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James 05:19-20 Restoring Straying Saints – audio
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Text: James 5:19-20
Introduction
1. As James comes to the close of his epistle, he stresses the importance of restoring those who wander from the truth:
2. Restoring straying saints is a responsibility given to ALL who are truly the children of God – Galatians 6:1-2; 1 Thessalonians 5:14
3. Yet, it is a responsibility that is so easy to neglect, and in most cases IS neglected!
4. The purpose of this lesson is two-fold:
a. To impress upon our minds the importance of engaging in this work of restoring straying saints
b. To tell us how we should carry out this important work
Body
I. THE CONDITION OF SAINTS WHO HAVE STRAYED FROM THE TRUTH
A. AS DEFINED BY JAMES IN OUR TEXT
1. They are in danger of DEATH! – James 5:20
2. One who has wandered from the truth has also wandered from the from the source of forgiveness – 1 John 1:6-7
3. Separated from the blood of Christ to cleanse him of his sins, he is in danger of suffering the consequences of sin: DEATH! – Romans 6:23
B. AS DEPICTED BY PETER
1. “The latter end is worse for them than the beginning” – 2 Peter 2:20-22
2. That such a person is in danger of more serious punishment is stressed by Jesus – Luke 12:47-48
C. AS DESCRIBED IN THE EPISTLE TO THE HEBREWS – Hebrews 10:26-31
1. “There no longer remains a sacrifice for sins” — the blood of Christ is no longer available for him in this state!
2. “but a certain fearful expectation of judgment, and fiery indignation” — all that remains is to be eternally lost in hell!
3. “much worse punishment…will he be thought worthy” — because such a person is trampling underfoot the Son of God, counting the blood of Jesus which had sanctified him a common thing, and is insulting the Spirit of grace!
4. “the LORD will judge His people” — for those who despise His mercy, they will face His righteous indignation!
D. AS DECLARED BY JESUS HIMSELF
1. Such will be removed from His presence! – Revelation 2:4-5
2. He will expel such from His presence! – Revelation 3:15-16
E. When we truly understand the spiritual condition of our friends and loved ones who have strayed from the truth, it should move us to do something!
II. RESTORING STRAYING SAINTS
A. IT REQUIRES SPECIAL ATTRIBUTES
1. PEOPLE WHO ARE SPIRITUAL – Galatians 6:1
a. Those who are producing the fruit of the Spirit in their own lives – Galatians 5:22-23
b. Unqualified personnel need not apply for this work
1) They might best work on themselves first – Matthew 7:3-4
2) Then they can help others – Matthew 7:5
2. A SPIRIT OF GENTLENESS – Galatians 6:1
a. We are engaged in delicate “soul surgery”
b. This is not the time to misuse the “sword of the Spirit”!
3. A CONSTANT SENSE OF SELF-EXAMINATION – Galatians 6:1
a. If we are not careful, we can easily fall into the same fault!
b. As many do when they counsel those with marital problems without proper supervision
4. A WILLINGNESS TO BEAR ONE ANOTHER’S BURDENS – Galatians 6:2
a. Which involves an expense of time and energy to help the weak to overcome their faults
b. Our responsibility is not fulfilled by simply pointing out our brother’s faults!
5. HUMILITY
a. This is implied in Galatians 6:3
b. It is stated outright – 2 Timothy 2:24-26
c. People will not accept correction or advice coming from an arrogant person!
d. In many cases, we may need to confess our own sin of negligence first! (For not coming sooner)
6. AMPLE KNOWLEDGE OF GOD’S WORD – 2 Timothy 2:24
a. We must be able to teach and apply God’s Word to the situation
b. For it is important that they respond to GOD’S word, and not just to OUR views or opinions!
7. PATIENCE (Longsuffering) – 2 Timothy 2:24
a. The same kind that we receive from God for our faults
b. The same kind that Paul showed towards the church at <a target=”_blank” href=”http://www.biblemap.org/#Corinth”>Corinth</a> – 2 Corinthians 1:23-2:3
c. Of course, if repentance is not forthcoming, we can wait for only so long – 2 Corinthians 13:1-2
8. A SINCERE DEMONSTRATION OF LOVE
a. Both at the time of rebuke – 2 Corinthians 2:4
b. And at the time of repentance – 2 Corinthians 2:6-8
B. IT REQUIRES THE PROPER PROCEDURE
1. The wrong procedures:
a. Running around and talking to everyone but the person who needs to be corrected and restored!
b. Preaching about these people from the pulpit at the very outset!
c. Bringing it up at congregational business meetings at the very first!
