Galatians 6:3
Verse
Context
Sermons





Summary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
If a man think himself to be something - i.e. To be a proper Christian man; when he is nothing; being destitute of that charity which beareth, hopeth, and endureth all things. See Co1 13:1, etc. Those who suppose themselves to excel all others in piety, understanding, etc., while they are harsh, censorious, and overbearing, prove that they have not the charity that thinketh no evil; and in the sight of God are only as sounding brass and a tinkling cymbal. There are no people more censorious or uncharitable than those among some religious people who pretend to more light and a deeper communion with God. They are generally carried away with a sort of sublime, high sounding phraseology, which seems to argue a wonderfully deep acquaintance with Divine things; stripped of this, many of them are like Samson without his hair.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
Self-conceit, the chief hindrance to forbearance and sympathy towards our fellow men, must be laid aside. something--possessed of some spiritual pre-eminence, so as to be exempt from the frailty of other men. when he is nothing--The Greek is subjective: "Being, if he would come to himself, and look on the real fact, nothing" [ALFORD] (Gal 6:2, Gal 6:6; Rom 12:3; Co1 8:2). deceiveth himself--literally, "he mentally deceives himself." Compare Jam 1:26, "deceiveth his own heart."
John Gill Bible Commentary
For if a man think himself to be something,.... Of himself; to have anything of himself, to do anything of himself, and of himself to attain to life and salvation: when he is nothing: of himself; not even as a creature, but owes his being and preservation, and all the mercies of life, to another, even to God; has no grace nor gifts of himself, but what he has received, and can do no good thing, not think a good thought, or perform a good action, of himself, and much less of himself procure eternal life and salvation: he deceiveth himself: and will find himself sadly mistaken, and wretchedly disappointed another day; or whoever thinks himself to be some famous and excellent person, to be something more, and better than others, of a more excellent nature, and of greater abilities, that he is free from sin, or at least holier than others, and not liable to fall as others, whom he looks upon with disdain and contempt, wanting that charity which the law, and new commandment of Christ, requires, when he is nothing but sin and vanity, he is destitute of the grace of God, he deceives himself and the truth is not in him. This the apostle says to depress pride, and a swelling conceit of themselves, and all uncharitable, rough, and severe usages of others. A saying like this the Jews have (y); "whoever he is that is something, or thinks in himself that he is "something", it would be better for him if he had never been created.'' (y) Midrash Kohelet, fol. 79. 1.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
6:3 Those with a proud attitude wrongly assume they are too important to help the weak (see study note on 6:1).
Galatians 6:3
Carry One Another’s Burdens
2Carry one another’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.3If anyone thinks he is something when he is nothing, he deceives himself.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
(2006 Conference) 6.the Need in Our Midst Today
By Zac Poonen2.6K42:56PRO 16:18PRO 22:4MAT 6:24LUK 16:101CO 1:27GAL 6:3PHP 2:3JAS 1:22JAS 4:101PE 5:5This sermon emphasizes the importance of raising up godly leaders in churches, highlighting the joy of seeing humble brothers whom God has blessed without becoming proud. It warns against the dangers of pride, material prosperity leading to spiritual decline, and the need to remain faithful, humble, and obedient to the Holy Spirit. The speaker shares personal experiences and challenges listeners to prioritize seeking God, valuing godly examples, and living a life of simplicity and faithfulness.
What Brokenness Means
By Zac Poonen2.5K36:12LUK 15:3GAL 6:3This sermon emphasizes the danger of legalism in churches and individuals, highlighting the need for brokenness, repentance, and humility. It explores the journey from self-righteousness to becoming a 'nobody' before God, drawing lessons from the story of Job and the importance of continuous repentance and self-judgment. The focus is on being poor in spirit, constantly aware of personal need and avoiding self-justification, jealousy, and demands on others.
(In the Word) 03 - Who Are the Children of God
By Milton Green2.3K58:23GAL 5:24GAL 6:1GAL 6:31PE 4:11PE 4:12In this sermon, the speaker shares a personal experience of ministering in a foreign country. Despite language barriers, the speaker led a prayer for rain, which hadn't fallen in four years. This event highlights the power of God and the importance of following His leading, even when it goes against tradition or previous teachings. The sermon then delves into the topic of being led by the Spirit of God and making Jesus Lord of our lives. The speaker emphasizes the need to align our actions with the Word of God and warns against the deeds of the flesh, which are evident and can be discerned by their fruit.
