Gospel Bible Baptist Church

Jas. 5:19-20

Introduction

As James comes to the close of his epistle, he stresses the importance of restoring those who wander from the truth. Restoring straying saints is a responsibility given to all who are truly the children of God – Gal. 6:1-2; 1 Th 5:14. Yet, it is a responsibility that is so easy to neglect, and in most cases is neglected! The purpose of this lesson is two-fold: One, to impress upon our minds the importance of engaging in this work of restoring straying saint, and two, to suggest how we should carry out this important work
I. The condition of saints who have strayed from the truth.
A. As defined by James in our Text

1. They are in danger of death! – Jas. 5:20
2. One who has wandered from the truth has also wandered from the source of forgiveness – 1 Jn. 1:6-7 If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth: But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin. (He is out of fellowship with God).

II. What happens when a Christian commits sins?
A. Below are the lists of things that will happen:

1. What happens when a Christian commits sin? Does he lose his salvation? Absolutely not! (1 Cor. 5:1-5)
2. He/she loses his fellowship with the Lord -1 John 1:6-7 If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth: But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.
3. Misery, loss of joy because we are controlled by our sinful nature. Ps. 51:12 Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation; and uphold me with thy free spirit.
4. Divine discipline- Heb. 12:5-10
5. Broken relationship and pain to those around us especially to our families. Gal. 5:15 But if ye bite and devour one another, take heed that ye be not consumed one of another. Heb. 12:15 Looking diligently lest any man fail of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up trouble you, and thereby many be defiled;
6. Loss of testimony in the world and dishonor to the Lord. 1 Pet. 2:12 Having your conversation honest among the Gentiles: that, whereas they speak against you as evildoers, they may by your good works, which they shall behold, glorify God in the day of visitation. 1 Pet. 2:15 For so is the will of God, that with well doing ye may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men:
7. Loss of rewards. 1 Cor. 3:12-15 Now if any man build upon this foundation gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, stubble; Every man’s work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man’s work of what sort it is. If any man’s work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward. If any man’s work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire.
8. Increase discipline – Ps. 32:4 For day and night thy hand was heavy upon me: my moisture is turned into the drought of summer. Selah. Heb. 12:6 For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth.
9. Church discipline – 1 Cor. 5 1-5
10. Divine discipline to the point of physical death. 1 Cor. 11:30 For this cause many are weak and sickly among you, and many sleep. 1 J 5:1n. 6 If any man see his brother sin a sin which is not unto death, he shall ask, and he shall give him life for them that sin not unto death. There is a sin unto death: I do not say that he shall pray for it.

III. Restoring Straying Saints
A. It requires special attributes

1. People who are Spiritual. Gal. 6:1
   a. Those who are producing the fruit of the Spirit in their own lives – Gal. 5:22-23
   b. Unqualified personnel need not apply for this work. They might best work on themselves first – Mt. 7:3-4. Then they can help others – Mt 7:5
2. Spirit of Gentleness
   a. We are engaged in delicate “soul surgery”
   b. This is not the time to misuse the “sword of the Spirit”!
3. A constant sense of self examination
   a. If we are not careful, we can easily fall into the same fault!
   b. As many do when they counsel those with marital problems without proper supervision.
4. A willingness to bear one another’s burden
   a. Which involves an expense of time and energy to help the weak to overcome their faults
   b. Our responsibility is not fulfilled by simply pointing out our brother’s faults!
5. Humility
   a. This is implied in Gal. 6:3
   b. It is stated outright in 2 Tim. 2:24-26
   c. People will not accept correction or advice coming from an arrogant person!
   d. In many cases, we may need to confess our own sin of negligence first! (for not coming sooner)
6. Ample knowledge of God’s Word.
   a. We must be able to teach and apply God’s Word to the situation
   b. For it is important that they respond to GOD’S word, and not just to OUR views or opinions!
7. Patience
   a. The same kind that we receive from God for our faults
   b. The same kind that Paul showed towards the church at Corinth. 2 Cor. 1:23-2:3
   c. Of course, if repentance is not forthcoming, we can wait for only so long – 2 Cor. 13:1-2
8. Sincere demonstration of Love
   a. Both at the time of rebuke – 2 Cor. 2:4
   b. And at the time of repentance – 2 Cor. 2:6-8

B. It requires Proper procedure

1. The wrong procedures:
   a. Running around and talking to everyone but the person who needs to be corrected and restored!
   b. Preaching about these people from the pulpit at the very outset!
   c. Bringing it up at congregational business meetings at the very first!
2. The proper procedure is outlined by Jesus in Mt 18:15-17
   a. Even though the sin may not be against you personally… This is still a good way to avoid misunderstanding
   b. This is still more likely to succeed. Therefore…
   1). Go to the person first
   2). Then take others, if necessary
   3). Then tell it to the church, if necessary
   4). If he won’t hear the church, withdraw any association that might appear to give approval to their behavior 1 Cor. 5:1-13; 2 Thess. 3:6-15; Rom. 16:17

IV. Conclusion:
The work of restoring or correcting saints may be unpleasant at times, but it has the potential for great joy! Both in heaven: “I say unto you, that likewise joy shall be in heaven over one sinner that repenteth, more than over ninety and nine just persons, which need no repentance.” (Lk 15:7). And in our hearts: “I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth.” (3 Jo 4). It comes down to this. Do we really love God? Do we really love our straying brethren? Brethren, let us love one another!