2. The proper procedure is outlined by Jesus – Matthew 18:15-17
a. Even though the sin may not be against you personally
1) This is still a good way to avoid misunderstanding
2) This is still more likely to succeed
b. Therefore:
1) Go to the person first
2) Then take others, if necessary
3) Then tell it to the church, if necessary
4) If he won’t hear the church, withdraw any association that might appear to give approval to their behavior – 1 Corinthians 5:1-13; 2 Thessalonians 3:6-15; Romans 16:17
Conclusion
1. The work of restoring or correcting saints may be unpleasant at times, but it has the potential for great joy!
a. Both in heaven: “I say unto you, that likewise joy shall be in heaven over one sinner that repenteth, more than over ninety and nine just persons, which need no repentance.” – Luke 15:7
b. And in our hearts: “I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth.” – 3 John 1:4
2. It comes down to this:
a. Do we really love God?
b. Do we really love our straying brethren?
c. Read 1 John 3:16-19, and substitute “spiritual goods” for “world’s goods” to answer our question
3. Brethren, let us love one another!
Content by Donald W. Treadway
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1 Timothy 4:1-5 The Great Departure – audio
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Text: 1 Timothy 4:1-5
I. THE DEPARTURE PREDICTED.
1 Timothy 4:1-2. Now the Spirit expressly says that in latter times some will depart from the faith, giving heed to deceiving spirits and doctrines of demons, speaking lies in hypocrisy, having their own conscience seared with a hot iron
A. The first word of verse 1, “Now” tells us that this thought is connected to the previous thought.
1. Paul had just finished discussing the “mystery of godliness.”
2. The mystery of godliness is just another term for God’s scheme of redemption.
B. Now Paul says that the Spirit has predicted that some would depart from the faith.
1. “The Spirit expressly says…”
a) This was a revelation from God Himself.
b) John 16:13. However, when He, the Spirit of truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth; for He will not speak on His own authority, but whatever He hears He will speak; and He will tell you things to come.
c) Galatians 1:11-12. But I make known to you, brethren, that the gospel which was preached by me is not according to man. For I neither received it from man, nor was I taught it, but it came through the revelation of Jesus Christ.
d) 1 Thessalonians 2:13. For this reason we also thank God without ceasing, because when you received the word of God which you heard from us, you welcomed it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which also effectively works in you who believe.
2. “In the latter times…“
a) At some point in the future.
b) As we are going to see, this departure has already occurred.
3. “Some will depart from the faith…“
a) By implication, we see that it is POSSIBLE to depart from the faith.
b) We have numerous examples of individuals departing from the faith. 1 Timothy 1:19-20. Having faith and a good conscience, which some having rejected, concerning the faith have suffered shipwreck, of whom are Hymenaeus and Alexander, whom I delivered to Satan that they may learn not to blaspheme.
c) This prediction of “some” departing from the faith has to be referring to more than just some individuals.
d) It is talking about a “movement” or a “Great departure” from the faith.
C. The cause of the departure…
1. Some would give heed to deceiving spirits.
a) Not talking about literal spirits.
b) These “spirits” … “forbid” and “command” – we are talking about religious leaders.
c) They speak lies in hypocrisy.
(1) Some religious leaders would (And still do) speak lies.
(2) Acts 20:29-30. For I know this, that after my departure savage wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock. Also from among yourselves men will rise up, speaking perverse things, to draw away the disciples after themselves.
d) They have their conscience seared.
(1) Just as scar tissue from a burn loses it’s feeling, their conscience no longer functions as a reliable guide for them.
(2) Their wickedness would not bother them.
(3) We still have people like this in the world today.
2. The teachings of these deceiving spirits are called “doctrines of demons.”
a) Doctrine – teaching.
b) Some teaching is good and healthy. 1 Timothy 4:6. If you instruct the brethren in these things, you will be a good minister of Jesus Christ, nourished in the words of faith and of the good doctrine which you have carefully followed.
c) Some will cause you to lose your salvation.
