Pastor David Jang

I. The Background of Galatians 6 and the Problem of Legalism

Galatians 6 is the final section of the letter the Apostle Paul wrote to the churches in Galatia. Throughout this epistle, Paul aims to reaffirm the central truth of the gospel—namely, “the cross of Christ alone”—to believers who were being swayed by the teachings of legalists. Galatians deals in-depth with how the gospel and the law should interact in the early church era, or how the gospel liberates us from the yoke of the law. Leading up to chapter 6, Paul persistently refutes the errors of salvation through circumcision or the keeping of the law. Through this, Paul teaches the core of the gospel: that we are justified by faith in Jesus Christ, that we are saved by grace alone.

Pastor David Jang delves into the meaning of Galatians 6, explaining in detail why Paul concludes his letter by mentioning “the concrete practice of love” and “sharing of material goods.” In the Galatian region, certain people had infiltrated the churches and distorted the gospel, claiming that “circumcision is an essential component of salvation.” They regarded the gospel as insufficient, insisting that believers needed the traditional Jewish ritual of circumcision to make salvation more “secure.” Not only did they promote circumcision, but some even argued that one must keep the entire law for salvation to be complete. Paul strongly criticizes this as “a different gospel.” He stresses that the gospel is complete through the cross of Jesus Christ alone, and that neither circumcision nor any legal stipulation can ever be added to it. If anything at all “must be added,” it would imply that “the power of the cross is insufficient.”

Tracing the flow of the entire letter, from chapters 1 through 5, Paul argues systematically for the basic truth of the gospel that “we are saved by grace,” then in the latter part of chapter 5 he speaks of living freely by the Spirit. When he reaches chapter 6, Paul provides examples of this Spirit-led life: carrying each other’s burdens, restoring those who sin with gentleness, and so on, urging believers to recover communal love within the church. That love is not merely abstract rhetoric; it extends to “sharing material goods” in a tangible way. Thus in Galatians 6:6 and the verses that follow, Paul emphasizes, “The one who is taught the word must share all good things with the one who teaches.” This is to inform the church that it is important to meet the needs of those who serve in the ministry of the Word and share generously with them.

In this context, Pastor David Jang points out that “the first step in love is forgiveness and forbearance—helping shoulder another’s burdens—and thereafter revealing that love even more completely by giving financial and material help.” He particularly highlights Galatians 6:7, “A man reaps what he sows.” While this verse can broadly apply to the principle that all good or evil deeds eventually yield fruit, we cannot ignore the immediate context of material support for those who teach. Paul has in mind the “material sowing” and the corresponding harvest in no small measure.

However, Paul certainly does not intend a mere prosperity-gospel message of “If you sow, you’ll get an even bigger material reward.” Whenever Paul speaks of material matters, two major premises underlie his words. First, serving one another in Christian community with love and caring for the poor is “the practical outworking of the gospel.” Second, he is convinced that “we will never fall into lack even if we give generously,” because God’s grace abounds. In 2 Corinthians 9, Paul uses the imagery of God giving both seed to sow and bread to eat, urging believers to share freely in the confidence that “the Lord provides not only for your current needs but also for the seeds of the future.” Similarly, Galatians 6:9—“Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest”—comes in the same context. Believers are exhorted not to lose heart in doing good, but to trust that God will ensure they ultimately reap at His appointed time.

Still, Paul is aware that emphasizing material sharing in the church could spark misunderstandings like “The church talks about money too much” or “I feel burdened to give.” Hence he writes in Galatians 6:7a, “Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked.” It is a reminder that “God is not a beggar” while also urging that “our giving must be done not grudgingly or under compulsion, but rather with genuine love and gratitude.”

Ultimately, the final admonitions of Galatians 6 emphasize that the gospel and the fruit of the Spirit must manifest as “the concrete practice of love.” Contrary to the Judaizers’ erroneous claim that strict adherence to external legal requirements is what makes a “real Christian,” Paul teaches that “those who have been set free from sin through the cross should demonstrate the power of the gospel by practically helping and sharing with one another.” Galatians 6:10 underscores this core principle: “Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.” Believers are to begin within the church, looking after one another so that there is no one in need, and let that love flow out beyond the church to the world. Pastor David Jang interprets Galatians 6 in a very practical way, framing it as “the practical gospel aimed both at the church and the outside world.”