God Chooses and Uses Nobodies
By Zac Poonen1.5K1:04:13JOB 42:10PRO 3:5ISA 40:31MAT 5:3JHN 1:12ROM 9:161CO 4:7GAL 6:3JAS 2:19This sermon emphasizes the importance of being poor in spirit, recognizing that all blessings and abilities come from God. It warns against the dangers of spiritual pride and the need to constantly humble oneself before God, acknowledging that everything received is a gift from Him. The speaker uses the example of Job to illustrate the transformation that occurs when one moves from pride to humility, leading to a double portion of blessings from God.
Why Pride Before Prayer? (Where God Begins in Reviving His People)
By Lou Sutera70356:01Prayer2CH 7:12JER 49:16OBA 1:3MAT 6:33GAL 6:3In this sermon, the speaker shares anecdotes and testimonies to highlight the destructive nature of pride. He tells a story of a father who boasts about his hunting skills, but fails to shoot down birds when he takes his son hunting. Instead of being embarrassed, the father sees it as a miracle and teaches his son a lesson about humility. The speaker also shares a testimony of a man who admits to having excessive pride, but points out that everyone in the audience still has pride to some extent. The sermon emphasizes the negative impact of pride on individuals, families, relationships, and the church.
Knowing Satan's Schemes
By Zac Poonen61750:41ISA 14:12EZK 28:12MAT 16:181CO 3:62CO 2:11GAL 6:3HEB 7:25REV 12:10This sermon delves into the tactics of Satan, focusing on how he deceives through pride, rebellion, accusation, and drawing people to himself. It emphasizes the importance of being alert to Satan's schemes, understanding his origin, and learning from Jesus' humility and prayer for believers. The message highlights the need to avoid pride, comparison with others, rebellion against authority, and the spirit of accusation, while encouraging respect, humility, and drawing others to Christ.
New Covenant: Doctrine or Life?
By Zac Poonen5431:13:11GEN 3:24MAT 7:22MAT 11:30MAT 16:24JHN 17:3GAL 6:3PHP 3:8HEB 2:14JAS 4:10This sermon emphasizes the importance of embracing the way of the cross, symbolizing death to self and living a life that reflects the nature of Jesus Christ. It highlights the dangers of seeking man's interests over God's interests, the significance of dying to self daily, and the necessity of being filled with the Holy Spirit to partake of the life of Jesus. The message challenges listeners to prioritize spiritual growth, humility, and a deeper fellowship with God, rather than seeking personal accomplishments or recognition.
Overview of Biblical Eldership - All Elders Are Pastors
By Tim Conway5361:16:08MAT 23:8ACT 20:281CO 12:4GAL 6:3EPH 4:7PHP 2:31TI 3:1JAS 3:11PE 5:1This sermon delves into Ephesians 4, emphasizing the importance of humility and equality among church leaders. It highlights the diversity of gifts given by Christ to each individual according to His measure, while stressing the need for leaders to shepherd the flock with grace and responsibility. The sermon also addresses the biblical model of leadership, focusing on elders as overseers and pastors, promoting a spirit of unity and brotherhood rather than seeking titles of superiority.
Workers vs Worshipers
By Shane Idleman47541:07PRO 16:18MAT 23:12ROM 2:4GAL 6:3JAS 4:101PE 5:51JN 1:9REV 2:4This sermon emphasizes the importance of self-criticism and repentance for spiritual growth. It highlights the dangers of pride, arrogance, and drifting from one's first love, urging listeners to examine their hearts, repent, and return to a place of genuine love and passion for God. The speaker warns against becoming rigid, unloving, and divisive, stressing the need for humility, love, and unity in the church.
Spiritual Warfare - Part 2
By David Ravenhill40052:131CO 6:91CO 15:332CO 2:10GAL 6:3GAL 6:7JAS 1:22This sermon delves into the topic of spiritual warfare, emphasizing the importance of recognizing and engaging in the battle against the enemy. It highlights the deception that can lead believers astray, such as thinking they are not vulnerable to spiritual attacks, being influenced by bad company, false pride, lack of action despite knowledge, practicing sin, and unforgiveness. The speaker urges the audience to be vigilant, discerning, and proactive in their spiritual walk to avoid falling into these deceptive traps.
