1. This passage reveals a responsibility that the Lord has been given to His people. 2. That responsibility is to "bear ye one another's burdens." 3. By carrying out this responsibility we "fulfill the law of Christ." 4. When an activity fulfills the law of Christ, it is important, and it deserves our careful attention. 5. Let us first consider . . .
Discussion:
I. 3 PRINCIPLES THAT RELATE TO BEARING ONE ANOTHER'S BURDENS
A. Principle #1: There is a sense in which each person must carry his own burdens (see vs.5). 1. Each person must face the consequences of his actions. 2. We cannot expect others to carry the burdens that we bring upon ourselves. B. However (principle #2), there are burdens that others can help us carry. 1. In this sense we are to provide assistance with each other's burdens. 2. Burdens that we can help others bear may be: a. spiritual in nature (see vs.1) b. physical in nature (see vs.10) c. emotional in nature (see Romans 12:15). C. Principle #3: Everyone needs support at some time. 1. To deny this is to deny reality. 2. A strong warning is given against this type of thinking in Galatians 6:3. 3. A proud person thinks he is self-sufficient, but a humble person will ask for assistance, and he will accept it. D. Let us turn our attention to the fact that . . .
II. BEARING ONE ANOTHER'S BURDENS FULFILLS THE LAW OF CHRIST
A. Christ gave a number of commands that relate to bearing one another's burdens. 1. Matthew 22:39; 7:12 2. John 13:34-35; 15:12-13, 17 B. Christ also set the great example of bearing the burdens of other people. 1. During His ministry the Lord bore the burdens of those who lost loved ones (see John 11:33-38). 2. He bore our sins on the cross (1 Peter 2:24). 3. He invites us to come to Him for relief (Matthew 11:28-30; Hebrews 4:16). C. Christ faced times when He needed support. 1. When Jesus was a baby, Joseph took Him and Mary to Egypt to escape Herod (Matthew 2:13-16). 2. It seems that Jesus was discouraged when many of His disciples left Him (John 6:66-69). 3. Jesus apparently needed help carrying His cross (Luke 23:26). D. When we assist others with their burdens we fulfill the law of Christ by complying with His instructions and following His example.
Conclusion:
1. Jesus has shown and He has taught us what is involved in bearing one another's burdens. 2. Let us strive to fulfill His law.
