The Book
of James
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TAKING A SCRIPTURAL VIEW -- JAMES ONE --
Christians are taught how to develop the Scriptural view, thus
learning how to conduct themselves when under the teachings of the cross.
James said that those who stay faithful under their trials and afflictions
are truly blessed. (James 1:1-12) James focused our attention on God,
showing that He is the giver of all that is good, and of only what is good.
(James 1:13-18) James showed the importance of studying the word of God and
putting into practice what we have learned. (James 1:19-25) He concluded
this chapter by showing that our words and actions are what constitute "Pure
Religion." (James 1:26-27)26-27)26-27)
Scriptural view of God, self and brethren -- James 1:1:
The epistle of James begins, "James, a servant of God and of the
Lord Jesus Christ, to the twelve tribes which are scattered abroad,
greeting." (James 1:1) James refers to himself as servant of the Lord Jesus
Christ. He served God in many ways, but especially as a proclaimer of the
gospel. James realized that he was not his own. (1 Corinthians 16:20) He
knew that a person cannot be a servant of God without becoming a Christian.
If we want to have the best life here and eternal life
hereafter, we must come to Jesus, the Son of God. We must obey Him. (Hebrews
5: 9) There are five steps which Jesus has commanded that we take in order
to be born again.again.
We must hear and learn "...that Christ died for our sins
according to the scriptures; And that he was
buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures."
(1 Corinthians 15:3-4) We learn this from hearing the Word of God preached.
We must believe that Jesus is the son of God. We must believe
that Jesus died for our sins. Unless we believe this, we cannot have eternal
life. (John 3:36)
If we truly believe in Jesus Christ, we will CONFESS our faith
in Him. "That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt
believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be
saved..." (Romans 10:9-10)
James showed great respect for God and the Lord Jesus Christ.
Just as the Father is Lord so is Jesus Christ as well. Jesus Christ is God,
just as the Father is God. God desired that all people honor the Son as they
honor the Father. It takes humility and submission to be God's servant.
(James 4:7, James 4:10) James expressed a high esteem for God and for Jesus
as ruler of his life. (Revelation 21:3)
Scriptural view of trials -- James 1:2-17:
Christians must be "positive" when trials come their way. The man who
properly reacts to trials must not react as a pessimist. "My brethren, count
it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations." (James 1:2) "My brethren"
refers to their relationship in Christ, not to their relationship as Jews.
In dealing with life's problems remember that wisdom comes through prayer. (James 1:5) The Christian must continue in the faith in spite of trials and difficulties in this life. Trials and temptations are permitted to strengthen us for greater service, if we will allow them to.
Scriptural view of the word of God -- James 1:18-25:
The person who loves God will respond to his word. It is God alone
who is able to save us. "Of his own will begat he us with the word of
truth..." (James 1:18) The instrument that God used in our salvation is His
word. Christians must be ready to hear, learn and obey the truth.
We must get sin out of our heart and get God's word into our
heart if we want to go to heaven. "Wherefore lay apart all filthiness and
superfluity of naughtiness, and receive with meekness the engrafted word,
which is able to save your souls." (James 1:21) God's message must affect
our mind and life if we are to be saved.
We must properly respond to God's word by doing what that word
says if we are to be saved. "But whoso looketh into the perfect law of
liberty, and continueth therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer
of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed." (James 1:25)
If anyone says he is a Christian, but does not control his sharp tongue, he is just fooling himself. His religion worthless! One who says he is a Christian but does not show charity to widows and orphans is also practicing a useless religion. The true Christian leads a life that is free from the vices commonly practiced by mankind. This life is a reflection of the Christ! If you are not a Christian, please be saved today?
JUSTIFIED
BY WORKING FAITH
-- JAMES TWO
James chapter two pictures the sin of respecting
persons. Showing partiality in our treatment of others is sinful. God does not
show partiality in dealing with man and neither should we. "Then Peter
opened his mouth, and said, Of a truth I perceive that
God is no respecter of persons: But in every nation he that feareth him, and
worketh righteousness, is accepted with him." (Acts 10:34-35) In the world
favoritism is often show because of wealth, position, education or race. It
cannot be so among God's people.
God's
Royal Law requires that we should love our neighbors as we love ourselves.
