Topical Bible: Temptation: Saints should Restore Those Overcome By

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In the Christian life, temptation is an ever-present reality, a challenge that every believer must face. The Bible provides guidance not only on resisting temptation but also on how the community of believers should respond to those who have succumbed to it. The call to restore those overcome by temptation is a significant aspect of Christian fellowship and discipleship.

Biblical Foundation

The Apostle Paul addresses the responsibility of believers to restore those who have fallen into sin in his letter to the Galatians. Galatians 6:1 states, "Brothers, if someone is caught in a trespass, you who are spiritual should restore him with a spirit of gentleness. But watch yourself, or you also may be tempted." This passage highlights several key principles:

1. Community Responsibility: The use of "brothers" indicates that this is a communal responsibility. The church is not merely a collection of individuals but a body that cares for each member.

2. Spiritual Maturity: The task of restoration is entrusted to those who are "spiritual," suggesting that those who are mature in their faith and led by the Holy Spirit are best equipped to handle such delicate situations.

3. Gentleness: The manner of restoration is crucial. It must be done with "a spirit of gentleness," reflecting the character of Christ and ensuring that the process is redemptive rather than punitive.

4. Self-awareness: Paul warns those involved in the restoration process to be mindful of their own vulnerabilities, recognizing that they too can be tempted.

The Role of Love and Humility

Restoration is an act of love and humility. James 5:19-20 further emphasizes this by stating, "My brothers, if one of you should wander from the truth and someone should bring him back, consider this: Whoever turns a sinner from the error of his way will save his soul from death and cover over a multitude of sins." The act of bringing someone back to the truth is seen as a life-saving mission, underscoring the gravity and importance of this responsibility.

The Example of Christ

Jesus Christ serves as the ultimate example of restoring those who have fallen. In John 8:1-11, the account of the woman caught in adultery, Jesus demonstrates compassion and forgiveness, urging her to "go and sin no more." His approach combines truth and grace, offering a model for believers to emulate.

Practical Application

In practical terms, restoring someone overcome by temptation involves several steps:

· Prayer: Seeking God's wisdom and guidance is essential before approaching someone who has fallen.
· Confession and Repentance: Encouraging the individual to confess their sin and seek repentance is a vital part of the restoration process.
· Accountability: Establishing a system of accountability can help prevent future falls and promote spiritual growth.
· Support and Encouragement: Providing ongoing support and encouragement helps the individual reintegrate into the community and strengthens their walk with Christ.

Conclusion

The call to restore those overcome by temptation is a profound expression of Christian love and community. It reflects the heart of the Gospel, which is centered on redemption and reconciliation. By following biblical principles, believers can effectively support one another in the journey of faith, ensuring that the church remains a place of healing and restoration.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

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; considering yourself, lest you also be tempted.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Fenelon -- the Saints Converse with God
... THE SAINTS CONVERSE WITH GOD. ... St. Augustine observes that the failure of Peter should
not be ... if God sometimes leaves us to obscurity, and doubt, and temptation? ...
/.../various/the worlds great sermons vol 2/fenelon the saints converse.htm

Epistle xviii. Reply of St. Ambrose to the Memorial of Symmachus.. ...
... for the pursuit of gain is a temptation to modesty ... the body, and that the ray of
faith should have shone ... beginning of the world flourished in the Saints, but in ...
/.../ambrose/works and letters of st ambrose/epistle xviii reply of st.htm

Letter Lxxviii. (AD 404. )
... eternal felicity, unless we have overcome the temptation to yield ... not at all the
tombs of the saints that it ... come to your knowledge, lest I should disquiet you ...
/.../augustine/the confessions and letters of st/letter lxxviii a d 404.htm

Book ii.
... we might yet overcome the sting of the temptation with tears ... Lord is the death of
His saints." [1528] He ... it can be that the earth should restore those whom the ...
//christianbookshelf.org/ambrose/works and letters of st ambrose/book ii.htm

Miscellaneous Subjects.
... of salvation's waters flowing free, and that they should forsake sin ... of the devil
in some great temptation so as ... they are holy, they are pure, they are saints. ...
/.../orr/the gospel day /chapter xvi miscellaneous subjects.htm

An Exhortation to virtue -- and Particularly Upon the Passage...
... For it was necessary that he should be led to this ... into a net, is taken; but the
Saints when they ... also the sinner driven about by every temptation; for whilst ...
/.../chrysostom/on the priesthood/homily viii an exhortation to.htm

How Internal Livers Ought to Behave Themselves in Time of Sickness ...
... Inasmuch, therefore, as sickness is a temptation and a ... in, as being desirous that
his religious should rather be ... a state by which the greatest saints have more ...
/.../chapter v how internal livers.htm

Ephesians vi. 3-Jan
... because such an one has a stronger temptation to sin ... sight so catches us, what if
we should love the ... shall therefore quote you examples from the saints of the ...
/.../homily xxi ephesians vi 3-jan.htm

Psalm XCI.
... of the dead: he escaped from that temptation, from the ... of Christ, although they hoped
they should be at ... Christ, the whole assembly of the Saints, belonging to ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/augustine/exposition on the book of psalms/psalm xci.htm

Motives from the Benefits of Work
... to see your converts among the saints in glory ... are shaken with every wind of temptation,
because they ... the flock, whatever pains or reproaches it should cost them ...
//christianbookshelf.org/baxter/the reformed pastor/article i.htm