Galatians (Part 17)
Galatians 6 – Restoring the Fallen
Series Summary
Paul’s letter to the Galatians has walked us through:
Chapter 1 – No Other Gospel
Chapter 2 – Paul Defends Grace
Chapter 3 – Faith Over Law
Chapter 4 – Sons, Not Slaves
Chapter 5 – Freedom to Walk in the Spirit
Now, in Chapter 6, Paul brings it home.
He shows that a Spirit-led life isn’t just personal — it’s relational.
The true evidence of walking in the Spirit is seen in how we treat one another.
Main Passage
Galatians 6:1-5
“Brothers, if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness. … Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.”
1. Restoration Is the Heart of God
From Genesis to Revelation, God’s story is restoration.
He covers Adam and Eve’s shame, restores Noah, Abraham, Jacob, Joseph, Moses, David, Peter, and Paul.God is always pursuing, always rebuilding, always forgiving through Christ.
Our calling is to mirror that same heart — to restore, not condemn.
2. Three Key Words in Galatians 6:1
Transgression – The failures, sins, and struggles of the flesh (see Gal 5).
Spiritual – Those walking humbly in the Spirit, not self-righteous or religious.
Gentleness – The tone of true restoration; mending hearts and rebuilding souls.
Restoration isn’t based on how bad the sin was.
It’s based on our obedience to God’s command to restore.
3. Restoration Is Personal
It’s easy to help “someone over there.”
It’s much harder when the person is close — a spouse, parent, child, or friend.Yet Scripture says restore them gently, even when it wasn’t your fault.
When we step out of pride and self-righteousness, healing begins.
4. Restoration and Accountability
God doesn’t say, “You’re forgiven — good luck.”
He places people in our lives to walk with us.True restoration includes discipleship and accountability — walking side by side toward healing.
The church should be known for restoring the broken, not running from them.
5. Bear One Another’s Burdens
To bear means to shoulder heavy loads together.
Sometimes that means listening, not fixing.“Fulfill the law of Christ” = Love God and Love People.
Practical ways to bear burdens:
Be present in people’s pain.
Walk with them when they’ve offended you.
Pray for them when you don’t like them.
Offer practical help even when it costs you.
Be Jesus to them when they betray you.
Walk in grace, not judgment.
6. Pride Blocks Restoration
Pride says, “My sin isn’t as bad as theirs.”
Paul says that’s deception.Sin is sin — and we all need restoration.
Spiritual maturity isn’t about perfection; it’s about humility and obedience.
7. Carry Your Own Load
Paul ends by saying each person must also carry their own load (v. 5).
It’s not a contradiction — this “load” means your daily walk with Christ.We are called both to help others and to take responsibility for our own spiritual growth.
8. Four Truths of Restoration
We don’t decide who’s broken enough — we obey.
Restoration isn’t dependent on their response — it’s our obedience.
True restoration can break hard hearts open to repentance.
Never forget how patient God was with your brokenness.
9. Stay Humble, Stay Watchful
“The flesh of the most godly saint is no less viable than that of the most heinous sinner.”
— Anonymous Theologian
We’re all made of the same flesh.
Only grace makes the difference.
Stay humble, stay grateful, stay ready to help someone back up.
Final Call
Go be the Church.
Restoration starts in your own home and overflows into your community.Be the hands and feet of Jesus.
The Father restored you — now go restore others.Walk in the Spirit.
Let your gentleness, forgiveness, and love reveal Christ to the world.
Reflection & Communion
Before communion, ask:
Who is God calling me to restore?
Where do I need God to restore me?
Lay it all at the cross.
Let Jesus restore what’s broken.