RESTORING THE ERRING Galatians 6:1-5

Galatians 5:1-5 Brethren, if a man is overtaken in any trespass, you who are spiritual restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness, considering yourself lest you also be tempted. 2 Bear one another’s burdens, & so fulfill the law of Christ. 3 For if anyone thinks himself to be something, when he is nothing, he deceives himself. 4 But let each one examine his own work, & then he will have rejoicing in himself alone, & not in another. 5 For each one shall bear his own load.

Galatians 5:3-5 3 For if anyone thinks himself to be something, when he is nothing, he deceives himself. 4 But let each one examine his own work, & then he will have rejoicing in himself alone, & not in another. 5 For each one shall bear his own load. –Christians should not be boastful –Christians take responsibility for their actions

Galatians 5:1-2 Brethren, if a man is overtaken in any trespass, you who are spiritual restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness, considering yourself lest you also be tempted. 2 Bear one another’s burdens, & so fulfill the law of Christ. We must help an erring brother or sister in Christ find their way back to HIM.

When To Restore When one is “overtaken in any trespass” (6:1) –“To take before; detect, overtake, surprise” (Gal 6:12, 14)

When To Restore When one is “overtaken in any trespass” (6:1) –“A false step, a misdeed, a sin” (Heb 6:6; 1 Thess 5:14; Heb 12:12-13; Ezek 3:20)

Meaning: Restore To “restore” someone requires more than just talk –“To mend, make complete or whole” (Matt 4:21; 1 Thess 3:10; 1 Cor 1:10; Lk 15:10)

What NOT To Do… Gossip: to spread rumors & sensational facts Critical: to make severe judgments Gloat: to find satisfaction Indifferent: to care little Reluctant: to preserve friendship Condone: to overlook sin

Who May Restore “You who are spiritual” –Who understand the spiritual requirements God places on us (Gal 5:16-26) –Who use wisdom in the choice of words (1 Cor 3:1-3)

How To Restore “In a spirit of gentleness” –The Lord was gentle toward sinners (Matt 10:29; 2 Cor 10:1) –We are His servants in the matter of restoration (2 Tim 2:24-26) –The offender is NOT the enemy (2 Thess 3:15)

How To Restore “In a spirit of gentleness” “Considering yourself lest you also be tempted” –“Remembering that next time it might be one of you who is in the wrong” –“Therefore let him who thinks he stands take heed lest he fall” (1 Cor 10:12).

2 Peter 2:20-22 For if, after they have escaped the pollutions of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, they are again entangled in them and overcome, the latter end is worse for them than the beginning. 21 For it would have been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than having known it, to turn from the holy commandment delivered to them. 22 But it has happened to them according to the true proverb: “A dog returns to his own vomit,” and, “a sow, having washed, to her wallowing in the mire.”

James 5:19-20 Brethren, if anyone among you wanders from the truth, and someone turns him back, 20 let him know that he who turns a sinner from the error of his way will save a soul from death and cover a multitude of sins. –A successful restoration brings a deep sense of JOY to those who truly understand the danger of falling away from Christ.

God’s Plan For Your Salvation Believe the good news about Jesus Christ John 8:24; 20:30-31; Rom 1:16; 10:10 Repent or turn from your sins Luke 24:46-47; Acts 2:38; 3:19; 17:30-31 Confess your faith in Christ Matt 10:32-33; Rom 10:9-10 Be immersed in water Matt 28:19; Mk 16:16; Acts 2:38; Rom 6:3-4; 1 Pet 3:21 Live in obedient faith 1 Peter 1:14; Rev 2:10