The Standard

So many people are carrying what the Bible calls a "burden."

This might be due to...

• lack of finances
• problem at school/work
• relational conflict
• marriage issue
• children
• loss of a loved one
• health issue
• uncertainty of the future

John 10:10, "the thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy."  

We have two opportunities before us.

Isaiah 59:19, "When the enemy comes in like a flood.  The Spirit of the Lord will lift up a standard against him."

We are the "standard."

A.  Pray and believe God for miracles.

B.  Demonstrate biblical community

Galatians 6:1-3 [MSG], "If someone falls into sin, forgivingly restore him, saving your critical comments for yourself.  You might be needing forgiveness before the day's out. Stoop down and reach out to those who are oppressed.  Share their burdens, and so complete Christ's law."  

Galatians 6:2, "Bear [carry] one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ."

Burden means; "a load that is so heavy that it causes a person to feel like he/she is being weighed down or crushed."

Paul is saying, NOTICE THEM!

Exodus 17:8-13 [NLT], "While the people of Israel were still at Rephidim, the warriors of Amalek attacked them. 9 Moses commanded Joshua, "Choose some men to go out and fight the army of Amalek for us.  Tomorrow, I will stand at the top of the hill, holding the staff of God in my hand." 10 So Joshua did what Moses had commanded and fought the army of Amalek. Meanwhile, Moses, Aaron, and Hur climbed to the top of a nearby hill. 11 As long as Moses held up the staff in his hand, the Israelites had the advantage.  But whenever he dropped his hand, the Amalekites gained the advantage. 12 Moses' arms soon became so tired he could no longer hold them up.  So Aaron and Hur found a stone for him to sit on. Then they stood on each side of Moses, holding up his hands.  So his hands held steady until sunset. 13 As a result, Joshua overwhelmed the army of Amalek in battle."

It is essential for us...

• full of compassion and concern
• others first mentality
• go beyond surface level
• willingness to know and be known

Galatians 6:1-3 [MSG], "If someone falls into sin, forgivingly restore him, saving your critical comments for yourself.  You might be needing forgiveness before the day's out. Stoop down and reach out to those who are oppressed.  Share their burdens, and so complete Christ's law. If you think you are too good for that, you are badly deceived.  Make a careful exploration of who you are and the work you have been given, and then sink yourself into that. Don't be impressed with yourself.  Don't compare yourself with others. Each of you must take responsibility for doing the creative best you can with your own life."

Galatians 6:5, "For every man shall bear his own burden."  <--Is God contradicting Himself?  No!

Burden means; "the expected amount of weight that every soldier was expected to carry in his/her bag, kit, or backpack."  It was used to denote "the normal individual responsibility that every person must carry for himself."