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James 5:19-20
Introduction:
1. Subjects previously covered in our study of James include: a. "facing temptations" (1:2-18) b. "hearing and doing the Word" (1:19-27) c. "respect of persons" (2:1-13) d. "faith and works" (2:14-26) e. "a warning for teachers" (3:1) f. "use of the tongue" (3:2-12) g. "true and false wisdom" (3:13-18) h. "strife among Christians" (4:1-10) i. "speaking evil of others" (4:11-12) j. "self-sufficiency" (4:13-17) k. "words of warning and reproof for the rich" (5:1-6) l. "patience" (5:7-11) m. "swearing" (5:12) n. "calling upon God" (5:13-15) o. "prayer" (5:16-18). 2. Another important subject is addressed in 5:19-20: "the salvation of erring brethren." a. Christians receive forgiveness through confession and prayer (James 5:16; 1 John 1:9). b. In the final verses of his letter James showed how faithful brethren are responsible for converting erring brethren. Discussion: I. A CHILD OF GOD CAN FALL A. These verses are addressed to "brethren" ("if any of you"). B. It is possible for a brother to "err" [wander, go astray] from the truth. 1. A child of God can err from the truth by believing or teaching false doctrine (2 Timothy 2:16-18). 2. A child of God can also err from the truth through sinful living (James 3:14). C. A child of God who errs from the truth: 1. is a sinner 2. needs to be converted 3. is in danger of losing his soul (2 Peter 2:20-22). D. The fact that a child of God can fall is also declared in Galatians 5:4. II. A FALLEN CHILD OF GOD CAN RETURN TO THE LORD A. A fallen brother: 1. can be converted from the error of his way 2. can have his soul saved from death 3. can have his sins forgiven. B. However, as long as a child of God continues in his rebellious state he cannot receive forgiveness (Hebrews 6:4-6). C. The good news is that a person can undergo a change of heart and have his relationship with the Lord restored (Luke 15:17-24). III. FAITHFUL BRETHREN ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR RESTORING FALLEN BRETHREN A. Faithful brethren are responsible for converting those who have erred from the truth, saving their souls from death, and hiding a multitude of sins (Galatians 6:1). B. Some men who have restored fallen brethren include: 1. Nathan (2 Samuel 12:1-13) 2. Peter (Acts 8:12-24). | ||