RESTORATION
- Pastor Tony
- Apr 1, 2014
- 3 min read
How do we handle those that have fallen into grave and dangerous sin? I have had friends in the past (and present) that have left the church, God’s Word and the Grace of God and fallen into clear and obvious sin. I’m not immune to this. I’ve had moments in my life when I was in obvious sinful activities and situations. One verse in particular come to mind; Galatians 6:1 (KJV) ‘Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted. ‘
There are a few key components in this verse that helps to understand how we deal ith our loved ones, family and friends who are in trouble (with sin in their lives). First, let’s look at the word fault. It is the Greek word, παράπτωμα (paraptōma), which is translated as sin, trespass, offense, fall and as here in our text, fault. It is either a unintentional offense or a willful trespass. Strong’s defines it as a slip or side step. I think we will use the idea of a slip, it sounds less offensive.
Secondly, we see that the ones who should deal with the one who has ‘slipped’ (and maybe that’s a good approach, ‘Brother, you’ve had a slip’) are ‘spiritual’. The Greek word used here (transliterated: pneumatikos) is always translated spiritual (in the KJV). I like the first definition of it in the Strong’s; non-carnal. That really spoke to me and my situations. I can remember many who came to me that were carnal and criticized me, but the spiritual took a different approach.
That leads us to the next part of the verse, how do we restore the fallen brother/sister; in the spirit of meekness. What ‘spirit’ or attitude do we go to someone in this situation? The word used is meekness. This word literally means in humility and gentleness in the Greek. On dictionary.reference.com it defines it as: 1.humbly patient or docile, as under provocation from others. 2. overly submissive or compliant; spiritless; tame. 3. Obsolete . gentle; kind. Notice the third part claims that ‘gentle and kind’ are an obsolete definition of meekness, by whose authority? Seriously, it is what is meant in this verse. We are to do it with as much meekness as we can.
Our final part of this verse is to the restorer. Watch yourselves, you may find yourself tempted also. If Jesus was not immune to temptation, why do we think we should be? And to stay with our Greek lesson for today (and I sure don’t recommend me for that); the word in its Greek usage means to be tried, as if to prove you. Sin is often a result of our test, our trial. When we come through that test what is revealed? If sin is manifested, then according to James (1:14), we are enticed and drawn away of our own lust. That is the danger of being the restorer; are you as guilty as the one you are trying to restore. Have you got your house in order? Beware, many examples, some very public, abound of those who have accused a Brother only to be shown to be as guilty.
BE prepared to help, but be sure you are prayed up and you’ve not got the wrong intentions or motivations. Restoring a Fallen Saint is a great joy and one that we are encouraged to do, as our verse implores. Seek to be an instrument of meekness and spirituality.
GOD BLESS
TONY