1. Much assistance from Good Saint Care by Dr. Kent Spann

2. There is a large misconception about the Church Many state it this way, The Church is full of hypocrites This misconception is based on the belief that the Church should be full of sinless people Is 53:4-6, 64:6; Rom 3:23; 1Jn 1:8-10, 2:1-2

3. The Church is a perfect creation full of imperfect individuals Paul shares some of the difficulties we as Christians carry with us to the Church Gal 6:1-2; 1 Cor 6:11 Some have stated it this way, If you find a perfect Church, please dont join it because you will ruin it!

4. The problem isnt that the Church is imperfect; the problem is the Church often becomes dysfunctional Some examples of how a dysfunctional Church deals with sin and the burdens of others and itself The blame game Gen 3:12-13, 17; Prov 19:3; Jam 1:12-15; Prov 28:13; Ps 51:3-4

5. Examples of the dysfunctional Church contd Critical spirit Lev 19:15; Mt 7:1-5; Jn 7:24; Jam 2:13 Avoids the one who sins or is hurting Jam 5:19-20; Lk 15:17; Jam 5:13-16 Being proud that sin exists in your midst 1 Cor 5:1-6, 11-13 Gossip or slander Prov 6:16-19, 20:19; Eph 4:29; Jam 1:26

6. Examples of the dysfunctional Church contd Sin is discussed among brethren but not with the guilty party and no action taken Mt 18:15-17; 2 Thes 3:6, 13-15; Rom 16:17 It appears we dont always deal well with our dysfunction in the Church. We need to learn how to take care of this situation

7. Sin is a nasty word we dont really like to use or talk about A healthy Church is not only willing to talk about it but to restore those involved To restore other Christians means to get them back on the strait and narrow

8. Paul teaches us who should be the ones to help Gal 6:1 … you who are spiritual restore such a one… Paul teaches how we should restore the erring sinner Gal 6:1 … in a spirit of gentleness,… Paul gives an important warning to us Gal 6:1 …considering yourself lest you also be tempted…

9. Life is full of burdens… Paul teaches we are to help carry these burdens ( vs 6:2 ) Paul describes the type of people able to bear others burdens with them ( vs 3-5 ) Paul teaches us that we should do this in love and compassion ( vs 2 ) Gal 6:2 …and so fulfill the law of Christ. Paul once again offers a precaution to us Gal 6:4 … But let each one examine his own work…

10. Paul has clearly laid out for us the steps we can take to help keep our congregation healthy and not dysfunctional It is up to each of us to follow these instructions If there is anything we can do to help you, please make it know while we stand and sing