Carry His Own Load

Galatians 6:4-6 - Each one should test his own actions. Then he can take pride in himself, without comparing himself to somebody else, for each one should carry his own load. Anyone who receives instruction in the word must share all good things with his instructor.

Jeremiah 31:30 - Instead, everyone will die for his own sin; whoever eats sour grapes—his own teeth will be set on edge.

2 Corinthians 5:10 - For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive what is due him for the things done while in the body, whether good or bad.

1 Timothy 5:17 - The elders who direct the affairs of the church well are worthy of double honor, especially those whose work is preaching and teaching.

Philippians 4:18-19 - I have received full payment and even more; I am amply supplied, now that I have received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent. They are a fragrant offering, an acceptable sacrifice, pleasing to God. And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus.

Conclusions:

• Each of us is responsible before God
• The reference to carry his own load may be to the future judgment, when every person will give an account to God
• Although group or collective responsibility is an important concept, Jeremiah and Ezekiel emphasize individual responsibility as both preparation and explanation for the imminent destruction of Jerusalem, which the people might have been tempted to blame on the sins of their forefathers
• This accounting has nothing to do with justification, which is credited to the Christian fully and forever through faith in Christ; instead, it refers to what we have done with our lives as Christians
• Although the body is wasting away, we are responsible for our actions while in it
• Non-Christians, too, are morally responsible and liable to God's judgment, but Paul has believers in mind in 2 Corinthians 5:10
• All elders were to exercise leadership and to teach and preach, and all were to receive honor
• But those who excelled in leadership were to be counted worthy of double honor
• This was especially true of those who labored at teaching and preaching
• Such honor should include financial support
• The Old Testament background is the sacrifice, not of atonement for sin, but of thanksgiving and praise

Application:

• Are you tempted to blame your sins on your forefathers?
• Are you responsible for your actions?
• Do you financially support your elders?
• Are your offerings acceptable and pleasing to God?
• Have you sacrificially given to meet your leader's needs?

All Scripture verses taken from NIV

Conclusions derived from NIV Study Bible