The Captivity of the Righteous Part 8 - Jobs Captivity Turned
By Phil Beach Jr.331:16:52CaptivitySelf-DeceptionSpiritual ClarityJOB 42:10ROM 12:31CO 3:181CO 6:91CO 15:33GAL 6:3GAL 6:7JAS 1:22JAS 1:261JN 1:8Phil Beach Jr. emphasizes the dangers of self-deception, particularly for fathers, urging them to guard their hearts and lives against it. He explains that self-deception can manifest in various ways, such as failing to act on God's word, denying one's sin, and overestimating oneself. Through the story of Job, he illustrates how suffering can lead to spiritual clarity and a deeper understanding of God's sovereignty. Ultimately, Beach encourages listeners to seek God's truth and transformation, recognizing that true freedom comes from acknowledging our weaknesses and relying on Christ.
Shame on You—o Silly Heart!
By C.H. Spurgeon1GraceHumilityPSA 100:3ISA 64:6ROM 12:31CO 4:72CO 12:9GAL 6:3EPH 2:1PHP 2:3JAS 4:61PE 5:5C.H. Spurgeon emphasizes the futility of pride in the Christian life, reminding believers that all they have is a gift from God and that they are no better than anyone else by nature. He urges Christians to reflect on their past state of sin and the grace that has transformed them, highlighting that their accomplishments are not their own but rather a result of divine influence. Spurgeon calls out the absurdity of boasting when believers are merely debtors to God's grace, encouraging humility and gratitude instead of pride. Ultimately, he challenges the heart's inclination to exalt itself despite being a recipient of God's mercy.
To Us, Therefore, It Seems Expedient
By St. Benedict of Nursia0PRO 11:14PRO 16:18GAL 6:31TI 5:19HEB 13:17JAS 4:61PE 5:5St. Benedict of Nursia emphasizes the importance of the Abbot having full administration of the monastery for the preservation of peace and charity. He suggests that the affairs of the monastery be administered by deans under the Abbot's guidance to prevent pride. If necessary, the Abbot can appoint a Prior with the counsel of God-fearing brethren, who must respectfully carry out his duties and adhere to the Rule. The Prior should be corrected and replaced if found to have serious faults, pride, or disregard for the Rule, with the Abbot being accountable to God for his judgments to avoid envy or jealousy.
Entitled
By Anton Bosch0PRO 11:2MAT 5:12ACT 20:31ROM 12:3GAL 6:3PHP 2:31TH 2:9JAS 4:61PE 5:5Anton Bosch preaches about the dangerous mindset of entitlement that has infiltrated society and even the church, emphasizing how entitlement is rooted in arrogance, selfishness, and self-centeredness. He highlights that true entitlement belongs to Jesus alone, who surrendered His rights for the sake of saving us, despite being entitled to supreme honor and worship. Bosch challenges believers to shift from an entitled mindset to one of humility, contentment, and gratitude, reminding them that God's blessings are out of His love and grace, not owed to us.
Laodicean State
By J.B. Stoney0PRO 3:51CO 1:311CO 8:11CO 10:12GAL 6:3GAL 6:14COL 2:82TI 3:7REV 3:16J.B. Stoney delves into the state of the Laodicean assembly, emphasizing the danger of boastfulness in intelligence and acquisitions while lacking pursuit of Christ. This phase represents a state of self-satisfaction and needlessness, rendering the truth powerless when man becomes the primary focus instead of Christ. Throughout history, individuals with great knowledge succumbed to self-gratification, leading to a departure from God's truth and ultimately marring the testimony.
A Letter on "The Praise of Men"
By John Nelson Darby0PrideHumilityPSA 115:1PRO 29:5MAT 23:12ROM 12:31CO 4:5GAL 6:3PHP 2:3JAS 4:61PE 5:5REV 5:9John Nelson Darby addresses the dangers of pride and the misguided praise of men, emphasizing that such flattery can lead to spiritual harm and distract from true communion with God. He warns that pride is a persistent enemy that can obscure our understanding of our own spiritual state and that the most genuine Christians are often those who remain unnoticed and humble. Darby encourages believers to focus their praise solely on God, as He alone is worthy of honor, and to strive for humility by esteeming others above themselves. He concludes by urging his friend to refrain from elevating him in any way, preferring to be recognized simply as a brother in Christ.
