WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:04.719 Take your copy of God's Word and join me in James chapter 5. 00:00:10.320 --> 00:00:20.320 Our text for today is James chapter 5, verse 19 and 20, which you'll note are the last two verses of the book. 00:00:20.320 --> 00:00:28.240 So we are concluding our verse-by-verse study of the book of James, which is always a little bittersweet. 00:00:28.500 --> 00:00:34.280 We have enjoyed our time together. I hope that's been true for you. I've enjoyed our time in James. 00:00:35.240 --> 00:00:38.480 It's also a little exciting to look toward what is next. 00:00:38.579 --> 00:00:46.579 So as you're getting there, I want to tell you what's next in our plan for preaching, which is always, to be sure, a little tentative. 00:00:46.579 --> 00:00:52.799 But as it stands right now, what we're planning on doing across this summer is doing some selected psalms. 00:00:52.879 --> 00:00:54.579 We're going to preach through some psalms. 00:00:54.679 --> 00:01:03.280 And right in the middle, I think it's the second Sunday of July, some months ago I preached a sermon on building a resilient church culture, 00:01:03.479 --> 00:01:12.519 what it was going to take for the church to stand in the face of soft totalitarianism and kind of the rising swell of push against the church. 00:01:12.519 --> 00:01:21.939 I'm going to re-preach that sermon and then talk across the following weeks about the specific things that we believe we need to be doing together as a church 00:01:21.939 --> 00:01:28.179 to build a resilient church culture that will weather the coming storm. 00:01:28.459 --> 00:01:30.120 And then we'll do a couple more psalms. 00:01:30.340 --> 00:01:34.079 And then in the fall, we're going to begin an exposition of the book of Romans. 00:01:34.079 --> 00:01:42.039 So I'll spare you all the details of what that will look like, but be praying for us as we're preparing both this summer, preaching psalms, 00:01:42.319 --> 00:01:49.120 preparing that study about resilient church culture, and then on into the fall, our future plans. 00:01:49.920 --> 00:01:55.500 So today, though, today before us is James chapter 5, verse 19 and 20. 00:01:55.500 --> 00:02:07.000 The conclusion of James' letter to Jews, specifically his original audience who had professed faith in Jesus Christ and had been dispersed across the Roman world. 00:02:07.120 --> 00:02:09.479 You can see chapter 1 and verse 1. 00:02:10.360 --> 00:02:17.080 James has developed across this letter the argument that if one has placed saving faith in Jesus Christ, 00:02:17.780 --> 00:02:22.860 then that faith will be evidenced in the way that person lives. 00:02:22.860 --> 00:02:28.260 So not works that save, but works that give evidence of that salvation. 00:02:29.080 --> 00:02:36.820 You see, he recognizes that it is altogether possible to say that you have Jesus as your Savior, 00:02:37.740 --> 00:02:41.480 and yet to functionally deny him as your Lord. 00:02:42.040 --> 00:02:44.400 And these two things are mutually inclusive. 00:02:44.600 --> 00:02:47.360 They must go together. 00:02:47.360 --> 00:02:53.840 That's a very good word for the Southeast, right? 00:02:53.900 --> 00:02:58.140 People who may call themselves Christian because they were born into a Christian household 00:02:58.140 --> 00:03:02.400 or because they may have been baptized in a church, 00:03:02.520 --> 00:03:07.940 and yet their life gives no evidence to God changing their hearts. 00:03:08.460 --> 00:03:10.060 These two things go together. 00:03:10.220 --> 00:03:13.060 Jesus as Savior and as Lord. 00:03:13.060 --> 00:03:17.500 You can only have Jesus on his terms. 00:03:18.500 --> 00:03:21.860 We have recorded for us in John chapter 14 and verse 15, 00:03:21.960 --> 00:03:22.659 Jesus saying, 00:03:23.259 --> 00:03:27.420 If you love me, you will keep my commandments. 00:03:28.379 --> 00:03:33.340 And James says it this way in James chapter 2 and verse 26. 00:03:33.780 --> 00:03:37.659 Faith apart from works is dead. 00:03:38.460 --> 00:03:41.240 It is no faith at all. 00:03:41.240 --> 00:03:46.680 And he has been concerned all throughout his writing that someone might think they are a Christian 00:03:46.680 --> 00:03:49.800 and turn out not to be. 00:03:50.620 --> 00:03:54.280 He states in chapter 1 and verse 22, 00:03:55.140 --> 00:04:02.200 Be doers of the word and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. 00:04:03.620 --> 00:04:08.340 He spends much of this letter then telling his readers how their lives ought to look. 00:04:08.340 --> 00:04:11.620 There are some 60 commands in the book of James. 00:04:12.099 --> 00:04:15.460 If, in fact, they have been saved. 00:04:16.360 --> 00:04:19.379 Not because he intends to stand over them as a judge. 00:04:19.480 --> 00:04:20.280 This is not the point. 00:04:20.360 --> 00:04:21.759 It's not what James is trying to accomplish. 00:04:21.920 --> 00:04:24.000 But because he loves them. 00:04:24.480 --> 00:04:28.199 And he wants them to have confidence that they are in Christ. 00:04:28.199 --> 00:04:34.459 With this in mind, I just love the way that this letter concludes. 00:04:35.420 --> 00:04:36.279 It's abrupt. 00:04:36.719 --> 00:04:38.199 We're going to read it in a moment. 00:04:38.319 --> 00:04:39.339 It's abrupt. 00:04:40.019 --> 00:04:41.839 He does not sign off. 00:04:42.360 --> 00:04:43.680 There is no postscript. 00:04:43.680 --> 00:04:50.060 But in the last two verses, he turns his readers' attention away from themselves, 00:04:50.340 --> 00:04:55.340 assessment of how they're living, how they ought to stay in the way of Christ, 00:04:55.340 --> 00:05:01.519 and sets their attention on how they ought to go after the one who has wandered. 00:05:01.519 --> 00:05:06.639 I think this, for us, this morning is a very good word. 00:05:07.659 --> 00:05:09.659 So James chapter 5, verse 19 and 20. 00:05:09.779 --> 00:05:14.899 Before I read it, I remind you, beloved, that this is God's word to us. 00:05:15.240 --> 00:05:17.000 It's for us today, for our benefit. 00:05:17.099 --> 00:05:19.819 It was written for his glory and our good. 00:05:19.899 --> 00:05:26.299 And so we would all do well to listen to it in order to believe its promises and to obey its commands. 00:05:26.459 --> 00:05:29.139 James chapter 5, verse 19 and 20. 00:05:29.139 --> 00:05:36.339 My brothers, if anyone among you wanders from the truth and someone brings him back, 00:05:37.039 --> 00:05:42.159 let him know that whoever brings back a sinner from his wandering will save his soul from death 00:05:42.159 --> 00:05:46.199 and will cover a multitude of sins. 00:05:47.199 --> 00:05:53.719 Now, we're going to consider this text today through three observations and five applications. 00:05:53.719 --> 00:05:55.519 So if you're a note taker, it's where we're headed. 00:05:55.659 --> 00:05:58.120 Three observations first and then five. 00:05:59.139 --> 00:05:59.899 Three observations. 00:06:00.439 --> 00:06:02.199 So first, the observations. 00:06:02.459 --> 00:06:05.500 And the first observation is this. 00:06:06.279 --> 00:06:12.180 It must be noted that James assumes that the wanderer is a Christian. 00:06:12.979 --> 00:06:15.479 And I think this should be of some encouragement to us. 00:06:15.599 --> 00:06:23.139 He says, my brothers, if anyone among you wanders from the truth. 00:06:23.139 --> 00:06:26.300 He refers to them collectively as brothers. 