to a particular sinner..."

"...I frequently meet with those that have been my hearers eight or ten years, who know not whether Christ be God or man, and wonder when I tell them the history of his birth and life and death as if they had never heard it before.... But most of them have an ungrounded trust in Christ, hoping that he will pardon, justify and save them, while the world hath their hearts, and they live to the flesh..."

According to Packer, "...he taught individuals through personal counseling and catechizing. Christians, he urged, should regularly come to their pastor with their problems and let him check their spiritual health, and ministers should regularly catechize their entire congregations."

Baxter urged other pastors to also do this, and so he writes, "The common cry is, 'Our people are not ready for it; they will not bear it' But is not the fact rather, that you will not bear the trouble and hatred which it will occasion?"

Baxter writes later on, "If you intend the end of the ministry in the pulpit only, it would seem you take yourselves for ministers no longer than you are there. And, if so, I think you are unworthy to be esteemed ministers at all."

Baxter gives the structure of his book at the end of his introduction;

First, To consider what it is to take heed to ourselves
Secondly, To show why we must take heed to ourselves
Thirdly, To inquire what it is to take heed to all the flock
Fourthly, To illustrate the manner in which we must take heed to all the flock.
Fifthly, To state some motives why we should take heed to all the flock
Lastly, to make some application of the whole


"Take heed to yourselves, lest you perish, while you call upon others to take heed of perishing... preach to yourselves the sermons which you study, before you preach them to others."


It is very easy to read. Baxter writes in plain English, yet it is weighty, doctrinally solid, practical and convicting. It is a favorite already,

Galatians 6.2

GALATIANS PART TWENTY-TWO

Gal 6.2

Morningside Baptist Church

November 16, 2008

Summary from Gal 6.1:

^KJV Galatians 6:1 Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted.

^NAU Galatians 6:1 Brethren, even if anyone is caught in any trespass, you who are spiritual, restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness; each one looking to yourself, so that you too will not be tempted.

^NIV Galatians 6:1 Brothers, if someone is caught in a sin, you who are spiritual should restore him gently. But watch yourself, or you also may be tempted.

^SCR Galatians 6:1 VAdelfoi,( eva.n kai. prolhfqh/| a;nqrwpoj e;n tini paraptw,mati( u`mei/j oi` pneumatikoi. katarti,zete to.n toiou/ton evn pneu,mati praothtoj( skopw/n seauto,n( mh. kai. su. peirasqh/|jÅ

Esv Gal 6:1 Brothers, if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness. Keep watch on yourself, lest you too be tempted.

While keeping in mind the context of the previous verses:

^KJV Galatians 5:25 If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit. ²⁶ Let us not be desirous of vain glory, provoking one another, envying one another.

Walking in the Spirit is further illustrated with this exhortation, to restore the brother overtaken in a fault. To do this in a way that is the opposite of that empty-boasting / vain-glory which provokes/challenges , and brings about envy.

Calvin: “For very many harass their brethren violently and cruelly, as if their faults were something to taunt them with. The reason is they would rather scold than correct.”[1]

Motive for compassion: because the purpose of correction is to RESTORE.

Compassion: It is because he has been “overtaken” caught up by Satan in fault. This should excite our compassion not our pride.

Ye which are Spiritual: “The more any man is endowed with grace, the more he is bound to devote himself to the edification of the weaker brethren.”[2]

But Beware: “…beware lest, in correcting others, we ourselves sin…Whenever we have occasion to criticize, let us remember to begin with ourselves and then, conscious of our own weakness, let us be restrained with others.”[3]

Note it is here that Paul by the Spirit of God switches from the Plural – YE or YOU-Plural – to the singular in the second exhortation. CONSIDERING THYSELF, LEST THOU also art tempted. Here by the Spirit of God he is using the singular to make his point and warning all the more powerful.

