Restoring the Erring

Paul wrote to the churches of Galatia, “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” (Gal. 6:1). Many congregations of the Lord’s church, including this one, have erring members. Paul described the condition in serious terms. The word “overtaken [caught in, NAS]” generally means to do something ahead of time (Mk. 14:8; 1 Cor. 11:21), but also, as here, carries the idea of catching something by surprise, or overpowering someone before he can escape. The erring here is one who has become entrapped once again in sin.

Who should take action? Paul said those who are “spiritual.” In the immediate context of Galatians, the spiritual are defined as those who “walk in the Spirit” (Gal. 5:16); who are “led of the Spirit” (Gal. 5:18); who manifest the “fruit of the Spirit” (Gal. 5:22-23); and who “live in the Spirit” (Gal. 5:25).

What should be done? Paul said to “restore” such a person. The word translated “restore,” means to mend, restore, set right. The word was used for fishermen mending their nets (Mt. 4:21), and, according to some sources, was also used in first century secular writings to refer to setting a fractured bone. “Restore” implies that this person was once a faithful member of the church.

How should the spiritual go about restoring the erring? Paul said it should be done “in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted.” The word “meekness [gentleness, NKJ]” refers to humility, which is a characteristic of Christ (2 Cor. 10:1). “Considering thyself” shows that we must pay close attention to our weaknesses so that we do not fall into the same sin out of which we are trying to pull others. Note that Paul changes from the plural, “ye [who are spiritual],” to the singular, “thyself,” as if to say that while restoring the erring is a collective duty of the entire church, it is also a duty of each spiritual member!

Imagine how much we could grow if our erring members returned. However, like the lost sheep and the lost coin of Luke 15, some will not come back unless they are diligently sought out. Does the Lord’s church here have erring members? Does the Lord’s church here have spiritual members? Let us not take lightly the obligation we have to restore the erring. We have a great opportunity this week to be encouraged toward this end at the FSOP lectureship!