00:06:26.300 --> 00:06:28.839 And ladies, this does not exclude you. 00:06:29.219 --> 00:06:34.459 All the brother language in the scripture most readily is about inheritance. 00:06:34.659 --> 00:06:35.819 So this includes you too. 00:06:35.939 --> 00:06:40.379 And it points out that the wanderer has wandered from somewhere. 00:06:40.599 --> 00:06:43.759 There's a place that the wanderer has come from. 00:06:43.759 --> 00:06:48.259 And that is specifically from among you. 00:06:48.779 --> 00:07:00.360 So this wanderer is a person who has said to have faith in Jesus Christ and yet is now finding themselves in a way that is not the way of the truth. 00:07:00.360 --> 00:07:06.319 So this text is not particularly about evangelism. 00:07:06.319 --> 00:07:16.839 Although when pursuing a wanderer from the truth, in reminding them of the truth, we may become party to their initial conversion. 00:07:17.259 --> 00:07:21.740 It's altogether possible that somebody would become a Christian having once thought they were a Christian. 00:07:21.740 --> 00:07:26.019 And we'll talk more about that in some coming moments. 00:07:26.220 --> 00:07:30.280 But first observation, it must be noted that James assumes that the wanderer is a Christian. 00:07:30.379 --> 00:07:33.620 They have made a profession of faith in Christ. 00:07:34.780 --> 00:07:45.980 Second observation, regardless of the status of their soul, the person James has in mind has wandered from the truth. 00:07:45.980 --> 00:07:55.620 So the truth was the place that they have wandered away from, from the truth to falsehood. 00:07:56.680 --> 00:08:00.700 James says nothing about the particular circumstances of the wandering. 00:08:01.640 --> 00:08:05.819 Neither does he say anything about the particular methods of bringing the wanderer back. 00:08:06.740 --> 00:08:15.080 And I think that he is particularly ambiguous as there are in many ways that someone can wander from the truth. 00:08:15.079 --> 00:08:26.639 Under the inspiration of the Spirit, James means for us to have a category to think within, but then to understand that there's lots of ways that someone can wander from the truth. 00:08:27.300 --> 00:08:33.439 Perhaps they have erred in doctrine or perhaps in some matter of obedience. 00:08:34.319 --> 00:08:44.279 And it ought to be understood that right doctrine leads to right practice and wrong living will often produce justifying wrong doctrine. 00:08:44.279 --> 00:08:54.319 The two will feed each other in a vicious loop unless that loop is broken and it must be divinely broken. 00:08:54.980 --> 00:08:59.439 This wandering verse 20 tells us is sin. 00:09:00.019 --> 00:09:02.379 You shouldn't mistake it as anything else. 00:09:02.480 --> 00:09:10.339 It is in fact sin because James says whoever brings back a sinner from his wandering. 00:09:10.340 --> 00:09:21.259 So our text has a wanderer, a person who has claimed to be a Christian, but is now living in contradiction to that claim. 00:09:21.720 --> 00:09:25.580 This wandering is not unknown to us. 00:09:26.360 --> 00:09:32.399 We in our own hearts can feel the wandering prone to wander. 00:09:32.540 --> 00:09:37.560 Lord, I feel it prone to leave the God I love. 00:09:37.559 --> 00:09:40.439 None of us are perfect. 00:09:41.000 --> 00:09:47.859 But here James has in mind a person who is visibly wandering, a person who is in great danger. 00:09:48.959 --> 00:09:56.699 And we have all known someone who has professed faith in Jesus Christ and has wandered from that profession of faith. 00:09:56.700 --> 00:10:05.120 Perhaps somebody who even now thinks they're in Christ and yet everything about their life screams that they're not. 00:10:05.120 --> 00:10:11.240 And we can often treat this as confusing or shocking. 00:10:12.000 --> 00:10:18.179 The Bible has a lot to say about the false convert, about the apostate. 00:10:18.299 --> 00:10:26.340 And it's doing so to warn us, to help us to be careful that we remain in the way of the truth. 00:10:26.340 --> 00:10:38.940 Jesus in Mark chapter 4 kind of normalizes this for us, teaches us that we ought to expect it to be the case as we walk in this world. 00:10:39.040 --> 00:10:41.540 So if you would, please join me in Mark chapter 4. 00:10:42.300 --> 00:10:47.120 Keep James on your thumb and go to Mark chapter 4. 00:10:47.120 --> 00:11:04.080 You're likely familiar with this parable. 00:11:05.080 --> 00:11:08.580 I think it'll serve us as we think about this text in James. 00:11:09.840 --> 00:11:11.899 Mark 4 beginning in verse 3 and following. 00:11:12.240 --> 00:11:13.019 Jesus tells a parable. 00:11:13.019 --> 00:11:43.000 He says, 00:11:43.019 --> 00:12:01.299 So we see in this parable, verses 3 through 8, we see four different types of soil. 00:12:02.100 --> 00:12:04.179 And there's a sowing that's going on. 00:12:04.220 --> 00:12:06.279 And we're going to find out what all of these soils mean. 00:12:07.019 --> 00:12:11.919 The sowing is happening in these soils in the hearts of men. 00:12:11.919 --> 00:12:19.519 So the truth being taught and how that truth is received is what's being taught here in this parable. 00:12:20.039 --> 00:12:25.860 This is one of those wonderful, fortunate parables where Jesus goes on to tell us exactly what he means by the parable. 00:12:25.939 --> 00:12:27.099 So we don't have to guess at all. 00:12:27.179 --> 00:12:29.919 If you go on down to verse 14, he explains. 00:12:29.919 --> 00:12:30.459 He explains. 00:12:31.179 --> 00:12:33.199 Verse 14, Mark chapter 4. 00:12:33.879 --> 00:12:39.860 The sower sows the word, the truth, the gospel. 00:12:41.019 --> 00:12:44.519 And these are the ones along the path where the word is sown. 00:12:44.679 --> 00:12:49.740 When they hear, Satan immediately comes and takes away the word that is sown in them. 00:12:49.740 --> 00:12:51.919 It yields nothing. 00:12:52.060 --> 00:12:54.620 Nothing happens at all because it's taken snatched away. 00:12:56.220 --> 00:12:56.639 Verse 16. 00:12:56.740 --> 00:12:58.899 And these are the ones sown on rocky ground. 00:12:59.019 --> 00:13:03.460 The ones who, when they hear the word, immediately receive it with joy. 00:13:03.899 --> 00:13:09.700 It seems to produce in them an emotional response to this truth of salvation. 00:13:09.700 --> 00:13:11.540 Verse 17. 00:13:11.680 --> 00:13:16.620 And they have no root in themselves, but endure for a while. 00:13:16.840 --> 00:13:25.620 Then when tribulation or persecution arises on account of the word, immediately they fall away. 00:13:26.460 --> 00:13:34.040 So when their supposed salvation brings trouble to them, walking in the way of truth becomes difficult. 00:13:34.039 --> 00:13:39.819 They no longer weave on the way, they want to get off the way as fast as they can. 00:13:41.099 --> 00:13:41.919 Verse 18. 00:13:42.759 --> 00:13:44.799 And others are ones sown among thorns. 00:13:45.599 --> 00:13:55.719 They are those who hear the word, but the cares of the world and the deceitfulness of riches and the desires for other things enter in and choke the word. 00:13:56.219 --> 00:13:58.459 And it proves unfruitful. 00:13:58.460 --> 00:14:04.060 So they hear the word, they're receptive of the word. 00:14:04.639 --> 00:14:09.620 The parable, which we didn't read, but previously in the chapter said, he who has ears to hear, let him hear. 00:14:09.900 --> 00:14:14.400 So they hear the word, but they love the world far too much. 00:14:14.540 --> 00:14:18.220 And it chokes out fruitfulness in their lives. 00:14:19.280 --> 00:14:19.879 Verse 20. 