The Art of Christian Restoration
Read the Text: Galatians 6
Memorize the Text:
I say, then, walk by the Spirit and you will certainly not carry out the desire of the flesh. For the flesh desires what is against the Spirit, and the Spirit desires what is against the flesh; these are opposed to each other, so that you don’t do what you want. Bit if you are led by the Spirit, you are no under the law.
(Galatians 5:16-18, CSB)
Consider the Text: Galatians 6:1-5
Christians are not perfect. You are not perfect. I am not perfect. As followers of Christ, we become joined together as a family of people who still struggle with the presence of sin and the effects of the fall. Thus, we form a family that still struggles with the presence of hurt, pain, wrongdoings, and other such waywardness. The Lord knew this would be the case and, as a result, inspired the apostle Paul to address the art of Christian restoration. The apostle revealed four truths concerning the expectation that the Lord gave believers to seek restoration in times of brokenness.
BELIEVERS WILL HAVE MOMENTS OF WAYWARDNESS
The apostle addressed the issue of believers falling into a life of sin. Paul knew the power of sin could overtake believers if they did not watch out for the coming enemy. When a believer becomes overtaken by sin, it occurs in one of two ways. First, the believer may have allowed sin to sneak into their lives and take a firm hold on them. Second, the believer may have responded poorly at the moment because of the influence of the flesh. Either way, the apostle notes that sin can overtake the believer.
We often become shocked when we discover that a believer falls into a sinful lifestyle. We find out of spiritual leaders who falter or Christian friends who fail. When this occurs, we respond in shock because we forget that the temptation of the flesh and the fallen nature still prey upon the life of believers. Thus, we need to recognize this reality and not live in shock; instead, we need to approach these moments with a proper movement toward restoration.
BELIEVERS MUST SEEK TO RESTORE WAYWARD BELIEVERS
The apostle Paul knew that moments of waywardness formed a temptation for believers. This occurred as Christian might compare their life to the wayward believer and create a false sense of pride. As a result, the apostle declared that believers should restore others, not compare their lives to theirs. Paul’s declaration for the restoration came as an expectation of believers. The apostle did not make this claim as a suggestion, but he presented it as an expected activity in the believer’s life. The expectation flowed from the command to love one another that Christ declared.
The apostle noted that the restoration must occur in gentleness. A gentle nature means that the restoration does not happen in a manner that destroys the other believer but happens with a sense of understanding. The one reaching out to restore understands that the shoe could easily be on the other foot, so the intent is not to approach in a legalistic manner but with an attitude of love. Thus, there is a desire to bear the burden with them because they are family that one cares deeply for. The same is true today. Therefore, we need to seek to live out the expectation of restoration in a manner of love and gentleness and reject the practice of legalism that tears down others.
BELIEVERS MUST GUARD THE SELF IN THE ACT OF RESTORATION
Paul knew that the temptation would be great in the moment of restoration. Thus, the ones seeking to restore their brother or sister needed to guard themselves throughout the journey. They need to protect themselves from the temptation of dealing with the sinful condition of the other individual. This is because sin has a craftiness that often preys upon our weaknesses. Thus, we must remain on guard as we engage our brother or sister in the moment of restoration.
The apostle also knew that the presence of pride could lead to a moment of comparison and arrogance. He wanted believers to guard against this time of contrast because he could lead to a false sense of pride from a legalistic or fleshly nature. Thus, he wants the restorer to pay attention and stay alert. We need to protect ourselves today as well. In a world that attempts to elevate the self at the expense of others, we need to seek to live in humility and guard against using our brother or sister’s waywardness as an avenue to self-righteousness.
BELIEVERS SEEK TO RESTORE THROUGH REPENTANCE, RENEWAL, AND RECONCILIATION
The art of restoration occurs when the wayward believers repent of their sinfulness. The act of repentance leads to a time of renewal where a recommitment occurs. These two steps lead to the opportunity for reconciliation with the Lord and others to happen. When a believer reaches out to another for restoration, they desire to see the believer own their sin to seek authentic repentance and experience true renewal, which brings genuine reconciliation.
Believers today need to seek the same response. We should approach wayward believers with a deep desire that they repent before the Lord and return to Him. In this moment of renewal, we see the goodness of God and get to participate in his restoring work. Instead of comparing our lives to others and attempting to elevate ourselves over others, may we seek, in humility, to become reconciled. May it be said that we are a people who bear the burdens of others and show love and gentleness in restoring one another back to the Lord.
This blog is part of the Coffee and Quiet Time with Jesus Devotional Series found at equippingfaith.com. Join the journey of reading through the New Testament this year. More information can be found at equippingfaith.com.