In this manner, Galatians effectively concludes its main discussion by verse 10, then transitions to the closing remarks starting from verse 11. Paul says, “See what large letters I use as I write to you with my own hand.” Unlike Romans or other letters that were dictated, Galatians is believed to have been penned directly by Paul himself, possibly hinting at his poor eyesight that forced him to write in large letters. Whatever the reason, Paul underscores the importance of his message for the Galatian church. In his final words, he once again warns against “those who continue to champion legalism,” urging the Galatian believers not to waver under their false teachings.

II. Concrete Practice of Love and Material Assistance

Paul’s manner of referencing “love” and “sharing” in Galatians 6 is extremely realistic and action-oriented. If in 1 Corinthians 13 Paul details the attributes of love—“Love is patient, love is kind…”—then in Galatians 6 he illustrates “how love should actually be expressed in the community.” Pastor David Jang notes that this is “Paul, who was accustomed to city-based missions, providing a concrete model of living out the gospel in everyday life.” The Galatian believers had received the gospel and been born again by grace, but they were in danger of returning to a more “legalistic lifestyle,” confused by the subtle doctrines of the Judaizers. Amid this dilemma, Paul clarifies: “If you live by the Spirit, you should bear the fruit of the Spirit. The first of these fruits is love, which ultimately involves helping bear one another’s burdens and sharing material resources. It is not circumcision or legal regulations that certify one as a true Christian, but rather taking care of one another materially and practicing true communal love. That is the real outworking of the gospel.”

Specifically, Galatians 6:6—“The one who is taught the word must share all good things with the one who teaches”—reveals the spirit of koinonia that the early church pursued. As seen in Acts 2 and 4, the early church shared possessions and property so that no one was in need. Yet not every church practiced this perfectly, and Paul continually exhorted them regarding this aspect. In the Galatian church, there was a possibility that those who preached the Word might be suffering financially without support, while some believers questioned, “Do we really need to compensate preachers or teachers materially?” Hence Paul’s instruction: “Do not neglect those who are dedicated to the ministry of the Word; share all good things with them.”

Pastor David Jang emphasizes that this principle applies to churches today as well. If in a church the pastor, teacher, or missionary serving the Word is in material hardship, and the congregation disregards it, that cannot be called communal love. One might think that talking about money is “not spiritual,” but Scripture never dismisses financial matters as merely superficial. On the contrary, money is an important “spiritual litmus test” and a crucial means by which believers demonstrate their maturity. That is why in 2 Corinthians Paul says, “Whoever sows generously will also reap generously; whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly,” urging believers to give joyfully and practice good works. Likewise in Galatians 6:7—“A man reaps what he sows”—Paul reminds them of the spiritual truth that “when love is sown through action, especially material giving, it yields a beautiful harvest.”

Of course, we must guard against misusing this principle by promising immediate doubled returns, a notion often promoted by excessive prosperity theology. Paul’s intent is that “doing good is never in vain, and in God’s time it produces a wonderful harvest.” This does not mean that righteous deeds will always be rewarded in only material ways; rather, it suggests that in the spiritual realm, for the benefit of the community, and under God’s providence, generosity will certainly bear fruit in abundance. Galatians 6:8 states, “Whoever sows to please their flesh, from the flesh will reap destruction; whoever sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life.” This contrasts the outcome of living under selfish desire—leading to ruin—with living for others in the Spirit—leading to eternal value and fruit.

Pastor David Jang highlights how Galatians 6:9–10—“Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers”—provides the missional direction and ethical foundation for the church. Persevering in acts of love is not easy. The constant demands of caring, giving, and sharing can lead to burnout or disappointment. Those we help might not always express gratitude; some might even take advantage of our kindness. Yet Paul encourages us, “Do not lose heart. Ultimately, our acts of good will not be in vain, and we will surely reap in God’s kairos time.”

This also applies to the church’s stance toward society. Paul urges believers to “do good to all,” while especially prioritizing “the family of faith.” The first priority is to help brothers and sisters in the church; at the same time, the church must not ignore the destitute outside its walls. As Jesus taught in Matthew 25—“Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me”—the church, as the body of Christ, cannot overlook the poor and marginalized. It is the ethical duty of those saved by grace, and it is how the Christian community functions as salt and light in the world.