00:14:19.879 --> 00:14:27.059 But those that were sown on the good soil are the ones who hear the word and accept it and bear fruit. 00:14:27.759 --> 00:14:31.639 Thirtyfold and sixtyfold and a hundredfold. 00:14:32.759 --> 00:14:40.720 So while Jesus here normalizes the wanderer, he does so for the benefit of the faithful. 00:14:41.179 --> 00:14:47.419 That we might understand what is happening to people that we love and why. 00:14:47.419 --> 00:14:53.839 That we might know what is going on in the hearts of these people. 00:14:54.740 --> 00:15:01.559 This text in Mark 4 in no way trivializes the wandering or makes the wandering any less sad. 00:15:02.620 --> 00:15:07.559 Which is why James is exhorting those who are not wandering to go. 00:15:08.139 --> 00:15:14.159 To go to the one who wanders with the intention of bringing them back. 00:15:14.159 --> 00:15:17.699 There are those who are good soil, right? 00:15:17.799 --> 00:15:19.339 Who will begin to wander. 00:15:20.379 --> 00:15:21.459 And we go to them. 00:15:22.339 --> 00:15:25.600 And we say to them the word and they remember, oh yes. 00:15:26.419 --> 00:15:27.659 Oh, the good commands. 00:15:28.240 --> 00:15:29.139 Oh, the gospel. 00:15:30.199 --> 00:15:31.319 And they come back. 00:15:32.039 --> 00:15:36.279 They show themselves to be the good soil. 00:15:36.279 --> 00:15:40.039 This is much of the life of the church. 00:15:41.299 --> 00:15:42.620 Trying to sort out. 00:15:42.819 --> 00:15:45.819 Trying to assess by God's good instruction. 00:15:46.459 --> 00:15:49.319 Sowing the word and figuring out the soils. 00:15:50.519 --> 00:15:51.519 So that's the second observation. 00:15:51.699 --> 00:15:52.379 There is a wanderer. 00:15:52.419 --> 00:15:54.579 Somebody who has wandered from the truth. 00:15:54.659 --> 00:15:56.139 The truth of their salvation. 00:15:57.360 --> 00:15:58.279 Third observation. 00:15:58.279 --> 00:16:06.120 God uses human means to accomplish divine purposes. 00:16:07.240 --> 00:16:12.720 God uses human means to accomplish divine purposes. 00:16:13.439 --> 00:16:15.299 We see the very end of verse 19. 00:16:15.819 --> 00:16:16.799 Go to them. 00:16:17.299 --> 00:16:20.279 And this person brings the wanderer back. 00:16:20.579 --> 00:16:20.679 Right? 00:16:21.039 --> 00:16:22.839 Brings them back. 00:16:22.840 --> 00:16:29.740 Let him know that whoever brings back a sinner from his wandering will save his soul from death. 00:16:29.960 --> 00:16:33.740 And will cover a multitude of sins. 00:16:34.899 --> 00:16:39.240 Now on the surface, this ought to get the hairs on the back of your neck rising. 00:16:40.019 --> 00:16:44.000 You ought to have a high view of the sovereignty of God. 00:16:44.580 --> 00:16:47.420 His powerful working in the lives of people. 00:16:48.259 --> 00:16:49.360 We ought to know. 00:16:49.720 --> 00:16:51.480 I can't change a person. 00:16:51.480 --> 00:16:53.480 Only God can change hearts. 00:16:54.320 --> 00:16:54.440 Right? 00:16:54.539 --> 00:16:58.340 Only God brings people into conformity with Christ. 00:16:58.480 --> 00:17:00.779 And so there's a lot about this that ought to make you go, wait, what? 00:17:01.680 --> 00:17:06.400 How is it that me as a goer to bring somebody back brings them back? 00:17:08.160 --> 00:17:08.720 Helps them? 00:17:08.960 --> 00:17:12.099 Brings back a sinner from wandering from the truth? 00:17:12.779 --> 00:17:14.480 Saves his soul from death? 00:17:15.480 --> 00:17:18.299 And to be clear here, we are not talking about temporal death. 00:17:18.299 --> 00:17:20.059 We're talking about eternal death. 00:17:20.259 --> 00:17:22.259 Saving of his soul. 00:17:22.419 --> 00:17:24.720 We're saving a person from damnation. 00:17:24.879 --> 00:17:27.200 Can't only God do that? 00:17:27.700 --> 00:17:30.419 Cover a multitude of sins? 00:17:30.819 --> 00:17:33.960 This expression in the Greek does not mean hide away the sins. 00:17:34.079 --> 00:17:38.680 This isn't like if you bring them back, they can avoid the embarrassment of their sins. 00:17:39.099 --> 00:17:42.899 This is a word used to forgive sins. 00:17:42.900 --> 00:17:46.000 Isn't this the saving work of Christ? 00:17:46.100 --> 00:17:49.480 Only by the precious blood of Christ that people's sins are forgiven. 00:17:49.580 --> 00:17:51.480 And the answer to all of that is yes. 00:17:52.180 --> 00:17:52.560 Yes. 00:17:53.200 --> 00:17:58.780 But God uses human means to accomplish divine purposes. 00:17:58.779 --> 00:18:05.779 He uses Christians to help one another walk faithfully. 00:18:07.059 --> 00:18:10.799 So I think some helpful points to get us to think about this. 00:18:10.960 --> 00:18:16.359 Some biblical truths that I'd like to show you to help you understand what it is that James is trying to communicate here. 00:18:16.480 --> 00:18:18.859 God uses human means to accomplish divine purposes. 00:18:19.019 --> 00:18:25.240 Number one, we are justified by grace alone through faith alone in Christ alone. 00:18:25.240 --> 00:18:36.640 We're declared righteous before God, restored to him, justified by grace alone through faith alone in Christ alone. 00:18:37.039 --> 00:18:40.579 There's no way by your works that you can earn your salvation. 00:18:41.000 --> 00:18:42.799 And the scripture is abundantly clear on this. 00:18:42.880 --> 00:18:43.839 I'm going to give you one reference. 00:18:44.019 --> 00:18:49.099 It was part of our text from last week, Ephesians 2, verse 8 and 9. 00:18:49.099 --> 00:18:49.619 Right. 00:18:50.000 --> 00:18:54.699 For by grace, you have been saved through faith. 00:18:54.819 --> 00:18:58.219 And this referring to the faith is not your own doing. 00:18:58.319 --> 00:19:03.839 It is the gift of God, not a result of works so that no one may boast. 00:19:05.099 --> 00:19:09.779 You cannot with your greatest effort, save yourself. 00:19:10.439 --> 00:19:13.240 You cannot by your greatest effort, save anybody else. 00:19:13.240 --> 00:19:13.559 Right. 00:19:13.960 --> 00:19:20.420 If the person is to be saved, they are to be saved by grace alone through faith alone in Christ alone. 00:19:21.700 --> 00:19:22.779 This is the gospel. 00:19:23.200 --> 00:19:24.460 This is the good news. 00:19:24.460 --> 00:19:29.420 We can't save ourselves, but God graciously saves. 00:19:29.660 --> 00:19:30.500 That's number one. 00:19:30.599 --> 00:19:43.019 Number two, those who are justified, saved, declared righteous in Christ will persevere to be glorified. 00:19:44.200 --> 00:19:52.819 Having been saved by God, they will be kept by God to the end, to be glorified, to put off our flesh and our sin forever. 00:19:53.940 --> 00:19:55.920 Romans chapter 8, verse 30. 00:19:57.140 --> 00:19:59.900 And those whom he predestined, he also called. 00:20:00.240 --> 00:20:03.519 And those whom he called, he also justified. 00:20:03.859 --> 00:20:08.620 And those whom he justified, he also glorified. 00:20:08.619 --> 00:20:17.500 Now, if you're a guest this morning and you are not beating the same drum I'm beating when it comes to doctrines of salvation, that's okay. 00:20:18.319 --> 00:20:24.659 You don't have to be quite on the same page where I am and get all wrapped up into the word predestined in this text. 00:20:24.660 --> 00:20:32.700 But the thing you cannot avoid in this text is to see that the people that God justifies, he glorifies. 00:20:33.840 --> 00:20:35.500 There's no wiggling out of that. 00:20:35.900 --> 00:20:37.200 And I don't know why you'd want to. 00:20:37.200 --> 00:20:42.920 Those who are, in fact, saved cannot lose their salvation. 