by Steve Wallace
Synopsis: Spirituality is a nebulous term today, with a wide variety of meanings. However, in Sacred Scripture, its meaning is rooted in revelation and relevant to our daily walk.
Brethren, if a man is overtaken in any trespass, you who are spiritual restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness, considering yourself lest you also be tempted (Gal. 6:1).
Our text is a familiar one and is often cited. Here we center on the words found in the title of this article. Those who are spiritual are obviously Christians whom our Lord finds useful. They will not make light of sin. In churches where they are members, they do not cause problems but are solutions to problems. In our text, they are the ones designated by the apostle to help erring Christians. The words of Galatians 6:1 are born of their context.
Those who are spiritual "walk in the Spirit" (5:16) and "are led by the Spirit" (5:18). Those who mind the flesh find it difficult to walk in the Spirit (1 Cor. 3:1, NASB; cf. 2:11-14). Those who follow the Spirit are "filled with the knowledge of His will" and use "the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God" in their service to God (Col. 1:9; Eph. 6:17).
Those who are spiritual recognize sin. Paul's words in Galatians 6:1 imply this. He has just finished listing many sins which he termed "the works of the flesh" (5:19-21). Some Christians, especially young Christians, may be ignorant of given sins. Others may be careless or overtaken in a sin. Sins found in 5:19-21 "and the like" are, sadly, often found among brethren today. Those who are spiritual help sinners to see the error of their ways (Acts 8:20-22; Gal. 2:14). It is a mark of spirituality to know what sin is and recognize when it has been committed.
Those who are spiritual restore sinners. Some downplay or ignore sin (1 Cor. 5:1-2). Some are like the scribes and Pharisees, who recognized sin, but stood aloof from those who were sinners (Luke 5:30). There is a danger of such things today. Those who are spiritual realize that restoring sinners was our Lord's great work and that He expects His people to follow His steps (Luke 5:32; 1 Tim. 2:4, 5; Gal. 6:1).
The Scriptures teach us how to restore sinners. Though Acts 2 is a record of lost sinners being converted, Peter's comments are a helpful companion to Paul's words in Galatians 6:1. Peter reasoned from the Scriptures and made application to those listening (Acts 2:22-36). Those who are spiritual use the Scriptures to show erring brethren their sin and encourage them in the way of restoration (Acts 8:22; 1 John 1:9). They are concerned about the spirit part of others (James 5:19-20).
Those who are spiritual bear the "fruit of the Spirit" (5:22-23). Let us note some that Galatians 6:1 implies. Love and longsuffering are obvious in the time, care, energy, etc., that is involved in restoring the erring. Gentleness is mentioned in 6:1. Faithfulness, both to God and the erring one, is seen in the effort made to restore. Self-control would be necessary to exercise the restraint necessary to keep oneself from being tempted.
Those who are spiritual focus on things beyond this world. Moses exemplified such focus (Heb. 11:27). Paul's list of sins in 5:19-21 ends with "those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God." Those who are spiritual will focus on the final destiny of others.
Let us all be spiritual. Such Christians will be the lights that Jesus calls His people to be.
Author Bio: Steve has worked with the church in Round Lake Beach, IL for 2 years. He and his wife, Mary, have been married 31 years. He can be reached at alvincarl1@att.net..
