Date: 26-Jan-2024
Name: Flo
Topic: BEING A CATALYST
Content:
*Galatians 6:1*
Brothers, if someone is caught in a sin, you who are spiritual should restore him gently. But watch yourself, or you also may be tempted
A catalyst is defined in a number of ways but aren't limited to these:
1. *Chem*. A substance that causes or accelerates a chemical reaction without itself being affected.
2. A person or thing that precipitates an event or change:
3. A person whose talk, enthusiasm, or energy causes others to be more friendly, enthusiastic, or energetic
The term *catalyst* is derived from Greek *kataluein*, meaning *loosen* or *untie*
Some of the characteristics of a Catalyst can be found in Matthew 5:13-16
13 “You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled by men.
14 “You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden"
15 "Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house."
16 "In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven."
Paul detailed how Christians can become catalysts in Galatians 6:1–5
1. *Spirit Living*
A godly conviction is required by a catalyst before he's able to help anyone in need of change. By living in the Spirit, their confidence does not lie in themselves but in Christ only!
Paul's strongly advised in his letters - live in the Spirit in order to assist someone caught in sin and to restore that person gently without being tempted into the path of sin themselves.
2. *Carry your Brother's Burden*
Paul also asked the people to carry each other’s burdens. A catalyst knows that embarrassing situations caused by sin can cause people to be unwilling to make changes for better - they're in too deep!
A wake-up call before the fat hits the fire is the real reaction needed here!
3. *Make it happen!*
Paul asked that the weak ones be restored gently.
The verb for “restore” in the original language suggests the act of mending a broken net and, further to that, equipping and coaching someone to put them in perfect condition.
As catalysts, we should work to remove the hindrances that get in the way of making change.
Prayer Points:
*Prayer points*
1. Ask God to give you a heart for people, one person at a time.
2. Pray that God will direct you to places where you will spark a change
3. Pray for the ability to focus on God's grace and the spiritual toughness to be a catalyst.
