Restoration - Spirit walking

^{Galatians 5 and 6}

¹⁶ But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not carry out the desire of the flesh. ¹⁷ For the flesh sets its desire against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; for these are in opposition to one another, so that you may not do the things that you please. ¹⁸ But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the Law. ¹⁹ Now the deeds of the flesh are evident, which are: immorality, impurity, sensuality, ²⁰ idolatry, sorcery, enmities, strife, jealousy, outbursts of anger, disputes, dissensions, factions, ²¹ envying, drunkenness, carousing, and things like these, of which I forewarn you, just as I have forewarned you, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. ²² But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, ²³ gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. ²⁴ Now those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.

²⁵ If we live by the Spirit, let us also walk by the Spirit. ²⁶ Let us not become boastful, challenging one another, envying one another.

6 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. ² Bear one another’s burdens, and thereby fulfill the law of Christ. ³ For if anyone thinks he is something when he is nothing, he deceives himself. ⁴ But each one must examine his own work, and then he will have reason for boasting in regard to himself alone, and not in regard to another. ⁵ For each one will bear his own load.

⁶ The one who is taught the word is to share all good things with the one who teaches him. ⁷ Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, this he will also reap. ⁸ For the one who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption, but the one who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life. ⁹ Let us not lose heart in doing good, for in due time we will reap if we do not grow weary. ¹⁰ So then, while we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, and especially to those who are of the household of the faith.

In this portion of today's reading, from the One Year Bible chronological readings(link available on this site), Paul is writing about the basic struggle of mankind. From the begining, in the garden until now, the struggle within each of us is whether to follow the desires of the flesh or the leading of the Spirit. We need to know and fully understand that while these two exist in each of us, they can not peacefully coexist in us. They are, as Paul writes, in opposition to each other. Again, this problem is as old as mankind. God created us with a free will, the ability to choose what we will do, which one to follow. The voice of our society, our culture, which encourages self satisfaction, "looking out for number one", that voice is the same voice that spoke to Eve in the garden, enticing her to satisfy self. That same voice speaks to us every day, trying to lead us away from God. That's what we need to realize, self satisfaction takes us away from God. It's not that we are never to have pleasure or enjoyment. Jesus says in John 10:10(amplified) ¹⁰ The thief comes only in order to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have and enjoy life, and have it in abundance (to the full, till it overflows). As we live by the Spirit we find our joy in the things of God. God gave Adam and Eve everything. He gives it to us as well.

I want to move today, past Paul's contrast of the "deeds" of the flesh vs the spirit. Let's look briefly at something that is evidence of the Spirit's presence in our lives. Paul closes chapter 5 saying  " If we live by the Spirit, let us also walk by the Spirit.  Let us not become boastful, challenging one another, envying one another." He then begins chapter 6 with these words,  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. Jesus purpose in coming to earth to pay the price for our sins was for restoration. He came to restore the fallen and broken relationship between God and man. He came to restore all things to the way God intended from the begining. If we are walking by the Spirit, we will also have restoration as a focus and purpose in our lives. Sadly far too often even in the church we see and experience judgment, criticism and condemnation rather than restoration. Paul begins by saying that their should be no pride or jealousy toward each other. This is the foundation of having a heart for restoration. When we put pride and jealousy to death we can see others the way Christ sees them. We want them to be restored to God. We don't judge them in their weakness. Paul says to restore in a spirit of gentleness, looking to ourselves, knowing we too are weak, less we be tempted. Recognizing there but for the grace of God go I. Jesus says “Do not judge so that you will not be judged. ² For in the way you judge, you will be judged; and by your standard of measure, it will be measured to you.(Matthew 7)

Jesus came to give abundant, over flowing life. He came to restore all things to the Father. If we are living and walking after the Spirit that will be our purpose as well. We can't restore things. We can't redeem people. But our hearts desire should be that others are restored to the love of God. Not to judgment, not to condemnation but to love and right relationship.

 Heavenly Father, Lord Jesus, Holy Spirit help me today to walk according to the Spirit. Help me to lay aside the desires of the flesh. Help me to hear Your voice leading and guiding me. As I walk with You, in and after the Spirit may it be evident in my life. Help me to see others as You see them. Help me to lead them toward restoration with You Father.

www.youtube.com/watch?v=cXyYm1yIL-g