Restoration and Resolution

Introduction: Did you know that CHRISTians should be in the business of both RESTORATION & RESOLUTION. What do we mean by those terms? Hopefully, we will follow thru in this devotion to do what it teaches.

1.RESTORATION! (Gal 6:1,2; John 21)

“1Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted. 2Bear ye one another’s burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ.”

Peter blew it! Have you ever blown it? When? Do you remember? Did you get in the flesh? Say something you should not have. Do something you should not have. Honestly, all of us have at one time or another, even after we’ve been saved.

The RESTORATION of Peter by Jesus is a good example. After Peter’s denial and foul language, Jesus makes sure he’s restored. This of course is after Peter is broken over his failure; i.e. he is sorrowful to the point of turning which results in a CHANGE!

Please pay attention to that last sentence. Jesus restores him because of his repentant heart.

2.RESOLUTION! (Gal 2:11,12)

“11But when Peter was come to Antioch, I withstood him to the face, because he was to be blamed. 12For before that certain came from James, he did eat with the Gentiles: but when they were come, he withdrew and separated himself, fearing them which were of the circumcision”

Peter’s not perfect. Neither are you or me perfect. He had a lapse back. At times we may get either SELF RIGHTEOUS or LEGALISTIC. 

What do we mean? As long as Peter was surrounded by the Gentiles – who had been saved by GRACE thru FAITH- yet not JEWS,  he could be free from some Jewish tradition or laws (eat pork). But as soon as the influential Jews showed up at the meals and meeting, Peter disassociated himself with the Gentiles.

Consequently, Paul lovingly confronts him. Notice, Paul had to search his own heart first to make sure he was not guilty of the same, and then he could go to Peter and practice Conflict RESOLUTION. His goal would be to bring Peter back into fellowship with the Church.

Conclusion: If we would just practice these principles by the power of the Holy Spirit, there would be many CHRISTIANS RESTORED and problems RESOLVED the biblical way!

Love y’all,
Dr. Randy Reese