Matthew Henry:

1. The duty we are directed to - to restore such; we should labour, by faithful reproofs, and pertinent and seasonable councils, to bring them to repentance. The original word, katartizete, signifies to set in joint, as a dislocated bone; accordingly we should endeavour to set them in joint again, to bring them to themselves, by convincing them of their sin and error, persuading them to return to their duty, comforting them in a sense of pardoning mercy thereupon, and having thus recovered them, confirming our love to them. 2. The manner wherein this is to be done: With the spirit of meekness; not in wrath and passion, as those who triumph in a brother's falls, but with meekness, as those who rather mourn for them. Many needful reproofs lose their efficacy by being given in wrath; but when they are managed with calmness and tenderness, and appear to proceed from sincere affection and concern for the welfare of those to whom they are given, they are likely to make a due impression. 3. A very good reason why this should be done with meekness: Considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted. We ought to deal very tenderly with those who are overtaken in sin, because we none of us know but it may some time or other be our own case. We also may be tempted, yea, and overcome by the temptation; and therefore, if we rightly consider ourselves, this will dispose us to do by others as we desire to be done by in such a case.[4]

Summary of Matthew Henry above:

Restore with faithful reproofs and seasonable councils designed to bring a man to repentance.

Restore, to set in joint, as a dislocated bone, bring them to themselves, comforting with a sense of pardoning mercy upon repentance, and “having thus recovered them, confirming our love to them.”

Manner of doing this: with a spirit of meekness, not condescending, but as someone mourning for them. And as quoted by Denise Reynolds last week, “Many needful reproofs lose their efficacy by being given in wrath; but when they are managed with calmness and tenderness, and appear to proceed from sincere affection and concern for the welfare of those to whom they are given, they are likely to make a due impression.”

One motive to this meekness: we may be next, the very one who is next time tempted. And so we ought to do to others as we desire to be done to us in such a case.

SOUL-CHALLENGING – HEART ENFLAMING:

Do these words as we really meditate on this verse, not awaken in you, real compassion for one another, and real heart-felt deep concern for your brothers and sisters in Christ with whom you are together ONE BODY of Christ? My heart is warmed. My own tenderness awakened. I am freshly reminded of my own weakness. I am freshly reminded of my own desire for Christ and for HIS church to walk together in Love. Oh, even now, my bowels of compassion are awakened, I’m excited in the inner man, even words fail me, how I continually long for the Health and Comfort and mutual comforting of and within the Body of Christ.

GALATIANS 6.2-5

^KJV Galatians 6:2 Bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ. ³ For if a man think himself to be something, when he is nothing, he deceiveth himself. ⁴ But let every man prove his own work, and then shall he have rejoicing in himself alone, and not in another. ⁵ For every man shall bear his own burden.

^NAU Galatians 6:2 Bear one another's burdens, and thereby fulfill the law of Christ. ³ For if anyone thinks he is something when he is nothing, he deceives himself. ⁴ But each one must examine his own work, and then he will have reason for boasting in regard to himself alone, and not in regard to another. ⁵ For each one will bear his own load.

^NIV Galatians 6:2 Carry each other's burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ. ³ If anyone thinks he is something when he is nothing, he deceives himself. ⁴ Each one should test his own actions. Then he can take pride in himself, without comparing himself to somebody else, ⁵ for each one should carry his own load.

^SCR Galatians 6:2 VAllh,lwn ta. ba,rh basta,zete( kai. ou[twj avnaplhrw,sate to.n no,mon tou/ Cristou/Å ³ eiv ga.r dokei/ tij ei=nai, ti( mhde.n w;n( e`auto.n frenapata/|\ <sup>4</sup> to. de. e;rgon e`autou/ dokimaze,tw e[kastoj( kai. to,te eivj e`auto.n mo,non to. kau,chma e[xei( kai. ouvk eivj to.n e[teronÅ ⁵ e[kastoj ga.r to. i;dion forti,on basta,seiÅ

ESV Gal 6:2 Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.

Gal 6:3 For if anyone thinks he is something, when he is nothing, he deceives himself.

Gal 6:4 But let each one test his own work, and then his reason to boast will be in himself alone and not in his neighbor.

Gal 6:5 For each will have to bear his own load.

Questions to Consider as we begin this text:

Gal 6.2-5

Q. How does this section fit into the whole flow of thought within the book of Galatians?

Q. How many exhortations are listed in these verses?

Gal 6.2

Q. To what does the burden’s refer? Back to verse 1 or more general?

Q. In what variety of ways can we obey the exhortation to bear one another’s burdens?

Q. What is the law of Christ?

Q. Is there a connection between this referral to Law and other referrals? Christ vs Moses?

Gal 6.3

Q. Is this meant to say we are nothing, or only that one who is nothing should not think he is something?

Q. What is it then to be ‘something’ -- what is meant by that term?

Q. What is the connection with the context? With Gal 5.26 Let us not be vain-glorious? With restoring? With Bearing?

Gal 6.4

Q. What process do we follow in examining our own work?

Q. What work is to be examined?

Q. How can we ever be said to boast in ourselves? Is this sarcastic or is a real examination called for?

Q. What is it to boast in another? Why is this not to be preferred to boasting in oneself alone?

Q. What is the connection with the context? With restoring? With bearing? With not empty-boasting?

Gal 6.5

Q. How can we be asked to bear one another’s burdens when this verse says every man must bear his own burden?

Q. How does this connect to examining our own work? How does it connect to restoring or bearing?

GAL 6.1:

^KJV Galatians 6:2 Bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ.

