What are we to do? › Scripture provides many answers. › This was a real problem in Galatia. “I marvel that you are turning away so soon from Him who called you in the grace of Christ, to a different gospel” (Gal 1:6). “You have become estranged from Christ, you who attempt to be justified by law; you have fallen from grace” (Gal 5:4).
Galatians 6:1
“Overtaken in any trespass” does not refer to open rebellion. › The Greek word refers to an animal trap. › The Greek refers to something that happens as a surprise.
Sin often takes us by surprise. › Peter. › “Exhort one another daily, while it is called ‘Today,’ lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin” (Heb 3:13).
Why do so many fall away? › Parable of the Sower (Mk 4). Some have no root so that when trouble or persecution comes they fall away (vv 16-17). Others accept the word, but the cares of this life cause them to fall away (vv 18-19).
Galatians 6:1
Who are the spiritual? › The spiritually mature. I, brethren, could not speak to you as to spiritual people but as to carnal, as to babes in Christ” (1 Cor 3:1). “The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control” (Gal 5:22-23).
Galatians 6:1
With gentleness. › Paul has just mentioned gentleness as part of the Spirit’s fruit (5:23). › “As the elect of God, holy and beloved, put on tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering” (Col 3:12). › “But you, O man of God, flee these things and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, gentleness” (1 Tim 6:11).
Look to ourselves. › “Let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of the bread and drink of the cup” (1 Cor 11:28). › “Examine yourselves as to whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. Do you not know yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you?--unless indeed you are disqualified” (2 Cor 13:5).
Two important implications of that statement.
One: Not every spiritual person can help everyone caught in sin. Two: Even spiritual Christians can be tempted.