James: Caring to Confront

Preached on 11.29.09 by Heath Lambert
Sermon Notes

¹⁹My brothers, if anyone among you wanders from the truth and someone brings him back, ²⁰let him know that whoever brings back a sinner from his wandering will save his soul from death and will cover a multitude of sins. (James 5:19-20)

Christians Wander from the Truth

• What does it mean to wander from the truth?
  • Truth is something we know. (1 Tim 2:4; Heb 10:26)
  • Truth is something we do. (Gal 5:7; 1 John 1:6)
  • Truth is someone we trust. (John 14:6)
• A true Christian can never ultimately leave the truth (1 Cor 1:7-9; Phil 1:6)
• This text is a sobering reminder that we can wander from it
• What are we to do?

When We Wander, We Need Community to Bring Us Back

• Community Care in James 5:13-20
  • James 5:14-Sickness-one who is sick calls for the elders
  • James 5:16-Sin-one who is sinning confesses to his brothers
  • James 5:19-Wandering-one slipping into sin is confronted by his brothers
• Each of these have to do with personal ministry of the Word in counseling
• This last one is different and has to do with our responsibility to minister to people when they don’t know they need help (Luke 17:3; Gal 6:1)
• The ideal is that they listen but the Bible also gives guidelines on involving the larger community in bringing back the sinner (Matt 18:15-20)

“Bringing Back” Is Difficult and We Need Encouragement for the Work

• Three common objections
  • “That’s none of my business.”
  • “It’s mean.”
  • “What if it makes them not like me?”
• James encourages that whoever brings back a wandering sinner . . .
  • “Saves his soul from death”
  • “Covers a multitude of sins.”

Making this Work

• Realize that you need help
• Realize that your brothers and sisters need help
• Come to church
• Plug into your community group
• Pray
• Stay focused on Jesus