Scripture Reading: Jude 16-23
Rescue the Perishing
Intro.
1. There will always be a need for mature Christians to help the weak, the struggling and those overtaken by sin, Gal. 6:1-2.
a. We have all been in spiritual death and sin’s struggles, Eph. 2:2; Col. 3:7.
b. That should generate compassion in us to help others, Titus 3:1-3.
2. We must equip ourselves to help those in need of rescuing so we can then do this good work, Jude 22-23. (Prov. 11:30)
I. EQUIP YOURSELF TO TRY TO SAVE SOME.
A. Be Spiritual: Be Led by the Spirit of God, Rom. 8:5-8 (2 Tim. 3:16-17).
1. We must see through spiritually mature eyes if we are going to help rescue weak, faltering and falling Christians, Gal. 6:1.
2. We must go to those overtaken in sin with the word of God – it is necessary for their salvation, cf. Lk. 19:10.
3. What causes us to hesitate when a Christian is overtaken by sin? Lack of incentive? Lack of knowledge? Fear of rejection?
B. Know Your Goal: To Restore the Fallen, Gal. 6:1.
1. To save the lost, Jas. 5:19-20; Jude 23.
2. To support the weak, 1 Ths. 5:14; Heb. 12:12-13.
a. By daily exhortations, Heb. 3:13.
b. By Bible study with them (Acts 20:20).
c. Pray with them and for them, Jas. 5:16.
C. Develop this Essential Trait: Meekness.
1. Gentleness: Empathetic strength under control and properly directed. Illus. A father (who is much stronger) gently yet firmly correcting and directing his disobedient child. 1 Ths. 5:14
2. Humble consideration of self, cf. Titus 3:3.
3. Display divine mercy, Matt. 9:10-13.
II. MISSING, LOSING AND/OR MISUSING OUR OPPORTUNITIES.
A. Self-Righteousness, Lk. 18:9-14.
1. It prevents gentle assistance because it “despises” others (values or esteems others less than itself).
2. It does not wish to “dirty its hands” with such contemptible sinners! cf. Isa. 65:5 (these heathenized Jews thought they were holier than others – they were the most defiled!)
B. By our Own Hypocrisy (hypocritical judging), Rom. 2:1-3.
1. The hypocrisy is in condemning sins in others that we will not address in ourselves.
2. This is borne of pride and prevents our own salvation and our ability to successfully help others be saved.
C. By Using Unseasoned Words, Col. 4:5-6.
1. The ability to choose correct words for specific situations to help set the atmosphere that helps achieve the desired (godly) result.
2. Of course, we use God’s word to exhort, to rebuke, to rescue and to save. But how we use it may be the difference between success and failure. Jas. 3:1
D. By Being Busy with Other Things than His, cf. Lk. 10:38-42, 29-37.
1. It takes time to work with a weak, struggling or stumbling and fallen Christian. Eph. 5:16
2. To think that a quick 10 minute talk will resolve any issue of sin and if not, the sinner is simply rebellious is naive, at best, and at worst, a display of arrogant lack of love for the sinner.
Conclusion
1. Certainly, the Christian who falls into sin is accountable and will answer for his/her choices, Gal. 6:7-8; 2 Cor. 5:10.
2. The sinner's accountability is not our excuse to be inactive and to stand on the sideline while we watch Christians falling into sin and away from God.
3. Work to "turn him back" and save a soul from death, Jas. 5:19-20.
By: Joe R. Price
Posted: July 31, 2014