Bear Another's Burdens Galatians 6:2 I. Introduction. A. Everyone needs help at different times in life. 1. Some need more than others. 2. The strongest seem to fare well, but need some assistance from time to time. 3. Do not be ashamed to accept help when it is needed. 4. Do not hesitate to give help to others. B. Humans need help in many ways: 1. Spiritual: Galatians 6:1. a. Restore in proper spirit. b. Must be accepted by the erring. c. Sin is a burden that needs to be lifted. d. Will need help with shame, etc. that may follow. e. "Sympathy with a man is to suffer with and for him"(Lipscomb). 2. Emotional: II Timothy 4:16-17. a. Even the apostles were human. b. New Testament speaks of Jesus "not having place to lay His head." c. Paul's instructions: Philippians 4:6. 3. Physical: Acts 11:27-30. a. Even Paul needed help: Philippians 4:15-16. b. The necessities of life imply one's needs. II. Body. A. Paul's encouragement: Galatians 6:2. 1.Context: helping one out of transgression: Galatians 6:1. a. Root word for bear "signifies to support, as a burden." (1 Assistance to one who needs our help and encouragement. (2 Sufferings borne in behalf of another: Matthew 8:17. (3 Simon of Cyrene would "bear" the carrying of the cross for Christ. (4 Song: "Must Jesus Bear the Cross alone?" 2. Burden: "A weight" pressing on "one's resources, whether material, spiritual or religious"(Vine). a. "Distresses" - McGarvey. b. One just feels weighted down by what is happening. c. There is a limit to what one person can bear; then he/she needs help: Acts 15:28-29. 3. Lightening another's load is to "fulfill the law of Christ." a. Makes one stronger to help others. b. Gives strength and encouragement to the relieved. 4. The strong are to help the weak: Romans 15:1. B. Burdens come in many different ways. 1. The greatest burden: Psalm 38:4. a. Jesus bore the cross to carry your burden. b. Relief comes only with obedience to the gospel. c. For the righteous, any sin becomes a burden that needs to be relieved: Acts 8:24. 2. The burden of loneliness: II TImothy 4:16. a. Consider all the ones Paul had helped: now he needed them. b. Never forget the help you receive from others. c. Is this not expressed? Matthew 7:12. d. Be aware there is always help: Psalm 55:22. 3. Some burdens are placed on disciples by those who do not respect God's law. a. Prevalent in Jesus' day: Matthew 23:4; Luke 11:46. b. Did you ever suffer at work or play because you were a Christian? c. Or--suffer burdens because of mistreatment by brethren? d. Where there is help: Matthew 11:30. C. One must also learn to bear his own burden: Galatians 6:5. 1. Discuss verses 3-4. 2. There is a limit to the amount of help that can and should be given. 3. It is not right to take over a burden completely, but to "bear one anothers." 4. The burden of responsibility is doing what one can: Mark 14:8. a. Jesus would bear the burdens for her. b. Now--she would do what she could. D. Every Christian should be a burden bearer. 1. First: One's own burdens. 2. Next: Help others bear their burdens. a. In too many cases there are more volunteers than helpers. b. Pa's prayers. III. Conclusion. A. Paul's thoughts: II Corinthians 11:28-29. B. What am I? Only a burden or a burden bearer?-jy