These words by Martin Luther struck me greatly as I read them:

“This is a gentle commandment, to which he joineth a great commendation.”[5]

And so I take these words of Luther, which describe this as “the gentle commandment”, Bear ye one another’s burdens as follows: It is gently given. It calls for gentleness, and is a practice of gentle kindness to one another.

Note the phrase “one another.” This regards those with whom you are in a great spiritual relationship, you are among others of like precious faith, of others with whom there is a real and strong spiritual relationship. You are members together in the body of Christ.

ONE ANOTHER:

avllh,lwn

Louw-Nida:

92.26 avllh,lwn, oij, ouj ; e`autw/n: a reciprocal reference between entities - 'each other, one another.' avllh,lwn: kaqV ei-j avllh,lwn me,lh 'individually members of one another' Ro 12.5; mh. katalalei/te avllh,lwn 'do not slander one another' Jas 4.11; tou/to de, evstin sumparaklhqh/nai evn u`mi/n dia. th/j evn avllh,loij pi,stewj u`mw/n te kai. evmou/ 'what I mean is that both you and I will be encouraged while among you, you by my faith and I by yours' Ro 1.12; evfobh,qhsan fo,bon me,gan, kai. e;legon pro.j avllh,louj 'they became very much afraid and said to one another' Mk 4.41. e`autw/n: oi` de. perissw/j evxeplh,ssonto le,gontej pro.j e`autou,j 'and they were completely astonished, saying to one another' Mk 10.26; carizo,menoi e`autoi/j 'forgiving one another' Eph 4.32.[6]

^KJV Romans 12:5 So we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another.

^NAU Romans 12:5 so we, who are many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another.

^NIV Romans 12:5 so in Christ we who are many form one body, and each member belongs to all the others.

^SCR Romans 12:5 ou[twj oi` polloi. e]n sw/ma, evsmen evn Cristw/|( o` de. kaqV ei-j avllh,lwn me,lhÅ

Esv Rom 12:5 so we, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another.

Oh be wary of thinking you are the only Christian on the planet. Or making yourself cut-off from the body of Christ.

John Gill:

Rom 12:5 So we being many are one body in Christ,.... This is the application of the above simile. The chosen of God, the redeemed of Christ, and those that are justified by his righteousness, and sanctified by his Spirit; though they are but few in comparison of the men of the world, but considered in themselves are many, and yet make up but one body, the church, of which Christ is the head: and though this general assembly; or church universal, may be distinguished into several congregational churches, and distinct communities, yet each community, consisting of divers persons, is but one body "in Christ", united and knit together by joints and bands, under him their head, Lord, and King; in him, and not in Caesar, or any earthly monarch, to distinguish this body from bodies politic, or any civil community among men:

and everyone members one of another; as in union with Christ their head, so to one another in love, walking in holy fellowship together, sympathizing with, and serving each other.[7]

GREAT COMMENDATION:

And so I take these words of Luther when he further says, “to which he joineth a great commendation,” and so fulfill the law of Christ, as teaching me and reminding me that this gentle commandment is no SMALL THING. This is that very thing, the doing of which, FULFILLS the Law of Christ.

Fulfill:

avnaplhrw,sate Aorist-Active-Imperative 2^nd plural.

1760 avnaplhro,w fut. avnaplhrw,sw; 1aor. avneplh,rwsa; (1) literally fill up, make complete; figuratively, of filling up the measure of sins sin to the limit (1TH 2.16); (2) of prophecy fulfill, confirm, cause to happen; passive be fulfilled, happen (MT 13.14); (3) of filling or taking someone's place replace, make up for someone's absence (1C 16.17); fill a position (1C 14.16); (4) of making good a lack supply (PH 2.30); (5) of observing the law fulfill, obey (GA 6.2) [8]

WHAT A GREAT COMMENDATION! CHRIST’S LAW IS FULFILLED. Does this not grab our attention, us who Love the Lord Jesus Christ. Us who long to walk worthily of His name and calling upon us. Do this, the bearing of one another’s burdens and so fulfill the law of our LORD, OUR SAVIOR, OUR KING. He has a law that we ought to Love one another, frequently repeated, not merely well-wishing one another, but really helping and bearing one another’s burden.