"If ye fulfil the royal law according to the scripture, Thou shalt love
thy neighbour as thyself, ye do well." (James
2:8) If you fulfil God's Royal Law you do well, but if you show partiality,
then you practice sin.
James showed that saving faith is active faith. There can
be no true religion when man does not obey the Law of God. He proved that if a
man should obey every part of the law but one, because of that one he is guilty
of violating the law as a whole. (James 2:10) God is the authority of every
point of the Law. Those who disrespect even one point, disrespect God.
All
will face God in judgment. We will be judged, impartially, by the principles of
God's will. On the judgment day we will know for certain that faith cannot save
a man unless there are also works. There is a kind of faith that even the
devils have. This sort of faith cannot save a man.
Abraham
and Rahab are cited as examples of those having saving faith. They were saved
by the proper carrying out or fulfillment of their faith. A dead body without a
soul cannot claim to be a living man, and neither can a dead faith, a faith
without works, claim to be a saving faith.
God hates discrimination -- James 2:1-7:
The Christian religion will not allow a person to practice discrimination.
Discrimination is an example of inconsistency between faith and
action. In the things of God all are equal, the rich and the poor, the educated
and the uneducated. The gospel causes all to stand upon the same terms of
advantage before the Almighty. Holiness will lead to esteem both for one in rags or riches. It is unholy to show partiality.
Discrimination is opposed to the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Those who show partiality set themselves up as judges.
James said that "evil thoughts" caused them to pass such judgment.
Discrimination makes a person a judge of evil and terrible thoughts. The action
of discriminating against certain ones who come into our assemblies shows that
worldliness is still in the heart of these brethren. They are still acting in
the evil spirit of the unregenerated world. We must remember that
discrimination will be severely punished by God on the day
of Judgment.
God has a Royal Law -- James 2:8-13:
Discrimination is contrary to the Royal Law which saves man from sin. James
reminded Christians that God has a "Royal Law." James used the
expression "royal law," "law of liberty" and several other
similar expressions to refer to the law of Christ. James wrote, "If ye
fulfil the royal law according to the scripture, Thou shalt love thy neighbour
as thyself, ye do well." (James 2:8)
Those who fail to have proper regard for others sin
against God. Even Christians who willfully violate the commandments of Christ
are transgressors. They have broken God's law. Those who show no mercy will
receive no mercy. Christians must have concern and love for others. We must
treat other people like we want to be treated.
James instructed Christians to govern their lives and
conduct themselves daily by the law of Christ. "So speak ye, and so do, as they that shall be judged by the law of
liberty." (James 2:12) Christ is our king. We must allow Him to rule our life.
He is our prophet. As our prophet we must allow Him to teach us. As our priest,
Jesus sacrificed and intercedes for us. We should appreciate the fact that
"we are under the law to Christ."
God states the message clearly -- James 2:14-18: The
heart of the message of the book of James is "Faith in Action." James
teaches that faith without works is barren or dead. Saving faith demands works.
Paul affirms that we are saved by faith.
James declared that we are justified "by works." This is no
contradiction. This
simply mean that we are justified by both faith and works. It is a sin
to teach that men are justified (saved) either "by faith alone," or
"by works alone."
The man who has faith will properly reflect his faith by
his works. Fruitless faith is vain! "Faith alone" is not a doctrine
of the Lord Jesus Christ. James wrote, "even so faith, if it hath not
works, is dead, being alone." (James 2:17) We must prove the truthfulness
of our faith by the fruits of our works!
God illustrated saving faith -- James
2:19-26: The demons prove that a faith that does not reflect itself in
works cannot save. "Thou
believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and
tremble." (James 2:19) The demons believed, but were they saved? No! The
faith of the demons did not produce good works, or a holy life. There was a
faith, but this shows that the mere existence of faith is not all that is
necessary to save mankind.
Abraham's faith led him to offer his son Isaac as God had
commanded. His actions proved the fact that he was a true believer in God. When
Abraham offered His son, Isaac, God said, "Lay not thine hand upon the
lad, neither do thou any thing unto him: for now I know that thou fearest God,
seeing thou hast not withheld thy son, thine only son from me." (Genesis
22:12)
Rahab also demonstrated her
faith by receiving and protecting God's spies. James wrote, "Likewise also
was not Rahab the harlot justified by works, when she had received the
messengers, and had sent them out another way?" (James 2:25) Her case
demonstrates that obedient faith will save even the worst of humanity. In Rahab
we see the wonderful power of obedient faith in transforming and changing
sinners.
