BEARING BURDENS
March 2, 1997
Introduction
In Galatians 6:2, we find these words: "Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ."
What are the burdens that we are called upon to bear? They are many:
Financial loses
Loss of health: temporary or permanent
Emotional losses
Loss of employment
Loss of loved ones or friends
Material losses
Domestic losses
Spiritual losses
We all have losses. At what point do I share, or bear, the burdens of others?
Bear ye one another’s burdens
(allelon ta bare bastazete). Keep on bearing (present active imperative of bastazo, old word, used of Jesus bearing his Cross in John 19:17. Baros means weight as in Matthew 20:12; 2 Cor. 4:17. It is when one’s load (phortion, Galatians 6:5) is about to press one down. Then give help in carrying it.Jesus fell beneath His cross and Simon of Cyrean was compelled to bear His cross. We must be compelled by the law of Christ to bear the burden of those whom we know are stumbling beneath the weight of the burdens they bear.
Body
I. It is under the verse of restoring others.
(Gal 6:1 NKJV) 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.
3900. paraptoma, par-ap'-to-mah; from G3895; a side-slip (lapse or deviation), i.e. (unintentional) error or (wilful) transgression:--fall, fault, offence, sin, trespass.
A.
1. It is a corrective process.
2. When it comes to houses, I'd rather destroy and start over.
a. Sometimes with people we take that approach--we abandon them to self destruction.
b. Restoration is more difficult, but that is what is ordered.
B. Some details are given.
(Mat 18:15-18 NKJV) "Moreover if your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault between you and him alone. If he hears you, you have gained your brother. {16} "But if he will not hear, take with you one or two more, that 'by the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established.' {17} "And if he refuses to hear them, tell it to the church. But if he refuses even to hear the church, let him be to you like a heathen and a tax collector
1. I can ask for assistance. I need to go alone the first time, but I may then take a witness, and eventually, I can take it to the church.
2. I must go in the right spirit--a spirit of gentleness--we're not trying to tear the house down.
II. What else is included in bearing others burdens? -- Sometimes we need to bear the burdens of those who are close to us.
A. We need to be aware of our children's needs--they look to us for strength.
6831: BOOST YOUR TEENS' ESTEEM
You can't treat adolescents like little kids, but they still need parental love. Here are some suggested ways of building up your teenagers' self-esteem without smothering them: (1) Show an interest in their music (even listen to some of it). (2) Go out to lunch with them. Some of the best conversations are initiated when you're alone with them away from the house. (3) Invite their friends into your home and get to know them. (4) Encourage them to develop interests or talents, such as sports, art, music, or creative writing. (5) Ask for your teenagers' advice about things and show that you respect their opinions. (6) Be alert for things you can compliment them on. (6) Commit yourself to interceding for them, and ask what they want you to pray about. (7) Let them treat you to a cup of coffee or a meal. Accepting a gift is a way of returning the love expressed. (8) Listen. No matter how shocking the topic, learn to ask questions rather than sermonizing. If you teen comes to you admitting a personal mistake, the initial response should be gentleness and compassion. Discipline can come later. "Boost your teens' esteem" by Bonnie Bruno. Today's Christian Woman, Nov/Dec 1990. Pages 74-75.
B. We need to be careful of the words we use with those we love as well as others.
WHEN WORDS HURT
Put-downs, insults in jest, are such a part of our everyday communication we hardly notice them. The words hurt the insulted, however. They filter into the subconscious mind, which doesn't have a sense of humor, and become a small part of our identity. We mug people with our mouths by calling them names, attacking their weaknesses, or dumping your bad mood off on them. We should use our mouths to build up. 1) Call people positive names. 2) Thank people whose jobs are usually unappreciated. 3) Include the often excluded. 4) Defend the attacked. "When words hurt" by Diane Eble. Campus Life, Jan 1987. Pages 28-31.
C. We need to be a "sideliner" for others.
Everyone needs a "sideliner"--someone standing in the wings of life loving and encouraging you on, no matter what. Sideliners comfort you realistically without smothering you. They don't criticize you when you're down. They always assume the best about you, even when they've heard otherwise. Sideliners don't keep track of hurts or failures. They take you and your dreams seriously. If you don't have a sideliner, ask God to bring this type of person into your life. Be a sideliner to another. "Secrets of a sideliner" by Jan Johnson. Today's Christian Woman, Sep/Oct 1988. Pages 40, 41.
D. We need to be more like Barnabas.
1. He was Barnabas the giver.
(Acts 4:36-37 NKJV) And Joses, who was also named Barnabas by the apostles (which is translated Son of Encouragement), a Levite of the country of Cyprus, {37} having land, sold it, and brought the money and laid it at the apostles' feet.
2. He was Barnabas the personal supporter.
a. For Saul
(Acts 9:26-27 NKJV) And when Saul had come to Jerusalem, he tried to join the disciples; but they were all afraid of him, and did not believe that he was a disciple. {27} But Barnabas took him and brought him to the apostles. And he declared to them how he had seen the Lord on the road, and that He had spoken to him, and how he had preached boldly at Damascus in the name of Jesus.
b. For the church in Antioch
(Acts 11:22-26 NKJV) Then news of these things came to the ears of the church in Jerusalem, and they sent out Barnabas to go as far as Antioch. {23} When he came and had seen the grace of God, he was glad, and encouraged them all that with purpose of heart they should continue with the Lord. {24} For he was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and of faith. And a great many people were added to the Lord. {25} Then Barnabas departed for Tarsus to seek Saul. {26} And when he had found him, he brought him to Antioch. So it was that for a whole year they assembled with the church and taught a great many people. And the disciples were first called Christians in Antioch.
c. For John Mark
(Acts 15:36-41 NKJV) Then after some days Paul said to Barnabas, "Let us now go back and visit our brethren in every city where we have preached the word of the Lord, and see how they are doing." {37} Now Barnabas was determined to take with them John called Mark. {38} But Paul insisted that they should not take with them the one who had departed from them in Pamphylia, and had not gone with them to the work. {39} Then the contention became so sharp that they parted from one another. And so Barnabas took Mark and sailed to Cyprus; {40} but Paul chose Silas and departed, being commended by the brethren to the grace of God. {41} And he went through Syria and Cilicia, strengthening the churches.
Conclusion
I. Are you one who lightens the loads of others?
II. Are you a Barnabas: a son of encouragement?
III. Are you right with God?
Scripture quotations marked "NKJV™" are taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Bible Study with Harley Sermons I have Preached