Letter to a Reluctant Prophet
By Chip Brogden0MAT 16:24JHN 15:51CO 1:271CO 13:22CO 12:9GAL 5:22GAL 6:3PHP 3:81PE 4:131JN 2:6Chip Brogden emphasizes the importance of being a Christian first before aspiring to be a prophet, urging humility, meekness, and a focus on Christ rather than the prophetic word. He highlights the significance of walking in love, avoiding self-righteousness, and being faithful with what God has entrusted to us. Chip stresses the need to learn from Jesus, be led by His Spirit, and develop fruitfulness in character over seeking after gifts. He encourages expecting persecution, embracing weakness, and being willing to suffer for the sake of Christ, emphasizing the necessity of dying to self in order to truly live.
Beware of Being Deceived
By Phil Beach Jr.0JER 17:91CO 3:181CO 6:91CO 15:33GAL 6:3GAL 6:7JAS 1:22JAS 1:261JN 1:8Phil Beach Jr. preaches about the dangers of self-deception, emphasizing the need for honesty and prayerful reflection on our hearts and actions. He highlights the deceitfulness of the human heart, the importance of being doers of God's Word, and the danger of denying our sins or thinking we are wise in our own eyes. Phil Beach Jr. also warns against the deception of thinking we are something when we are nothing, believing we can sow without reaping consequences, or assuming unrighteous actions will not affect our salvation. He concludes by stressing the need to guard against self-deception by living in God's truth and light.
That White Devil!
By Thomas Brooks0PrideSpiritual VigilancePRO 16:18MAT 6:1MAT 23:12LUK 10:20ROM 12:3GAL 6:3PHP 2:3JAS 4:61PE 5:51JN 2:16Thomas Brooks emphasizes the constant presence of pride, hypocrisy, and vainglory—referred to as the 'white devil'—that can accompany Christians even while they engage in righteous acts. He points out that while the disciples were empowered to heal and cast out demons, they were reminded by Jesus not to take pride in their abilities. Brooks warns that these 'white devils' can undermine the sincerity of a believer's actions, suggesting that every duty performed is shadowed by these lurking temptations. The sermon serves as a call to vigilance against these internal struggles that can taint our spiritual endeavors.
Shipwrecked by Pride
By K.P. Yohannan0PrideHumilityPRO 11:2PRO 16:18ISA 55:8MAT 23:12LUK 14:11ROM 12:3GAL 6:3PHP 2:3JAS 4:61PE 5:5K.P. Yohannan discusses the dangers of pride and self-promotion among individuals with great potential, emphasizing how arrogance can lead to missed opportunities for growth and leadership. He illustrates how a talented young person, instead of waiting for maturity, may become insubordinate and disrespectful, ultimately hindering their own advancement. The sermon highlights the contrast between those who are humble and obedient versus those who allow pride to dictate their actions, leading to a cycle of disappointment and disillusionment. Yohannan warns that God's plans for promotion can be forfeited when one refuses to submit to His ways, urging listeners to recognize the importance of humility in their journey. The message serves as a reminder that true success comes from aligning with God's design rather than pursuing personal ambition.
Pharisees Glory in Their Connection to Godly Men
By Zac Poonen0Personal AccountabilityTrue HolinessMAT 3:9MAT 7:21LUK 13:3ROM 14:102CO 13:5GAL 6:3HEB 10:26JAS 4:171JN 1:8REV 3:15Zac Poonen emphasizes that merely being associated with godly individuals or a reputable church does not guarantee one's own holiness or salvation. He warns against the Pharisaical attitude of relying on connections to claim righteousness, highlighting that true godliness must come from within and not from external affiliations. Poonen stresses the danger of unrepented sin and the false security it brings, urging believers to examine their hearts and lives rather than resting on the laurels of their church membership or associations. Ultimately, he calls for a personal relationship with God that transcends mere association with the righteous.
Gazing Upon Christ
By A.W. Tozer0HumilitySelf-ExaminationPSA 139:23PRO 16:18ISA 57:15MAT 7:3ROM 12:32CO 12:9GAL 6:3PHP 2:3JAS 4:61PE 5:5A.W. Tozer emphasizes the dangers of self-assurance and pride, illustrating how individuals can become blinded by their own qualifications and achievements, leading to a hardened heart and spiritual stagnation. He warns that when one believes they are above reproach, they risk losing touch with humility and the transformative power of the cross. Tozer urges listeners to reflect on their past and the sacrifice of Jesus, suggesting that true self-examination will reveal the need for repentance and reliance on God's grace.