00:20:43.559 --> 00:20:44.640 It's an impossibility. 00:20:45.559 --> 00:20:46.400 God saved you. 00:20:47.019 --> 00:20:47.720 God will keep you. 00:20:47.720 --> 00:20:50.960 If you show yourself not to be a Christian, right? 00:20:51.100 --> 00:20:57.140 If you apostatize, you walk away from the faith, all that is is evidence that you were never saved to begin with. 00:20:57.740 --> 00:21:04.120 If you are truly saved, it's a work of God and it will remain a reality. 00:21:05.319 --> 00:21:05.500 Okay. 00:21:05.860 --> 00:21:07.960 So number one, we're justified by graceful and faithful and Christ alone. 00:21:08.039 --> 00:21:12.100 Number two, those who are justified will persevere to be glorified. 00:21:12.099 --> 00:21:18.559 Number three, no one will be glorified if they do not persevere in faith. 00:21:20.500 --> 00:21:23.719 Evidence the fact that they are saved. 00:21:25.179 --> 00:21:28.639 Colossians chapter one, verse 21 and following. 00:21:30.039 --> 00:21:35.879 And you who once were alienated and hostile in mind doing evil deeds. 00:21:36.339 --> 00:21:38.579 So this is status who you once were. 00:21:38.719 --> 00:21:39.259 Verse 22. 00:21:39.259 --> 00:21:42.500 He has now reconciled, right? 00:21:42.859 --> 00:21:52.740 Made right with God in his body of flesh by his death in order to present you holy and blameless and above reproach before him. 00:21:52.819 --> 00:21:53.980 So there's two statuses here. 00:21:54.079 --> 00:21:59.519 There's a pre alienated, hostile in mind, doing evil deeds. 00:21:59.980 --> 00:22:02.140 Now reconciled, right? 00:22:02.240 --> 00:22:05.079 Made right with God by the death of Christ. 00:22:05.079 --> 00:22:08.099 Then verse 23 says, if. 00:22:09.500 --> 00:22:13.099 If indeed you continue in the faith. 00:22:13.899 --> 00:22:23.059 Stable and steadfast, not shifting from the hope of the gospel that you heard, which has been proclaimed in all creation under heaven and of which I, Paul, became a minister. 00:22:23.059 --> 00:22:23.379 If. 00:22:23.379 --> 00:22:23.700 If. 00:22:23.700 --> 00:22:25.440 If. 00:22:26.159 --> 00:22:27.319 You don't. 00:22:27.799 --> 00:22:31.059 Wander ultimately away from the truth. 00:22:32.299 --> 00:22:33.599 It evidences. 00:22:34.399 --> 00:22:36.039 That we're in Christ. 00:22:37.019 --> 00:22:40.279 So again, you cannot earn your salvation. 00:22:41.480 --> 00:22:42.960 The first thing I said. 00:22:42.960 --> 00:22:46.880 You cannot, if you're saved, lose your salvation. 00:22:47.140 --> 00:22:48.759 The second thing stated. 00:22:50.120 --> 00:22:53.880 But you can prove that you were never saved to begin with. 00:22:54.880 --> 00:22:56.779 You can wander away from the truth. 00:22:57.779 --> 00:23:01.420 Ultimately and finally and never be brought back. 00:23:01.420 --> 00:23:06.860 And I think this should make us all serious about our faith. 00:23:10.900 --> 00:23:12.140 That happens from time to time. 00:23:12.759 --> 00:23:13.680 Vultures on the porch. 00:23:23.759 --> 00:23:24.320 Maybe they'll. 00:23:24.420 --> 00:23:26.460 Between that and the cardinal that smashes into the window. 00:23:26.700 --> 00:23:26.900 We've got. 00:23:28.660 --> 00:23:30.380 Like we're running a bird sanctuary here. 00:23:30.460 --> 00:23:30.620 Okay. 00:23:31.420 --> 00:23:33.680 Point number three. 00:23:33.759 --> 00:23:34.680 Let me get us back on track. 00:23:34.820 --> 00:23:37.720 No one will be glorified if they do not persevere in faith. 00:23:38.320 --> 00:23:38.440 Right. 00:23:38.960 --> 00:23:41.380 This should make our Christianity serious. 00:23:41.840 --> 00:23:41.980 Right. 00:23:42.279 --> 00:23:44.259 We ought to be concerned. 00:23:45.420 --> 00:23:46.539 Work out your salvation. 00:23:47.380 --> 00:23:48.300 Fear and trembling. 00:23:48.539 --> 00:23:52.600 For it's God who works in you both to will and to work for his good pleasure. 00:23:53.620 --> 00:23:54.300 Fourth point. 00:23:55.019 --> 00:23:58.560 God is the one who sustains those who are saved. 00:23:58.559 --> 00:24:01.839 God is the one who saves those who are saved. 00:24:02.099 --> 00:24:03.519 Very similar to point number two. 00:24:03.599 --> 00:24:06.659 Those who are justified will persevere to be glorified. 00:24:06.659 --> 00:24:12.779 But the point here being that God is working by grace in us to sustain us to the end. 00:24:12.779 --> 00:24:16.039 Paul writes Philippians chapter one and verse six. 00:24:16.039 --> 00:24:17.259 I'm sure of this. 00:24:17.480 --> 00:24:22.200 That he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion. 00:24:22.740 --> 00:24:25.980 Glorification at the day of Christ. 00:24:25.980 --> 00:24:26.860 Right. 00:24:28.039 --> 00:24:33.480 Many of you have young children who are just learning to walk or who have just learned to walk. 00:24:34.660 --> 00:24:37.900 When they're walking seems more treacherous than usual. 00:24:38.160 --> 00:24:45.680 The ground is uneven or they're on the edge of a curb or they've learned that bouncing along a retaining wall is fun. 00:24:45.680 --> 00:24:50.240 We often say hold my hand. 00:24:51.420 --> 00:24:52.240 Hold my hand. 00:24:53.420 --> 00:24:56.080 If our children know what's good for them they'll take our hand at that time. 00:24:57.580 --> 00:25:01.180 But if our children lose their footing and take a tumble. 00:25:01.759 --> 00:25:06.360 It is not because they are holding on to our hands that they don't go down hard. 00:25:06.539 --> 00:25:06.620 Right. 00:25:06.700 --> 00:25:08.200 Their grips are not so strong. 00:25:09.360 --> 00:25:09.460 Right. 00:25:09.779 --> 00:25:13.799 But it is because we are holding on to their hand. 00:25:13.799 --> 00:25:18.440 They put their hand in ours and we hold their hand. 00:25:19.299 --> 00:25:23.759 Don't offer your child your finger and expect them to grip it and not fall off the retaining wall. 00:25:24.440 --> 00:25:26.180 You hold their hand. 00:25:26.299 --> 00:25:29.119 And this is what keeps them safe. 00:25:30.319 --> 00:25:35.000 God is ultimately the one who sustains us to the end. 00:25:35.319 --> 00:25:35.500 Right. 00:25:35.980 --> 00:25:38.680 Our hands are merely resting in his. 00:25:40.720 --> 00:25:41.519 And fifth. 00:25:41.859 --> 00:25:43.159 And this is the main point that I'm making. 00:25:43.160 --> 00:25:45.900 God uses human means to accomplish divine purposes. 00:25:46.120 --> 00:25:48.120 That sustaining work in our lives. 00:25:48.259 --> 00:25:52.120 He uses human means to do it. 00:25:52.220 --> 00:25:57.420 And it's not the only but a primary mean that he uses is the church. 00:25:58.600 --> 00:26:03.920 Christians who are committed to one another to walk out the Christian life together. 00:26:03.920 --> 00:26:08.100 The author of Hebrews writes chapter 3 verse 13 and following. 00:26:08.880 --> 00:26:11.800 But exhort one another every day. 00:26:12.300 --> 00:26:14.340 As long as it is called today. 00:26:15.019 --> 00:26:18.160 That none of you may be hardened by the deceitfulness. 00:26:18.880 --> 00:26:19.759 Of sin. 00:26:20.880 --> 00:26:23.279 For we have come to share in Christ. 00:26:23.840 --> 00:26:25.300 If indeed. 00:26:25.980 --> 00:26:28.660 We hold our original confidence firm. 00:26:28.660 --> 00:26:30.500 To the end. 00:26:31.620 --> 00:26:33.940 That there it is. 00:26:33.940 --> 00:26:34.259 Right. 00:26:34.980 --> 00:26:36.360 Encapsulated for us. 00:26:36.720 --> 00:26:37.900 God intends for us. 00:26:38.120 --> 00:26:40.300 To be together with other Christians. 