Introduction:

1. The majority view in religion says that the saved cannot fall from grace.

2. James 5:19-20 is one of a plethora of passages that denies the majority view.

3. When brethren go astray, we have a responsibility to try and bring them home, and this passage describes the immense value of such restoration.

Discussion:

I. The Reality That Some Will Stray from Truth

A. “Brethren, if anyone among you…” indicates the subject is a Christian.

B. To wander from something implies one was once in the stated location.

C. James instructed his readers to bring back those who wander from truth.

D. The NT everywhere affirms the possibility of apostasy (1 Corinthians 9:27; Galatians 5:4; Hebrews 6:4-6; 10:26-31).

II. The Blessings of Life in the Truth

A. Truth frees us from sin (John 8:31-32).

B. Truth sanctifies us for God’s service (John 17:17).

C. Obeying truth purifies the soul of sin’s defilements (1 Peter 1:22).

D. Wandering from truth removes one from all its benefits.

III. The Terrible Consequences of Straying from the Truth

A. Peter said it is worse to wander from the truth than never to have lived in it (2 Peter 2:20-22).

B. The apostate has only fear and dread up ahead (Hebrews 10:26-31).

C. James 5:19-20 says death of the soul is the result of wandering away.

IV. The Blessings of Turning the Wanderer Back to Truth

A. Our culture despises correction, but erring Christians must be corrected.

B. Paul urged those who were spiritually healthy to gently restore the one who had become overtaken by sin (Galatians 6:1-2).

C. Compassion demands we snatch the erring from the fire (Jude 22-23).

D. Turning the wanderer back saves their soul from death (James 5:20).

1. Heeding the gospel brings the dead soul to life (Ephesians 2:1-9; Romans 1:16).

2. Wandering from the truth nullifies these blessings (2 Peter 2:20).

3. Despite what culture says, correcting the erring is not harsh or hateful.

Restoring the erring is the most loving thing the Christian can do.