Sermon Recap — May 7, 2023

Bringing the Wanderer Back

Jeremy Bell
James 5:19-20
May 7, 2023
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James 5:19–20 [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. (ESV)

Sermon Theme: God wants to use us, as a means of grace to help one another to remain steadfast in the faith. He also desires that wisely seek to pursue those who have wandered from the faith and to do what we  can to see them restored to the Lord.

After a summary of the passage, the following encouragements were given:

1. Believer, God intends to use you to keep your brothers and sisters in the faith

“And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, 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

“But exhort one another, as long as it is called today, that none of you may be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin.” — Hebrews 3:13

“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. 2 Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ. — Galatians 6:1-2

2. Love moves towards those who are wandering from the truth

When I fear my faith will fail
Christ will hold me fast
When the tempter would prevail
He will hold me fast

I could never keep my hold
Through life’s fearful path
For my love is often cold
He must hold me fast

He will hold me fast
He will hold me fast
For my Savior loves me so
He will hold me fast

by Matt Merker

Questions for Discussion/Application

• Re-read the text, James 5:19-20. What initial insights and observations do you have from reading this passage?
• What does it look like practically for us to faithfully and wisely pursue those who have wandered from the faith?
• What challenges do we face when it comes to reaching out to those who once professed to follow Christ, but now reject Him?
• If you have a grown child or children that have wandered from the Lord, describe the burden you feel them. What specific prayers do you have for them?
• What prayer requests do you have for yourself as you seek to reach out to those in your relational network who have walked away from Christ?
• Consider taking time to pray, asking God to help us to be faithful to pray for and reach out to those who have wandered from the Lord. Let us also pray that we would be faithful to “exhort one another every day”  to follow hard after the Lord and remain faithful to Him.