00:26:40.300 --> 00:26:42.500 Who are going to encourage us. 00:26:42.620 --> 00:26:44.340 To warn us. 00:26:44.620 --> 00:26:44.820 Right. 00:26:45.080 --> 00:26:45.900 To persevere. 00:26:46.400 --> 00:26:47.640 To the end. 00:26:49.300 --> 00:26:49.779 And beloved. 00:26:49.779 --> 00:26:50.299 God of this. 00:26:51.200 --> 00:26:53.579 Is the thing we call congregationalism. 00:26:54.420 --> 00:26:56.160 If you're a member of this church. 00:26:56.440 --> 00:26:58.240 This is part of your work. 00:26:58.599 --> 00:27:00.339 To engage one another. 00:27:01.019 --> 00:27:02.779 This is not a consumer event. 00:27:02.960 --> 00:27:03.180 Right. 00:27:03.200 --> 00:27:04.660 Where you just come and get some information. 00:27:05.759 --> 00:27:07.059 Information is being shared. 00:27:07.799 --> 00:27:09.079 But the church. 00:27:09.599 --> 00:27:11.599 Is to be doing this work together. 00:27:12.160 --> 00:27:12.299 Right. 00:27:12.639 --> 00:27:14.420 Not just showing up and voting on a budget. 00:27:14.579 --> 00:27:16.339 That's not what congregationalism is. 00:27:17.720 --> 00:27:19.240 Congregationalism is helping one another. 00:27:19.240 --> 00:27:20.400 To faithfully follow. 00:27:21.099 --> 00:27:22.099 Jesus to the end. 00:27:23.359 --> 00:27:24.039 John Piper. 00:27:24.039 --> 00:27:25.420 If you happen to be unfamiliar with him. 00:27:25.500 --> 00:27:26.519 As a contemporary pastor. 00:27:28.059 --> 00:27:28.759 Once said. 00:27:28.880 --> 00:27:29.839 Eternal security. 00:27:29.839 --> 00:27:31.660 Is a community project. 00:27:32.180 --> 00:27:33.460 It is sure. 00:27:33.460 --> 00:27:34.640 For God's elect. 00:27:34.940 --> 00:27:37.039 But it is not without means. 00:27:37.700 --> 00:27:38.200 Therefore. 00:27:38.319 --> 00:27:38.960 We should take. 00:27:39.079 --> 00:27:39.759 One another. 00:27:40.240 --> 00:27:41.099 With ultimate. 00:27:42.120 --> 00:27:42.759 Seriousness. 00:27:44.319 --> 00:27:44.839 Now. 00:27:44.980 --> 00:27:46.259 When people are wandering. 00:27:46.559 --> 00:27:47.279 In our fellowship. 00:27:48.039 --> 00:27:48.799 This is not. 00:27:49.240 --> 00:27:50.380 A thing that we typically. 00:27:50.380 --> 00:27:51.420 See happen. 00:27:51.420 --> 00:27:52.819 With severity. 00:27:53.599 --> 00:27:54.759 Usually doesn't happen. 00:27:55.500 --> 00:27:55.940 Quickly. 00:27:56.559 --> 00:27:57.660 James uses the term. 00:27:58.059 --> 00:27:59.120 Wandering from here. 00:27:59.380 --> 00:27:59.519 Right. 00:27:59.559 --> 00:28:00.000 It's like a. 00:28:00.420 --> 00:28:01.339 Meandering off. 00:28:02.099 --> 00:28:03.279 The path of the truth. 00:28:03.519 --> 00:28:03.680 Right. 00:28:03.720 --> 00:28:04.940 He doesn't say that they're running. 00:28:05.059 --> 00:28:05.819 They're not bolting. 00:28:05.819 --> 00:28:07.039 Or sprinting away. 00:28:07.039 --> 00:28:07.720 From the truth. 00:28:07.720 --> 00:28:08.220 But they've. 00:28:09.179 --> 00:28:09.559 Wandered. 00:28:09.639 --> 00:28:09.939 It's a. 00:28:10.079 --> 00:28:11.619 It's a drifting away. 00:28:12.079 --> 00:28:13.559 From that profession of faith. 00:28:13.700 --> 00:28:14.419 That they once. 00:28:15.179 --> 00:28:15.579 Made. 00:28:16.139 --> 00:28:16.740 Which means. 00:28:16.839 --> 00:28:17.980 We have to be watchful. 00:28:18.339 --> 00:28:19.599 We have to be paying attention. 00:28:20.099 --> 00:28:20.899 To be careful. 00:28:21.299 --> 00:28:22.200 In our help. 00:28:22.919 --> 00:28:23.759 Of one another. 00:28:24.759 --> 00:28:25.119 Again. 00:28:25.159 --> 00:28:25.720 The author of Hebrews. 00:28:25.799 --> 00:28:26.159 Chapter 2. 00:28:26.200 --> 00:28:26.659 Verse 1. 00:28:26.759 --> 00:28:26.939 Said. 00:28:26.940 --> 00:28:27.240 Therefore. 00:28:28.080 --> 00:28:29.240 We must pay much. 00:28:29.580 --> 00:28:30.360 Closer attention. 00:28:30.360 --> 00:28:31.740 To what we have heard. 00:28:32.580 --> 00:28:33.420 Lest we. 00:28:34.080 --> 00:28:34.820 Drift away. 00:28:35.299 --> 00:28:35.940 From it. 00:28:38.500 --> 00:28:39.980 Altogether possible. 00:28:40.080 --> 00:28:41.519 For ourselves. 00:28:41.960 --> 00:28:43.019 And for others. 00:28:44.080 --> 00:28:44.960 To drift. 00:28:45.220 --> 00:28:45.980 Imperceptively. 00:28:46.400 --> 00:28:47.880 Out of the safety. 00:28:48.720 --> 00:28:49.740 Of the cove. 00:28:49.980 --> 00:28:50.880 And out into the storm. 00:28:51.279 --> 00:28:52.120 Of the sea. 00:28:53.119 --> 00:28:54.059 We want to be. 00:28:54.379 --> 00:28:55.339 Rescuing one another. 00:28:55.559 --> 00:28:56.059 From that. 00:28:56.439 --> 00:28:56.839 Drift. 00:28:57.019 --> 00:28:57.379 We want to be. 00:28:57.599 --> 00:28:58.599 Holding each other. 00:28:59.219 --> 00:28:59.519 In. 00:29:00.099 --> 00:29:00.839 The faith. 00:29:01.519 --> 00:29:02.339 And we've been given. 00:29:02.419 --> 00:29:02.819 A process. 00:29:02.939 --> 00:29:03.799 By which we do this. 00:29:03.859 --> 00:29:04.319 It's outlined. 00:29:04.419 --> 00:29:04.739 In Matthew. 00:29:04.859 --> 00:29:05.199 Chapter. 00:29:05.759 --> 00:29:06.159 18. 00:29:06.439 --> 00:29:07.039 This process. 00:29:07.119 --> 00:29:07.699 That we call. 00:29:08.179 --> 00:29:09.099 Church discipline. 00:29:09.619 --> 00:29:10.239 And most likely. 00:29:10.239 --> 00:29:11.299 When you hear this term. 00:29:11.419 --> 00:29:11.799 You think. 00:29:11.879 --> 00:29:12.519 To the very end. 00:29:12.519 --> 00:29:13.219 Of that process. 00:29:13.299 --> 00:29:14.119 It's where my brain. 00:29:14.179 --> 00:29:14.459 Went. 00:29:14.919 --> 00:29:15.699 For a decade. 00:29:16.219 --> 00:29:17.000 Which is the. 00:29:17.359 --> 00:29:17.719 Excommunicating. 00:29:17.719 --> 00:29:18.239 Of a person. 00:29:18.339 --> 00:29:18.579 Right. 00:29:18.739 --> 00:29:19.279 Declaring them. 00:29:19.359 --> 00:29:19.979 Not in the faith. 00:29:20.059 --> 00:29:20.959 But there's a whole process. 00:29:20.959 --> 00:29:21.339 Outlined. 00:29:21.339 --> 00:29:22.099 Before that. 00:29:22.119 --> 00:29:22.979 Which is also. 00:29:23.399 --> 00:29:24.239 Church discipline. 00:29:24.739 --> 00:29:24.919 Right. 00:29:25.479 --> 00:29:25.839 Discipling. 00:29:26.439 --> 00:29:27.339 Helping each other. 00:29:27.519 --> 00:29:27.919 Remain. 00:29:29.000 --> 00:29:29.479 Faithful. 00:29:30.519 --> 00:29:31.500 But here's what's. 00:29:31.679 --> 00:29:32.119 Phenomenal. 00:29:32.199 --> 00:29:32.599 About Matthew. 00:29:32.679 --> 00:29:33.219 Chapter 18. 00:29:33.679 --> 00:29:33.839 Right. 00:29:34.059 --> 00:29:35.079 If your brain goes there. 00:29:35.139 --> 00:29:35.519 And you know it. 00:29:35.519 --> 00:29:35.939 We're going to read it. 00:29:35.979 --> 00:29:36.399 In just a moment. 00:29:37.000 --> 00:29:37.179 Right. 00:29:37.619 --> 00:29:39.199 But what comes right before that. 00:29:39.599 --> 00:29:40.699 What comes right before. 00:29:40.759 --> 00:29:41.500 What is Jesus saying. 00:29:41.559 --> 00:29:42.179 Right before that. 00:29:42.219 --> 00:29:42.500 In Matthew. 00:29:42.559 --> 00:29:43.079 Chapter 18. 00:29:43.319 --> 00:29:44.019 This is the last half. 00:29:44.079 --> 00:29:44.619 Verse 12. 00:29:45.479 --> 00:29:46.000 And following. 00:29:46.579 --> 00:29:47.159 He says. 00:29:47.379 --> 00:29:49.039 If a man has a hundred sheep. 00:29:50.479 --> 00:29:51.339 And one of them. 00:29:51.339 --> 00:29:52.859 Has gone astray. 00:29:53.359 --> 00:29:54.259 Has wandered. 00:29:55.059 --> 00:29:55.899 Away from the truth. 