Restoring Those Who Wander from the Truth “Real Life” [James] Series [26] James 5:19-20

FINAL RECAP: WHAT DOES “REAL FAITH” LOOK LIKE IN REAL LIFE? 1. [1:1-18]Real faith faces trials with a joyful attitude, a wise perspective, and a steadfast heart. 2. [1:19-27]Real faith not only hears but also acts on the Word, living out true godliness. 3. [2:1-13]Real faith transforms our value system, keeping the royal law as the rule of life. 4. [2:14-26]Real faith produces works of faith natural fruit; faith without works is dead. 5. [3:1-12]Real faith bridles the tongue, being vigilant against its untamable, destructive power. 6. [3:13-18]Real faith seeks true wisdom from above, which is marked by meekness and peace.

FINAL RECAP: WHAT DOES “REAL FAITH” LOOK LIKE IN REAL LIFE? 7. [4:1-12]Real faith draws near to God through submission & repentance, turning away from quarrels and friendship with the world. 8. [4:13-17]Real faith makes plans with humble surrender to God’s sovereign will. 9. [5:1-12]Real faith is patient in suffering through steadfastness of faith in God’s purpose, heeding the warning against abusive wealth. 10. [5:13-20]Real faith responds to all circumstances with faith, experiencing the effectual power of prayer and love in healing & restoration.

RESTORING THE WANDERER IN LOVE 1)What does it mean to wander from the truth? 19 My brothers, if anyone among you wanders from the truth and someone brings him back, 20 let him know that whoever brings back a sinner from his wandering will save his soul from death and will cover a multitude of sins. (vs )  It means to wander not only from the orthodoxy [= right belief] but also from the orthopraxy [= right living].  The word, “wander” [Gk. planaó] means to get off-course, to roam into error—i.e., it is a subtle process of drifting away.  Four primary causes of wandering are (1) culture (e.g., post- modernism), (2) counterfeit gods (e.g., idols/broken cisterns), (3) complacency, and (4) community (lack of or unhealthy).  Therefore, we are to first examine ourselves whether we’ve been subtly wandering—as we restore others.

Therefore let anyone who thinks that he stands take heed lest he fall. 1 Corinthians 10:12 26 So I do not run aimlessly; I do not box as one beating the air. 27 But I discipline my body and keep it under control, lest after preaching to others I myself should be disqualified. 1 Corinthians 9:26-27

RESTORING THE WANDERER IN LOVE 2)How are we to respond to the one who wanders from the truth? 19 My brothers, if anyone among you wanders from the truth and someone brings him back, 20 let him know that whoever brings back a sinner from his wandering will save his soul from death and will cover a multitude of sins. (vs )  Note this first: we are NOT to (1) discern the cause and leave him/her up to God; (2) be angry and shun him; (3) pray for him and hope he comes back somehow; (4) ask the pastors/elders to do something about it.  No, we are to bring him back ourselves—it is (1) every believer’s responsibility and (2) mutual care & accountability.  Therefore, we are to GO after the wanderer and take time and effort to BRING HIM BACK.

“If your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault, between you and him alone. If he listens to you, you have gained your brother.” Matthew 18:15 Brothers, if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness. Keep watch on yourself, lest you too be tempted. Galatians 6:1 5 Better is open rebuke than hidden love. 6 Faithful are the wounds of a friend; profuse are the kisses of an enemy. Proverbs 27:5-6

RESTORING THE WANDERER IN LOVE 3)Why should we bring back the wanderers? 19 My brothers, if anyone among you wanders from the truth and someone brings him back, 20 let him know that whoever brings back a sinner from his wandering will save his soul from death and will cover a multitude of sins. (vs )  The context of this exhortation is in the previous passage (5:13-18) which is about communal prayer/care in the church.  In this light, the normal Christian life is a communal life in which we are to be interdependent in mutual care and challenge [= two sides of loving one another].  Bringing back the wandering brother or sister will save him or her from death (e.g., physical or eternal death).  Therefore, our motivation should be GENUINE LOVE that covers a multitude of sins.

Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins. 1 Peter 4:8 12 Take care, brothers, lest there be in any of you an evil, unbelieving heart, leading you to fall away from the living God. 13 But exhort one another every day, as long as it is called "today," that none of you may be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin. Hebrews 3: And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, 25 not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near. Hebrews 10:24-25

PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS FOR OUR EVERYDAY LIFE 1.Be watchful OF YOUR OWN SUBTLE WANDERING even before you visibly wander.  Don’t let the culture, complacency, and neglect of community sneak in to cause you to drift away.  Be anchored in God’s Word and God’s people daily. 2. Take the responsibility of BRINGING BACK THE WANDERER through taking intentional steps.  (1)Pray for him; (2) GO to him; (3) Take time to share your genuine love with him; (4) Be bold yet gentle—speak truth in love.  NEVER give up on him or her!!! 3. Keep YOUR MOTIVE PURE in bringing back the one who wanders from the truth.  Recommit to love him/her through prayer (& fasting).  Let your love be genuine—examine and purify your motive.