1/27
My brethren, if any among you strays from the truth and one turns him back, let him know that he who turns a sinner from the error of his way will save his soul from death and will cover a multitude of sins.
James 5:19–20 (NASB 1995)
2/27
Because a Christian can stray from the truth and forfeit his soul, the love and duty of the church demand that we urgently pursue, warn, and restore the wandering before their drift becomes destruction.
3/27
“My brethren, if any among you strays from the truth…”
James 5:19
4/27

I. The Danger of Straying from the Truth

(James 5:19)
5/27
A man can be “among you” and still stray from the truth.
He is a brother inside the fellowship—not an outsider.
James 5:19
6/27
planaō
to wander • to be led astray • to deviate
Gradual drift — not sudden mutiny
Greek Word Study
7/27
A soul is rarely lost all at once. It is usually lost by inches before it is lost in full view.
8/27
“But when a righteous man turns away from his righteousness… he will die.”
Ezekiel 18:24
9/27
“Take care, brethren… an evil, unbelieving heart that falls away from the living God.”
Hebrews 3:12
10/27
“Let him who thinks he stands take heed that he does not fall.”
1 Corinthians 10:12
11/27
PAST RIGHTEOUSNESS
PRESENT REBELLION
God judges what you are NOW
Contrast
12/27
Key Doctrine
Conditional Security of the Believer
The saved can fall away if they stray and are not restored.
13/27

Application

  • Personal: Do not rely on yesterday’s obedience while living in today’s compromise.
  • Congregational: A church that refuses loving correction becomes a graveyard for drifting souls.
14/27

II. Drift Hardened Becomes Apostasy

(Hebrews 6:4–6)
15/27
“…and then have fallen away, it is impossible to renew them again to repentance…”
Hebrews 6:4–6
16/27
Objection
“If they fell away, they were never really saved.”
Answer: James calls them “brethren” and says restoration saves their soul from death.
17/27
Love does not watch a brother wander toward death and call silence compassion.
18/27

III. The Work and Glory of Restoration

(James 5:20)
19/27
epistrephō
to turn back • to restore • to bring someone back to the right path
Greek Word Study
20/27
“Brethren… restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness…”
Galatians 6:1–2
21/27
HE WHO TURNS A SINNER FROM THE ERROR OF HIS WAY WILL SAVE HIS SOUL FROM DEATH
James 5:20
22/27
A soul from death + a multitude of sins covered
23/27

Application

  • Personal: Who is drifting? What concrete step will you take this week?
  • Congregational: Practice restoration or become complicit.
  • Generational: Show our children real love fights for souls.
24/27
The saved CAN fall away
Drift is real • Apostasy is possible • Restoration is our duty
25/27
If your heart has begun to drift — STOP NOW
Repent. Return. Come back to the truth.
If you know a wandering brother — go to them this week.
Invitation
26/27
Few works in this church will matter more on Judgment Day than the souls you refused to let drift into the dark without a fight.
James 5:19–20
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Slide 1/27 • Arrows or Space = next • S = export current • E = export all
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