What is the meaning of Galatians 6:4? Each one should test his own work • Paul calls for deliberate self-examination. We are to assess motives, attitudes, and actions in light of Scripture, not in light of other people (2 Corinthians 13:5; Psalm 139:23-24). • Personal review keeps us from hypocrisy and drifting (1 Corinthians 11:28). • God prepared “good works” for each believer to walk in (Ephesians 2:10). Checking our progress helps ensure we’re actually walking in them. Then he will have reason to boast in himself alone • When honest testing shows genuine faithfulness, there is a rightful sense of satisfaction—“the backslider in heart will have his fill of his own ways, but a good man will be satisfied with his” (Proverbs 14:14). • This “boast” is not arrogant. Paul himself said, “By the grace of God I am what I am” (1 Corinthians 15:10). Any rejoicing is grounded in God’s grace expressed through personal obedience. • Proper boasting honors the Lord: “Let him who boasts boast in the Lord” (2 Corinthians 10:17). and not in someone else • Comparison is a trap. “When they measure themselves by themselves and compare themselves with themselves, they are not wise” (2 Corinthians 10:12). • We are each accountable for our own stewardship: “Each of us will give an account of himself to God” (Romans 14:12). • Jesus’ word to Peter fits here: “What is that to you? You follow Me” (John 21:22). Faithfulness is personal; taking credit for another’s service or letting another’s failure excuse us is forbidden. summary Galatians 6:4 urges believers to practice regular, honest self-evaluation before God. By testing our own work we guard against hypocrisy, experience God-given satisfaction in faithful obedience, and avoid the corrosive habit of measuring our worth by others. Personal responsibility under the eye of the Lord produces humble, grateful “boasting” that ultimately magnifies Him. |
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