II. THE DEPARTURE DEPICTED.
1 Timothy 4:3a. Forbidding to marry, and commanding to abstain from foods…
A. The Spirit gives two identifying characteristics of this great departure.
1. From these two identifying characteristics, we can pinpoint when this departure took place.
2. Quite frankly, the answer was shocking when I first learned it.
B. These deceiving spirits would forbid to marry.
1. Some have come to the conclusion that to remain unmarried is a holier life.
2. In part, this is from a misapplication of Paul’s teaching in 1 Corinthians 7.
a) 1 Corinthians 7:1. Now concerning the things of which you wrote to me: It is good for a man not to touch a woman.
b) 1 Corinthians 7:8. But I say to the unmarried and to the widows: It is good for them if they remain even as I am
c) 1 Corinthians 7:32-33. But I want you to be without care. He who is unmarried cares for the things of the Lord—how he may please the Lord. But he who is married cares about the things of the world—how he may please his wife.
3. As a result, for example, the Catholic church has, for hundreds of years, forbidden priests to marry.
a) Council of Elvira (C. 305) (Canon 33): It is decided that marriage be altogether prohibited to bishops, priests, and deacons, or to all clerics placed in the ministry, and that they keep away from their wives and not beget children; whoever does this, shall be deprived of the honor of the clerical office.
b) Council of Carthage (390) (Canon 3): It is fitting that the holy bishops and priests of God as well as the Levites, i.e. those who are in the service of the divine sacraments, observe perfect continence, so that they may obtain in all simplicity what they are asking from God; what the Apostles taught and what antiquity itself observed, let us also endeavour to keep… It pleases us all that bishop, priest and deacon, guardians of purity, abstain from conjugal intercourse with their wives, so that those who serve at the altar may keep a perfect chastity.
C. The deceiving spirits would command to abstain from certain foods.
1. Again, the Catholic church has done this throughout much of its history.
2. The new Code of Canon Law brought out in 1983 says about the matter: Canon 1251 Abstinence from meat, or from some other food as determined by the Episcopal Conference, is to be observed on all Fridays, unless a solemnity should fall on a Friday. Abstinence and fasting are to be observed on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday. http://www.catholic-pages.com/life/fridaymeat.asp
3. The current regulations concerning Lenten fasting and abstinence for Roman Catholics in the United States generally are as follows.
a) Abstinence from all meat is to be observed by all Roman Catholics 14 years old and older on Ash Wednesday, on all Fridays of Lent, and on Good Friday (Which is not part of Lent, but rather part of the three day Paschal Triduum).
b) Fasting is to be observed on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday by all Roman Catholics who are 18 years of age but not yet 59. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fasting_and_abstinence_in_the_Roman_Catholic_Church
III. THE DEPARTURE CONTRADICTED.
1 Timothy 4:3b-5. …which God created to be received with thanksgiving by those who believe and know the truth. 4 For every creature of God is good, and nothing is to be refused if it is received with thanksgiving; 5 for it is sanctified by the word of God and prayer.
A. First of all, the scriptures teach that marriage is a good thing.
1. It was instituted by God Himself. Genesis 2:24. Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and they shall become one flesh.
2. Hebrews 13:4. Marriage is honorable among all, and the bed undefiled; but fornicators and adulterers God will judge.
3. Furthermore, the Scriptures not only say that marriage is a good thing but they say that marriage is a requirement for one who would serve as a bishop. 1 Timothy 3:2. A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, temperate, sober-minded, of good behavior, hospitable, able to teach
4. What about 1 Corinthians 7?
a) Paul was giving specific instructions to Christians in Corinth who were undergoing some kind of distress. 1 Corinthians 7:26. I suppose therefore that this is good because of the present distress—that it is good for a man to remain as he is:
b) His instructions were not meant for all Christians of all times.
c) Notice that, even in these instructions, he made it clear that getting married would not be a sin.
(1) 1 Corinthians 7:2. Nevertheless, because of sexual immorality, let each man have his own wife, and let each woman have her own husband.
(2) 1 Corinthians 7:8-9. But I say to the unmarried and to the widows: It is good for them if they remain even as I am; but if they cannot exercise self-control, let them marry. For it is better to marry than to burn with passion.
(3) 1 Corinthians 7:28. But even if you do marry, you have not sinned; and if a virgin marries, she has not sinned. Nevertheless such will have trouble in the flesh, but I would spare you.
d) The Catholic church takes these passages and argues that “clergy” must not marry; whereas, Paul was not writing to “clergy” but to all the saints in Corinth.
e) In a nutshell, he is saying, “It is better not to marry because of this present distress. However, if you marry you have not sinned; but be aware that your life will be more difficult as a married Christian.”
f) To take these passages and use them to enforce mandatory celibacy is a horrible distortion of the meaning of Paul’s words.