Let us learn that the man of faith must properly reflect
his faith by his works. "For as the body without the spirit is dead, so
faith without works is dead also." (James 2:26) Faith is the root, good
works are the fruits. We must see to it that we have a working faith. We must
not think that either, without the other, will justify and save us. The
doctrine of salvation at the moment of faith, without obedience, is not a
Biblical teaching.
The Christian religion stands or
falls on the doctrine of Christ as the Son of God. (John 6:69) Those who believe in Jesus as the Son of God
gladly repent and are baptized. (Acts 2:38) Those with "the love of God in
them" serve Him faithfully. They realize that a profession of faith
without obedience is loathsome to God.
THE DUTY AND ADVANTAGE -- JAMES THREE
In James three we have a strong caution against the
desire among many to be counted among the public teachers in the church. (James
3:1) There was a desire on the part of many to teach without much regard at all
for proper preparation. Public teachers of God's word must give a more solemn
account than others. They also expose themselves to the danger of a greater
condemnation
James sets forth both the duty and advantage of bridling
the tongue. It has the power to do good, but it likewise has power to do much
mischief. Those who claim to be Christians must be especially careful to govern
their tongues. Just as a horse is controlled by the bit, and a ship is steered
by the rudder, so our tongue must be controlled. The tongue even though a
little member is capable of doing many harms if not controlled.
In James chapter three true wisdom is distinguished from
a wisdom that is earthly and hypocritical. James said that a wise man would
show his wisdom by his good works done in meekness. "Who is a wise man and
endued with knowledge among you? let him shew out of a good conversation his
works with meekness of wisdom." (James 3:13) True wisdom leads to a
peaceful life of purity. In this life the "fruits of righteousness are
sown in peace." (James 3:17-18)
Committed to teaching -- James 3:1:
James begins this chapter by saying, "My brethren, be not many masters,
knowing that we shall receive the greater condemnation." (James 3:1) It
was not the wish of James to discourage any who might have been qualified to
teach God's word and who had the desire to so do. It was only that he knew that
a small number of well-qualified and faithful teachers could do more good, than
many could do who are unqualified or unfaithful. He also knew that a much more
sever judgment awaited those who would be teachers of Gods' word.
The teaching of James 3:1 is similar to the words of
Jesus in Matthew 23:7. He said these Jews loved, "greetings in the
markets, and to be called of men, Rabbi, Rabbi." Many who desire to be
teachers lack the true wisdom to be a public teacher of God's word. Multitudes
who claim to be teachers of the Law of Liberty are, in fact, the great
corrupters of Christianity. Paul described those who, "desired to be
teachers of the law; understanding neither what they say, nor whereof they
affirm." (1 Timothy 1:7) False teachers do untold damage. It is no wonder
that they will receive a more sever judgment.
Careful about control -- James 3:2-6:
The
fact that all teachers are prone to speak error is one of the main reason why
men were cautioned about seeking to be a teacher. Mistakes in teaching not only
damn the teacher, but his false teaching will lead other to damnation. What a
terrible sin to answer for on the Day of Judgment!
Man must learn to bridle his tongue. The thought is that
if one attains control or mastery over the tongue he is able to control the
entire body. Our tongue is the most unruly and rebellious member of our body.
James had in mind the challenge to avoid teaching error, or doing wrong with
our tongue.
James sets forth three illustrations to help us
understand the subject of controlling our tongue -- (1) bits in a horse's
mouth, (2) the very small helm (rudder) of a ship, and (3) the tongue as a
small fire. The "bit" and the "helm" stress the importance
and power of such a small thing as the tongue. The fire stresses the astounding
damage resulting from such a small beginning.
The bit is a small thing. Yet, with it you can control
the entire horse, even as large as he may be. Likewise, a small thing, the
tongue, controls our body. He who has proper control over his tongue can govern
his entire body.
The second illustration is that a large ship being
controlled by a small helm or rudder. The ship is very large, yet this small
rudder easily manages it. He that has control of the helm has control of the
ship itself. The rider controls the horse with the bit. The ship is managed by
a small helm. A tongue, under control, is God's special mean for governing the
whole man.
