Scripture:
Galatians 6:1-10 NKJV
[1] 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, and 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, and then he will have rejoicing in himself alone, and not in another. [5] For each one shall bear his own load. [6] Let him who is taught the word share in all good things with him who teaches. [7] Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap. [8] For he who sows to his flesh will of the flesh reap corruption, but he who sows to the Spirit will of the Spirit reap everlasting life. [9] And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart. [10] Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith.
Observation:
I spent a few moments this morning searching for what GOD wanted to say this morning. I’m going to be honest, sometimes it’s easy to get discouraged. Over the years I have seen lots of people get started in this walk and seem like they are moving forward in positive strides, and then something happens and you don’t see them for a long time. The next time you do you can see that sin has set its hooks. This morning after several moments of prayer and allowing GOD his place in my life, I was brought to this scripture, So let’s see what he wants to tell us. As we look at the first verse we see exactly what I was talking about. GOD has given us an answer for every situation we would ever come across in life right here in the scripture. As Paul writes this letter to the church in Galatia he addresses many issues. As he brings it to a close the topic of a brother who is caught in sin comes to the forefront of his thoughts. His response is not what we see in most situations. In fact what I have seen is the polar opposite. But as the return of Christ draws closer and closer we can expect the love of many to grow colder and colder. The instructions we see here is that those who are spiritual should restore this individual gently, considering themselves lest they be caught in temptation as well. Looking at the second verse we see the phrase, “fulfill the law of Christ,” when HE was walking the earth HE summed up the ten commandments into just 2 simplifying it for us, and I don’t know about you but I need it to be as simple as possible. Love GOD above all else and love your neighbor as you love yourself. What Paul is saying is if you have a heart of love you will not want to see your neighbor caught in sin, the desire of GOD’S heart is to restore them gently. Showing grace and mercy. As I was typing that out. What was brought to my mind was the encounter that Jesus had with the woman at the well. It’s a perfect example of what is being said here in Galatians chapter 6, HE didn’t shun her or cut her down. HE simply had a conversation with her bringing her to the point where she confessed her own sin, HE showed her love regardless of who she thought she was, so that she could see who HE knew she was. HIS grace and truth drew her to see that how she had been going about life was not the right way. Now as we continue in this scripture this morning we see that we have to examine our own work as we carry our brothers burdens. We have to make sure our lives are not overcome with wild living. Moving into verses 6 through 10 I think over the last few months this scripture is one that I have quoted quite frequently. Starting in verse 7 what we see is that no one will fool GOD. You may pull the wool over the eyes of those who are trying to restore you gently, but GOD will not be mocked. What Paul is saying is that not everyone who they try to help will receive that help, and the evidence of that will come out. As he continues to teach, his desire is that those who are spiritual do not lose heart. Even though you might not see results. The seeds are planted, and a harvest is coming. Just continue to sow the seeds of GOD’S word. Paul’s instructions are do not give up. The job of the church is to do good, period, especially to those who are in the household of faith.
Application:
I’m going to be as honest as I can here. Sometimes I just want to throw my hands up. After 16 years. I have had the opportunity to help a lot of people, and I’m not saying that to get some kind of pat on the back. I’m just trying to do what the LORD has called me to. It’s not often that you see a lot of results. People come and people go, and it’s easy to get discouraged when you see someone fall off. But what is it that we are instructed to do? It looks like restoring them gently is what the scripture says. In the last 7 years I have seen more individuals get kicked to the club than I have restored gently. A lot of churches are quick to shoot their wounded, but that’s not how we are told to deal with someone who has started to slip away. I can’t tell you how many that have walked away as pastor just stand there watching them go, paying attention to the 99 rather than pursuing the one. It’s easy to do when you are trying to build your church and not “THE CHURCH.” I can’t say that I don’t get discouraged. Because that would be a lie. I want everyone to get it. In order for that to happen we have to have a heart of love. We can’t just throw people away, but honestly that’s what I see. A church will get so big that they forget the value of love. Becoming a resounding gong or a banging symbol. Without love all the rest is worthless. Much like Joshua as he made the declaration in chapter 24 of the book that bears his name, “But if serving the LORD seems undesirable to you, then choose this day whom you will serve… but as for me and my house we will serve the LORD.” we can not focus on the 99, we have to chase after those who have walked away. GOD has never given up on you. Restoring them gently is the key. Allowing them to see the love of Christ in you. A true shepherd will pursue those who are going away from the flock a charlatan will not. They will shoot the wounded.
Prayer:
Father, we see you, and want a heart like yours. I know from personal experience that it’s easy to get discouraged, and want to give up. But you have never given up. Your word tells us exactly what to do, and we just want to be obedient to it. Help us to see those who have begun to head the wrong way as your sheep. Worthy of pursuit. Just writing them off is not an option. Let us not get discouraged as we see them not receiving what it is that you have instructed us to do. Allow gentleness to lead our conversation. We know that as Shepherds our job is to bring those who go astray back into the fold. Let us not miss an opportunity to restore one of yours. Help us to see them all as yours. We do not want to build a church…. Our job is to build “THE CHURCH” its not about any brand of Christianity whether it be H2O, life church, or any other title you can place over a door. It’s about you people dying from a lack of love that has found its way into the church. Give us your heart Father. That is the heart that will make a difference. Allowing grace and mercy to lead every conversation we have. It’s in the mighty name of Jesus we pray amen.