The Great Master-Scar of the Soul
By Thomas Brooks0PrideHumilityPSA 10:4PRO 8:13PRO 11:2PRO 16:5PRO 18:12ISA 2:12LUK 14:11GAL 6:3JAS 4:61PE 5:5Thomas Brooks emphasizes the destructive nature of pride in his sermon 'The Great Master-Scar of the Soul,' describing it as the root of all sin and a leprosy that cannot be concealed. He warns that pride leads to spiritual separation from God, as He detests the proud and will not associate with them. Brooks urges believers to be vigilant against pride, to arm themselves with humility, and to pray earnestly for protection against this pervasive sin. The sermon highlights the necessity of recognizing and combating pride to experience God's presence and favor.
On the Importance of Self-Knowledge
By Thomas Reade0MAT 7:21LUK 9:551CO 4:5GAL 6:3JAS 1:22Thomas Reade preaches on the importance of self-knowledge, urging believers to examine their spirits, motives, and intentions deeply. He emphasizes the significance of divine teaching and self-examination in understanding one's true nature. Reade highlights the need for sincerity in various aspects of life, such as attending religious ordinances, giving to the poor, discussing Gospel truths, performing daily duties, responding to persecution, and handling criticism of the Gospel. The sermon underscores the necessity of humility, love, and purity of intention in all thoughts, words, and actions, seeking to glorify God and advance the spiritual welfare of others.
1 John 1:10
By John Gill0SinAcknowledgment of SinfulnessPSA 14:3PSA 51:5ECC 7:20ISA 53:6JER 17:9ROM 3:23GAL 6:3EPH 2:11JN 1:7John Gill emphasizes the importance of acknowledging our sinfulness, arguing that to claim one has never sinned is to contradict God's truth and make Him a liar. He explains that such assertions reflect a misunderstanding of original sin and the nature of humanity, as all are born estranged from God and guilty of sin. Gill warns against the beliefs of Gnostics and Judaizing Christians who consider themselves pure despite their sinful actions, highlighting that true understanding of God's word leads to a recognition of our need for grace and repentance.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
If a man think himself to be something - i.e. To be a proper Christian man; when he is nothing; being destitute of that charity which beareth, hopeth, and endureth all things. See Co1 13:1, etc. Those who suppose themselves to excel all others in piety, understanding, etc., while they are harsh, censorious, and overbearing, prove that they have not the charity that thinketh no evil; and in the sight of God are only as sounding brass and a tinkling cymbal. There are no people more censorious or uncharitable than those among some religious people who pretend to more light and a deeper communion with God. They are generally carried away with a sort of sublime, high sounding phraseology, which seems to argue a wonderfully deep acquaintance with Divine things; stripped of this, many of them are like Samson without his hair.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
Self-conceit, the chief hindrance to forbearance and sympathy towards our fellow men, must be laid aside. something--possessed of some spiritual pre-eminence, so as to be exempt from the frailty of other men. when he is nothing--The Greek is subjective: "Being, if he would come to himself, and look on the real fact, nothing" [ALFORD] (Gal 6:2, Gal 6:6; Rom 12:3; Co1 8:2). deceiveth himself--literally, "he mentally deceives himself." Compare Jam 1:26, "deceiveth his own heart."
John Gill Bible Commentary
For if a man think himself to be something,.... Of himself; to have anything of himself, to do anything of himself, and of himself to attain to life and salvation: when he is nothing: of himself; not even as a creature, but owes his being and preservation, and all the mercies of life, to another, even to God; has no grace nor gifts of himself, but what he has received, and can do no good thing, not think a good thought, or perform a good action, of himself, and much less of himself procure eternal life and salvation: he deceiveth himself: and will find himself sadly mistaken, and wretchedly disappointed another day; or whoever thinks himself to be some famous and excellent person, to be something more, and better than others, of a more excellent nature, and of greater abilities, that he is free from sin, or at least holier than others, and not liable to fall as others, whom he looks upon with disdain and contempt, wanting that charity which the law, and new commandment of Christ, requires, when he is nothing but sin and vanity, he is destitute of the grace of God, he deceives himself and the truth is not in him. This the apostle says to depress pride, and a swelling conceit of themselves, and all uncharitable, rough, and severe usages of others. A saying like this the Jews have (y); "whoever he is that is something, or thinks in himself that he is "something", it would be better for him if he had never been created.'' (y) Midrash Kohelet, fol. 79. 1.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
6:3 Those with a proud attitude wrongly assume they are too important to help the weak (see study note on 6:1).