Reclaiming the Wayward

Good afternoon and welcome back to the Panhandle. Well we are at end of our study of James. I think it would be a good time for a quick review. Remember the writer of this epistle was not James the son of Zebedee, the brother of John. That James was put to death by Herod (Acts 12) before Christianity had gained so much ground among the Jews of the dispersion as is here implied. I also don't think it was the cousin of Christ Jesus, John the Baptizer .

This James is the half brother of our Lord. He was not a believer at first but after being visited by Christ Jesus after the resurrection James became a believer and eventually the pastor of the church in Jerusalem. James was so highly revered for his justice, temperance, and devotion, that Josephus the Jewish historian records it as one of the causes of the destruction of Jerusalem, "That James was martyred in it."

The purpose of James’ letter was to admonish Christians for their corruption both of their faith and actions. James also wanted to prevent the spreading of false doctrines which threatened the destruction of all practical godliness. James also wrote this letter to the Christians in exile to offer comfort and encouragement for the trials they were facing and would be facing.

The truths laid down by James were and still are very significant to all Christians; they are still teaching you and me how to actively face adversity in a practical and Christ-like manner. James’ instructions are still teaching us how to treat our Christian brothers and sisters and those around us.

The Epistle of James is a plea for vital Christianity. Johann Herder (the18th century German philosopher, theologian, poet, and literary critic), caught the mood of this book when he wrote: "What a noble man speaks in this Epistle! Deep unbroken patience in suffering! Greatness in poverty! Joy in sorrow! Simplicity, sincerity, direct confidence in prayer! How he wants action! Action, not words . . . not dead faith!" (F. W. Farrar in The Early Days of Christianity, p. 324)

On October 16, 1996, John Dina, missionary to Mozambique, was bitten by a deadly green mamba snake as he walked in the Mozambican bush with coworkers. Dina drove himself home, a trip which required five hours. His wife and a missionary doctor stayed with him during the night as his pulse slowed and his breathing became more labored.

At dawn a medical evacuation airplane arrived to take him to Johannesburg, South Africa. Doctors at a hospital administered huge doses of antibiotics and anti-inflammatory drugs. They kept a ventilator on standby. Within days Dina had made a remarkable recovery. His doctors said that he would suffer no permanent damage from the bite. Dina’s miraculous recovery from the bite left many villagers who knew of the incident amazed at the power of the God of Christians.

For his part Dina thanked God for his recovery and acknowledged the prayers of God’s people. Thousands of people prayed for him when his name appeared on the missionary prayer calendar on October 12, his thirty-fourth birthday. Thousands prayed when urgent notice was posted on the toll-free prayer lines of the Mission Board and electronic network.

James concludes his letter with an appeal to pray in trouble, in happiness, in sickness, at times of disobedience and in working out God’s will. You must bathe each event of life with prayer. No prayer uttered in faith is ever lost or ignored by God. Prayer accomplishes a good and beneficial purpose. And now in these last two verses; 19-20 of chapter 5 and of James’ letter; James gives practical advice on the ministry of reclaiming straying brothers and sisters in Christ.

Without a doubt, this is one of those difficult passages of James and of the Bible to understand. As a result, the church has not always agreed upon the interpretation of it. However, we will look at the basic tenets of truth that will be applicable and practical for all who follow Christ Jesus as Lord.

James 5:19

19 My brothers, if one of you should wander from the truth and someone should bring him back,

1. The Need for Spiritual Healing (v. 19)

In James 1:16, we are warned against erring. Now James writes to those who have “erred” or “wandered” from the truth. Either doctrinally by embracing erroneous theology; or practically, by falling into sinful practices. The Greek word for this activity is planáō (pla na ō) which can also be translated as “deceived” or “gone astray.”

This “wandering” or “straying” through the deception of Satan takes us away from the truth. And what is the truth? Christ Jesus is the personification of truth. He came declaring that “I am the way, the truth, and the life …” (John 14:6). He stated that “if we would know Him, we would know the truth, and the truth would make us free” (John 8:31–32).

To err or stray from the truth or to stray from Christ Jesus is a great tragedy. When you err or stray you loss your witness and worse yet you may cause someone to stumble or even miss an opportunity to start a relationship with Christ Jesus.

James calls upon Christians to respond to such a problem with directness. James called their attention and ours to the importance of trying to save an erring or wayward brother or sister, if such an instance should happen. However when we try to help the wayward brother or sister we are not to be accusatory or make a public spectacle. You are not trying to bring public shame or reproach on them, but instead restoration. If all your endeavors fail then you must take the matter to the church body and let them deal with the brother or sister.

