Galatians 6:1
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 is a saying in hermeneutics .... the science of interpretation....and that saying is “context is king.” It means that when you are trying to understand a text, you must attempt to connect those words to the words around them...
For Example: In order to understand Galatians 6:1 you need to connect it to Galatians 5:19-24 - Read it. Those who are overtaken in a fault (Galatians 6:1) would be those mentioned in Galatians 5:19-21 -
The word “fault” in Galatians 6:1 means one who falls down and oversteps
some moral boundary or limit. All of those things listed (5:19-21) are moral
boundaries. Those who are spiritual (Galatians 6:1) would be those in verse 22-26.
Notice this important point. The word “Do” (5:21) is a special kind of verb. It means an ongoing action. If you are living in and practicing any of the sins in chapter 5:19-21, to the extent that you are committed to, and characterized by these sinful ways as a habit of life, Paul said, you aren’t going to heaven.
But, it is possible for any believer to commit any of these sins! And if someone does, then it is the job of the spiritual man or woman to restore that fallen believer. The spiritual man is the man whose life is characterized by the Holy Spirit, and by the fruit of the spirit manifested in his life (Galatians 5:22-23)
Note some more words in this passage.
I. “Overtaken” - 6:1 - This word implies that something has been witnessed. He who is spiritual has “taken by surprise” one who has fallen down morally. The overtaker has first-hand knowledge of the moral transgression. This word also implies that the offender was secretive about their moral failing…and trying to keep it hidden.
II. “Restore” - 6:1 - This word has to do with bringing something back into working order…It means to correct or repair — It means to restore someone by replacing a part or putting together what is torn or broken. The idea is that there is someone who used to be with the team but has fallen away. They are now to be brought back and wisely restored. This does not necessarily mean that they are qualified to do everything that they did before the fault…but their relationships and connection with the assembly can be restored...
III. “Meekness” - There are two options for the way you approach this faulty brother or sister. You can approach them harshly or gently. The word “meekness” involves being even-tempered, gentle, and mild.
IV. “Considering” - To “consider” means to view with attention…To carefully watch. In restoring others, we are to watch ourselves! Many pastors and Christian leaders get into trouble because they violate this principle. Ministers are exposed to many things that are not good and if they are not watching themselves (because of their proximity to bad things), they can fall into the same sins (I Corinthians 10:13). We can all be tempted. We can all fail. We must watch ourselves.
V. “Bear ye one another's burdens” - To “bear” means to endure something that is unpleasant and difficult on behalf of another. We are to bear another’s “burdens” - a burden here is a heavy weight…an exhausting hardship. You are to get under the load with them and help them pull…or push!
We “do this work of restoration based upon “the law of Christ.” What is that law? To summarize, the “law of Christ” is “the whole tradition of Jesus’ ethical teaching, confirmed by his character and conduct and reproduced within his people by the power of the Spirit”
Galatians 5:14
For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this;
Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.
The Law of Christ is His love played out in our lives....
We are to be in the salvage service…specializing in total wrecks…working with Jesus to rescue the fallen. It is not, If a brother is overtaken in a fault criticize him, slander him, ruin him, destroy him…it is restore him.
Is this not exactly what Jesus did for Peter when he fell?
Jesus said, “go tell my disciples and Peter” (Mark 16:7).
There was love, forgiveness, and restoration in that statement.
Go tell my disciples and the fallen,
Go tell my disciples and the discouraged….
Go tell my disciples and the lonely....
Go tell my disciples and the defeated....
Go tell my disciples and the burdened…..
Go (as Jesus did) and restore the fallen!