Metaphysical Bible Interpretation of Galatians Chapter 6
Metaphysically Interpreting Galatians 6:1-10
6:1Brethren, even if a man be overtaken in any trespass, ye who are spiritual, restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness; looking to thyself, lest thou also be tempted. 6:2Bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ. 6:3For if a man thinketh himself to be something when he is nothing, he deceiveth himself. 6:4But let each man prove his own work, and then shall he have his glorying in regard of himself alone, and not of his neighbor. 6:5For each man shall bear his own burden.
6:6But let him that is taught in the word communicate unto him that teacheth in all good things.
6:7Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. 6:8For he that soweth unto his own flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth unto the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap eternal life. 6:9And let us not be weary in well-doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not. 6:10So then, as we have opportunity, let us work that which is good toward all men, and especially toward them that are of the household of the faith.
April 10, 1921: Gal. 6:7,8
Explain: “Be not deceived; God is not mocked, for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap”? We deceive ourselves when we imagine that we can think thoughts or speak words without getting definite results in mind, body and affairs.
October 30, 1932: Gal. 6:7-10
The law is that we shall reap as we sow. Please explain. Everything that occurs in our lives is the result of some thought sown in the substance of the mind. “The seed is the word of God.”
How does one sow “unto the flesh”? By thinking that the flesh is the source of life, intelligence, and power. On the contrary, “it is the spirit that giveth life; the flesh profiteth nothing.”
How shall we sow “in the Spirit”? We sow in the Spirit by thinking about spiritual life, affirming it as the source of our eternal existence and conforming our conduct to that affirmation.
August 16, 1936: Gal. 6:1-10
What reward comes to man when he keeps the divine law? Man’s immediate reward is the formation of a character that enables him to stand fast regardless of any test to which he may be subjected. His final reward is the realization of eternal life.
Is intemperance an individual or a social problem? It is both, but primarily individual. When the collective thought of the individuals who compass society is turned toward the idea of temperate living, intemperance will cease to be a social problem.
What method of treatment is best suited to restore one who has transgressed the law? The Christ Spirit of gentleness wins the heart of the transgressor, whereas censure and harshness fail to reach him.
[unreadable question] Sight is first of all mental. Each one sees in others what is uppermost in his own consciousness. The spiritual minded person sees good in others whereas the natural man sees “evil”.
What kind of harvest does man reap from the sowing of both good and evil thoughts? Man reaps a mixture of good and evil that makes his life look like a product of haphazard forces instead of an expression of the one Power.
Does the one who allows himself to express impatience with others receive impatience in return? Impatience with others arouses resentment in them, which is followed by dislike and hatred if the impatience is prolonged.
What is meant by the saying that “God is not mocked”? The divine law is not evaded or frustrated but is fulfilled, even in the one who seeks to circumvent it, although in this case its fulfillment is expressed in negative conditions.
Why is patience needed in the work of forming character? Because character is not the work of a day or the result of one affirmation, but the product of long-continued growth. Patience is therefore necessary to this perfect work.
[undated]: Gal. 6:1-10
When a sinful thought temps us what should we do? Go into the silence; realize that man has power on earth to forgive sins, and firmly deny the power of the Tempter.
How do we bear one another’s burdens? We bear one another’s burdens by realizing that the Christ in each one of us is the great burden bearer for all. “Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.”
If Christ is the great burden bearer, what is the meaning of the 5th verse: “For each man shall bear is own burden”? We cannot lay the responsibility for our acts upon other persons. But Christ saves us all from the thought of personal responsibility. “Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law.”
How do we sow in the flesh and reap in the flesh? We sow in the flesh through the power of thought. If we think sensually the flesh responds in sensuality, and we reap the corruption of the flesh. How do we sow in Spirit and reap in Spirit? By the power of our spiritual thought we sow in Spirit, and reap in spiritual consciousness, eternal life.
[unreadable question] What we are thinking today will come into manifestation in either mind or body tomorrow, or next year, or in future years.
