IT NEEDS TO BE NAMED

 

September 24, 2024

Galatians 6:1-2

Dear brothers and sisters, if another believer is overcome by some sin, you who are godly should gently and humbly help that person back onto the right path. And be careful not to fall into the same temptation yourself. Share each other’s burdens, and in this way obey the law of Christ.

Restoring each other in faith involves acknowledging our sins. Galatians 6 guides us, saying, “If another believer is overcome by some sin…” To be "overcome" is to be be caught, trapped, overtaken, enslaved, ensnared or held captive by sin. We all have sins that challenge us. However, when someone is "overcome by some sin," it takes over their life, leading to choices that dishonor both God and those around them.

Observe closely, the Bible speaks of a believer who has been overwhelmed by a certain "sin." What sin is this talking about? If we back up a few verses to Galatians 5:19 we are given a sample of possible sins. Galatians 5:19 says, “When you follow the desires of the sinful nature, the results are very clear: sexual immorality, impurity, lustful pleasures, idolatry, sorcery, hostility, quarreling, jealousy, outbursts of anger, selfish ambition, dissension, division, envy, drunkenness, wild parties, and other sins like these”.

The Bible also talks about sins like hostility, quarreling, jealousy, outbursts of anger, selfish ambition and envy. These can be equally hurtful and have control over our lives.

Whenever a person’s dependence on an activity begins to control their lives. Just as someone can be controlled by a chemical or gambling addiction, they can also be controlled by jealousy, selfish ambition, or envy. The point being made is that whatever the sin is that "so easily can beset us" the result is that we have been broken or torn and are in need to be restored by God and with others.

The phrase "overcome by some sin" in God's Word suggests being trapped or held captive by it, unable to break free. In the process of restoring one another, it is necessary to acknowledge sin for what it is. We should not down play it. When you are helping someone you and the person must be able to say, “Let’s overcome this sin of ________ together.” It needs to be named.

This is not about judging a fellow believer, with a superior mindset. Rather, restoring one another is about honestly recognizing "we all fall short of the glory of God." That we need the compassianate care of the Community of Jesus to be overcomers.

Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed.                         

James 5:16