An uncontrolled tongue is compared to "fire” in
regard to the damage that it can do. Just a spark turns a house to ashes or
burns thousands of acres. A fiery, out of control tongue can destroy a family,
corrupt a society, ruin a church, or wreck a kingdom. The origin of the
destructive fire of the tongue came from hell itself. Let us remember the harm
done by a tongue whose words have a hellish origin. Contentions, revilings,
reproaches, and all kinds of false teachings come from such a tongue.
Constant in taming -- James 3:7-12: Man
has had success in taming or subduing all of creation, except the tongue. He
has had no success in the effort to tame that one thing. The tongue is a
restless evil that can only be managed with God's help. A wicked tongue is
venomous and hurtful. Nothing or no one is secure against the evils of a
satanic tongue.
The tongue should be used to bless and praise
God. The tongue is often used to curse men that have the image of God upon
them. The same tongue cannot bless God and curse men. To pray and to curse with
the same tongue is shameful hypocrisy. Many times we put what could be used as
the best member of our physical body to the worst of use. Sweet water and
bitter from the same fountain, olives from a fig tree, or figs from a grape
vine would all make as much sense as blessing and cursing from the same
tongue.
Concern for true wisdom -- James 3:13-18:
If one
is to be a teacher of God's word he must be a truly wise person. True wisdom is
found only in those of Christ-like character. A correct, consistent, and godly
life is the mark of the truly wise person. Men should only seek to be teachers,
if the truth about their present life would allow them to be.
Earthly wisdom causes worldly people to want to be
teachers. James gives a three point description of earthly wisdom: (1) earthly,
(2) sensual, and (3) devilish. In contrast, James gives seven qualities of the
faithful teacher who has true wisdom: (1) pure, (2) peaceable, (3) gentle, (4)
easy to be intreated, (5) full of mercy and good fruits, (6) without
partiality, and (7) without hypocrisy. The behavior desired in this chapter is
the result of that true wisdom.
It is our Christian duty to guard our tongue and our
life. To become a Christian you must hear (Romans 10:17), believe (John 8:24),
repent (Acts 2:38), confess (Acts 8:37), and be baptized (Mark 16:16). As a
Christian always be wise enough to do the will of God.
SUBMIT YOURSELF TO GOD
-- JAMES FOUR
James chapter 3 ends with a contrast of earthly wisdom
and wisdom that is from above. "...This wisdom descendeth not from above,
but is earthly, sensual, devilish. For where envying and strife is, there is
confusion and every evil work. But the wisdom that is from above is first pure,
then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good
fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy. And the fruit of
righteousness is sown in peace of them that make peace." (James 3:13-18)
In James four we see the effect of the "wisdom which descendeth not from
above."
The wisdom of this world produces wars and fightings
among brethren. Wars and fightings can be traced to the lusts of men. Worldly
wisdom causes the neglect of prayer. (James 4:2) Worldly wisdom causes prayer
to be offered through improper motives. The motives of those who pray with
worldly wisdom are to gratify their own desires. This friendship of the world
makes them enemies of God.
Envy is also a fruit of worldly wisdom. (James 4:5)
Christians must remember that God resists the proud, and gives grace to the
humble. (James 4:6) Grace should cause those seeking heaven: (1) to submit to
God, (James 4:7) (2) to resist the devil, (James 4:7) (3) to draw nigh to God,
(James 4:8) (4) to cleanse their hands and their hearts, (James 4:8) (5) to be
afflicted and mourn over their sins, (James 4:9) and, (6) to humble themselves
before God. (James 4:10)
Care must be taken that we do not set ourselves up as
judges of the law or as judges of our brethren. (James 4:11-12) We also must be
careful not to plan and leave God out of those plans. (James 4:13-16) James
four closes with a look at the sin that will mean eternal condemnation for
many. "Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him
it is sin." (James 4:17) The things James discussed are things people
already knew. Our problem is that often we do not do nearly as good as we know.
Do not be filled with pride --
James 4:1-5:
Here
James deals with the source or origin of altercations among brethren. He listed
as causes of these wars and fightings: (1) a lust after worldly things, (2) too
much stress on worldly pleasures, and (3) valuing too highly worldly
friendships. Lust leads to wickedness, envy, hatred, and even murder.
Christians must do what they can to win the war within. Within each Christian
there is a conflict between worldly passions of the flesh, and God's spiritual principles
that should be allowed to govern the soul.