Having considered Luther’s well-said recommendation for this verse. Let us consider actually now what is commanded, and what is fulfilled in that “great commendation.”

BEAR YE ONE ANOTHER’S BURDENS:

Bear Ye:

basta,zete Present Active IMperative-2P

4656 basta,zw fut. basta,sw; 1aor. evba,stasa; (1) take up, lift up, pick up (JN 10.31); (2) carry, bear (MK 14.13); figuratively, of anything burdensome or difficult bear, endure, put up with (MT 20.12); (3) bear away, remove (JN 20.15); figuratively, of healing disease (MT 8.17); (4) steal, pilfer, carry off (JN 12.6); (5) figuratively, of serving as a source of supply support, provide for (RO 11.18) [9]

BURDENS:

ba,rh Accusative Plural Neuter

4565 ba,roj, ouj, to, literally burden, weight; figuratively in the NT; (1) burden, hardship with the meaning suiting the context; (daily) toil (MT 20.12); oppressive suffering (GA 6.2); difficult duty (RV 2.24); (2) as a large amount, weight, great extent (2C 4.17); evn ba,rei ei=nai literally be in weight may mean either insist on one's importance, claim high status or make demands (1TH 2.7)[10]

Burdens here could be taken in direct relation to the previous verse which would then make this word to refer to our various vices, and sins, and lusts that hinder us. They weigh us down. AND IF SO, this is then in direct relation to restoring the man OVERTAKEN in a fault in GAL 6.1.

^KJV Hebrews 12:1 Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us,

^NAU Hebrews 12:1 Therefore, since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us also lay aside every encumbrance and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us,

^NIV Hebrews 12:1 Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.

^SCR Hebrews 12:1 Toigarou/n kai. h`mei/j tosou/ton e;contej perikei,menon h`mi/n ne,foj martu,rwn( o;gkon avpoqe,menoi pa,nta kai. th.n euvperi,staton a`marti,an( diV u`pomonh/j tre,cwmen to.n prokei,menon h`mi/n avgw/na(

ESV Heb 12:1 Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us,

Matthew Henry:

Gal 6:2 Bear ye one another's burdens,.... Which may be understood either of sins, which are heavy burdens to sensible sinners, to all that are partakers of the grace of God; Christ is only able to bear these burdens, so as to remove them and take them away, which he has done by his blood, sacrifice, and satisfaction; saints bear one another's, not by making satisfaction for them, which they are not able to do, nor by conniving at them, and suffering them upon them, which they should not do, but by gently reproving them, by comforting them when overpressed with guilt, by sympathizing with them in their sorrow, by praying to God for to manifest his pardoning grace to them, and by forgiving them themselves, so far as they are faults committed against them:[11]

Calvin: “He enjoins us to bear their burdens – not to indulge or overlook the evils by which our brethren are pressed down, but rather to disburden them. And this can only be done by friendly and mild correction.”[12]

Matthew Poole:

…though we discern our brethren to have fallen into some sin or error, yet if we discern that they are sensible of their lapse, and their sin is not a pleasure, but a burden to them, though we ought not to bear with them or connive at them in their sins, yet we ought to sympathize with them when we see their sin is become their load and burden, under which they groan and are dejected.[13]

OR ---- > This may be taken as a more general guideline. Burden’s of all kinds.

Matthew Henry:

…or else the frailties and infirmities of weak saints, which are troublesome, and apt to make uneasy, are meant; and which are to be bore by the strong, by making themselves easy with them, and by accommodating themselves to their weakness, and by abridging themselves of some liberties, which otherwise might be lawfully taken by them; or afflictions may be designed, which are grievous to the flesh, and are bore by others, when they administer help and relief under them, whether in a temporal or spiritual way; and when they condole them, and sympathize with them, bear a part with them, and make others' griefs and sorrows their own: [14]

^KJV Romans 12:15 Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep.

^NAU Romans 12:15 Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep.

^NIV Romans 12:15 Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn.