B. Second, as to the commanding to abstain from eating certain foods…
1. Paul says that every creature is good and is to be received with thanksgiving.
2. Any type of food is sanctified with God’s word and prayer.
3. Fasting, in the Scriptures, is always a voluntary and very personal thing.
4. Nowhere in Scriptures is anyone ever commanded to fast.
5. To command such of anyone is sin.
Delivered on: October 14, 2012. Streetsboro.
Content by Ralph Price
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The Threefold Nature of Salvation
Salvation has been offered to every man
God is not willing that any should perish (2 Peter 3:9). He would have all men to be saved (1 Timothy 2:4). His desire for our salvation moved Him to give His Son for us, and in that gift He extended to every man an invitation to eternal life (John 3:16-17). But, God’s offer of pardon (salvation) may be rejected.
Salvation is acquired by man through obedience to Christ (Hebrews 5:8-9)
Those who say that man must do nothing to be saved beyond faith do not know what the Bible teaches. The words of Jesus are very clear: “…for unless you believe that I am he you will die in your sins” (John 8:24). “I tell you; but unless you repent, you will all likewise perish” (Luke 13:3). “So everyone who acknowledges me before men, I also will acknowledge before my Father who is in heaven, but whoever denies me before men, I also will deny before my Father who is in heaven” (Matthew 10:33-34). “Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned” (Mark 16:16). All of the preceding statements were from the lips of the Lord Himself. Each emphasized a different aspect of obedience. Faith, repentance, confession, and baptism are man’s response to God’s offer. Thus, salvation is acquired by man when he meets the conditions set forth by God. Sadly, many want to omit one or more of those conditions. To do so places one’s soul in jeopardy. God has extended the offer, and He alone has the right to set the terms!
Once salvation is acquired, it must be maintained.
The idea that once a man is saved he can never do anything to be lost did not originate with God. Jesus said: “But the one who endures to the end will be saved” (Matthew 10:22). For our salvation to be maintained we must “walk in the light, as he is in the light” and in so doing, “we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanses us from all sin” (1 John 1:7). If we accept God’s offer and obey His Son, but then turn away from Him, we will be lost.
Content by Roger Rush
Visit Roger at the 6th and Washington Street Church of Christ in Marietta OH.
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Sound Doctrine – 2 Timothy 4:1-8 – audio
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(abbreviated audio presentation)
Text: 2 Timothy 4:1-8
Introduction
- Apostasy, is a falling away, a withdrawal, a defection from abiding in the doctrine of Jesus Christ that will lead to your own destruction – Jude 1:3-5.
- The Bible teaches some will depart from the faith – 1 Timothy 4:1-2; 2 Thessalonians 2:1-5.
- Apostasy, is the work of the devil to turn the saved to the unsaved, and preacher’s of the gospel must endure the waves of the devil & continue to preach the Word (without addition or subtraction) – Proverbs 30:5-6; 2 Timothy 4:2-5.
- Don’t be fooled, you can fall away and be lost in your sins, just as some of Paul’s fellow laborers in the gospel did – (Philemon 23-24); 2 Timothy 4:10 (Demas).
Return to the Source of Sound Doctrine – The Word
- If you’re in the process of sliding into apostasy, your love for God and His ways have been diminished and you need to ignite the fire for the Lord again – Psalm 119:11; Psalm 119:104-105.
- If you have left your first love, Jesus Christ, it is time return. The church at Ephesus had a similar problem and needed to repent – Revelation 2:1-5.
- An urgent need to study God’s Word, and communicate the truth where unrighteous unveils itself is necessary – 2 Timothy 2:15; Jude 3.
When Some Will Not Endure Sound Doctrine…
- Shall we leave them alone? In Luke 15:3-10, Jesus teaches the value of seeking a lost soul. There’s benefit from turning one in error to the truth – James 5:19-20.
- When you see a brother or sister walking in darkness it is your duty in love to tell/warn them to turn from darkness and walk in the light – Ezekiel 3:17-19 Sometimes we forget that one of the purposes of the Word of God is to rebuke and correct – 2 Timothy 3:16-17
- If your on the brink of apostasy, if you have lost your zeal for the things of God, today is the time to return to your first love. The Bible teaches us that now is the acceptable time, now is the day of Salvation – 2 Corinthians 6:2.
- Why not come.
HEAR BELIEVE REPENT CONFESS BAPTISM
Content by Harry (Andy) Anderson Jr.Return to the Home Page