Picking up the fallen

Introduction

There was an early controversy in the early church called the Donatist controversy.

The main issue at the heart of the controversy was what should the church do with those people who in the heat of persecution compromised their faith?

At the time the Roman authorities were confiscating Bibles. Many Christians refused to give them up and were killed. Others handed them over and escaped with their lives. One group were faithful, the other were seen as compromisers and traitors.

After the persecution has calmed down those who had compromised wanted to come back into the church. How was this to be handled?

One said argued that they should be welcomed back into fellowship upon their repentance. The other side the Donatists said they could not be welcomed back because they had denied the faith.

The problem at the heart of the matter was what should the church do with lapsed Christians.

What does the Bible say on this matter?

We can bring it to today. Say for example their is a Christian in your church who has fallen into gross sin. Sadly, it can happen. What should the church do with that person? How should they respond?

All of these questions are answered in our passage.

The church should humbly care for each other

I. Christians should Pick each other up v.1

a) Gently restore the fallen

Gal 6:1 “1 Brethren, if a man is overtaken in any trespass, you who are spiritual restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness...”

Any trespass- There isn’t any sin that he cannot be restored from.

A spirit of gentleness- merciful, gracious, not judgemental or harsh. Not condemnatory.

Who is to do this?

b) Those who are spiritual- plural

Gal 6:1 “1 Brethren, if a man is overtaken in any trespass, you who are spiritual restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness,

Those who are mature Christians, who are seeking to walk in the Spirit.

Notice it is in the plural. This is something that a group must do, not a single believer.

How are they to do it?

c) Take heed to yourself- singular

“considering yourself lest you also be tempted”

They must do this with an eye on themselves. They too are liable to fall into sin. They must be on guard that this does not happen to them.

This is in the singular. A number of them must restore the fallen, but they must keep on eye on themselves as individuals.

Application

Here we have clear instructions on how to restore a fellow Christian who has fallen into sin.

After explaining how a fellow believer who has fallen into sin should be restored, Paul goes on to explain why they should do this by reminding them of a broader obligation they have to one another.

They are to gently restore the fallen because they are called to bear each others burdens.

Christians should pick each other up because they are called to hold each other up.

Second point, Christians should hold each other up

II. Christians should Hold each other up v.2-3

a) Bear each others burdens

“Bear one another’s burdens”

Present imperative- continuous action

Two reasons are given why the should do this.

b) This is the law of Christ

Love one another. John 15

c) You are not above helping others

III. Christians should judge themselves not others v.4-5

a) Examine your own work

Let each one examine his own behaviour and obedience.

Then he will rejoice in himself. He will not compare himself against others, or seek to please men.

b) Each one will bear his own load

Future tense- at the coming day of judgement. We are each accountable to God personally. We will bear our own load. Be held accountable for our own obedience or lack there of. Suffer loss or be rewarded accordingly.

Application

Conclusion