Watch_the_Company_You_Keep_by_Pastor_EJ.pdf

of the Sermon:**

Today’s sermon, “Watch the Company You Keep,” explored the biblical call to accountability within the body of Christ, focusing on Galatians 6:1-5. We examined what it means to be our brother’s or sister’s keeper—not in the dismissive way of Cain, but as true family in Christ, called to gently and humbly help each other back onto the right path. The message challenged us to embrace tough love, to lean on the right spiritual community, and to recognize that accountability is both a privilege and a responsibility for every believer. We were reminded that sin is not to be played with, and that we need partners who will point us to Jesus, not just to our own strength. Finally, we were encouraged to carry our own load, help others with their burdens, and not grow weary in doing good, especially when it comes to holding each other accountable.

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Key Takeaways

• 1. Accountability Is a Family Matter in Christ: True accountability is rooted in our identity as brothers and sisters in Christ. It’s not about policing each other, but about sharing burdens and helping one another walk in God’s will. This kind of spiritual family requires us to be invested in each other’s growth, not just our own comfort.
• 2. Tough Love Is Real Love: Genuine love doesn’t ignore sin or sweep it under the rug. It’s willing to have hard conversations, to confront with gentleness, and to risk misunderstanding for the sake of another’s restoration. Tough love is not about control or superiority, but about caring enough to point each other back to Jesus when we stray.
• 3. Sin Is Subtle and Dangerous—Don’t Play With It: Sin often overtakes us unexpectedly, and we are not as strong as we think. The more we compromise, the more power sin gains over us. We need accountability partners who remind us that Jesus has already broken sin’s hold, and who encourage us to walk by the Spirit, not by the flesh.
• 4. Accountability Must Be Done with Humility and Gentleness: We are called to restore others gently, not with pride or a sense of superiority. Accountability is not an opportunity to compare ourselves or to shame others, but a call to humility—recognizing our own vulnerability and need for grace as we help others.
• 5. Don’t Grow Weary in Doing Good—Especially in Accountability: It’s tempting to give up on holding others accountable because it’s hard, uncomfortable, and sometimes thankless. But God calls us to persevere, trusting that our efforts to love, restore, and uphold one another will bear fruit in due season. Our faithfulness in this area matters to God, even when it goes unseen by others.

1. Dear brothers and sisters, if another believer is overcome by some sin, you who are godly should gently and humbly help that person back onto the right path. And be careful not to fall into the same temptation yourself.
2. Share each other’s burdens, and in this way obey the law of Christ.
3. If you think you are too important to help someone, you are only fooling yourself. You are not that important.
4. Pay careful attention to your own work, for then you will get the satisfaction of a job well done, and you won’t need to compare yourself to anyone else.
5. For we are each responsible for our own conduct.

1. According to Galatians 6:1, what attitude and approach are we supposed to have when helping someone who has been “overcome by some sin”?
2. What is the difference between “sharing each other’s burdens” and “carrying your own load” as described in verses 2 and 5?
3. In verse 3, what warning does Paul give to those who might think they are “too important” to help others?
4. What does Paul say is the result of paying careful attention to your own work (verse 4)?

1. The sermon talked about being our brother’s or sister’s keeper, not in a dismissive way like Cain, but as true family in Christ. What does it mean to be “family” in the body of Christ, especially when it comes to accountability?
2. Why do you think Paul emphasizes gentleness and humility when restoring someone who has fallen into sin? How does this change the way accountability should look in the church?
3. The message said, “Sin is not to be played with.” Why is it dangerous to think we are strong enough to handle sin on our own? How does accountability help us avoid being overtaken by sin?
4. The sermon mentioned that accountability is both a privilege and a responsibility. In what ways can holding others accountable be difficult or uncomfortable, and why is it still important to persevere?

1. Think about a time when someone tried to hold you accountable or point out something in your life that wasn’t right. How did you respond? Looking back, do you think they were showing you “tough love”? Why or why not?
2. The sermon challenged us to have hard conversations with each other for the sake of restoration. Is there someone in your life right now who needs gentle accountability from you? What would it look like to approach them with humility and love?
3. Are there areas in your life where you have been “playing with sin” or thinking you can handle it on your own? What would it look like to invite someone to be an accountability partner for you in that area?
4. The message said that accountability is not about policing or shaming, but about sharing burdens and helping each other walk in God’s will. How can you tell the difference between helpful accountability and harmful judgment? Have you ever experienced both?
5. Sometimes it’s easier to “mind your own business” than to get involved in someone else’s struggles. What holds you back from stepping in when you see a brother or sister going astray? What would help you overcome that hesitation?
6. The sermon encouraged us not to grow weary in doing good, especially in holding each other accountable. Have you ever felt tired or discouraged in trying to help someone? What keeps you going, or what could help you keep going, when it feels thankless?
7. “Carry your own load” means taking responsibility for your own actions, while “share each other’s burdens” means helping others with what’s too heavy for them alone. Is there a burden you need help carrying right now? How can you let your spiritual family know?