Plain Talk Vol.18, No.9, Pg.5 - Cedar Park Church of Christ

Vol. 18, No. 9	November, 1981
*USE YOUR BIBLE*

THE MAN WHO LEAVES TRUTH (Jas. 5:19,20)
I. HIS FORMER POSITION

A. "Among you" as a brother

1. Shows spiritual kinship it a together arrangement as local church (v.14). 2. An "in Christ" relationship as Col. 1:2 3. Object of brethren's care (1 Cor. 12:25); love (1 Pet. 1:22); help (Gal. 2:6).

B. In truth

1. i.e., in right relationship with truth (sanctified by it (Jas. 1:17); begotten by it (Jas 1:18; 1 Pet. 1:23); walking in it (2 Jn. 1:4); etc. 2. Equivalent to abiding in doctrine of Christ (2 Jn. 9). 3. This truth basis for being and serving God as "brethren".

C. In saved relationship

1. Was right because of being in truth; now used restoring to former place. 2. Was in possession of spiritual life but now need saving from death. 3. Being right always relative to truth (NOT feelings, opinions, traditions)

II. HIS ERROR

A. Leaves truth (errs from it)

1. Not told how but acted contrary to truth, therefore, sinner (1 Jn. 3:4) 2. "Walked not uprightly, according to the truth of the gospel" (Gal. 2:14). 3. Thereby shows disregard for truth, the God who gave it (1 Thss. 4:8), and the blessings in it.

III. HIS CONDITION

A. A sinner ("he who converteth a sinner")

1. This is what. God calls him and what brethren need to recognize him being. 2. Seriousness of his spiritual condition often minimized or overlooked.

B. In spiritual death ("shall save a soul from death")

1. Current and eternal condition if unchanged. Dead while living (1 Tim. 5:6). 2. Such death always fruit of sin (Jas. 1:15; Rom. 6:23). 3. Recall God's description of willful sinner (Heb. 6:6; 10:26-31).

IV. HIS NEED

A. Ignoring, advertising, exposing, criticism, rationalizing, etc.

B. He needs HELP!

1. Converting, saving, restoring, counted as brother...

V. HIS HELPERS

A. Brethren who are "spiritual" (Gal. 6:1)

1. Who love, care, and are willing to help (see I-A-3) 2. Such as realize the value of a soul; help him to repent and thereby cover his sins in forgiveness from God.

B. Many are still leaving truth. Who cares? Who will help convert them?

Dan S. Shipley

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