Brethren, even if anyone is caught in any trespass, you who are spiritual, restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness; each one looking to yourself, so that you too will not be tempted. Bear one another’s burdens, and thereby fulfill the law of Christ.
Throughout the history of the church, there has been many doctrines that were confused and erroneously spread to the church. Even today, there are many people who confuse the valuable doctrines that originate from Scriptural truths. One such doctrine would be the doctrine of the Perseverance of the Saints. Some claim that this doctrine cannot possibly be true because Judas, who was one of the twelve hand-picked disciples of Jesus Christ, ultimately “fell away”. The Scriptures, however, correct this notion in John 6:70-71, where Jesus notes that some of the chosen are not saved at all.
Another abused aspect of Christianity today is what we generally understand as “spirituality” or the “spiritual man”. Because people approach spirituality without Scriptural examination, they assume that spirituality in Christianity is like other religions. They think that spirituality is represented in a monk-like ascetic, monastic, and austere lifestyle.
In Galatians 6:1-2, however, Paul paints a much more accurate picture of the spiritual man.
A spiritual man is the Christian everyman. The term that Paul uses in Galatians 6:1 is “Brethren”. It is a word that Paul uses throughout his Galatian epistle to denote Christians. (Gal 4:12, 5:13). Because Christians are people sanctified and led by the Holy Spirit, we understand that the Holy Spirit is the one that produces the spirituality in us. In John 3:2-4, we see Nicodemus, a cultural and religious elite, professing his ignorance of the spiritual truth of rebirth. Only when the Spirit renews our hearts do we have true life and the capacity for spirituality. Why don’t we realize this spirituality in our lives? We often take leadership of our own lives, instead of deferring to the leading of the Holy Spirit. Much like the Jews on Pentecost and Saul on the road to Damascus, we must cry out in prayer to the Lord, “What shall we do?” This question will illumine the path to spirituality.
A spiritual man is not haughty of mind. A Christian should not think himself to be more righteousness than others; he should instead understand that his is simply a part of the church. Instead of taking the backseat and acting as a commander, he joins the front lines as the infantry, pressing on together with the church. Instead of being a critic of the church, he is at the forefront in helping the church towards the common goal of the gospel. This spiritual man also does not give way to habitual sin nor do they severely condemn when people are “caught” in trespasses, knowing that sin is often sudden. A spiritual man, therefore, is a man of unity in line with the principles of 1 Corinthians 12:26.
A spiritual man is obedient to Scriptural imperatives. A spiritual man heeds the imperatives in the Scriptures, including the command in these verses to restore a brother. The word ‘restore’ has the implied meaning of sewing up holes in a fishing net. It is a mending that is done carefully, piece by piece, with a final form in mind. Such restoration took place when Ananias, a godly man, was called by God to meet Saul, who had been blinded proceeding his audience with Jesus, and pray over him. This led to Saul’s regeneration as Paul. (Acts 9:10-11, 13-14, 17) We must follow these principles – Paul’s call for restoration is simply a mirroring of Jesus’ words in Matthew 18:15-18.
A spiritual man is gentle in correction. A spiritual man does not act on hate. As Charles Spurgeon puts it, “A Christian man is not allowed to hate anyone.” Gentleness, or meekness, is an aspect of the fruit of the Spirit, a proof of the Holy Spirit’s gracious work in us. (Galatians 5:22-23). Thomas Watson defines meekness as a “grace whereby we are enabled by the Spirit of God to moderate our angry passion”. A spiritual man, therefore, does not condemn as a judge but attempts to restore in gentleness. Why do we not see meekness in correction in the church today? We are too self-confident and proud, which makes us more susceptible to anger, both in correction and being corrected. To fight this and welcome gentleness into our character, we must resist pride and self-sufficiency. We must acknowledge that we are not infallible. Such humility gives life to meekness. How do we avoid errors in correcting others? First, we must learn to treat the process of correction as a lesson for us to not commit the same or similar sins. Second, we must acknowledge that all Christian are prone to sin. (Rom. 7:19-20) Third, we must examine our own heart, knowing that we are not above sinning like others. This is where Peter and the other disciples failed in the night prior to Jesus’ crucifixion. (Mt 26:33-35) Lastly, we must approach the brother or sister with the knowledge that God is opposed to the proud. (1 Peter 5:5)
A spiritual man is sacrificial in bearing others’ burdens. Bearing another’s burdens is an act of giving oneself for the sake of another. Filling the need of a brother or sister is a good way of practicing this. Another way to bear another’s burdens is to encourage with good news. In 2 Corinthians 7:6-7, Paul’s burden is lifted as Titus brings good news about the Corinthian church’s repentance. To practice spirituality, we must be vigilant to find those who need our help in the church and serve them. Praying for those burdened of the heart is another effective way of serving others. However, service and prayer must go hand in hand.
As we observe all the qualities of a spiritual man, we realize that it paints a very clear silhouette of the only truly spiritual Man in history, our Lord Jesus Christ. Consequently, the concluding point is this: A spiritual man is like Jesus. We need to restore, love, and serve with the mind of Christ; this Christlikeness is developed in us as bear each other’s burdens, thereby fulfilling the law of Christ. What is the law of Christ? The law of Christ is the fulfillment of the Old Testament laws (Matthew 5:17) in the two commandments of Jesus found in Matthew 22:36-40 – “Love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind, and love your neighbor as yourself.” This is the Royal Law. (James 2:8) Ultimately, the law that we obey is love. (John 13:34) When we love as Jesus commanded, we are truly being spiritual.
If anyone is found lack of such spirituality as listed above, he must examine his heart to avoid venturing dangerously close to darkness, death, and ultimate lack of salvation. It is the duty of all Christians to pursue such spirituality in their lives and in their church.
BIBLE COMMUNITY CHURCH 
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