^SCR Romans 12:15 cai,rein meta. cairo,ntwn( kai. klai,ein meta. klaio,ntwnÅ

ESV Rom 12:15 Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep.

Rom 15:1 We then that are strong ought to bear the infirmities of the weak, and not to please ourselves.

Rom 15:2 Let every one of us please his neighbor for his good to edification.

1Th 5:14 Now we exhort you, brethren, warn them that are unruly, comfort the feebleminded, support the weak, be patient toward all men.

1Th 5:15 See that none render evil for evil unto any man; but ever follow that which is good, both among yourselves, and to all men.

John Brown variously describes this bearing one another’s burdens as:[15]

1) Assisting directly in performance of a laborious duty

2) When in affliction – “to commiserate him, and do what we can to relieve and comfort him.”

3) When one has strong prejudices, bad temper, mistaken views: “is patiently to bear the annoyance which these unavoidably occasion; at the same time, employing all proper means for correcting these intellectual and moral obliquities, weaknesses, and faults.”

4) relieving the burden of our Pastor. “When a Christian people, for example, discover a readiness to adopt every measure proposed by their minister for their spiritual improvement --- when his honest endeavours are affectionately seconded – the most burdensome occupations of the pastoral office become a pleasure.” [16]

5) Think “how much is it in the power of Christian parents to make the duties of their children easy. “

6) And also, “in the power of Christian children to make the duties of their parents easy”

7) AND ESPECIALLY THIS: … “those of intellectual deficiencies or moral infirmities – that the apostle here refers. Instead of despising and hating one another on account of their respective prejudices, mistakes, and faults and finding in these FOOD for self-conceit and vain glorying they are to assist one another, and to promote one another’s happiness and improvement. …. To bear the mistakes and faults of our fellow Christians does not by any means imply that we flatter them in their erroneous opinions or improper habits; but it does imply that we, cherishing a deep felt sense of our own intellectual and moral deficiencies and improprieties, bear patiently the inconveniences which their mistakes and faults occasion to us, and in truly friend disposition do everything in our power to remove these mistakes and faults. …. We are to take him by the hand and raise him up; and as we have all our burdens, we are to journey on, hand in hand endeavoring to keep one another from falling, and to press in a body forward along the prescribed course, that we may all obtain the prize of our high calling, in that “better country,” where we shall be relieved from all our burdens at once, and for ever.”

^KJV Hebrews 10:24 And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: ²⁵ Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.

^NAU Hebrews 10:24 and let us consider how to stimulate one another to love and good deeds, ²⁵ not forsaking our own assembling together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another; and all the more as you see the day drawing near.

^NIV Hebrews 10:24 And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. ²⁵ Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another-- and all the more as you see the Day approaching.

^SCR Hebrews 10:24 kai. katanow/men avllh,louj eivj paroxusmo.n avga,phj kai. kalw/n e;rgwn( ²⁵ mh. evgkatalei,pontej th.n evpisunagwgh.n e`autw/n( kaqw.j e;qoj tisi,n( avlla. parakalou/ntej( kai. tosou,tw| ma/llon( o[sw| ble,pete evggi,zousan th.n h`me,ranÅ

Esv Heb 10:24 And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works,

Heb 10:25 not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.

This general idea of bearing one another’s burdens illustrated also in this:

Eph 5:19 Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord;

Eph 5:20 Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ;

Eph 5:21 Submitting yourselves one to another in the fear of God.

Other Examples:

Joying in Christ:

Think also how when you show forth faith and joy in the Lord Jesus Christ, this is an encouragement to all those with you to the reality of such faith and joy. To an encouragement that they also increase in such faith and joy. And all this working to the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Maritial Joy:

Think also, when you, in Christ love your spouse with a pure and holy Love, such joy in Christian marriange renews the hope of those observing you that they to could shew forth enjoying the same to the Glory of their savior.

Patience in Trials:

Think also, how when you bear patiently under a grievous trial with faith and grace, this lightens the burden of you brothers and sisters who also are or may soon be going through a similar trying time. And such patience under trial works glory and praise to the Lord Jesus Christ who keeps and sustains you both by the word of his promise, and the presence of the Spirit.

Faith and Obedience to Christ in parenting and joyful Home Life:

Think also how you seeking to have a peaceable and godly home from the love you have for the savior will also serve to lighten the burden of those who soon hope to set up a Godly home. Especially in the midst of so much wickedness when men’s hearts are failing them for fear. They see your faith, and your Parental care, and patience, as you nourish and cherish your children raising them in the admonish of the Lord. Your example will lighten their burden.

