14 Walking The Christian Life in the Spirit

Gal 6:1
Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault (sin), ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted.
We are given the formula for this in Matt 18. This passage urges extreme caution to restore the person trapped in sin only by one who is walking in the Spirit. This is not to be done by a fledgling in the faith. It is to be done by a mature, in the faith, believer. This can be personally harmful as the verse teaches because it will raise temptation in the person confronting the one caught in sin. Sin can easily beset us as Heb 12:1 reminds us. It must be always kept in mind that no one is immune from falling into sin. We do this gently at first and try to restore fellowship. If that does not work then we bring two or three witnesses and make the confrontation again. Then, if this does not work we take it to the full church. Finally, if he will not listen to the full church then he will be excommunicated until such time as he will admit his sin and desire restoration. Our treatment of the sinner is always gentle and desiring restoration.