Fifteenth Sunday after Trinity (1893)

Galatians 5:25-6:10 "If we live in the Spirit, then" etc. The apostle enjoins all Christian believers, that they regenerated by the Spirit - with all faithfulness and diligence should make manifest the inner spiritual life throughout their entire external way of life; their whole life should be a constant exercise in good works. In the Epistle the apostle names various, special parts that belong to walking in the Spirit. Due to the importance of the subject we stand still right now at Galatians 6:1. A noble fruit is put before us in these words as a glorious and necessary part of walking in the Spirit: heartfelt mercy toward erring fellow Christians. The godly behavior toward fellow Christians who have been overtaken in a sin. Hear 1. what it means to be overtaken in a sin. a. There is no question here of intentional sins, of sins of malice; but of the sins done in haste: as a Christian can be deceived by cunning of the flesh, or by temptations of the world, or "surprised" by the prompting of the devil, that he deviates from the plumb line of God's Word in doctrine or in regard to life. b. Although a Christian does not yet fall from grace by such rashness (knowingly and unknowing sins), as he still suffers damage, he can get into great danger of a relapse from grace; and give others a nuisance. 2. To whom should God-pleasing behavior go toward fellow Christians that has been overtaken in a fault. a. We must not regard his misstep indifferently: as it has to mean little or nothing or as it does not concern us. We are members of one body! b. We should not despise and offend the absentee, as if he should already be a dead, separated member of the body of Christ. c. Rather, we should endeavor to bring him into the correct position, to win him.1 We should carry out this labor of love: in obedience toward the expressed will of God in the text who seeks only the salvation of dearly bought souls; with a spirit of gentleness (including intercession); in earnest self-examination, constant vigilance and continued requests for protecting grace, that we are not subject to temptation. G.R.

Matthew 18:15; Luke 17:3.