Daily Bible Plan

10 May 2025 By Pastor Joseph Antwi

Fortified City Church & Love City Church Basel

Carry the Burden, Stand Firm in the Spirit

Based on Galatians 6:1–18 (NLT)

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Key Verse:

“So let’s not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t give up.” – Galatians 6:9

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Reflection:

The Apostle Paul closes his letter to the Galatians with deep pastoral wisdom, calling the Church to live in the Spirit and not in the flesh. He opens chapter 6 with this instruction:

“Dear brothers and sisters, if another believer is overcome by some sin, you who are godly should gently and humbly help that person back onto the right path.” (v.1)

Restoration must be done in gentleness and in the Spirit. We don’t correct others out of superiority or pride, but with the heart of Jesus—full of grace and truth.

But Paul also warns: “Be careful not to fall into the same temptation yourself.”

Helping someone out of a pit requires you to be standing on firm ground. As spiritual people, we must always check our motives and foundations before reaching out.

I often hear young people say, “Pastor, I’ve fallen in love with someone who doesn’t believe in Jesus, but I’ll win them to Christ.” But you cannot save someone spiritually while being entangled emotionally and carnally. Without spiritual roots, you’ll likely be pulled down by the very person you’re trying to help climb up.

This reminds me of a once-spiritually vibrant woman who married a kind unbeliever. They lived in the Swiss countryside. Over time, her fire dimmed. Her husband spent hours on video games, disengaged from family responsibilities. Her frustration grew, and eventually, the marriage collapsed. She tried to carry someone without having support herself—and the burden became too heavy.

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Carry and Share Wisely

Paul encourages us in verse 2: “Share each other’s burdens, and in this way obey the law of Christ.”

This is not just about practical help but spiritual accountability and intercession. Yet, even in burden-sharing, we are reminded to stay anchored in Christ, lest we fall while trying to help others rise.

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Honor the Teachers Who Feed You

In verse 6, Paul teaches that “those who are taught the word of God should provide for their teachers, sharing all good things with them.”

As a young believer, I tithed faithfully but didn’t realize that my giving to the church didn’t necessarily bless the pastors directly. I used to think, “I give to the church; isn’t that enough?” But with maturity, I understood the value of personally honoring those who labor in the Word. Since pastoring Fortified City Church, I’ve never stood to ask for gifts. But Paul is clear: Those who feed you spiritually are worthy of being blessed. It’s not about the amount—it’s about the heart.

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Sow to the Spirit, Not the Flesh

Paul reminds us: “You will always harvest what you plant.” If we sow to the flesh, we reap destruction; if we sow to the Spirit, we reap eternal life.

As believers, we must evaluate our daily choices—are we feeding the Spirit or the flesh? A Spirit-led life doesn’t seek approval from men or follow rituals to be seen. Paul makes this clear: “What counts is whether we have been transformed into a new creation.” (v.15)

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Encouragement:

• When restoring someone, do it with gentleness, humility, and in the Spirit—not in pride or haste.

• Before helping others, check your spiritual footing. Stay grounded in Christ.

• Bless your pastors and teachers—not just with your prayers but with your generosity.

• Keep sowing in the Spirit even when you’re tired—your harvest is coming.

• Let your only boast be in the cross of Christ. Let His sacrifice shape your identity and direction.

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Prayer:

Lord Jesus, thank You for Your Word that guides and corrects us. Help me to walk in the Spirit and not in the flesh. Teach me to restore others with gentleness and humility, never with pride. Strengthen me to continue doing good, even when the results seem far off. And may I always honor those who feed my soul and keep me rooted in You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.