· How does restoration take place? These principles are based on a word study of “restore” in Gal. 6:1. The term is often translated perfect in some English translations. We will highlight the restore term in the Scriptures we consider.
o God
must do this work, so be humble, praying for yourself as well as for the one in
need of mending. May the God of peace
… equip you with everything good for doing His will (Heb. 13:20-21).
o
Pray for them endlessly. Paul did this. Our prayer is for your perfection
(2 Cor. 13:9).
o
Help them plan for restoration by the word of
God. Paul said in 2 Cor. 13:11, Finally
brothers, aim for perfection.
The goal is not just to convince them they need to change. Help them to take the first step and then the
next, etc. until they are on their own two feet again.
o Be
an example. Restoration is a form of
discipleship. The student (the one overtaken
in a trespass) needs to see in the teacher (the one who is spiritual) how to
walk. As Jesus said, a student is not
above his teacher; but one who is fully trained will be like his teacher
(Lk. 6:40).
o
Be ready to endure hard times. Restoration, like any spiritual growth,
usually requires difficulty. The God
of all grace, after you have suffered awhile, make you perfect,
establish, strengthen, settle you (1 Pet. 5:10).
o
Teach them to draw from the body of Christ,
including submitting to those Christ placed in the body. Eph. 4:11-13 says that Christ gave evangelists,
pastors and teachers to prepare God’s people for works of service.
o Note
this, about the body of Christ. Disunity
in the body can block restoration. Agree
with one another that you may be perfect (1 Cor. 1:10).
·
What warning must restorers heed? They must be considering (themselves) lest
you also be tempted. The legalist
may never be tempted by adultery because he will only stand back and point the
finger. The restorer, who jumps in to
help, is always only one fleshly step away from sin and must watch himself. What is worse than someone in the church
overtaken by a fault? The one who
restores, who is spiritual and more mature, falling into the same sin! Time and again we see this and it so
dishonors the Lord! Here are a few
preventative suggestions:
o
Don’t unnecessarily expose yourself to
temptation.
o
When sensing weakness, immediately back off
(i.e. flee!).
o Involve
another brother/sister for your sake.
We hope you find this helpful so that you
might be used of the Lord. Brethren,
if anyone among you wanders from the truth, and someone turns him back, let him
know that he who turns a sinner from the error of his way will save a soul from
death and cover a multitude of sins (James 5:19-20).
1 comment:
Prayers for restoration among neighbors,here!
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