In the latter part of Galatians 6, verse 14 proclaims, “May I never boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ.” Paul’s ultimate message is “only the cross,” and this cross completely overturns our lives and recreates our foundation. The Judaizers tried to prove their religious zeal by performing circumcision, making it a source of personal pride. Paul, however, declares, “The cross alone is our boast. Because of Christ, the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world.” In other words, “The values and judgments of the world no longer hold any power over me. I belong solely to Christ; I bear His stigma.” Pastor David Jang encourages believers to meditate on what this means for our attitudes and lifestyles—namely, how we should truly “die to the world and live only for God.”

Then in Galatians 6:15 we read, “Neither circumcision nor uncircumcision means anything; what counts is the new creation.” Once again, Paul underscores that external signs or adherence to the law do not matter; the real question is whether one is a “new creation.” At the Jerusalem Council (Acts 15), it was already concluded that the gospel is the power of God for salvation to both Jews and Gentiles alike. Anyone who tries to add something like circumcision to that distorts the gospel severely. Paul’s blessing in 6:16—“Peace and mercy to all who follow this rule—to the Israel of God”—can be understood as a benediction on those who “stand firm in concrete acts of love and a cross-centered faith.”

Pastor David Jang’s key point is that although Galatians begins with “doctrine,” it ultimately propels us toward “practice.” The gospel is not merely a declaration to distinguish right from wrong but something that must bear fruit in the church community as believers love one another, and then extend to the world as salt and light. In that sense, Galatians 6 deals with “the bearing of fruit in the gospel” as its concluding message. Serving within the fellowship of faith, helping the needy, and materially supporting those who minister the Word—these practical acts answer the exhortation of Galatians 5:25 to “walk by the Spirit.”

Through such instruction, the church can set its direction rightly and be continually challenged to ask, “Are we truly holding on to the genuine gospel? Are we sharing the power of that gospel both inside and outside the church?” No longer does the law condemn or enslave us. We have gained freedom, and we must “serve one another humbly in love” (Gal. 5:13) with that freedom. Love sometimes entails forgiveness and forbearance, and it often takes the form of concrete assistance. This is the joy of the church and the message it must convey to the world.

In sum, Pastor David Jang’s exposition of Galatians 6 shows “how sacred doctrine and the most practical realm of material concerns are never separated.” No matter how outstanding our theology or confession may seem, if we ignore our neighbor’s actual needs, we are not living out the gospel. The gospel not only frees us spiritually through the cross, but it also opens a new possibility of sharing our money and time in love for our neighbors. Thus Paul concludes Galatians by emphasizing both “the practice of love” and “the centrality of the cross.”

III. The Cross-Centered Gospel and the Fulfillment of Faith

In the final verses of Galatians 6, particularly verses 17–18, Paul writes about “bearing the marks of Jesus” on his body, and closes with “The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit, brothers and sisters. Amen.” These words encapsulate Paul’s deep affection and vision for the believers in Galatia. “From now on, let no one cause me trouble,” expresses Paul’s emotional weariness from the mental and spiritual anguish caused by the false claims circulating in the Galatian churches, while also firmly declaring, “Do not waver any longer.” The gospel that Paul himself had taught them was genuine truth; no “human teaching” or “legalistic tradition” could be added to or replace the gospel.

Paul claims that he bears “the marks of Jesus (stigmata)” on his body. The term stigma refers to a branding on a slave or livestock, or the tattoo that identified a soldier’s allegiance—essentially, a mark of ownership. For Paul, it means “I belong to Christ.” In fact, Paul endured repeated whippings, imprisonments, stonings, and other extreme hardships. His scars were physical proof of his life as a missionary, testifying to the fact that he was “Jesus’ servant” and “Jesus’ possession.” Pastor David Jang points out that these scars were Paul’s spiritual badge of honor and evidence of his apostolic authority. Hence Paul could say he would boast only in the cross.

