Bearing And Sharing The Burdens
June 20, 2024
Commentary
Paul uses a hypothetical case of a believer who falls into sin. Instead of trying to restore this person the Legalists will condemn him and try to make himself look good by making this person look bad. He seems to rejoice when this brother falls and often gives the matter wide publicity. The Legalists has an attitude of pride and condemnation and thinks he could never commit such a sin. However the believer living by grace realizes that no man is immune to falling (v. 3). “Let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall” (I Cor 10:12).
Paul gives the following instructions in helping the person who has fallen:
Who does it? – “You who are spiritual” (v. 1). This refers to those who have the characteristics found in this book and not to an office or a person in authority (Gal 5:22-23).How is it done? “In a spirit of gentleness “ (v. 1). It is a person who is not harsh but considerate and submissive. At the same time he is willing to engage in straight talk in order to help the person caught in the trespass to get back on the right track.What is the goal? “Restore such a one." (v. 1). To bring the person to where he is submissive to the principle of God’s Word and once again living an effective life for Christ.Be sure to obey God’s law yourself (v. 2). Don’t think you are better than others (v. 3). Don’t compare yourself with others (v. 4). Be sure to carry your own load (v. 5).
Application
What is my attitude to one who has strayed from the Lord and His Word? What should my attitude be from what we have learned today about restoring those who have fallen. I should find someone to whom I can minister to this week.
Galatians 6:1– 5 (NET)
1 Brothers and sisters, if a person is discovered in some sin, you who are spiritual restore such a person in a spirit of gentleness. Pay close attention to yourselves, so that you are not tempted too. 2 Carry one another’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ. 3 For if anyone thinks he is something when he is nothing, he deceives himself. 4 Let each one examine his own work. Then he can take pride in himself and not compare himself with someone else. 5 For each one will carry his own load.
Illustration: Hendricks Young Man Who Strayed From The Lord
Author and teacher, Dr. Howard Hendricks tells the story of a young man who strayed from the Lord but was finally brought back by the help of a friend who really loved him. When there was full repentance and restoration, Dr. Hendricks asked this Christian how it felt away from the Lord. The young man said it seemed like he was out at sea, in deep water, deep trouble, and all his friends were on the shore hurling biblical accusations at him about justice, penalty, and wrong."But, there was one Christian brother who actually swam out to get me and would not let me go. I fought him, but he pushed aside my fighting, grasped me, put a life jacket around me, and took me to shore. By the grace of God, he was the reason I was restored. He would not let me go.” (Hendricks – Lou Nicholes, Family-Times).