How do we work that which is good toward all men? We work good toward all men by discerning and spiritually affirming that all men are intrinsically and fundamentally good; that every person at the very core of his being is stamped with the spiritual imprint of God, who created all things and pronounced them “very good.”
December 17, [unreadable year]: Gal. 6:1-10
What attitude is right for us to take toward those who fail to express a measure of the Christ Spirit equal to ours? The attitude of common humanity of helping the short comer by gentle means to regain the overcoming power of the Christ. Until we have felt and overcome the same temptation to which he succumbed we cannot know what our reaction to it would be.
If “each man shall bear his own burden,” why are we told to bear one another’s burdens? We can bear our own burden only in strength of the Christ. When we have learned to avail ourselves of this strength we do not try to unload our burdens on others. Until we learn [unreadable text] have developed strength in themselves and who are moved by the Christ love to help us.
How do we prove our own work? By observing its effects in ourselves. “Whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.” True thinking and the good life lead to well-being, peace and satisfaction. Living for the sake of the senses leads to disaster by slow but certain stages.
Are the effects of living by the principles that make life victorious immediately apparent? No, the effects are cumulative, slow but sure. “In due season we shall reap, if we faint not.” The “precious fruits” of right living are as well worth waiting for as the material fruits of the earth that take time to grow and ripen.
Why is it important for us to “work that which is good toward all men?” Because we hasten the development of our own character in the qualities of the Christ, as well as fortify ourselves, by learning to live by impersonal principles rather than by transient feelings or emotions, and as we do good to others we raise the race standard of living by the measure of what we accomplish.
November 21, 1937: Gal. 6:6-10
How does the one who is “taught in the word communicate unto him that teacheth in all good things?” The word conveys ideas. He that teaches by force of example often does so unconsicously, with no idea of the significance of his acts. As he grasps an idea concerning his work he is able to make his example still better by reason of his increased understanding.
“God is not mocked.” What is meant by this statement? Cause in the inner realm is not set aside but takes effect without fail. A man reaps as he sows.
What is the “due season” of reaping on the inner side of consciousness? This season is one conditioned only by inner causes. Faith that wavers delays the season of reaping. Effects are proportioned to the state of mind of the one who sets the cause in motion.
November 2, 1941: Gal. 6:7,8
In what respect can the law of mind action be compared to the so-called law of nature? Both mind and nature are engaged in a process of evolution. In nature it is “first the blade, then the ear, then the full grain in the ear.” In mind its first the idea, then the thought, then the expression in manifest form.
What induces a person to take the larger view of life, forgoing the pleasure of the moment for the greater good? Viewing all life as one helps him to reflect on what is enduring and what is passing. Reflection brings wisdom; he sees passing pleasure as not worth the effort that he would of necessity put forth to secure it.
How can one be sure that one is growing “unto the Spirit”? By recognizing the law of cause and effect, discerning the good, and distinguishing between the real and apparent, on learns to sow unto the Spirit or to set in motion only good in one’s life.
How does one reap the eternal life of the Spirit? The things of the Spirit cannot be destroyed. An act of love is therefore eternal, while the things of the flesh such as the satisfaction of our fleshly appetites are passing and doomed to corruption. Only the things of the Spirit are real, eternal.
July 28, 1945: Gal. 6:7-9
What principle is found in the figure of sowing and reaping? The principle of cause and effect.
Metaphysically Interpreting Galatians 6:11-18
6:11See with how large letters I write unto you with mine own hand. 6:12As many as desire to make a fair show in the flesh, they compel you to be circumcised; only that they may not be persecuted for the cross of Christ. 6:13For not even they who receive circumcision do themselves keep the law; but they desire to have you circumcised, that they may glory in your flesh. 6:14But far be it from me to glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, through which the world hath been crucified unto me, and I unto the world. 6:15For neither is circumcision anything, nor uncircumcision, but a new creature. 6:16And as many as shall walk by this rule, peace be upon them, and mercy, and upon the Israel of God.
6:17Henceforth, let no man trouble me; for I bear branded on my body the marks of Jesus.
6:18The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit, brethren. Amen.
Transcribed by Tracie Louise on 12-04-2013
