Topics: spiritual restoration, boundaries
Restore the Backslidden!
- Brethren, even if anyone is caught in any trespass, you who are spiritual, restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness; each one looking to yourself, so that you too will not be tempted (Galatians 6:1).
- My brethren, if any among you strays from the truth and one turns him back, let him know that he who turns a sinner from the error of his way will save his soul from death and will cover a multitude of sins (James 5:19, 20).
- If your brother sins, go and show him his fault in private; if he listens to you, you have won your brother? (Matthew 18:15).
Relieve the Burdened!
- Bear one another's burdens and thereby fulfill the law of Christ (Galatians 6:2).
- Owe nothing to anyone except to love one another; for he who loves his neighbor has fulfilled the law. For this, "You shall not commit adultery, You shall not murder, You shall not steal, You shall not covet," and if there is any other commandment, it is summed up in this saying, "You shall love your neighbor as yourself". Love does no wrong to a neighbor; therefore love is the fulfillment of law (Romans 13:8?10).
Repent of Boasting!
- For if anyone thinks he is something when he is nothing, he deceives himself. But each one must examine his own work, and then he will have reason for boasting in regard to himself alone, and not in regard to another (Galatians 6:3, 4).
- Therefore let him who thinks he stands take heed that he does not fall (1 Cor. 10:12).
- Do you see a man wise in his own eyes? There is more hope for a fool than for him (Proverbs 26:12).
Respect Boundaries!
- For each one will bear his own load (Galatians 6:5).
- For it is written, "As I live, says the Lord every knee shall bow to Me and every tongue shall give praise to God." So then, each one of us will give an account of himself to God. Therefore let us not judge one another anymore, but rather determine this not to put an obstacle or a stumbling block in a brother's way (Romans 14:11:13).
Sermon by Pastor Rod Akins, March 16th, 2025.
Life Group Flow and Discussion Questions
Spiritual Restoration
An important Guideline of Life Groups: We desire COTW to be a safe place where people can find healing and restoration in their spiritual journey. Your Life Group is the PLACE where true restoration occurs. Jesus established small groups of disciples to minister to one another. Discuss how your Life Group is fulfilling the 4 points in this passage.
Getting Started:
- How should we go about restoring the sinner and not ignoring the sin within our church family?
- How can we as a church family become a better place of healing for hurting and wounded people?
Discussing Truths:
- Why is the "Golden Rule" (Luke 6:31) a good example and reminder of how we need to practice spiritual restoration?
- Have you ever had someone help restore you back to a free and forgiven walk with God? Have you ever been able to help restore someone else?
- Do you have an "Aaron and Hur" to support you and lift you up in fervent prayer in this spiritual battle (Exodus 17:10-13)?
- What did Jesus do to model gentle and gracious spiritual restoration with the adulterous women in John 8:1-11?
- Have you ever enabled someone to be irresponsible as a "helicopter parent" or an overly helpful person? Why is it important to establish healthy boundaries with others?
- The opposite of a "helicopter parent" is a "Laissez-Faire" parent who is hands off and ignores the child. How are both extremes hurting the child? What is the biblical role?
Now What? Application:
- Are you open to being confronted about sin in your life to be restored? Who has permission to hold you accountable and graciously restore you?
- Is there someone you need to help heal with spiritual restoration? Is there someone you need to ask forgiveness?
