SEARCH THE SCRIPTURES 23-09-2018

RECAP OF OUR LAST STUDY From our last study, entitled “The fruit of the Spirit”, we learnt that having been made free by grace, believers should not turn to the weak and miserable practices of the law and be enslaved again. Liberty from spiritual bondage can be maintained through the Spirit’s continued indwelling and obedience to God’s leading. Only those who hold fast to their profession of faith till the end can be assured of a place in God’s kingdom.

TODAY’S STUDY: LESSON 711: BELIEVERS’ DUTY TO THE FALLEN MEMORY VERSE: …… “Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted” (Galatians 6:1). TEXT: Galatians 6:1-5

TODAY’S STUDY (continued) INTRODUCTION: We have here practical directions in restoring those overtaken in a fault. We are not to be indifferent to the spiritual welfare of fellow brethren. We should be mindful of those who need help and respond graciously to their need. QUESTION 1: What do we learn from Paul’s admonition to restore believers overtaken in a fault? – Gal 6:1,2

THE POSSIBILITY OF BACKSLIDING Galatians 6:1; 1 Corinthians 10:5-12 The fact that a believer can “be overtaken in a fault” or backslide cancels the doctrine of eternal security. Our security in Christ is only guaranteed as long as we remain steadfast. We should not be self- confident or careless; rather we should be watchful and prayerful. We should separate from those who compromise. QUESTION 2: What is the danger of believing the doctrine of eternal security? – Luke 3:8,9

COMMITMENT TO RESTORATION OF THE FALLEN Galatians 6:1,2,5; Romans 14:1; 15:1 Abiding believers should strive to bring back a fallen one through intercession, care, visitation and counselling. This demands love, sacrifice, meekness and gentleness, knowing that each of us is vulnerable to temptation. We should not please self. QUESTION 3: How can steadfast believers restore those who are overtaken in a fault? – Gal 5:13; 6:1 QUESTION 4: What attitudes should believers who seek to restore those who are fallen avoid? – 2 Cor 10:12,18; Luke 18:9

SPIRITUALITY OF HUMBLE AND WATCHFUL SERVANTS Galatians 6:1,3,4; 1 Corinthians 16:13 To be spiritual is to be ruled by the Holy Spirit. It is freedom from sin and error. This requires salvation, sanctification and daily infilling with the Holy Spirit. We must fellowship with God through prayer and His word, walk steadfastly with Him and watch against error. QUESTION 5: What does it mean for a believer to be spiritual? – Eph 3:16-19; Phil 2:5 QUESTION 6: What should be the attitude of spiritual believers who make effort to restore the spiritually weak? – Gal 6:1,2,9

CONCLUSION The doctrine of eternal security is false: A believer can fall into sin through carelessness, pride or neglect of spiritual duties. We must seek to restore the fallen through prayer, care, visitation and counsel. This must be in the spirit of meekness and as a token of compassion, not competition. Spirituality is being controlled by the Holy Spirit. This demands daily fellowship with God in prayer and His Word. We must be watchful.