These Christians
kill with hatred, lust, evil words and a lack of prayer. Sincere prayer would
have caused their willful selfishness to dry up in their hearts. Even when
these brethren prayed they were motivated by selfish greed. God does not answer
prayers prayed only for selfish gratification. (James 4:3)
Some had become guilty of spiritual adultery because of
their strong love of and friendship with the world. These brethren had broken
their marriage covenant with God by loving the world with a stronger love than
they had for God Himself. When a person loves the world too much it draws away
the love of that soul from the Almighty. The person, who, with purpose and
intention, loves the world, turns away from the Creator. Lust for the world in
a heart, and the indwelling Spirit of God in that same heart, is an impossible
idea.
Do not be guilty of worldliness-- James
4:6-10: James said, "God resisteth the proud." Pride is the
great hindrance to righteousness. Pride leads the list of the seven things God
hates. (Proverbs 6:16-19) It led to Satan's fall and has destroyed many humans
as well. Our pride puts us at enmity with God Himself.
Christians must forsake the friendship of the world, and
in humility of heart submit to God. If we will yield to God in everything, and
yield to the Devil in nothing he will flee from us.
We are taught plainly how to act toward God, in order to
become submissive to His will. Christians must: (1) Draw nigh to God, draw nigh
in worship and daily service, (2) Cleanse your hands, cleanse your hands means
exactly the same as "purify your hearts," (3) Be afflicted, and mourn, and weep; mourn
and weep for your own sins and the sins of others, and (4) Humble yourselves in
the sight of the Lord, God will draw nigh to those that draw nigh to Him. As we
draw nigh to God in doing our duty, He draws nigh to us in showing mercy!
Do not judge a brother -- James 4:11-12:
Everything that we say about others must be guided by the law of kindness and
the spirit of Christ. Solomon said of the worthy woman, "She openeth her
mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness." (Proverbs
31:26) It must also be so with us also! James cautions us, "speak not evil
one of another, brethren. He that speaketh evil of his brother, and judgeth his
brother, speaketh evil of the law, and judgeth the law: but if thou judge the
law, thou art not a doer of the law, but a judge." (James 4:11)
"The
law" spoken of in James 4:11 is the law of Christ, the gospel, or the law
of Liberty. The Hebrew writer wrote, "The priesthood being changed, there
is made of necessity a change also of the law." (Hebrews 7:12). There is a
law that man must obey in order to walk with Christ.
Scripture does not at all condemn distinguishing between
right and wrong. In fact it encourages it. (Isaiah 5:20, Hebrews 5:14) On the
other hand, there is nothing more decidedly condemned in the Scriptures than
the habit of pronouncing a judgment on the motives or heart of others
Do not boast about tomorrow -- James 4:13-17:
James gives a vivid picture of some who made great plans for the future. Their
sin was not in planning for the future, but in failing to consider God in their
plans.
The uncertainty of tomorrow is stressed throughout the
pages of the Bible. Our earthly life is like a fog or vapor. It disappears so
very quickly. The thing that matters is for us, in whatever days may come, to
have the right attitude toward God. (James 4:15) Our thought must always be --
"If the Lord wills."
This section ends with some of the most somber of New
Testament teaching. James said, "therefore to him that knoweth to do good,
and doeth it not, to him it is sin." (James 4:17) To know to do good, and do it not is the
greater sin. It is universally true that if a man knows what is a right, and
does not do it, he is guilty of terribly sin.
Saving obedience includes believing and being baptized.
Jesus said, "He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; But he that
believeth not, shall be damned. (Mark 16:16) We beg you to see the truth and be
obedient to it. Now is the accepted time!
THE FERVENT PRAYER -- JAMES FIVE
The book of James closes with a look at several
practical teachings. James pictures the danger of God's judgments upon the
extravagant rich. Their pride, cruelty, undisciplined living and cheating of
their fellow men would result in the condemnation of Jehovah.
Many of God's faithful followers were being oppressed.
They were taught to "be patient, for the Lord's coming is nigh."
Patient carries the idea of being long-spirited, or forbearing. These brethren
were taught to patiently endure these difficulties. Christians were not to
murmur, or groan over the situation, because God would settle all accounts at
Judgment.
The prophets and Job should provide brethren with
encouragement concerning the value of patience under trials and sufferings.
They are a wonderful pattern of hopeful endurance. Their patient continuance or
waiting on God is the exact kind of persistence needed by every Christian.
