There can be public sin that the church has to react to as a family. Paul directs his words to the church and not to the sinner. Why? The church may get rid of the sinner or neglect the sin problem and hope it goes away. We are to bear the burdens of others.

1 – The reality of burdens (vs. 2)

We are not to let someone be crushed by their own sin. We are to detect, recognise and seek to lighten the load for those who are sinning. There is freedom in Christ. The law of Christ is different from the legalism of the Law of Moses. We are to show grace. It is a law of love, grace and faith. This is the mark of a spirit-filled life.

2 – The burden of sin (vs. 1)

The reaction to sin in the church is to be restoration. The word “restoration” means “to repair the nets”. It is the idea of a fisherman’s nets that needs repairing. Restoration is about restoring again to usefulness. It is to be done gently. It is the responsibility of the church. We are to watch our attitude. What is our attitude when we hear of what has happened? Do we react with harshness or are we concerned? The goal should be reconciliation. We are to engage lovingly. This is not always easy or possible! Church discipline is to be a last resort! Sometimes you have to confront.

3 – The danger of pride (vs. 3)

Watch the pride if you say “I’m glad it was not me!” If it wasn’t for Christ you would be there also! There but by the grace of God go I. We are not to be smug on the inside. You need the humility of Christ.

4 – The importance of motive (vs. 4-5)

We are not to compare ourselves to someone else. We are not to think of ourselves as better. This is a natural thing to do. We need to look at our own sin and deal with it. We need the heart of Christ to mend the nets of others. We need to say things in the right attitude. We need to bear one another’s burdens.

Categories: Galatians