Meanwhile, the Judaizers were proud of their religious tokens—“the fleshly mark” of circumcision. Paul counters, “The mark I have—Christ’s brand—is a result of true gospel ministry. I exist only for Christ.” The legalists saw their “religious markings” as sources of pride, but for Paul, external marks were worthless. In Galatians 2:20, Paul had already declared, “I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me,” and in 6:14 he echoed, “The world has been crucified to me, and I to the world.” This was not hyperbole but the reality of Paul’s life.

Hence the conclusion of Galatians is that those who have been “reborn through the gospel” must “boast only in the cross” and lead a life of “building up the community in love.” This is the comprehensive teaching Paul wanted to deliver to the churches in Galatia, and it remains a vital message for today’s church as well. Pastor David Jang cautions that various forms of “legalism” can still creep into the church. People often add something to the gospel, saying, “You need to keep these practices” or “You must go through these ceremonies.” But the gospel is inherently complete. Our salvation is fully secured by the cross of Jesus Christ. Once we add anything to it, it is no longer “Christ alone” but “Christ plus something,” and the gospel’s purity is lost.

Conversely, some misunderstand that “We are freed from the law” means we can live irresponsibly or indulgently. Therefore, Paul warns in Galatians 5:13, “Do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love.” The thinking, “We’re under grace, so it doesn’t matter how we live,” is never a genuine fruit of the gospel. A truly gospel-centered person, overwhelmed by gratitude for the cross, responds with “voluntary devotion and sharing” in love for others. This is precisely what Galatians 6 portrays: believers carrying one another’s burdens in love and sharing “all good things” with those who teach the Word.

Ultimately, the church attains true wholeness when the core of the gospel—the cross—and the practical expression of that love unite. Pastor David Jang teaches that “continually striving for this wholeness is the essence of the church’s calling,” and it is also “the most crucial message we can glean from Galatians.” Despite its relatively short length, Galatians contains the essence of gospel theology and the heart of communal ethics. Paul’s urgency and passion resonate throughout, revealing his profound love and concern for the church. The epistle closes with a heartfelt benediction—“The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit, brothers and sisters. Amen” (6:18)—which applies not only to the Galatian believers but to every Christian who reads it today.

Far from being a mere polite farewell, this blessing is the climactic statement that sums up the entire letter. Life in the gospel is based not on human merit or works, but on “the all-sufficient grace of God.” All we can do is live in gratitude for that grace and share it with others. As 2 Corinthians 5:17 says, “If anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come,” meaning that believers are endowed with a new identity. There is no need for legalism or performance-based validation. At the same time, grace never condones complacency or irresponsibility. Those truly touched by grace will inevitably bear its fruit in their daily lives. Within the church, this manifests as carrying one another’s burdens, and beyond that, it extends to good works for the poor and needy, all while boasting only in the cross.

Pastor David Jang ties these insights to the present-day church. Even now, many churches grapple with financial challenges, and conflicts sometimes arise around the subject of offerings. Some congregations think, “If the preacher stresses offerings, people will feel pressured,” so they avoid the topic of money altogether. Yet Galatians 6 shows us that it is crucial to handle finances in the church “transparently and biblically.” If a preacher or minister devoted to sharing the Word is genuinely in dire straits, the community is duty-bound to care for that person out of love. This is never about “chasing after money” but about “serving in love” and “helping one another in the abundance of God’s grace.” Such an attitude exemplifies the power of the gospel to the world.

Likewise, if anyone within the church community faces severe economic hardship, believers must not ignore them but rather help and support them. Galatians 6:10—“Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers”—encapsulates this teaching. No one in the church should be left marginalized; because “the household of faith” is indeed God’s family, believers should direct loving attention and practical aid there first. From there, love should flow outward to the world. As Jesus says in Matthew 25, giving a cup of cold water to the thirsty is akin to giving it to the Lord Himself. Embracing this perspective is what makes the church truly the church.

Thus Galatians 6 emphasizes the “cross alone” at its doctrinal core while simultaneously urging “tangible, real-world acts of love.” If we have been set free from sin by God’s grace, that grace must shine forth among us and in the world. This is Paul’s concluding message. The church must employ its freedom to serve each other in love, rather than reverting to the shackles of the law or indulging selfish desires. Such service is not motivated by a desire for worldly esteem or moral superiority; rather, it arises from “a sincere wish to share what we have already received, thereby bringing glory to God.” That is the fundamental calling of the church.