Mulitplied other ways as one sold out for the Glory of Jesus Christ, being a hopeful example by GRACE:

And in multiplied other ways you can lighten the burden and thus help to bear the burden of one another as you walk in Faith and trust obeying the Lord Jesus Christ in all things.

AND SO FULFIL THE LAW OF CHRIST:

These words a GREAT COMMENDATION – and a POWERFUL MOTIVE.

Matthew Poole:

By the law of Christ, he means the will of Christ revealed in the gospel; particularly the law of love, so much enjoined by Christ. John 13.15,33-35;15.12. Which is not called the law of Christ because first given by him, (for himself maketh it the sum of the ten commandments,) but because he received it and vindicated it from the corruption of the Pharisees’ interpretation, Matt 5.43,44; because he so often urged it, and so seriously commanded and commended it to his disciples; and set us the highest precedent and example of it, and hath by his Spirit written it in the hearts of his people.[17]

^KJV John 13:15 For I have given you an example, that ye should do as I have done to you.

^NAU John 13:15 "For I gave you an example that you also should do as I did to you.

^NIV John 13:15 I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you.

^SCR John 13:15 u`po,deigma ga.r e;dwka u`mi/n( i[na kaqw.j evgw. evpoi,hsa u`mi/n kai. u`mei/j poih/teÅ

Esv Joh 13:15 For I have given you an example, that you also should do just as I have done to you.

^KJV John 13:33 Little children, yet a little while I am with you. Ye shall seek me: and as I said unto the Jews, Whither I go, ye cannot come; so now I say to you. ³⁴ A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. ³⁵ By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.

^NAU John 13:33 "Little children, I am with you a little while longer. You will seek Me; and as I said to the Jews, now I also say to you, 'Where I am going, you cannot come.' ³⁴ "A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another, even as I have loved you, that you also love one another. ³⁵ "By this all men will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another."

^NIV John 13:33 "My children, I will be with you only a little longer. You will look for me, and just as I told the Jews, so I tell you now: Where I am going, you cannot come. ³⁴ "A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. ³⁵ By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another."

^SCR John 13:33 tekni,a( e;ti mikro.n meqV u`mw/n eivmiÅ zhth,sete, me( kai. kaqw.j ei=pon toi/j VIoudai,oij o[ti {Opou u`pa,gw evgw,( u`mei/j ouv du,nasqe evlqei/n( kai. u`mi/n le,gw a;rtiÅ ³⁴ evntolh.n kainh.n di,dwmi u`mi/n( i[na avgapa/te avllh,louj\ kaqw.j hvga,phsa u`ma/j( i[na kai. u`mei/j avgapa/te avllh,loujÅ ³⁵ evn tou,tw| gnw,sontai pa,ntej o[ti evmoi. maqhtai, evste( eva.n avga,phn e;chte evn avllh,loijÅ

^KJV John 15:12 This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you.

^NAU John 15:12 "This is My commandment, that you love one another, just as I have loved you.

^NIV John 15:12 My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you.

^SCR John 15:12 au[th evsti.n h` evntolh. h` evmh,( i[na avgapa/te avllh,louj( kaqw.j hvga,phsa u`ma/jÅ

ESV Joh 15:12 "This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you.

Bearing one another’s burdens obeys this law of Christ.

NOT bearing one another’s burdens, VIOLATES this law.[18]

Think on this obeying and violating. Dwell deeply on it and contemplating such – what a MOTIVE!

John Brown:

It is a very powerful motive with a Christian mind to thus reflect, ‘If I do this, I do what is well pleasing to my Saviour – what he has required of me as a proof of my love and obedience – and if I do not this, I displease him, I trample on his authority, I dishonour his name.’[19]

MOSES vs CHRIST

Your new teachers impose external observances upon you. IS this not a far better thing? Infinitely better? For this is “a fulfilling of the law of Christ – the law of love.”[20]

As the Galatians had such teachers who were judaizing them, external observances for righteous may be pressing upon our own souls. Beware which law you are keeping, and for what heart-motive you keep it. For acceptance before God, as the price paid, heaven earned --- let it never be this. Infinitely better this law of love, not as a price paid, but a new creature, devotion to a Saviour who has already saved. Not to one who needs such price to save. But a saviour who has paid.

