Galatians 6:1

Christ Conversation Sunday, May 8, 2016 Galatians 6:1-6, He Ain’t Heavy, He’s My Brother, Part 1 PAUL’S DESCRIPTIVE TYPES OF BELIEVERS IN 1 CORINTHIANS 3:1 Pneumatikos One who is filled with and governed by Spiritual the Holy Spirit. See Galatians 5:16-17, people (ESV, 22-25. Paul uses this word to describe NLT); people authentically spiritual people. who live by However, he can use it as a challenge, the Spirit almost in a sarcastic manner to those (NIV) claiming to be ‘spirituals.’

Sarkikos One who, although a Believer, still People of the finds themselves governed by their flesh (ESV); passions for things of the world. people who Carnal Christians. This is not an are still Unbeliever, as in 1 Corinthians 2:14 worldly where Paul uses the word psychikos to (NIV); carnal describe those who have never been (NKJV) indwelt by the Spirit of God. Nepios Infants. Baby or immature Christians Infants (ESV, needing milk. Contrasted to the NIV, NLT; mature Believer (teleios – those who babes (NKJV) are of full age, perfect, wise in their understanding) in 1 Corinthians 2:6 Galatians 6:1 If anyone is caught in any transgression: Paul uses a word for transgression that is more akin to a slip-up – one who is caught off guard – rather than intentionally sinning or transgressing.

In keeping with the context of Galatians, this could be a reference to those who might become circumcised even though they have been freed from the Law. They may be swayed by the arguments of the Judaizers and think they are doing the right thing when they are, in fact, denying Christ.

If used more generally of any transgression, it is a reference to a Believer being overcome in a situation and, as a result, falling into a sin. Again, this is not intentionally setting out to sin; it is a wrong decision in a bad moment. See the phrase “with gentleness” below to add weight to this understanding.  Do you think sin can be unintentional?  What kinds of sin might be?  Have you ever explained your sin by saying, “I didn’t mean it!” or something similar?  Has someone sought to justify their sin to you in this manner?

you who are spiritual should restore him The Spiritual ones here are the pneumatikos: mature Believers led by and living in the Spirit.

Restoring people from sin should be done by those who have a humble understanding of the frailties of people and the grace of God. The word for ‘restore’ means to restore to its former condition, as in setting a fractured leg! Bring something to sound functioning. The soul is out of joint and needs resetting.  Based on the table to the right, and Paul’s use of the pneumatikos here, do you think that any Christian should be involved in the acts of restoring a person who has fallen into sin?  What might be a problem with immature or “carnal” Christians restoring a fallen Brother or Sister? _______________________________________________ _______________________________________________ _______________________________________________ _______________________________________________ _______________________________________________ _______________________________________________ _______________________________________________ _______________________________________________ _______________________________________________ _______________________________________________ _______________________________________________ _______________________________________________ _______________________________________________ _______________________________________________ _______________________________________________ in a spirit of gentleness When people deliberately sinned, Paul could be quite confrontational (see 1 Corinthians 4:18-21). Just look how he deals with Judaizers in this epistle! But when a Believer is overcome by a situation and sins, Paul

commands restoration be accomplished with gentleness.

Gentleness is the inward grace of the soul expressed outwardly through humility, grace and love.  Have you known ‘gentle’ people?  What about them did you see?  Would you consider yourself having a ‘spirit of gentleness?’  How would you possess such a spirit?

Keep watch on yourself, lest you too be tempted

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Other than the four I listed, can you think of another way in which you need to ‘watch yourself’ while restoring a person?

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To quote the American rock band, Devo, “Are we not men?” Seems appropriate here since Devo thought that mankind was not evolving, but regressing, deevolving.

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The apostle is warning the Spirituals that they need to be careful when restoring a person.

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When Paul says to “watch” ourselves, he is saying, “Think about what you are doing and who you are.

Contemplate, think about, observe your spirit and actions.”

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As I’ve reflected on this warning, I think of being watchful in at least four ways:

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1. They are subject to the same temptations and failures of the one they are restoring. Walking a person through their sins can present us the temptation, too.

2. It is easy to create a dependency on yourself when you approach a person with gentleness and grace. Many pastors have had a moral failing because the intimacy of restoration can open up deep attachment and emotions on both sides. Unlike the above point, this involves you becoming a partner with the person in sin.

3. Of falling into judgment of the person and failing to maintain a spirit of gentleness. This is not a judgment; it is a restoration. Should they abandon gentleness their own souls will become out of joint.

4. Similar to point 1 above but more in keeping with the context of the Judaizers, perhaps Paul could be warning the Spirituals that they are not beyond being swayed by wrong, persuasive teaching. They need to be clear and firm in their beliefs. See Colossians 2:6-8 and James 1:3-7.

Of the three above thoughts about ‘watching yourself,’ which do you think you would be more susceptible?

What would you do, in light of this passage, in order to maintain integrity during restoration?

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