www.gbcwestlake.org
James 5:19,20
- Who in the church or fellowship has the responsibility to do something if a brother is seen to be wandering from the truth (5:19,20)? The brother or sister in Christ who recognizes it is happening.
- Only God can bring a sinner back and save him (John 6:44; Ephesians 1:7). So what does James mean by saying that one of us should bring the wanderer back and turn him from the error of his way? It is our responsibility to be God's instrument, messenger, to tell them how they are walking away from truth; and to help them come back to it. But still, without the Holy Spirit doing the work on their heart, it will not happen. That is God's job; and we just need to do ours.
- Explain in your own words the results of bringing back a wanderer (5:20), as you interpret them: It keeps them from going down the path of discipline that they were on, which could have led to physical death; or if they were a pretending believer, but really a non-believer, it delivers them from spiritual, eternal separation kind of death. It also keeps them from the many other consequences they would have experienced in their sin.
- What are some practical steps a person can take when he sees a brother wandering from the truth? 1) pray for him; 2) make sure your own heart is right before God; 3) pray for the right timing and then contact him; 4) lovingly explain your concern for them and specifically how you believe they have walked away from the truth. 5) Be there for them, all the way through the restoration process.
No comments:
Post a Comment