NOT ONLY IS THIS THE LAW OF CHRIST BUT IT IS HIS PATTERN AND EXAMPLE ALSO, the law of love:

He can be touched/sympathize can we not do the same following his example for one another:

^KJV Hebrews 4:15 For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.

^NAU Hebrews 4:15 For we do not have a high priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but One who has been tempted in all things as we are, yet without sin.

^NIV Hebrews 4:15 For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are-- yet was without sin.

^SCR Hebrews 4:15 ouv ga.r e;comen avrciere,a mh. duna,menon sumpaqh/sai tai/j avsqenei,aij h`mw/n( pepeirasme,non de. kata. pa,nta kaqV o`moio,thta( cwri.j a`marti,ajÅ

It is God’s purpose that we are indeed conformed to the image of his Son:

^KJV Romans 8:29 For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren.

^NAU Romans 8:29 For those whom He foreknew, He also predestined to become conformed to the image of His Son, so that He would be the firstborn among many brethren;

^NIV Romans 8:29 For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the likeness of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers.

^SCR Romans 8:29 o[ti ou]j proe,gnw( kai. prow,rise summo,rfouj th/j eivko,noj tou/ ui`ou/ auvtou/( eivj to. ei=nai auvto.n prwto,tokon evn polloi/j avdelfoi/j\

HAVE THIS MIND:

^KJV Philippians 2:1 If there be therefore any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any bowels and mercies, ² Fulfil ye my joy, that ye be likeminded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind. ³ Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves. ⁴ Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others. ⁵ Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: ⁶ Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: ⁷ But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: ⁸ And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.

^NAU Philippians 2:1 Therefore if there is any encouragement in Christ, if there is any consolation of love, if there is any fellowship of the Spirit, if any affection and compassion, ² make my joy complete by being of the same mind, maintaining the same love, united in spirit, intent on one purpose. ³ Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind regard one another as more important than yourselves; ⁴ do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others. ⁵ Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus, ⁶ who, although He existed in the form of God, did not regard equality with God a thing to be grasped, ⁷ but emptied Himself, taking the form of a bond-servant, and being made in the likeness of men.

^NIV Philippians 2:1 If you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any fellowship with the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, ² then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and purpose. ³ Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. ⁴ Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others. ⁵ Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus: ⁶ Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, ⁷ but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness.

^SCR Philippians 2:1 Ei; tij ou=n para,klhsij evn Cristw/|( ei; ti paramu,qion avga,phj( ei; tij koinwni,a Pneu,matoj( ei; tina spla,gcna kai. oivktirmoi,( ² plhrw,sate, mou th.n cara.n( i[na to. auvto. fronh/te( th.n auvth.n avga,phn e;contej( su,myucoi( to. e]n fronou/ntej\ ³ mhde.n kata. evriqei,an h' kenodoxi,an( avlla. th/| tapeinofrosu,nh| avllh,louj h`gou,menoi u`pere,contaj e`autw/n\ <sup>4</sup> mh. ta. e`autw/n e[kastoj skopei/te( avlla. kai. ta. e`te,rwn e[kastojÅ <sup>5</sup> tou/to ga.r fronei,sqw evn u`mi/n o] kai. evn Cristw/| VIhsou/\ ⁶ o]j evn morfh/| Qeou/ u`pa,rcwn( ouvc a`rpagmo.n h`gh,sato to. ei=nai i;sa Qew/|( <sup>7</sup> avllV e`auto.n evke,nwse( morfh.n dou,lou labw,n( evn o`moiw,mati avnqrw,pwn geno,menoj\

ESV Php 2:1 So if there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort from love, any participation in the Spirit, any affection and sympathy,

Php 2:2 complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind.

Php 2:3 Do nothing from rivalry or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves.

Php 2:4 Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.

Php 2:5 Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus,

Php 2:6 who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped,

Php 2:7 but made himself nothing, taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men.

Php 2:8 And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.

Christ Lightens our Burdens and we ought to follow his pattern – though different in quality same in example – being conformed to his image:

Mat 11:29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.

Mat 11:30 For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.

Jesus Came to Serve and entreats us also to serve:

^KJV Matthew 20:25 But Jesus called them unto him, and said, Ye know that the princes of the Gentiles exercise dominion over them, and they that are great exercise authority upon them. ²⁶ But it shall not be so among you: but whosoever will be great among you, let him be your minister; ²⁷ And whosoever will be chief among you, let him be your servant: ²⁸ Even as the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.