In the end, the message of Galatians is that those liberated from the yoke of the law and human righteousness should exercise that freedom in love. If people promoting “circumcision” or other impressive religious rituals infiltrate the church and sow confusion, the gospel becomes distorted and its vitality can be lost. Conversely, when believers cling firmly to the cross and practically live out their freedom through acts of love, the church grows strong and the world finds hope. Pastor David Jang underscores that Galatians remains a living word for the church in the 21st century, warning us again about how easily various shades of legalism can creep in and subtly undermine the gospel.

Church history shows that in every era, some form of legalism surfaces and tries to corrupt the gospel. In the Middle Ages, it emerged through the sale of indulgences; at the Reformation, Martin Luther stood firm on “by faith alone, by grace alone, by Scripture alone” to resist it. Even today, there can be a tendency to emphasize “visible success” or “strict rule-keeping” more than the gospel itself. In this context, Galatians 6 reminds us of the timeless essence of the gospel. At its core is “the centrality of the cross,” and flowing from that cross is “the love of a people set free by grace” who serve one another.

Finally, in Galatians 6:18, Paul closes with, “The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit, brothers and sisters. Amen.” In every one of Paul’s letters, he ends with a blessing invoking Christ’s grace. It is a concise yet powerful theological statement: “The faith that began in grace must be sustained by grace to the very end.” The theme of “gospel freedom” in Galatians is, in the end, a manifestation of grace, and that same grace governs a believer’s life from start to finish. Despite our shortcomings, we have been made new creatures by the love and forgiveness shown us through the cross. Now we live forever by that grace. When that grace flows through us to our neighbors and to the world, the church becomes a radiant beacon that the world cannot easily mimic.

Pastor David Jang reiterates that the path of the gospel is never merely “me alone going to heaven,” but rather a “communal and outwardly expanding salvation” manifested through love and sharing. The exhortation of Galatians 6 is that the Galatian church, so dear to Paul, would carry this out and, in so doing, overcome the confusion caused by legalism to become a community of true freedom and joy. And this message applies just as much to the church of the 21st century. Under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, realizing “we have no boast except in the cross,” we should form a church community in which “we carry one another’s burdens, feed the hungry, care for the needy, share all good things with those who teach the Word, and do good to all without growing weary.”

Hence the exhortation at the close of Galatians is not a mere duty but an “active practice” that springs from deep gratitude and joy for the love of the cross. When believers, one by one, carry this out, the church’s influence becomes something truly beautiful and beyond easy imitation by the world. This is because we are driven not by a “legalistic code,” but by “the grace poured out from the cross.” That is the genuine “freedom in Christ” and the path where the fruit of the Spirit matures.

In conclusion, Galatians 6 offers a concise picture of what a church that truly enjoys gospel freedom should look like. Even amidst the confusion caused by the Judaizers, Paul stands firm on “the cross alone,” urging believers to build up one another through the love that flows from the cross. The same principle applies today. The church exists to testify to Jesus Christ and His cross, and that testimony must not remain mere words or concepts but be made visible through tangible acts of love. Pastor David Jang’s teaching reiterates that the gospel goes beyond doctrinal systems or theological debates, transforming communities and real-life settings. As we meditate on Galatians 6 and practice it, we can be confident that the zeal and conviction of Paul—who said, “I bear on my body the marks of Jesus”—will likewise be alive in us. Thus the church, through all ages, can continue to shine the light of the gospel, growing into the beautiful and holy community God desires, despite the encroachments of legalism or secularism.

Reflecting again on the closing benediction of Galatians—“The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit, brothers and sisters. Amen”—we arrive at the fundamental truth that “only the grace of Christ makes all things possible.” This is the treasure at the heart of Paul’s letters and the central message of Galatians as well. When our faith in that grace bears the fruit of love in concrete actions, the church becomes a community that testifies to God’s kingdom. It is not about circumcision or uncircumcision, but about being recreated in Christ, serving one another, taking pride only in the cross, bearing the marks of Jesus, and sowing the seeds of goodness. Pastor David Jang offers this timeless truth anew to our generation, urging us—though we are weak—“to rely on the grace given us and serve our neighbors.” This precisely continues Paul’s gospel legacy. Amen.