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Encouraging The Unfaithful

As Christians, we probably know of some member who used to be a faithful disciple of Jesus, but who has reverted to worldly ways (cf. 2 Timothy 4:10). As difficult as it is for us to understand, there are some in the Lord’s church who put their hands to the plow of the Lord’s service, only to later “look back” to the world’s allurements (Luke 9:62 – NKJV).

As faithful Christians, we may use every opportunity to encourage these wandering souls to return to the path of righteousness, only to become frustrated when the backslider refuses to repent. We wonder, “Do they not see how they are endangering their souls?” (Matthew 16:24-26 – NKJV).

Jesus called disobedient servants “wicked,” “lazy,” and “unprofitable” (Matthew 25:26-30 – NKJV). The Greek word translated “unprofitable” in the New King James Version literally means “worthless” or “good for nothing.” We all know what happens to anything that proves to be good for nothing — it’s thrown away. Our Lord tells us:

“You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt loses its flavor, how shall it be seasoned? It is then good for nothing but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot by men” (Matthew 5:13 – NKJV).

This is exactly what Jesus says will happen to worthless servants:

“Cast the unprofitable servant into the outer darkness. There will be weeping and gnashing of teeth” (Matthew 25:30 – NKJV).

Our Lord also said:

“If anyone does not abide in Me, he is cast out as a branch and is withered; and they gather them and throw them into the fire, and they are burned” (John 15:6 – NKJV).

Lest we find ourselves thinking that being cast aside by the Lord is merely an inconvenience, the image here of withered branches being bundled and burned in a bonfire should snap us right back into reality. Separation from God will be as dire a situation as we can imagine and then some. In hell, there will be no blessings from God, only endless suffering, sorrow and pain (Matthew 13:41-42 – NKJV).

Because of this fact, rescuing the straying disciple is an imperative. James tells us:

“Brethren, if anyone among you wanders from the truth, and someone turns him back, let him know that he who turns a sinner from the error of his way will save a soul from death and cover a multitude of sins” (James 5:19-20 – NKJV).

The implication of this passage is clear. The one who wanders from the truth and is not turned back condemns his soul to death, i.e., the “second death” — that death described by John as “the lake which burns with fire and brimstone” (Revelation 21:8 – NKJV).

If there is anyone still unconvinced of the seriousness of falling from grace (Galatians 5:4; Revelation 2:5) they need to consider that their current state is worse than never having been saved at all:

“For it would have been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than having known it, to turn from the holy commandment delivered to them. But it has happened to them according to the true proverb: “A dog returns to his own vomit,” and, “a sow, having washed, to her wallowing in the mire” (2 Peter 2:20-22 – NKJV).

Is this a graphic picture that Peter paints for us? Does it contain detestable images? Absolutely. But that’s how the Lord regards those who abandon Him and His teachings.

Brethren, for our spiritual assignment this week, let us lovingly place this article in the hands of some Christian we know who has wandered away from the Lord’s fold, see that they read it, and then encourage them to return to the fold (Luke 15:4-7 – NKJV; cf. 1 Peter 2:25 – NKJV), remembering these inspired words:

“Brethren, if a man is overtaken in any trespass, you who are spiritual restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness, considering yourself lest you also be tempted” (Galatians 6:1 – NKJV).