“RESTORE THE FALLEN”
“Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such a one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted” (Gal. 6:1). This verse reveals many things.
One, it reveals that a person can be overtaken in a fault. Remember the words of Peter, “For if after they have escaped the pollutions of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, they are again entangled therein, and overcome, the latter end is worse with them than the beginning. For it had been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than, after they have known it, to turn from the holy commandment delivered unto them. But it is happened unto them according to the true proverb, The dog is turned to his own vomit again; and the sow that was washed to her wallowing in the mire” (2 Pet. 2:2-22). Just a look at worship attendance will tell you this. In most congregations there are those who are weak. They may attend once in six weeks or six months. They have been overtaken in a fault. Pay attention to that word – “Overtaken”. Here is the meaning, “Overtaken – “To overtake by surprise; to overpower before one can make their escape.” Perhaps their intention was not to forsake the Lord but the wiles of the devil overtakes them and they get sucked in rapidly. The world is an alluring place.
Second, it reveals that those who are spiritual and faithful restore those brethren. How do you do it? One is to visit them (James 1:27). Knock on the door. Be persistent. Pray for them and with them. Restoring a brother who has fallen away is not easy. The world gets hold of folks and will not let go easily. The devil is powerful. We must make an effort. Peter said it like this, “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour” (1 Pet. 5:8). Time is of essence. The longer these folks are in the world the more entrenched they become. They need to be brought back soon.
Third, it reveals they can be restored. Some say the word restore is actually a medical term which means, “”To set a broken bone or a dislocated joint.” Bring it back to its original position. The Holy Spirit directs us to restore those who have sinned.
Fourth, it reveals our attitude in the restoration process. We are to do so in the spirit of meekness. Not a better than thou attitude. All of us are subject to falling, therefore we must consider this when endeavoring to bring one back to Christ. “The deceitful and seductive nature of sin being what it is, the child of the Lord should tread fearfully in the presence of any who have broken the sacred Law, being constantly aware that the same lure of the forbidden which has already trapped a brother might also entangle himself in disobedience” (Burton Coffman).
Let’s us all work to be strong spiritually and to bring back those who have fallen away.
Larry