Key Idea: Wholehearted Christians rescue those who have wandered from the truth.
1.The need for rescue (v.19a)
“If anyone among you wanders from the truth”
- “anyone”
- The risk of wandering is real for anyone
- We need to go restore anyone
- “among you”
- “wanders”
- “from the truth”
2 applications:
- Who in your life is wandering?
- Are you a wanderer? (Are you tempted by the world? Are you hiding your sin?)
2. The means of rescue (v.19b): Someone/Anyone
God is the one who saves, but God is a God of means.
3. The result of rescue (v.20)
- They are saved from death.
- Their sins are covered.
Thinking Practically: How to rescue those who are wandering:
- Stay focused, stay on mission
- Pray for those who wander
- Be a friend, not just an evangelist
- Be an example (of godliness, of Christlike care, humility, gentleness, patience, conviction)
- Ask questions; listen more than you speak
- Play the long game