Lesson 13 - Brotherly Responsibilities
7. In v. 4, Paul tells them to examine their own work. He goes on to say that the person who considers their work will “have reason to boast in regard to himself alone.” Does this statement surprise you? What does he mean? Does he want the Galatians to pridefully boast in their works? Does this statement tie back into the motivation of the Judaizers (see 4:17)?
There is no reason to believe that this passage is an argument or defense for Christians engaging in any form of prideful boasting. However, the Bible never teaches the monastic, self-flagellating, “I’m just a worm” mindset that some throughout Church history have taken.
Should Christians pridefully boast in their works? No. Is there room for Christians joyfully, thankfully, taking pride in faithfully, properly working hard and being successful in the tasks God has given them to do? Yes, we believe this passage teaches that.
8. Does v. 5 contradict v. 2? Why or why not?
No, this is not a contradiction. In verse 2, Paul is teaching the obligation all Christians have to lovingly support their fellow believers.
In verse 5, he wants them to understand that each of us will stand before the Lord and answer for how we lived and stewarded the gifts He gave us. I won’t be able to point to my brother in Christ and say, “Lord, it’s his fault I was so impatient.” That excuse won’t work for me any more than it did for Adam when he blamed Eve, saying it was her fault he sinned (Genesis 2:12).