00:29:56.559 --> 00:29:58.099 Does he not leave the ninety-nine. 00:29:58.099 --> 00:29:58.699 On the mountains. 00:29:58.699 --> 00:29:59.919 And go in search of the one. 00:30:00.019 --> 00:30:00.819 That went astray. 00:30:01.919 --> 00:30:03.000 And if he finds it. 00:30:03.039 --> 00:30:03.799 Truly I say to you. 00:30:03.859 --> 00:30:04.859 He rejoices over it. 00:30:04.859 --> 00:30:06.099 More than over the ninety-nine. 00:30:06.099 --> 00:30:07.240 That never went astray. 00:30:08.619 --> 00:30:10.139 So it is not the will of my father. 00:30:10.139 --> 00:30:10.740 Who is in heaven. 00:30:10.740 --> 00:30:12.240 That one of these little ones. 00:30:13.079 --> 00:30:13.919 Should perish. 00:30:13.920 --> 00:30:15.980 And then. 00:30:16.340 --> 00:30:17.220 Verse 15. 00:30:17.380 --> 00:30:18.360 It is right after that. 00:30:18.440 --> 00:30:18.900 That he says. 00:30:19.000 --> 00:30:20.160 If your brother sins against you. 00:30:21.100 --> 00:30:22.620 Go and tell him his fault. 00:30:22.800 --> 00:30:23.900 Between you and him alone. 00:30:24.660 --> 00:30:26.000 If he listens to you. 00:30:26.820 --> 00:30:28.140 You have gained your brother. 00:30:29.160 --> 00:30:29.300 Right. 00:30:30.460 --> 00:30:30.900 Why? 00:30:32.720 --> 00:30:33.880 Because he is good soil. 00:30:34.759 --> 00:30:36.740 Because maybe he was blind to his sin. 00:30:37.200 --> 00:30:37.640 Or. 00:30:37.640 --> 00:30:40.380 Is becoming self-deceived. 00:30:40.620 --> 00:30:41.940 And was justifying. 00:30:42.560 --> 00:30:43.120 His sin. 00:30:44.600 --> 00:30:45.259 If he is good soil. 00:30:45.360 --> 00:30:45.900 He will come. 00:30:46.460 --> 00:30:46.860 Back. 00:30:47.020 --> 00:30:48.020 Jesus says in John 10. 00:30:48.080 --> 00:30:48.520 27. 00:30:48.620 --> 00:30:49.680 My sheep hear my voice. 00:30:50.240 --> 00:30:51.240 And I know them. 00:30:51.900 --> 00:30:52.960 And they follow me. 00:30:54.980 --> 00:30:56.160 And verse 16 says. 00:30:56.160 --> 00:30:57.560 But if he does not listen. 00:30:57.920 --> 00:30:59.040 Maybe he is particularly stubborn. 00:30:59.300 --> 00:31:00.820 Or particularly blind. 00:31:01.580 --> 00:31:03.320 Take one or two others along with you. 00:31:03.400 --> 00:31:04.820 That every charge may be established. 00:31:04.820 --> 00:31:05.520 By the evidence. 00:31:05.620 --> 00:31:06.280 Of two or three. 00:31:06.279 --> 00:31:08.079 Witnesses. 00:31:09.019 --> 00:31:09.460 So. 00:31:10.240 --> 00:31:10.879 Gang up a little. 00:31:11.420 --> 00:31:12.019 In love. 00:31:12.660 --> 00:31:13.700 For this wandering. 00:31:14.819 --> 00:31:15.220 Brother. 00:31:16.799 --> 00:31:17.700 Verse 17 says. 00:31:17.799 --> 00:31:19.240 If he refuses to listen to them. 00:31:19.339 --> 00:31:20.139 So there is assumption here. 00:31:20.220 --> 00:31:21.599 That he may listen to them. 00:31:21.859 --> 00:31:22.879 And come back. 00:31:23.099 --> 00:31:24.220 And be restored. 00:31:24.460 --> 00:31:25.819 And you have gained your brother. 00:31:26.759 --> 00:31:28.139 But if he refuses to listen to them. 00:31:28.339 --> 00:31:29.519 Tell it to the church. 00:31:30.700 --> 00:31:31.899 And if he refuses to listen. 00:31:31.960 --> 00:31:32.779 Even to the church. 00:31:32.779 --> 00:31:34.079 The full witness of the church. 00:31:34.480 --> 00:31:35.460 Let him be to you. 00:31:35.539 --> 00:31:36.180 As a Gentile. 00:31:36.279 --> 00:31:37.079 And a tax collector. 00:31:37.139 --> 00:31:38.379 Let him be cut out. 00:31:39.099 --> 00:31:40.039 Of that fellowship. 00:31:40.359 --> 00:31:41.740 For his good. 00:31:42.139 --> 00:31:43.420 For the witness of the gospel. 00:31:44.180 --> 00:31:45.279 The high hope of his. 00:31:45.960 --> 00:31:46.399 Restoration. 00:31:47.160 --> 00:31:47.960 In Christ. 00:31:49.379 --> 00:31:50.420 So this is the work. 00:31:50.759 --> 00:31:51.940 That we are meant to be doing. 00:31:52.139 --> 00:31:53.019 It is the means. 00:31:53.139 --> 00:31:53.960 That God intends. 00:31:54.440 --> 00:31:55.059 To rescue. 00:31:55.740 --> 00:31:56.559 This wanderer. 00:31:56.660 --> 00:31:57.720 This is divine purpose. 00:31:57.720 --> 00:31:58.420 To rescue. 00:31:58.639 --> 00:32:00.099 All who are in the faith. 00:32:00.139 --> 00:32:00.940 And we are meant to go. 00:32:01.099 --> 00:32:01.859 After them. 00:32:02.240 --> 00:32:02.420 Right. 00:32:02.779 --> 00:32:03.259 As that. 00:32:03.259 --> 00:32:03.339 That. 00:32:04.140 --> 00:32:04.539 Solitary. 00:32:05.119 --> 00:32:05.500 Sheep. 00:32:07.119 --> 00:32:07.720 So here. 00:32:07.839 --> 00:32:08.539 In brief. 00:32:08.740 --> 00:32:09.400 Our applications. 00:32:10.539 --> 00:32:11.339 If you are taking notes. 00:32:11.379 --> 00:32:11.859 You got worried. 00:32:12.640 --> 00:32:13.480 Three observations. 00:32:13.599 --> 00:32:14.220 Five applications. 00:32:14.359 --> 00:32:14.559 You went. 00:32:15.220 --> 00:32:16.259 We are going to be here another hour. 00:32:16.339 --> 00:32:16.619 We are not. 00:32:17.119 --> 00:32:18.440 These will be fast applications. 00:32:18.660 --> 00:32:18.779 Okay. 00:32:19.140 --> 00:32:19.980 So first application. 00:32:21.299 --> 00:32:22.059 Love one another. 00:32:22.059 --> 00:32:25.079 This will be difficult. 00:32:25.759 --> 00:32:27.039 This will be patient. 00:32:27.759 --> 00:32:28.159 Work. 00:32:29.980 --> 00:32:31.679 And church is not meant to be easy. 00:32:31.940 --> 00:32:32.500 And comfortable. 00:32:32.500 --> 00:32:34.220 It will be difficult. 00:32:34.519 --> 00:32:34.819 Patient. 00:32:35.159 --> 00:32:35.440 Work. 00:32:35.679 --> 00:32:35.740 Right. 00:32:36.019 --> 00:32:36.799 To decide. 00:32:37.159 --> 00:32:37.599 To love. 00:32:38.039 --> 00:32:38.480 Somebody. 00:32:39.039 --> 00:32:39.200 Right. 00:32:39.259 --> 00:32:41.000 To seek their highest good. 00:32:41.480 --> 00:32:42.579 To do this. 00:32:42.659 --> 00:32:44.059 We will have to be motivated. 00:32:44.619 --> 00:32:45.079 Right. 00:32:45.179 --> 00:32:46.700 By that highest good of others. 00:32:47.000 --> 00:32:48.179 To go after them. 00:32:48.700 --> 00:32:48.899 Right. 00:32:49.079 --> 00:32:49.940 To be patient. 00:32:49.940 --> 00:32:51.860 To have hard conversations. 00:32:52.440 --> 00:32:52.640 Right. 00:32:52.880 --> 00:32:55.220 This often happens at our expense. 00:32:57.019 --> 00:32:58.000 First Corinthians. 00:32:58.620 --> 00:32:59.220 Thirteen. 00:32:59.340 --> 00:33:00.059 And verse six. 00:33:01.160 --> 00:33:02.460 Not just a text for weddings. 00:33:03.519 --> 00:33:04.120 Love. 00:33:04.240 --> 00:33:05.559 Does not rejoice. 00:33:05.559 --> 00:33:06.900 At wrongdoing. 00:33:07.160 --> 00:33:08.600 But rejoices with. 00:33:09.000 --> 00:33:10.019 The truth. 00:33:11.380 --> 00:33:13.539 Desires for people to walk in. 00:33:13.980 --> 00:33:14.559 The truth. 00:33:14.680 --> 00:33:15.660 Because it's for their good. 00:33:15.759 --> 00:33:16.460 And it's for the worship. 00:33:16.740 --> 00:33:17.140 Of our God. 00:33:17.580 --> 00:33:18.340 So love one another. 00:33:18.339 --> 00:33:20.079 Secondly. 00:33:21.199 --> 00:33:22.059 Love one another. 00:33:22.679 --> 00:33:23.079 By. 00:33:23.599 --> 00:33:24.559 Knowing the truth. 00:33:25.699 --> 00:33:27.039 If we are to go after the one. 00:33:27.099 --> 00:33:28.079 Who has wandered from the truth. 00:33:28.159 --> 00:33:29.159 We will have to know. 00:33:29.459 --> 00:33:30.439 That they have wandered from. 00:33:30.939 --> 00:33:31.379 The truth. 00:33:32.159 --> 00:33:33.019 And this may seem. 00:33:33.199 --> 00:33:33.939 Too obvious. 