James closed the chapter with one final look at proper and
improper uses of the tongue. The tongue of a Christian should not be used to
swear. Oats should not be necessary in order to cause a Christian to tell the
truth. The Christian's tongue should also be used for prayer and asking for
forgiveness. Christians are instructed to acknowledge their faults one to
another, and to pray one for another.
The final word from James is "do what we can to
bring back those that have strayed from the way of truth." It is a
blessing both to the one doing the converting and to the one being converted
when an erring soul is restored to Christ.
Retain the right attitude -- James 5:1-11
Wealth is not wrong within itself. The trouble with riches is in reference to
wealth held without regard for the kingdom of God. The worldly rich that are
described here are those who chose to just allow their belongings to be
corrupted and spoiled, rather than to be put to some good use in the church.
Man must learn that possessions are worthless without God.
The rust of their gold and silver witness against them
that they have not been an honor to God. They will weep and howl as the
judgment of God comes upon them for their self-hardened and rebellious life.
Rich men have a tendency to say, eat, drink and be merry, yet God says,
"weep and howl for your miseries that shall come upon you." It is
difficult to possess riches without sin. It is so easy for riches to hindered a
person's journey to heaven.
The words of James often echo the words of Jesus.
"Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth
corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: But lay up for yourselves
treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where
thieves do not break through nor steal." (Matthew 6:19) The hoarding of
wealth, while brethren are in need and good works are to be done brings a curse
both upon the person and his goods. If my attitude is "me first" my
life will be a wasted life.
It is a strange paradox that the miseries and dreadful
judgments arise from the very things the rich man thought would make him happy.
God charged these rich men with the terrible sin of covetousness, the sin of
cheating their poor labors and the sin of living in pleasure while those about
them were living in poverty. The cries of the poor, abused souls came into the
ears of the Lord of sabaoth. Sabaoth is a military term meaning armies or
hosts.
On Judgment Day, not only our actions, but also the
circumstances of our actions, will be judged. An example of this truth is the
poor widow who gave much because she gave all. (Mark 12:43) Her gift was small
based on amount, but very large based on circumstance.
Christians can be happy in this life if they develop
patience. We must wait for God's deliverance, just as we wait for the crops to
grow. We must be strong in heart, knowing that in judgment God will take care
of the wicked. A variety of miseries came upon the prophets and Job. Many of
the things they suffered were very grievous troubles. Yet, under all these
things they continued to bless God and serve Him faithfully.
Refrain from improper speech -- James 5:12: James
condemns vain and rash swearing. The expression "Above all
things" shows the importance of the right kind of speech. "Above all
things" carries the idea that this is a matter we should
"especially" give our attention to. A Christian does not need to
confirm his word with an oath. Accustom yourselves to a true simplicity and
plainness of speech.
A Christian must always tell the truth
in all circumstances. Therefore, avoid the use of an oath to strengthen your
assertions in ordinary conversation. To take an oath in court when lawfully
called to do so is not the matter being considered in this text.
Christians "fall into condemnation" for not
telling the truth simply. There should be no need for the use of oaths in our
daily speech. The Lord will not hold him guiltless that takes His name in vain.
There is power in prayer. Elijah's prayer stopped the
rain. (James 5:17-18) The Almighty God answered his prayers, and He will do the
same for us.
Restore the erring -- James 5:19-20:
To become a Christian you must hear the gospel (Romans 10:17), believe in Jesus
(John 8:24), repent of sins (Acts 2:38), confess Christ as Lord (Acts 8:37),
and be baptized to be saved (Mark 16:16). Sadly many become Christian and then
turn back to walk no more with the Lord. The epistle of James closes with an
admonition to restore the erring.
Teaching, prayer, reproof, pleading and
every sincere effort should be put forth to recover the wandering backslider
from his damnation. We have a great
responsibility to take care of our own soul.
We also have responsibility to watch over the souls of our brethren. A
Christian can err from the truth, and it frequently happens.
Let us learn that: (1) A Christian
can depart from the living God. (2) The brother who "errs from the
truth" is now a sinner. (3) The brother who has erred from the truth needs
to be converted. (4) The one who converts an erring brother "hides a
multitude of sins." (5) There is nothing worse than living and dying
without God.
By Charles Box, Walnut Street
Church of Christ, P.O. Box 551, Greenville, Alabama 36037 USA
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