About half of those converted fall away.

What are we to do?› Scripture provides many answers.› This was a real problem in Galatia.

“I marvel that you are turning away so soon from Him who called you in the grace of Christ, to a different gospel” (Gal 1:6).

“You have become estranged from Christ, you who attempt to be justified by law; you have fallen from grace” (Gal 5:4).

Whom Should We Restore?

Galatians 6:1

“Overtaken in any trespass” does not refer to open rebellion.› The Greek word refers to an animal

trap.› The Greek refers to something that

happens as a surprise.

Sin often takes us by surprise.› Peter.› “Exhort one another daily, while it is

called ‘Today,’ lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin” (Heb 3:13).

Why do so many fall away?› Parable of the Sower (Mk 4).

Some have no root so that when trouble or persecution comes they fall away (vv 16-17).

Others accept the word, but the cares of this life cause them to fall away (vv 18-19).

Who Should Restore the Fallen?Galatians 6:1

Who are the spiritual?› The spiritually mature.

I, brethren, could not speak to you as to spiritual people but as to carnal, as to babes in Christ” (1 Cor 3:1).

“The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control” (Gal 5:22-23).

How Should We Restore the Fallen?Galatians 6:1

With gentleness.› Paul has just mentioned gentleness as

part of the Spirit’s fruit (5:23).› “As the elect of God, holy and

beloved, put on tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering” (Col 3:12).

› “But you, O man of God, flee these things and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, gentleness” (1 Tim 6:11).

Look to ourselves.› “Let a man examine himself, and so

let him eat of the bread and drink of the cup” (1 Cor 11:28).

› “Examine yourselves as to whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. Do you not know yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you?--unless indeed you are disqualified” (2 Cor 13:5).

Here, we’re to look at ourselves lest we also be tempted.Two important implications of that statement.

One: Not every spiritual person can help everyone caught in sin.

Two: Even spiritual Christians can be tempted.

Are you spiritual or are you caught in sin?