^NAU Matthew 20:25 But Jesus called them to Himself and said, "You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great men exercise authority over them. ²⁶ "It is not this way among you, but whoever wishes to become great among you shall be your servant, ²⁷ and whoever wishes to be first among you shall be your slave; ²⁸ just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many."

^NIV Matthew 20:25 Jesus called them together and said, "You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them. ²⁶ Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, ²⁷ and whoever wants to be first must be your slave-- ²⁸ just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many."

^SCR Matthew 20:25 o` de. VIhsou/j proskalesa,menoj auvtou.j ei=pen( Oi;date o[ti oi` a;rcontej tw/n evqnw/n katakurieu,ousin auvtw/n( kai. oi` mega,loi katexousia,zousin auvtw/nÅ <sup>26</sup> ouvc ou[twj de. e;stai evn u`mi/n\ avllV o]j eva.n qe,lh| evn u`mi/n me,gaj gene,sqai e;stw u`mw/n dia,konoj\ ²⁷ kai. o]j eva.n qe,lh| evn u`mi/n ei=nai prw/toj e;stw u`mw/n dou/loj\ ²⁸ w[sper o` ui`o.j tou/ avnqrw,pou ouvk h=lqe diakonhqh/nai( avlla. diakonh/sai( kai. dou/nai th.n yuch.n auvtou/ lu,tron avnti. pollw/nÅ

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[1] John Calvin, Calvin’s New Testament Commentaries, Galatians, Ephesians, Phillipians, and Colossians, Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Company, P. 108.

[2] John Calvin, Calvin’s New Testament Commentaries, Galatians, Ephesians, Phillipians, and Colossians, Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Company, P. 109.

[3] John Calvin, Calvin’s New Testament Commentaries, Galatians, Ephesians, Phillipians, and Colossians, Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Company, P. 109.

[4] Matthew Henry, Matthew Henry’s Commentaries, e-sword, Gal 6.1.

[5] Martin Luther, Commentary on Galatians, Translated by Erasmus Middleton, Kregal Classics, 1979, p 360.

[6] Louw-Nida Lexicon, Bibleworks 6.0, avllh,lwn.

[7] John Gill, John Gill's Exposition of the Entire Bible, e-sword, Rom 12.5.

[8] Friberg, Friberg Lexicon, Bibleworks 6.0, avnaplhro,w.

[9] Friberg, Friberg Lexicon, Bibleworks 6.0, basta,zw.

[10] Friberg, Friberg Lexicon, Bibleworks 6.0, ba,roj.

[11] Matthew Henry, Matthew Henry’s Commentaries, e-sword, Gal 6.2.

[12] John Calvin, Calvin’s New Testament Commentaries, Galatians, Ephesians, Phillipians, and Colossians, Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Company, P. 109.

[13] Matthew Poole, Matthew Poole’s Commentary on the Holy Bible Vol III, Hendrickson Publishers, p 659.

[14] Matthew Henry, Matthew Henry’s Commentaries, e-sword, Gal 6.2.

[15] John Brown, Galatians, Geneva Series of Commentaries, 2001, pg 323-5.

[16] This example of John Brown was illustrated to me at a men’s weekly breakfast when one brother described how he spoke to a friend when on a recent car trip. The brother’s friend appearing to be an interested Christian described to the brother how Christ isn’t necessarily the only way to Heaven. “What is important no matter what you believe is that you believe it sincerely – many roads lead to heaven,” said his friend. The brother recounting sermons and counsels of our pastor talked patiently with his friend to the regard that this is contrary to the scripture. By employing examples which he had learned from the pulpit the brother spoke to his friend. As the account was given in that Teu morning breakfast, the joy could be heard in the Pastor that this brother acted so, having taken his own pastor’s counsel, not speaking in a heat, but had firmly provided his friend a biblical answer to an unbiblical notion. This brother demonstrating he had profited from his Pastors work, the Pastors burden was made lighter. May we have such ears and such hearts to profit also from the pastoral counsel given to us and thus also make our own pastors burdens light.

[17] Matthew Poole, Matthew Poole’s Commentary on the Holy Bible Vol III, Hendrickson Publishers, p 659.

[18] John Brown, Galatians, Geneva Series of Commentaries, 2001, pg 326.

[19] John Brown, Galatians, Geneva Series of Commentaries, 2001, pg 326.

[20] John Brown, Galatians, Geneva Series of Commentaries, 2001, pg 326.