The reality of our Christian profession can be demonstrated in many ways. How we view ourselves and our fellow believers will shape the quality of our relationships within the church. If they are shaped by Scripture and are honouring to God, they will be a powerful witness to God’s grace. As he nears the end of his letter, Paul expounds this theme. We now consider Galatians 6:1-5 Healthy church life
1. Restoration
(i). Offending. Note ‘if someone is caught in a sin’ (v1) – Paul recognises the reality of life in a community of saved sinners. The word ‘caught’ suggests a sudden fall, not a deliberate plan, but it is ‘sin’ that needs to be dealt with. We may fail to ‘keep in step’ (5:25).
(ii). Restoring. The response is not to be self-righteous condemnation but rather restoring. Believers should long to see erring brothers brought to repentance and renewed usefulness. Note ‘you who are spiritual’ – prompted by and enabled by the Holy Spirit.
(iii). Watching. The Spirit’s presence sensitises us to our own sins – ‘But watch yourself, or you also may be tempted’ (v1). Restorers must be humble and watchful of themselves. Remember 1 Corinthians 10:12 in order to avoid complacency.
(iv). Fulfilling. The command is, ‘Carry each other’s burdens’ (v2). We are a community (Romans 14:7). Giving (and receiving) restoration is an expression of love. As a result ‘in this way you will fulfil the law of Christ’. We reflect the likeness of the Saviour.
2. Reassessment
One of the sins that does great damage to healthy church life is pride – an inflated idea of one’s own abilities and importance. To enable the restoration of a brother caught in a sin can lead to viewing oneself as spiritually superior. ‘If anyone thinks he is something when he is nothing, he deceives himself’ (v3). The temptation is to measure ourselves against those whom we consider ‘inferior’ in some way, allowing us to think of ourselves as ‘superior’. In comparison to the Lord we are ‘nothing’, insignificant. Paul is not suggesting we have no value – ‘think of yourself with sober judgment’ (Romans 12:3). Paul’s exhortation is, ‘Each one should test his own actions’ – evaluating them in the light of God’s Word. The Word examines us. If we take to heart and obey God’s law, including repentance for the sin of pride, ‘his reason to boast will be in himself and not in his neighbour’ (v4 ESV).
3. Responsibility
Why should such importance be attached to evaluation in the light of God’s Word? The reason: ‘each one should (ESV ‘will have to’) carry his own load’ (v5). This does not conflict with v2. Here ‘load’ is the word for a soldier’s pack which could not be shared with a comrade, who has his own pack to carry. Each believer has his own duties to fulfil for the Lord. There are regular disciplines to be followed in pursuit of godliness and also specific service that the Lord assigns. Each individual bears responsibility for fulfilling those duties. Paul indicates our accountability: ‘we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ’ (2 Corinthians 5:10). The failure of others does not excuse my sin.