00:33:35.019 --> 00:33:36.220 But my concern here. 00:33:36.299 --> 00:33:36.619 Is that we. 00:33:36.959 --> 00:33:37.839 Do not call someone. 00:33:37.919 --> 00:33:38.819 A wanderer. 00:33:39.459 --> 00:33:40.579 Who is simply wandering. 00:33:40.839 --> 00:33:41.139 From. 00:33:41.579 --> 00:33:41.959 Our. 00:33:42.539 --> 00:33:43.299 Personal preferences. 00:33:44.220 --> 00:33:45.199 Or our particular. 00:33:45.839 --> 00:33:46.279 Applications. 00:33:46.279 --> 00:33:47.480 Of a biblical truth. 00:33:47.960 --> 00:33:48.099 Right. 00:33:48.220 --> 00:33:48.559 They're not. 00:33:49.119 --> 00:33:49.899 Doing it exactly. 00:33:49.899 --> 00:33:50.519 The way we. 00:33:50.779 --> 00:33:50.980 Might. 00:33:51.759 --> 00:33:52.139 Do it. 00:33:53.220 --> 00:33:54.059 We need to recognize. 00:33:54.660 --> 00:33:55.379 That the Bible. 00:33:55.500 --> 00:33:57.099 Contains some gray areas. 00:33:57.359 --> 00:33:58.220 And we need to be careful. 00:33:58.220 --> 00:33:59.039 That we are dealing. 00:33:59.480 --> 00:34:00.480 In the black and the whites. 00:34:00.500 --> 00:34:00.980 Of the Bible. 00:34:01.099 --> 00:34:02.299 As we seek out. 00:34:02.539 --> 00:34:03.220 That wanderer. 00:34:03.319 --> 00:34:03.440 Right. 00:34:03.440 --> 00:34:04.099 You need to be able to. 00:34:04.220 --> 00:34:05.220 Open up the text. 00:34:05.339 --> 00:34:05.579 And say. 00:34:05.680 --> 00:34:05.899 Brother. 00:34:06.220 --> 00:34:06.480 Sister. 00:34:06.819 --> 00:34:07.119 This. 00:34:08.239 --> 00:34:09.400 The Lord has spoken. 00:34:09.860 --> 00:34:10.019 Right. 00:34:10.139 --> 00:34:11.219 Thus saith the Lord. 00:34:11.699 --> 00:34:12.739 He has spoken. 00:34:12.739 --> 00:34:13.319 To this. 00:34:13.979 --> 00:34:14.299 Very. 00:34:15.119 --> 00:34:15.479 Issue. 00:34:16.519 --> 00:34:17.039 This is why. 00:34:17.099 --> 00:34:17.439 I've been pressing. 00:34:17.519 --> 00:34:17.979 Upon you all. 00:34:18.079 --> 00:34:19.179 The idea of theological. 00:34:19.179 --> 00:34:19.639 Triage. 00:34:19.779 --> 00:34:20.399 Which I won't get into. 00:34:20.479 --> 00:34:20.679 At all. 00:34:20.719 --> 00:34:21.500 But I just want to insert. 00:34:21.639 --> 00:34:22.339 Another plug. 00:34:22.679 --> 00:34:23.459 For the theological. 00:34:23.459 --> 00:34:23.799 Triage. 00:34:24.000 --> 00:34:24.139 Right. 00:34:24.159 --> 00:34:24.719 We need to be able. 00:34:24.719 --> 00:34:25.579 To quickly assess. 00:34:26.159 --> 00:34:27.019 What things. 00:34:27.019 --> 00:34:27.939 Need to be addressed. 00:34:28.079 --> 00:34:28.639 What things. 00:34:29.459 --> 00:34:30.179 Places in which. 00:34:30.339 --> 00:34:30.559 We can. 00:34:30.959 --> 00:34:31.359 Disagree. 00:34:31.500 --> 00:34:32.019 And still have. 00:34:32.319 --> 00:34:32.579 Unity. 00:34:32.739 --> 00:34:33.739 And call one another. 00:34:33.819 --> 00:34:34.059 Brother. 00:34:34.739 --> 00:34:35.339 Or sister. 00:34:36.879 --> 00:34:38.139 Those who are in Christ. 00:34:38.279 --> 00:34:39.019 Will heed. 00:34:39.799 --> 00:34:40.239 Loving. 00:34:40.619 --> 00:34:41.479 Wise counsel. 00:34:41.480 --> 00:34:42.940 And they will return. 00:34:42.940 --> 00:34:43.960 To the way. 00:34:43.960 --> 00:34:45.039 Of the truth. 00:34:45.039 --> 00:34:45.900 They'll stop. 00:34:46.019 --> 00:34:46.400 Wandering. 00:34:46.679 --> 00:34:46.900 From. 00:34:47.559 --> 00:34:48.480 The truth. 00:34:49.679 --> 00:34:50.599 On your bulletin. 00:34:50.679 --> 00:34:51.099 This morning. 00:34:51.320 --> 00:34:51.940 There's a quote by. 00:34:52.800 --> 00:34:53.219 Puritan. 00:34:53.320 --> 00:34:53.980 Nathaniel Vincent. 00:34:54.559 --> 00:34:55.159 He once said. 00:34:56.099 --> 00:34:56.820 He who despises. 00:34:56.820 --> 00:34:57.440 The word of God. 00:34:57.500 --> 00:34:58.159 And its commands. 00:34:58.980 --> 00:34:59.500 Is not. 00:34:59.880 --> 00:35:00.820 Sincerely converted. 00:35:01.639 --> 00:35:02.500 But damnably. 00:35:03.079 --> 00:35:03.500 Deluded. 00:35:04.699 --> 00:35:05.280 Deceived. 00:35:05.539 --> 00:35:06.079 Deceived. 00:35:07.179 --> 00:35:07.840 Third application. 00:35:08.059 --> 00:35:08.679 Love one another. 00:35:08.679 --> 00:35:09.379 By living. 00:35:10.279 --> 00:35:11.599 An exemplary life. 00:35:12.599 --> 00:35:14.099 We ought not be hypocritical. 00:35:14.159 --> 00:35:14.719 In our correction. 00:35:15.319 --> 00:35:16.539 We are not perfect. 00:35:16.679 --> 00:35:17.639 Any one of us. 00:35:17.759 --> 00:35:17.879 Right. 00:35:17.919 --> 00:35:18.919 But we ought to be setting. 00:35:19.319 --> 00:35:20.259 An example. 00:35:21.039 --> 00:35:22.119 A wanderer is not fit. 00:35:22.199 --> 00:35:22.960 To help someone. 00:35:23.079 --> 00:35:23.739 Not wander. 00:35:24.319 --> 00:35:24.480 Right. 00:35:24.559 --> 00:35:25.379 You can't yourself. 00:35:25.379 --> 00:35:26.059 Be wandering. 00:35:26.659 --> 00:35:28.099 And help a wanderer. 00:35:28.159 --> 00:35:28.619 None of you. 00:35:28.839 --> 00:35:29.399 Know the way. 00:35:30.639 --> 00:35:32.299 So you have to not be a wanderer. 00:35:32.299 --> 00:35:33.679 To help a wanderer. 00:35:34.879 --> 00:35:35.000 Right. 00:35:35.279 --> 00:35:36.179 You need to be setting. 00:35:36.179 --> 00:35:36.719 An example. 00:35:36.719 --> 00:35:37.959 Of what it looks like. 00:35:38.179 --> 00:35:39.039 To faithfully. 00:35:39.579 --> 00:35:40.679 Follow Jesus. 00:35:40.859 --> 00:35:41.739 Even as we fail. 00:35:41.899 --> 00:35:42.739 To follow Jesus well. 00:35:42.819 --> 00:35:43.719 What does it look like. 00:35:43.859 --> 00:35:44.419 To return. 00:35:44.819 --> 00:35:45.379 To him. 00:35:45.839 --> 00:35:46.639 For the grace found. 00:35:47.000 --> 00:35:47.679 At the cross. 00:35:48.779 --> 00:35:49.359 Paul wrote. 00:35:49.439 --> 00:35:49.879 First Corinthians. 00:35:50.339 --> 00:35:50.699 Eleven. 00:35:51.239 --> 00:35:51.699 Verse one. 00:35:52.179 --> 00:35:53.199 Be imitators of me. 00:35:53.299 --> 00:35:54.019 As I am. 00:35:54.139 --> 00:35:54.419 Of. 00:35:55.259 --> 00:35:55.699 Christ. 00:35:56.939 --> 00:35:57.699 Fourth application. 00:35:57.859 --> 00:35:58.359 Love one another. 00:35:58.439 --> 00:35:59.219 By being willing. 00:35:59.219 --> 00:35:59.899 To confront. 00:36:00.159 --> 00:36:00.619 One another. 00:36:00.879 --> 00:36:01.019 Right. 00:36:01.480 --> 00:36:02.539 So if you love somebody. 00:36:03.699 --> 00:36:04.379 If you're really. 00:36:04.379 --> 00:36:04.939 Going to love them. 00:36:05.579 --> 00:36:06.539 You're going to have to do this. 00:36:06.679 --> 00:36:07.179 In your life. 00:36:07.360 --> 00:36:07.519 Right. 00:36:07.860 --> 00:36:08.519 It is work. 00:36:08.740 --> 00:36:08.900 Right. 00:36:09.300 --> 00:36:09.860 This is. 00:36:10.800 --> 00:36:11.200 Congregationalism. 00:36:11.420 --> 00:36:11.559 Right. 00:36:11.619 --> 00:36:13.300 If you're going to be a meaningful member. 00:36:13.599 --> 00:36:13.980 Of. 00:36:14.420 --> 00:36:15.240 A church. 00:36:15.659 --> 00:36:16.480 I hope this one. 00:36:16.820 --> 00:36:17.880 Many of you are already. 00:36:18.500 --> 00:36:19.260 And this is a work. 00:36:19.360 --> 00:36:20.360 That you're going to be. 00:36:20.720 --> 00:36:21.760 About the work. 00:36:22.260 --> 00:36:22.659 Of. 00:36:23.380 --> 00:36:24.420 Paul writes in Ephesians. 00:36:24.519 --> 00:36:25.200 Chapter four. 00:36:26.059 --> 00:36:27.220 Beginning in verse 11. 00:36:27.220 --> 00:36:28.119 About the gifts. 