Bringing Back the One Who Strays

You Can Be Restored

James (4. The Ministry of Restoration (5:19–20))

Kurt Richardson (NAC)

in the conclusion he reminded them of the significance of a restoration ministry. These diaspora believers who were prone to wander because of doubt were to help others who had strayed into sin. Reminding believers, subject as they are to double-mindedness and self-deception, is a fundamental pedagogical(teaching) task that James had set for himself and encouraged in others.

Hebrews & James 5. The Ministry of Reclaiming Wanderers (vv. 19–20)

It is a description of reclaiming a professing Christian who has wandered into sin.

The One Who Strays

Have You Walked Away From the Truth?

From Sound Doctrine

Luke 21:8 NASB95

And He said, “See to it that you are not misled; for many will come in My name, saying, ‘I am He,’ and, ‘The time is near.’ Do not go after them.

2 Peter 2:15 NASB95

forsaking the right way, they have gone astray, having followed the way of Balaam, the son of Beor, who loved the wages of unrighteousness;

James 4. The Ministry of Restoration (5:19–20)

The truth from which believers wander is that which comes from the word of God that birthed them (1:18) and which they deny when they “harbor bitter envy and selfish ambition” in their hearts (3:14) while claiming to be faithful to it. The wandering from the truth here may be the wandering away from the gathered church itself.

James Chapter 5

Scripture teaches that it is through the knowledge and faith of certain great truths alone that men’s hearts will be imbued with Christian principle, and their lives become acceptable to God.

From the Christian Walk

James Chapter 5

The man, therefore, who professes zeal for orthodoxy, and all the while is wallowing in sin, or becoming entangled with the world, is really a heretic. Such a man is a living lie against the truth.

James 3:14 NASB95

But if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your heart, do not be arrogant and so lie against the truth.

James 4. The Ministry of Restoration (5:19–20)

In the next verse this term will be used to indicate the turning away from evil; here it is the positive turning (returning) to the good that is found in the gifts of God. The believer who brings restoration becomes an instrument of those inexhaustible gifts to those who will listen and return to the way of truth.

Matthew 18:15 NASB95

“If your brother sins, go and show him his fault in private; if he listens to you, you have won your brother.

Galatians 6:1 NASB95

Brethren, even if anyone is caught in any trespass, you who are spiritual, restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness; each one looking to yourself, so that you too will not be tempted.

James 4:8 NASB95

Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded.

Hebrews & James 5. The Ministry of Reclaiming Wanderers (vv. 19–20)

Those who claim to know Christ but live in persistent disobedience show that their claim to know Christ is empty and wrong. They demonstrate that they were never believers at any time. Genuine believers will never lose their salvation. Some who are true believers may wander into sin. The Bible commends us when we exert our best efforts to bring wandering believers back to full commitment.

The One Who Brings Them Back

Will You Help One Who has Waled Away From the Truth?

James Chapter 5

For there are members of the visible Church who are not true Christians. They make for some time a fair profession; but by-and-by they visibly fall away.

Romans 11:14 NASB95

if somehow I might move to jealousy my fellow countrymen and save some of them.

James 4. The Ministry of Restoration (5:19–20)

Sin slays the sinner. James’s focus is on the death of the body. He was not commenting on that which will follow the judgment of God (cf. 4:12), who will cause the destruction of the wicked.

James Chapter 5

The Christian worker must not forget that to restore an erring soul is one of the noblest of achievements. It is a far grander triumph than even to save a man’s natural life.

Normal Christian life is a repeated process of restoration and renewal.

John Piper

1 Peter 4:8 NASB95

Above all, keep fervent in your love for one another, because love covers a multitude of sins.

Acts 26:18 NASB95

to open their eyes so that they may turn from darkness to light and from the dominion of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and an inheritance among those who have been sanctified by faith in Me.’

1 Timothy 4:16 NASB95

Pay close attention to yourself and to your teaching; persevere in these things, for as you do this you will ensure salvation both for yourself and for those who hear you.

James Chapter 5

James does not say, “If any preacher, or pastor, or elder, convert him;” the work may be accomplished by the humblest member of the congregation. Even a servant-maid, or a little child, may be honoured to do it. Each member is bound to seek the spiritual good of every other member. For, we are our “brother’s keeper.”

James (Chapter 5)

1. Let us beware of backsliding ourselves; and let us ask the Holy Spirit to “see if there be any wicked way in us.”

2. Let us be concerned about our erring brethren, and labour to compass their conversion.

3. Let us take encouragement to missionary effort from the melting motive presented in this closing counsel.—C. J.