Scripture Reference: Galatians 6:1-10

Sharing Blessings

Just as “one another” is a key phrase in the Christian vocabulary, so is the word fellowship (translated “share” in verse 6). From the very beginning of the church, sharing was one of the marks of Christian experience (Acts 2:41-47). The Greek word has now worked its way into our English vocabulary, and we see the word koinonia here and there in religious publications. It simply means “to have in common,” and refers to our common fellowship in Christ (Galatians 2:9), our common faith (Jude 3), and even our sharing in the sufferings of Christ (Philippians 3:10). But often in the New Testament, koinonia refers to the sharing of material blessings with one another (Acts 2:42; 2 Corinthians 8:4; Hebrews 13:16 [in the Greek text]). It is this that Paul has in mind in these verses.

He begins with a precept in verse 6, urging us to share with one another. The teacher of the Word shares spiritual treasures, and those who are taught ought to share material treasures. Paul uses a similar approach when he explains why the Gentile churches ought to give an offering to the Jewish believers, as found in Romans 15:27. We must remember that what we do with material things is an evidence of how we value spiritual things. “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also” (Matthew 6:21).

Because the Apostle Paul did not want money to become a stumbling block to the unsaved, he earned his own living (see 1 Corinthians 9), but he repeatedly taught that the spiritual leader in the church was to be supported by the gifts of the people. Jesus said, “The laborer is worthy of his wages” (Luke 10:7), and Paul echoes this statement (1 Corinthians 9:11, 14).

But we must realize the spiritual principle that lies behind this precept. God does not command believers to give simply that pastors and teachers (and missionaries, Philippians 4:10-19) might have their material needs met, but that the givers themselves might get a greater blessing (Galatians 6:7-8). The basic principle of sowing and reaping is found throughout the entire Bible. God has ordained that we reap what we sow. Were it not for this law, the whole principle of “cause and effect” would fail. The farmer who sows wheat can expect to reap wheat. If it were otherwise, there would be chaos in our world.

But God has also told us to be careful where we sow, and it is this principle that Paul deals with here. He looks on our material possessions as seed, and he sees two possible kinds of soil: the flesh and the Spirit. We can use our material goods to promote the flesh, or to promote the things of the Spirit. But once we have finished sowing, the harvest cannot and will not be changed!

Money sown to the flesh will bring a harvest of corruption (see Galatians 5:19-21). That money is gone and can never be reclaimed. Money sown to the Spirit (such as sharing with those who teach the Word) will produce life, and in that harvest will be seeds that can be planted again for another harvest, and on and on into eternity. If every believer only looked on his material wealth as seed, and planted it properly, there would be no lack in the work of the Lord. Sad to say, much seed is wasted on carnal things and can never bring glory to God.

To Be Continued

Adapted and modified excerpts from Warren W. Wiersbe, The Bible Exposition Commentary Volume 1.
Unless otherwise noted, Scripture taken from the New King James Version®, NKJV © 1982 by Thomas Nelson.
Used by permission. All rights reserved.