Christian Brother and Sister have you gone astray? It is easy to do so don’t beat yourself up over it, just turn back to God; ask for forgiveness and it will be given to you.

 James 5:19-20
19 My brothers, if one of you should wander from the truth and someone should bring him back,

2. Turn Back (v. 19) - Theologians and biblical scholars have debated the meaning of this passage for centuries. The usual question which is asked is, “Does this passage teach that a Christian who strays from the truth is saved or lost?”

I think that when we dwell on the question of the Christian being saved or lost we are sidetracked by Satan. Instead the question to ask is, “Was the person who strayed ever saved in the first place?” I think that if a person can continue to live in disobedience to Christ they show their claim to be a Christian empty and wrong. Their actions show that they misunderstood or never made a real profession of faith. No I am not judging, but I am using spiritual discernment. I want you to remember that a true Christian can not lose their salvation.

Now the next question, “How do I become involved in the ministry of restoring a known backslider?” if they are a Christian brother or sister. Unfortunately James focuses more on the need to be involved in such a ministry than he does in explaining to us how to do it. However, when we look through the teachings of James I think we can piece a plan together.

First, we must take the initiative. I believe that teaching of James is that we should not be passive about a brother or sister who is erring from the truth. We should take the initiative to do something about it.

Second, we should pray. In the preceding verses, James repeatedly instructs us to pray when we are in need. It is always appropriate to pray for those in spiritual need.

Third, we can love. The ministry of love is the primary calling of every Christian. Christ Jesus said that the life of love was the distinguishable mark of the Christian (John 13:35). God has called us to prayerfully activate the ministry of the Holy Spirit to love and invite, to woo and draw sinners to repentance. And Christians back into the body.

Is there someone you need to talk to? Don’t let fear of rejection or of anything else keep you from helping that Christian brother or sister.

James 5:20

20 remember this: Whoever turns a sinner from the error of his way will save him from death and cover over a multitude of sins.

3. Two Promises (v. 20) – Is this physical death or spiritual death?

Some commentators have put forth that James is speaking of physical death. Sin destroys, and if a person persists in following sin, they will be eternally separated from God, that is eternal death. Reaching such a person for Christ Jesus is always worth the effort.

However, because James specifically refers to the phrase, “will save a soul from death,” it is more likely that he is referring to spiritual death. The word for soul is psuché́ (sook-háy) which refers to the spiritual part of man rather than the physical. A person who has truly had a life changing encounter with Christ Jesus cannot suffer eternal death: "My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me; and I give eternal life to them, and they will never perish; and no one will snatch them out of My hand.” John 10:27-28

It might be better to read this verse as such – “he shall deliver such a wayward Christian from the deadly results of his sin.” While a Christian can not suffer eternal death, they just like anyone else will suffer the consequences of their sins. A in most cases they suffer more because they know they are erring against God. However, when a professing Christian returns to Christ Jesus he or she avoids spiritual ruin that surely would come upon them and make their life miserable. This is the first promise.

Promise #2 – The teaching of James ends with the focus on grace and forgiveness. Turn from your wayward ways and God’s forgiveness will cover a multitude of sins. Again these are the sins of one who is already saved, but who has wandered away and now has come back. James is in no way suggesting that there is any other way to salvation except through Christ Jesus.

Specifically salvation is through Christ Jesus’ love. Peter teaches that love covers a multitude of sins (1 Peter 4:8). And John teaches that God is the source of love; God is love! (1 John 4:8). With God’s love comes grace as opposed to judgment and forgiveness in contrast to condemnation (John 3:16–18). When a sinner turns from his or her “wandering” and returns to God, all the resources of God’s love are unleashed. The psalmist declares that as far as the east is from the west, so far does our Lord remove our sins from us when they are confessed to Him. God forgives and forgets (Psalms 103:12).

Christians must flee the pursuit of wealth, demonstrate stamina in trials, and practice prayer at all times. If we will do this then God will keep His promises to us and we will be restored into His family.

If you are not a Christian you should be asking yourself, “What must I do to be saved?” Well I’m glad you asked. You must confess with you mouth, believe in your heart that Christ Jesus died as the perfect sacrifice, and rose from the grave three days later and now sits at the right hand of God and you will be saved. To be saved is to be adopted into God’s family and thereby entitled to all He has to offer. Peace, love, joy and the list goes on so why not join God’s family today.