Restoration: Overcoming Wandering Through Christ's Love
Summary
### Summary
Good morning, EBC! Today, we delved into James 5, focusing on the theme of wandering from the truth and the call to restoration. I shared a personal story from my youth about a water skiing mishap to illustrate how we often hold onto things that harm us, much like how we cling to sin. The Bible calls us to let go of these sins, which can be anything from unhealthy relationships to past pains or even social media-induced comparisons. The key to letting go is not through our own efforts but by looking to Jesus and His sacrifice on the cross.
James 5:19-20 speaks about two types of people: the wanderer and the restorer. Wandering is a gradual drifting away from the truth, often starting with neglect and moving through stages of insensitivity, resistance, isolation, and finally, rebellion. This can happen to any believer, regardless of how long they've been in the faith. The wanderer is someone who has subtly drifted away from the life God intends for them.
On the other hand, the restorer is someone who lovingly seeks to bring the wanderer back to fellowship with God and the church. This process should be marked by prayer, humility, honesty, and patience. The ultimate reward for the restorer is the joy of seeing a fellow believer restored to fellowship with God and protected from further consequences of sin.
We concluded by emphasizing that our salvation is secure in Christ, and nothing can change that. However, we must be vigilant against drifting away and be willing to restore others who have wandered. The call to restoration is a call to love deeply, to risk relationships for the sake of spiritual health, and to trust in God's ultimate plan for each of us.
### Key Takeaways
1. The Danger of Clinging to Sin: Just as I clung to the water skiing rope to impress others, we often cling to sins that harm us. The Bible calls us to let go of these sins, which can range from unhealthy relationships to past pains. The key to letting go is not through our own efforts but by looking to Jesus and His sacrifice on the cross. [33:23]
2. The Gradual Drift of Wandering: Wandering from the truth is a gradual process that starts with neglect and moves through stages of insensitivity, resistance, isolation, and finally, rebellion. This can happen to any believer, regardless of their spiritual maturity. We must be vigilant and self-aware to prevent this drift. [38:13]
3. The Role of the Restorer: As believers, we are called to lovingly restore those who have wandered from the truth. This process should be marked by prayer, humility, honesty, and patience. The goal is to bring the wanderer back into fellowship with God and the church, protecting them from further consequences of sin. [51:09]
4. The Security of Our Salvation: Our salvation is secure in Christ, and nothing can change that. However, we must be vigilant against drifting away and be willing to restore others who have wandered. This security gives us the confidence to reach out to others without fear of losing our own salvation. [41:06]
5. The Joy of Restoration: The ultimate reward for the restorer is the joy of seeing a fellow believer restored to fellowship with God and protected from further consequences of sin. This joy is a reflection of God's heart for His people and His desire for us to experience His best. [01:01:10]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[28:00] - Summer Reflections and Water Skiing Story
[33:23] - The Danger of Clinging to Sin
[38:13] - The Gradual Drift of Wandering
[41:06] - The Security of Our Salvation
[51:09] - The Role of the Restorer
[01:01:10] - The Joy of Restoration
[01:07:14] - Call to Action and Prayer
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
- James 5:19-20 (ESV): "My brothers, if anyone among you wanders from the truth and someone brings him back, let him know that whoever brings back a sinner from his wandering will save his soul from death and will cover a multitude of sins."
#### Observation Questions
1. According to James 5:19-20, what are the two roles mentioned, and what actions are associated with each role?
2. In the sermon, what personal story did the pastor share to illustrate the concept of clinging to sin? ([33:23])
3. What are the stages of wandering from the truth as described in the sermon? ([38:13])
4. How does the pastor describe the process and characteristics of a restorer? ([51:09])
#### Interpretation Questions
1. What does it mean to "wander from the truth" according to James 5:19-20, and how can this apply to modern-day believers? ([38:13])
2. How does the pastor's water skiing story relate to the concept of holding onto sin, and what lesson can be drawn from it? ([33:23])
3. Why is humility important in the process of restoring someone who has wandered, and how does Galatians 6:1-3 support this? ([56:11])
4. What is the significance of the joy and reward mentioned in James 5:20 for those who restore a wanderer? ([01:01:10])
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you may have clung to something harmful in your life. What steps did you take, or can you take, to let it go and look to Jesus? ([33:23])
2. Identify any areas in your life where you might be gradually drifting away from the truth. What practical steps can you take to prevent this drift? ([38:13])
3. Think of someone you know who may be wandering from the truth. How can you approach them with prayer, humility, honesty, and patience to help restore them? ([51:09])
4. How can you ensure that your own salvation is secure in Christ while also being vigilant against drifting away? What practices can help you stay grounded in your faith? ([41:06])
5. Have you ever experienced the joy of seeing someone restored to fellowship with God? Share that experience and discuss how it impacted your faith. ([01:01:10])
6. What are some specific ways you can cultivate a loving and restorative community within your small group or church? How can you support each other in staying true to God's path? ([52:08])
7. Reflect on the importance of fellowship with God and His family. How can you actively maintain and strengthen these relationships in your daily life? ([47:39])
Devotional
Day 1: Letting Go of Harmful Sins
We often hold onto things that harm us, much like clinging to a water skiing rope to impress others. These harmful things can be sins such as unhealthy relationships, past pains, or even social media-induced comparisons. The Bible calls us to let go of these sins, not through our own efforts but by looking to Jesus and His sacrifice on the cross. By focusing on Jesus, we can find the strength to release these burdens and live the life God intends for us.
