"RESTORE SUCH A ONE"

• Galatians 6:1

1. "If A Man Is Overtaken In Any Trespass"
   1. Romans 3:23; 1 John 1:8, 10
      Sin besets us all from time to time.
   2. Psalm 40:12; 38:4
      Our trespasses literally do "overtake" us.
   3. 2 Peter 2:9; 1 Corinthians 10:13
      Nevertheless, sin cannot "overtake" us unless we allow it.
2. "You Who Are Spiritual"
   We certainly can't expect the unspiritual to do it! But who are the "spiritual"?
   1. Ephesians 1:3
      The "spiritual" are those who are "in Christ." We know that access "into Christ" is gained through baptism (Romans 6:3; Galatians 3:27), so everyone who a Christian should be a "spiritual" person.
   2. 1 Corinthians 3:1
      Sadly, however, not all who are "called to be saints" (1 Corinthians 1:2) can be appropriately addressed as "spiritual".
   3. Romans 8:5-14; 1 Corinthians 2:14-16
      Some remain perpetually in the infantile stage of their faith, being carnally minded.
   
   Therefore, if you have the mind of Christ, being a mature Christian, yours is the responsibility to restore the prodigal to Christ. If you don't do it, who will?
3. "Restore Such A One"
   1. Matthew 18:11-14
      "Restore such a one" because Jesus came "to save that which was lost" (11) and it produces great joy (13)!
   2. Luke 15:4-10
      "Restore such a one" because heaven will rejoice over it (7) and because the value of a soul far exceeds that of money (8-10; Matthew 16:26).
   3. James 5:19-20
      "Restore such a one" because it is an opportunity to "save a soul from death"!
4. "In A Spirit Of Gentleness"
   How must the effort be carried out?
   1. Luke 6:31
      What would convince you to return?
   2. 2 Thessalonians 3:14-15
      Treat the subject with friendship and brotherly kindness, not animosity.
   3. 2 Timothy 2:24-26
      Do so "in a spirit of gentleness."
   4. Jude 22-23
      Do so fearfully.
   5. Luke 15:11-32
      Do so without jealousy.
5. "Considering Yourself Lest You Also Be Tempted."
   1. Matthew 7:4-5
      We must always examine ourselves before criticizing others so that we do not do so hypocritically.
   2. 1 Corinthians 10:12
      We must realize the danger of our own apostasy if we are not cautious.
   3. 2 Corinthians 13:

• Conclusion
  1. Certainly, you know of someone who needs to be restored. Bring him back!
  2. Perhaps that one is you. If so, repent and confess.
     1. Acts 8:13-24
        Simon had believed and was baptized (13), but then returned quickly to wickedness (18-21). He was told to repent and pray for forgiveness (22). He responded with a request for prayer on his behalf (24).
     2. 1 John 1:9
        God forgives His children who confess their sins.
     3. James 5:16
        It is appropriate, as well, to confess to brethren that they may pray for the sinner, too.
  3. Or, perhaps you've never been saved.
     1. John 6:45; Romans 10:17
        You must learn the gospel.
     2. John 3:16; Hebrews 11:6
        You must believe in God and Christ.
     3. Romans 10:9-10; Matthew 10:32-33
        You must confess the name of Christ openly.
     4. Acts 3:19; 17:30
        You must repent to be made clean.
     5. John 3:5; 1 Peter 3:21
        You must be reborn in the waters of baptism for salvation.