00:36:28.300 --> 00:36:29.260 That Christ gave. 00:36:29.599 --> 00:36:30.380 To the church. 00:36:30.380 --> 00:36:31.139 He gave apostles. 00:36:31.300 --> 00:36:31.639 Prophets. 00:36:31.740 --> 00:36:32.159 Evangelists. 00:36:32.240 --> 00:36:32.679 The shepherds. 00:36:32.720 --> 00:36:33.220 And teachers. 00:36:33.219 --> 00:36:34.639 For something. 00:36:35.239 --> 00:36:35.480 To. 00:36:35.899 --> 00:36:37.019 Equip the saints. 00:36:37.299 --> 00:36:38.339 For the work of ministry. 00:36:38.859 --> 00:36:40.939 For building up the body of Christ. 00:36:41.539 --> 00:36:42.619 Until we all attain. 00:36:42.699 --> 00:36:43.559 To the unity of faith. 00:36:43.679 --> 00:36:44.819 And of knowledge of son of God. 00:36:45.159 --> 00:36:46.359 To mature manhood. 00:36:46.359 --> 00:36:47.839 To the measure of the stature. 00:36:47.839 --> 00:36:49.299 Of the fullness of Christ. 00:36:49.779 --> 00:36:51.579 So that we may no longer be children. 00:36:51.739 --> 00:36:52.619 Tossed to and fro. 00:36:52.699 --> 00:36:53.319 By the waves. 00:36:53.379 --> 00:36:53.980 And carried about. 00:36:54.059 --> 00:36:55.519 By every wind of doctrine. 00:36:55.899 --> 00:36:57.159 By human cunning. 00:36:57.159 --> 00:36:58.239 By craftiness. 00:36:58.480 --> 00:36:59.179 In deceitful. 00:36:59.799 --> 00:37:00.359 Schemes. 00:37:00.360 --> 00:37:01.880 Rather. 00:37:03.160 --> 00:37:04.760 Speaking the truth in love. 00:37:05.440 --> 00:37:06.599 We are to grow up in every way. 00:37:06.740 --> 00:37:07.180 Into him. 00:37:07.260 --> 00:37:08.120 Who is the head. 00:37:08.460 --> 00:37:09.240 Into Christ. 00:37:09.680 --> 00:37:10.820 From whom the whole body. 00:37:10.940 --> 00:37:11.800 Joined and held together. 00:37:11.900 --> 00:37:12.720 By every joint. 00:37:12.760 --> 00:37:13.700 With which it is equipped. 00:37:13.960 --> 00:37:14.920 When each part. 00:37:15.019 --> 00:37:15.460 Is working. 00:37:15.780 --> 00:37:16.220 Properly. 00:37:16.740 --> 00:37:17.260 When you're doing. 00:37:17.320 --> 00:37:18.400 What you're supposed to be doing. 00:37:18.559 --> 00:37:19.360 As a member of. 00:37:19.660 --> 00:37:20.140 A church. 00:37:20.640 --> 00:37:21.579 Makes the body grow. 00:37:21.820 --> 00:37:23.079 So that it builds itself up. 00:37:23.640 --> 00:37:24.340 In love. 00:37:26.260 --> 00:37:27.200 God has placed you. 00:37:27.300 --> 00:37:28.340 In the life of this fellowship. 00:37:28.620 --> 00:37:29.400 Or perhaps another. 00:37:29.400 --> 00:37:30.280 Right. 00:37:30.440 --> 00:37:31.500 That you might be a joint. 00:37:31.720 --> 00:37:33.599 Working in the process of. 00:37:34.440 --> 00:37:35.780 The divine purpose. 00:37:35.880 --> 00:37:36.619 Of sustaining. 00:37:36.880 --> 00:37:38.160 Those who have been justified. 00:37:38.860 --> 00:37:39.700 To the end. 00:37:41.480 --> 00:37:42.480 Fifth and final. 00:37:43.000 --> 00:37:43.400 Application. 00:37:44.680 --> 00:37:45.599 Love one another. 00:37:45.599 --> 00:37:46.400 By restoring. 00:37:46.720 --> 00:37:47.800 The wanderer. 00:37:48.220 --> 00:37:48.700 Gently. 00:37:49.760 --> 00:37:51.200 Let's talk about confrontation. 00:37:51.579 --> 00:37:52.599 Some of you might have said. 00:37:52.700 --> 00:37:52.820 Ooh. 00:37:53.380 --> 00:37:54.280 I got permission. 00:37:54.559 --> 00:37:55.059 Let's go. 00:37:56.820 --> 00:37:57.820 Galatians chapter 6. 00:37:57.880 --> 00:37:58.480 In verse 1. 00:37:58.480 --> 00:37:59.380 Paul says. 00:37:59.460 --> 00:37:59.780 Brothers. 00:38:00.500 --> 00:38:01.260 If anyone. 00:38:01.539 --> 00:38:01.880 Is caught. 00:38:02.019 --> 00:38:03.219 In any transgression. 00:38:04.360 --> 00:38:05.420 You who are spiritual. 00:38:05.420 --> 00:38:06.619 Should restore him. 00:38:06.719 --> 00:38:07.480 In a spirit. 00:38:08.139 --> 00:38:09.019 Of gentleness. 00:38:09.579 --> 00:38:10.579 And then he says. 00:38:11.240 --> 00:38:12.579 Keep watch on yourself. 00:38:13.420 --> 00:38:14.539 Lest you too. 00:38:15.519 --> 00:38:16.039 Be tempted. 00:38:16.860 --> 00:38:18.079 And he's not explicit. 00:38:18.079 --> 00:38:19.240 About what the temptation. 00:38:19.240 --> 00:38:20.039 Would be there. 00:38:20.260 --> 00:38:21.059 But I think. 00:38:21.599 --> 00:38:22.079 Contextually. 00:38:23.119 --> 00:38:24.199 It's likely. 00:38:24.519 --> 00:38:25.059 That the temptation. 00:38:25.260 --> 00:38:25.960 Would be to become. 00:38:25.960 --> 00:38:27.179 Proud. 00:38:27.340 --> 00:38:28.119 In the restoration. 00:38:29.039 --> 00:38:29.179 Right. 00:38:29.760 --> 00:38:30.380 That we would. 00:38:30.659 --> 00:38:31.099 Forget. 00:38:31.500 --> 00:38:32.500 That we did not. 00:38:32.559 --> 00:38:33.179 Save ourselves. 00:38:33.820 --> 00:38:34.039 Right. 00:38:34.400 --> 00:38:35.360 We are not. 00:38:35.880 --> 00:38:36.900 Staining ourselves. 00:38:37.460 --> 00:38:37.960 We are. 00:38:38.179 --> 00:38:38.820 Being shown. 00:38:38.960 --> 00:38:39.340 Grace. 00:38:39.500 --> 00:38:40.199 Anything I do. 00:38:40.260 --> 00:38:41.079 That's ever obedient. 00:38:41.340 --> 00:38:42.119 Is a wonderful grace. 00:38:42.119 --> 00:38:42.880 Of God to me. 00:38:43.940 --> 00:38:44.079 Right. 00:38:44.199 --> 00:38:44.960 We ought not. 00:38:45.059 --> 00:38:45.880 Ever be proud. 00:38:45.980 --> 00:38:46.679 As we restore. 00:38:47.420 --> 00:38:47.860 A brother. 00:38:48.340 --> 00:38:48.940 Or a sister. 00:38:48.940 --> 00:38:50.099 So love one another. 00:38:50.220 --> 00:38:50.860 By restoring. 00:38:50.860 --> 00:38:52.059 The wanderer. 00:38:52.820 --> 00:38:53.200 Gently. 00:38:54.620 --> 00:38:55.220 So. 00:38:55.500 --> 00:38:56.360 In the. 00:38:56.599 --> 00:38:56.820 Letter. 00:38:56.920 --> 00:38:57.340 That we call. 00:38:57.420 --> 00:38:58.120 The book of James. 00:38:58.519 --> 00:38:58.900 James. 00:38:59.059 --> 00:38:59.920 Warns his readers. 00:39:01.140 --> 00:39:02.120 Be careful. 00:39:02.240 --> 00:39:02.700 Not to wander. 00:39:02.800 --> 00:39:03.539 From the truth. 00:39:04.200 --> 00:39:04.800 And. 00:39:05.120 --> 00:39:05.700 Go after. 00:39:05.820 --> 00:39:06.579 The wanderer. 00:39:07.140 --> 00:39:08.220 From the truth. 00:39:09.300 --> 00:39:10.380 And then it ends. 00:39:11.380 --> 00:39:11.840 That's it. 00:39:12.019 --> 00:39:12.599 He stops it. 00:39:12.740 --> 00:39:13.300 Right there. 00:39:14.300 --> 00:39:15.019 And I. 00:39:15.079 --> 00:39:16.099 I really think. 00:39:16.099 --> 00:39:16.760 It's poignant. 00:39:16.960 --> 00:39:17.880 The way he stops it. 00:39:17.960 --> 00:39:18.940 I really think. 00:39:18.940 --> 00:39:20.300 He means for us to go. 00:39:20.840 --> 00:39:21.240 Right. 00:39:21.860 --> 00:39:23.079 There's a lot of places. 00:39:23.179 --> 00:39:24.059 A lot of ways. 00:39:24.320 --> 00:39:25.320 That I can go. 00:39:26.079 --> 00:39:26.980 And do this. 00:39:27.320 --> 00:39:28.099 So I'm going to read. 00:39:28.159 --> 00:39:28.860 Those last two verses. 00:39:29.119 --> 00:39:29.579 And then I'll pray. 00:39:30.380 --> 00:39:30.760 My brothers. 00:39:30.840 --> 00:39:31.700 If anyone among you. 00:39:31.860 --> 00:39:32.820 Wanders from the truth. 00:39:33.079 --> 00:39:34.679 And someone brings him back. 00:39:35.440 --> 00:39:35.980 Let him know. 00:39:36.059 --> 00:39:37.119 That whoever brings back. 00:39:37.179 --> 00:39:38.300 A sinner from his wandering. 00:39:38.440 --> 00:39:39.780 Will save his soul from death. 00:39:40.380 --> 00:39:41.559 And will cover a multitude. 00:39:42.099 --> 00:39:42.659 Of sins. 00:39:43.220 --> 00:39:43.980 Let's pray together.