Galatians 6:1 Brothers, if a man be overtaken in a fault, you which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness… I. THE CHRISTIAN VIEW OF OTHER MEN'S SIN. 1. The apostle regards it as if it might be the result of a surprise. (1) There are some sins for which we have an inclination. (2) There are those which, seemingly unnatural to us, come upon us unexpectedly. (a) A question may be hurriedly put concerning a secret; not having presence of mind to turn it adroitly, a lie is told. So Peter. (b) Inexperience, a hasty promise, excess of trust, and even generous devotion may have the same effect. 2. The apostle considers it a fault which has left a burden on the erring spirit. (1) It is a chain of entanglement which drags down to fresh sins. (2) It is the burden of the heart weighing on itself which keeps the soul down from good. (3) The weight of secret uncommunicated sin; as evidenced (a) by a mysterious necessity to tell it under the personality of another; (b) by profuse general acknowledgment of guilt; (c) by the longing for confession. (4) The intuitive consciousness of hidden sins in the hearts of others. II. THE CHRISTIAN POWER OF RESTORATION. 1. Restoration is possible. 2. Restoration is accomplished by men as instruments. 3. The mode in which it is done; (1) by sympathy; (2) forgiveness. 4. The motive — "considering thyself," etc. (J. W. Robertson.) Parallel Verses KJV: 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. |
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