James Series 13 - Guard Each Other

Reading: James 5:19-20
Remember this: Whoever turns a sinner from the error of his way will save him from death and cover over a multitude of sins. James 5:20 (NIV)

I.   Notice the Wanderer

     A.  We might wander from the Truth

           1.  It’s easy to go off course

                 a.  Getting lost can happen very quickly

                 b.  Staying on course means constant course corrections

           2.  We all go off course, from time to time

                 a.  Sometimes we don’t know it

                 b.  Sometimes we just don’t know how to stay on course. (The winds blow hard)

                 c.  Sometimes it’s intentional!

           3.  The Truth we wander from: God cares

                 a.  We begin to believe we need to invent our own ways to get our needs met

                 b.  We assume His ways are too restrictive

                 c.  We don’t run away, we just wander off

     B.  We are to Watch Out for each other

           1.  We care for each other this way

                 a.  Parents watch out for their children

                 b.  Siblings watch out for each other

                 c.  God’s family is no different

           2.  This doesn’t mean policing each other

                 a.  This is what the Pharisees did

                 b.  This is not to catch someone in sin.

                 c.  We aren’t to judge people (remember?)

           3.  We watch to protect each other from harm

                 a.  In the FD we do this on I-5, or at a fire.

                 b.  One may notice what most don’t

                 c.  We want no one to wander into danger.

     C.  We are Accountable to each other

           1.  We rely on each other to stay on the path

                 a.  Nobody can stay on the right path alone

                 b.  We need each other to know the Truth

           2.  We have an obligation toward each other

                 a.  Love demands that we help each other

                 b.  God commands us to do so (Gal.6:1)

                 c.  We are obliged to turn people to God (not our opinion of Him or His Word)

           3.  We have an obligation from each other

                 a.  We need to be corrected

                 b.  Humility demands we listen

                 c.  We should listen appreciatively

II.  Help a sinner Turn

     A.  Go after those who have turned Away

           1.  Don’t bother those who just walk the same path differently.

                 a.  Notice that we help sinners turn.

                 b.  It’s not about convincing each other to change a style of Christianity

                 c.  Be careful to correct only those who wander away from the Truth.

           2.  To wander from the Truth is to wander away from God

                 a.  We don’t always experience it that way

                 b.  It often seems like a simple variation

                 c.  When we see a brother/sister wander from God, that’s when we apply this v.

           3.  We are to turn “sinners” back to God

                 a.  Is someone sinning? Help him/her turn

                 b.  Is someone on a path to sin? Help them

                 c.  Help them turn back toward God

     B.  Stick with them until they turn Back

           1.  Don’t give up on people–God doesn’t

                 a.  We must presume God plans all to turn

                 b.  We must presume God plans us to help

                 c.  We may not assume God has given up

           2.  Be patient as God is patient

                 a.  How patient is God with people?

                 b.  Don’t rush God–let Him do His work

           3.  Even if all you can do is pray for them

                 a.  Sometimes a friendship gets strained

                 b.  Sometimes folks just won’t listen

                 c.  Sometimes we’re at a loss

     C.  The Holy Spirit uses us for His work

           1.  This is really God’s work.

                 a.  We don’t do this for God

                 b.  God does this through us

           2.  We are responsible to do our part

                 a.  Our job is to do what we believe is best

                 b.  Our job isn’t to have success

           3.  The final outcome is in God’s hands

                 a.  Only God can turn a sinner.

                 b.  It’s the Spirit’s job to convince us of sin

When he comes, he will convict the world of guilt in regard to sin and righteousness and judgment Jn 16:7

III. The road to Life and Forgiveness

     A.  It’s a matter of life and Death

           1.  This isn’t merely about personal taste

                 a.  It’s not “Boys will be boys” or girls/girls

                 b.  Not “Different strokes for different folks,” or “it takes all kinds.”

                 c.  Nor “I just plain don’t like it.”

           2.  The path of sin is the path to death

                 a.  This is serious business

                 b.  Sin’s wages is always death

           3.  Don’t let anyone die from your negligence

                 a.  New York is notorious for the phrase “I don’t want to get involved.”

                 b.  If this really is a life and death issue . . .

     B.  It’s never Too Late for forgiveness

           1.  It’s never too late for someone to turn

                 a.  Those who have turned from the Truth don’t always believe this one.

                 b.  Make sure they know it!

                 c.  Make sure you know it!

           2.  It’s never too late to help someone turn

                 a.  God’s power is always more than sin’s

                 b.  If you’ve put it off too long already . . .

           3.  The sin of not helping someone turn is always forgivable too.

                 a.  Are you beating yourself up for not helping when you had a chance?

                 b.  Know God’s forgiveness for that too!

     C.  Forgiven sins are Forgotten

           1.  To cover sin means to make it unseeable

                 a.  The forgiven’s sins are covered inPs32:1

                 b.  They are covered by atoning sacrifices

           2.  The sacrifice of Jesus covers all our sins

                 a.  Christ’s blood cleanses us (Heb.9:14)

                 b.  His one sacrifice is enough for all time

           3.  Forgiveness hides sins as dirt covers casket

                 a.  Sin will bury us, but God buries sin!

                 b.  Once God forgives a sin it stays forgiven

The Bottom Line:

R#661 Rescue the Perishing v.1

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