Lesson 1:Some Introductory “Realities”

Based on two books by Tom Holland

Reality #1: Some Brethren/Sheep Will Fall/Wander Away• 1 Timothy 4:1• 2 Timothy 4:3-4• Hebrews 3:12• Acts 20:29-30• 2 Peter 2:20• Galatians 6:1• James 5:19-20

Reality #2: There Are Wide-Ranging Reasons Sheep Wander

• Some feel disappointed or resentment toward church and/or church leaders• Some allow other things to become more important• Some feel they are just as good away from the church• Some do not enjoy “going to church” but see it as a

burden to bear• Some have very personal struggles• Some have been influenced by wolves in sheep’s clothing

(within “the church”)

Reality #3: Wandering Away Happens in Different Degrees But Has the Same Results

• Most visible ways are in attendance patterns in worship and Bible study• Discontinue any involvement in church activities/events• Discontinue any participation in works of the church

Reality #3: Wandering Away Happens in Different Degrees But Has the Same Results

• Same Result:– Conscience seared (1 Tim. 4:2), past feeling (Eph. 4:19)– Separated from “the faith” (1 Tim. 4:2)– Separated from “the truth” (2 Tim. 4:4; Jas. 5:19)– Separated from “the flock” (Acts 20:29-30)– Separated from “God” (Heb. 3:12)– Separated from “Jesus” (2 Pet. 2:20)– “Entangled” in sin and its pollutions (2 Pet. 2:20)– Living in “error” (Jas. 5:20)– Spiritually “dead in sins,” separated from God (Jas. 5:20)– “Lost” who must “repent” (Luke 15:4-7)– Lost! Wayward! Erring! Sinner! Eternally damned!

Reality #4: We Have a Responsibility to Help Them Return Home

• Leave the 99 & go after the one until found (Luke 15:4-7)• Withdraw (1 Cor. 5:1-13; 2 Thess. 3:6-14)• Admonish (2 Thess. 3:15)• Restore (Gal. 6:1)• Bear burdens (Gal. 6:2)• Do good (Gal. 6:10)• Turn them back (Jas. 5:19-20)• “Save a soul” (Jas. 5:20)• Rejoice (Luke 15:5-7)

Reality #5: We Must Ever Strive to Not Fall Away Ourselves

• Galatians 6:1• 1 Corinthians 10:12• 1 Corinthians 15:58• 2 Peter 3:14• 1 Peter 5:8