Galatians 6:1 toggles back and forth between some critical “plurals” and “singulars,” grammatically speaking. And today, in the Lesson, we are back to studying one of the “singular” pronouns the Verse employs.
Let me show you what I mean …
“Brethren (plural), if a man (singular) be overtaken in a fault, ye (plural) which are spiritual, restore such an one (singular) in the spirit of meekness; CONSIDERING THYSELF (singular), lest thou (still singular) also be tempted.” Galatians 6:1
Now (having already discussed the majority of the Text) we must notice the clause “considering thyself.” Sort of a warning, I’d call it. Take caution!
If you try to help that fallen (“overtaken in a fault”) brother or sister, be careful!
The verb “considering” (a present tense, active voice participle) is spelled “skopeo” in Greek. This gives us our English word “scope,” as is evident. The Greeks “loaned” it to us Americans!
And “skopeo” means “to look at, to observe,” even at times “to contemplate.” In the King James New Testament it is rendered “mark” twice, and “take heed” once. As in “keep an eye” on him or her or that!
Then Paul adds that singular pronoun (mentioned earlier), “thyself.” It’s spelled “seautou” in Greek, here in the accusative case, indicating the “object” of one’s watchfulness.
Be careful for yourself … you’re on dangerous ground … exercise caution!
Help your brother, then quickly get away from that type of sinfulness, the very thing that brought him down! Second Corinthians 2:11 comes to mind: “Lest Satan should get an advantage of us (get a hold of us, in abundance): for we are not ignorant of his devices (thoughts).”
Wow!
You are NOT above (immune to, exempt from) that temptation (whatever it may have been) that overtook your friend in Christ!
Be prudent here! “A prudent man foreseeth the evil, and hideth himself: but the simple pass on, and are punished.” Proverbs 22:3 and Proverbs 27:13, two times, same words!
Pull the “overtaken” one out of that pit … and both y ‘all run away!
A line of Paul warning to Timothy fits here: “Save thyself, and them that hear thee.” 1st Timothy 4:16, amazing!
May the Holy Spirit apply this truth to our lives today. And may He bring this little warning to mind next time we reach our to help a weaker brother!
— Dr. Mike Bagwell
The Lord willing, just one more Lesson from Galatians 6:1, tomorrow morning. Then Monday we continue our long journey through his wonderful Epistle, which is rapidly becoming one of my favorites!