Walking with the Wounded — sermon by Ps Sam Powell
Does the book of Galatians tell us that we are to “restore” an abuser in a spirit of gentleness. This is often the excuse church leaders use when they take the abuser under their wing and attempt to “restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness…”
In this sermon Ps Sam Powell examines two questions:
How do spiritual people respond to other spiritual people who have fallen into sin?
In this first question Ps Powell distinguishes between sheep and wolves. He says Paul is not talking about restoring wolves. He explains that the Greek text does NOT indicate someone who is “living in ongoing, unrepentant, arrogant lifestyle of defiance against God, hatred against man – a lifestyle of inflicting pain and misery, and destruction to people around them.”
How do we bear one another’s burdens?
Ps Powell explains what these burdens may look like and how we have the tendency to pile more shame on those who are burdened, rather than helping them bear their burdens. In regards to shame, Ps Powell shows how a spiritual person can bear another’s burdens: by establishing trust, lifting up the person in continual prayer, learning to listen, and being patient.
Click on the link below to hear the entire sermon.
Walking with the Wounded
Galatians 5:26 – 6:2 (NKJV)
Ps Sam Powell
Let us not become conceited, provoking one another, envying one another. 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. Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.
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Further reading
Dealing With Pharisees and Their Spiritual Abuse – by IamMyBeloved’s
Dear Church: Stop Trying To Convert Wolves — by Jimmy Hinton
- Posted in: Christianity
- Tagged: Galatians, interpreting Scripture, resources for supporters, Sam Powell, sermons, shame
We have been studying 2 Tim 3 where it lists all the sins in the church in the last days…..it is clear they are not real Christians . You do not restore those folks, they have a form of Godliness but no power. They have an outward appearance of Godliness, but are like whitewashed tombs. In verse 5 it says have nothing to do with such people. Verse two says abusive.. in the list. It does not say to restore these people. And he is talking to the church, not the world in this chapter. It is pretty clear.