Wanderers or Someones

Here are some additional devotional thoughts based on the sermon from James 5:19-20:

The Family of Believers: A Call to Care for One Another

In his final words to the scattered Christians, James emphasizes the importance of community and mutual care. He calls believers "brothers" and "sisters" (James 5:19), reminding us that being part of the family of Christ goes beyond surface-level relationships. It is a deep, abiding connection that calls us to actively care for each other's spiritual well-being. As part of God's family, we share in both the joys and struggles of one another. Our commitment to each other is a vital part of God's design for our lives.

When James talks about "wandering," he's not just referring to people who stray physically from church services or fellowship. He is describing believers who drift from the truth—whether in doctrine or behavior. In our everyday lives, it’s easy to become complacent or distracted. It’s easy for our faith to become diluted or for sin to creep in. But when we see a brother or sister drifting, we must not be indifferent. We are called to go after them, to gently restore them, and to bring them back into the fold—not because we are their judges, but because we are family.

What does it look like to be that someone who reaches out? It means noticing when others are struggling, whether they are silent about it or show signs of spiritual or moral drift. It means being bold enough to speak the truth in love and to encourage them back to the grace of God. This is how God keeps His people secure, using us to strengthen each other.

The Eternal Security of Salvation

One of the beautiful truths of James 5:19-20 is that God keeps His people secure in their salvation. The picture James gives of someone "turning back" a wandering believer is not about rescuing someone who is lost in the ultimate sense (as though they were never saved), but about the ongoing process of God’s preserving grace. God does not let His children go, but He uses His children to help each other remain steadfast in faith.

The sermon draws attention to the idea of "eternal security"—the truth that once God has saved you, He will continue to keep you. We are not saved and then left to fend for ourselves. Instead, we are kept by God’s power through faith (1 Peter 1:5). This doesn't mean we are free from struggle or temptation, but it does mean that God’s grip on our lives is firm and unshakable.

This is an encouragement for all who are struggling in their faith. No matter how much you may falter, God is faithful to keep you. And as part of His family, you are not alone in that journey. The community of believers is one of the means by which God helps you hold fast to your faith.

The Call to Action: Being a “Someone”

James 5:19-20 calls us to a very active role in the life of the church. The church is not meant to be a passive community but one that actively pursues restoration, encourages one another, and helps one another persevere. Being a “Someone” who brings back the wanderers is a call to action for every believer.

In a world that increasingly values individualism, the church stands as a community that calls its members to take responsibility for each other. Are you in a small group, a Bible study, or another close-knit Christian community? Are you actively encouraging others in their walk with Christ? Or, when you see someone starting to wander, do you assume it's someone else’s job to intervene?

The reality is, God has placed you where you are for a reason. You can make a difference in someone’s life by pursuing them with the truth of the gospel. Don’t wait for someone else to step in—God has equipped you with His Spirit, His Word, and the strength of the church family to help lead the wandering back into truth.

Encouragement for the Wanderers

For those who feel like wanderers today—whether you’ve drifted away because of doubt, sin, or distractions—know that God is calling you back. His mercy is abundant, and His arms are open wide. Even when we wander, God is faithful to pursue us.

God uses His people to bring us back, so if you’re reading this today and feeling lost, know that someone is praying for you, someone is seeking you, someone is ready to help restore you. If you’ve been hurt by the church or have distanced yourself, don’t let that become the final word over your life. Jesus came to seek and save the lost, and He has not given up on you.

Consider returning to the truth. Take that first step toward reconciliation, not just with God, but also with the community He has placed around you. The family of Christ is waiting for you to come home.

A Final Thought: Perseverance and Faithfulness

James’ words remind us of the importance of persevering in the truth of the gospel. We are saved by grace, but we are also called to endure. The Christian life is not a sprint; it’s a marathon. And during that marathon, we need one another. The local church is not just a place for Sunday services; it’s a spiritual family that helps us finish the race strong.

God is faithful, and He uses the body of believers to preserve His people. Be intentional about your place in that family. Help others endure. Help others turn back. Hold fast to the faith. Through the community of believers, God will keep you, strengthen you, and use you to help others do the same.

Here are some discussion questions based on the sermon from James 5:19-20:

1. The Call to Restore:

James talks about restoring someone who has wandered from the truth. How does this apply to your own experience in the church community? Have you ever been in a position where you were able to help someone return to the faith? If so, what did that process look like? If not, what might that look like for you in the future?

In your own life, what are some signs you might see in a believer who is beginning to wander from the truth? How can you recognize and intervene in those moments?

2. The Role of the Community:

How does this passage challenge our understanding of community within the church? Do you view your involvement in a church community as essential to your spiritual growth and the growth of others? Why or why not?

How can the church better foster an environment where believers actively care for one another’s spiritual well-being? What practical steps can we take to ensure that we are looking out for each other in this way?

3. Eternal Security and God’s Faithfulness:

The sermon emphasized God’s faithfulness in preserving His people. How does the idea of eternal security impact the way you live your day-to-day life as a believer? How does it shape your understanding of both your own faith and the faith of others who may struggle?

Have you ever struggled with doubts about God’s ability to keep you secure in your salvation? How does this passage help address those doubts?

4. Responding to Wanderers:

When we see someone wandering from the truth, how should we approach them? What is the balance between being gentle and firm in helping someone return to the truth?

James mentions "turning back a sinner" from their error. How does this relate to the idea of loving a person while confronting their sin? What challenges do we face in restoring someone without being judgmental?

5. Encouragement for the Wanderers:

How can the church be a place where wandering believers feel safe to return? What are some ways to reach out to those who have distanced themselves from the faith without making them feel alienated or condemned?

If you feel distant or discouraged in your faith, what steps can you take to return to God and the community of believers? What support systems are available to you in the church?

6. The Role of Every Believer in Restoration:

The sermon talked about being a "someone" who helps restore others. How do you see yourself in this role? Do you feel responsible for the spiritual well-being of others? Why or why not?

How can you actively seek to restore relationships with those who have drifted, whether in your church or personal life? What barriers or fears might you need to overcome to do this effectively?

7. Perseverance and Faithfulness in the Christian Life:

The Christian life is often described as a marathon, not a sprint. What are some practical ways you can persevere in your faith? How can you encourage others to persevere, especially when they face challenges or doubts?

How do you maintain your faith when you experience seasons of spiritual dryness or struggle? How can the community around you support you during these times?

8. Reflecting on God's Role in Restoration:

James makes it clear that the act of restoring someone to the faith is ultimately God’s work through us. How does this affect your view of the role you play in someone’s restoration? How does it shift the focus away from your own abilities and onto God's power?

9. The Impact of Wandering on the Individual and the Church:

How does wandering from the truth impact not only the individual but also the wider church community? Why is it important that the church as a whole is involved in helping someone who is drifting?

What can we learn from the passage about the serious nature of sin and error in the life of a believer? How should this shape how we approach sin in our own lives and in the lives of others?

These questions should help foster meaningful discussion about the themes of restoration, community, and perseverance in the Christian life based on James 5:19-20.