[33:23]
Hebrews 12:1-2 (ESV): "Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God."
Reflection: What is one sin or harmful habit you are clinging to? How can you begin to let go of it by focusing on Jesus today?
Day 2: The Gradual Drift of Wandering
Wandering from the truth is a gradual process that starts with neglect and moves through stages of insensitivity, resistance, isolation, and finally, rebellion. This can happen to any believer, regardless of their spiritual maturity. It is essential to be vigilant and self-aware to prevent this drift. Regularly examining our hearts and actions can help us stay aligned with God's truth and avoid the subtle steps that lead to wandering.
[38:13]
Hebrews 2:1 (ESV): "Therefore we must pay much closer attention to what we have heard, lest we drift away from it."
Reflection: Are there areas in your life where you have started to neglect your spiritual practices? What steps can you take today to realign yourself with God's truth?
Day 3: The Role of the Restorer
As believers, we are called to lovingly restore those who have wandered from the truth. This process should be marked by prayer, humility, honesty, and patience. The goal is to bring the wanderer back into fellowship with God and the church, protecting them from further consequences of sin. Being a restorer requires a deep love for others and a willingness to risk relationships for the sake of their spiritual health.
[51:09]
Galatians 6:1-2 (ESV): "Brothers, if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness. Keep watch on yourself, lest you too be tempted. Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ."
Reflection: Is there someone in your life who has wandered from the faith? How can you approach them with love and humility to help restore their relationship with God?
Day 4: The Security of Our Salvation
Our salvation is secure in Christ, and nothing can change that. However, we must be vigilant against drifting away and be willing to restore others who have wandered. This security gives us the confidence to reach out to others without fear of losing our own salvation. Knowing that our salvation is secure allows us to focus on helping others and living out our faith boldly.
[41:06]
John 10:28-29 (ESV): "I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand. My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all, and no one is able to snatch them out of the Father's hand."
Reflection: How does the security of your salvation in Christ give you confidence in your daily life? How can you use this confidence to help others who may be struggling in their faith?
Day 5: The Joy of Restoration
The ultimate reward for the restorer is the joy of seeing a fellow believer restored to fellowship with God and protected from further consequences of sin. This joy is a reflection of God's heart for His people and His desire for us to experience His best. When we participate in the restoration of others, we share in God's joy and witness the transformative power of His love and grace.
[01:01:10]
James 5:19-20 (ESV): "My brothers, if anyone among you wanders from the truth and someone brings him back, let him know that whoever brings back a sinner from his wandering will save his soul from death and will cover a multitude of sins."
Reflection: Have you experienced the joy of helping someone return to their faith? How can you be more intentional about seeking out and restoring those who have wandered from the truth?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "The answer is to look to Jesus and realize that the sacrifice that he made on the cross is the one and the only way that you can ever let go of the sin that we feel like, that I feel like at times, is the only thing that will satisfy me. But really in reality, it's hurting me." [35:51] (19 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "If you have placed your faith in King Jesus, our salvation is secure for all of eternity. We are right with God and we are adopted into his family. Nothing, absolutely nothing, will ever change that." [41:06] (16 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "God gives us eternal life. He gives us eternal life. It's not for a day. It's not for a week. It's not for a month. Not a year, not only on the years that you're good enough. No, it's not a temporary period. Our Heavenly Father gives eternal life, and there is nothing, absolutely nothing, that can change that for me and you." [40:07] (25 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "See, God's heart is for us to experience his very best. And that's why in his word, you see sometimes he gives us some commandments. And sometimes those commandments say, 'Hey, don't do this, Daniel, don't do this.' And here's what God is saying to me when I read those passages, 'Daniel, I know what's best for you. I know what will ultimately bring you hope, joy, and freedom.'" [01:02:05] (25 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "What he asks of us is to allow him to be the author and the perfecter of our faith. The answer is not to be better. The answer is not to do better and to try harder. The answer as you drift away is to return to him, to be drawn to him, to come home and to receive the healing that we so desire, to receive the love that we know to be true." [01:06:44] (30 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for Members
1. "See, that's our story. That's our sin story. See, we're hanging on to something in our lives, and we will not let it go, even though it is hurting us. The Bible does not call it an issue. The Bible doesn't call it a problem. The Bible calls it for what it is. It's sin." [33:23] (18 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "Wandering is a gradual drifting away. It's a gradual straying away. James makes us wrestle with this very hard and difficult truth that believers can wander, that I can drift from the truth, from the life that God intends for me to experience, intends for you, for us to experience." [38:13] (22 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "If anyone among you wanders from the truth, see it doesn't matter how long I've been attending service. It doesn't matter how many years that I have been a faithful follower of King Jesus, how many verses that I have memorized. There is a potential inside of me for any one of us who has this love relationship with King Jesus to wander, to drift away." [39:12] (23 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "Neglect, if I'm going to wander from the truth as James is describing here in 519, it's more than likely, but not always, not always, which is talking, which is taking your faith for granted. And here's what that kind of looks like and what it sounds like. Hey, I know I should get up early in the morning and read God's word, but I'm just tired. I'm going to hit that snooze button. I'll try again tomorrow." [43:07] (29 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "The wanderer is restored to fellowship with God and the family, the church. God has a plan for his people, and it's good, guys. It's an amazing plan. It's a plan filled with joy, with satisfaction and hope. And he so desires for all of us to experience that plan." [01:01:10] (17 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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