Jesus told His disciples that knowledge of the truth would set them free from the burden of sin (Jn. 8:32). All accountable people today are still in serious need of being made free from the sin that ultimately destroys fellowship with God. However, many are unaware of their sin due to a lack of knowledge. Such was the case of God’s people under the Old Covenant economy that lead them into Babylonian captivity. Notice the words of Hosea the prophet concerning Israel’s demise: "My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge" (Hosea 4:6). The latter part of that same verse tells us that they had rejected spiritual knowledge and had forgotten God…how sad!

We read in James 5:19-20 about those who might wander from the truth that at one time set them free from sin. Christians who err concerning the gospel, James wrote, need to be turned back to God before it is too late for their souls. What about Christians today, how might one wander from the truth? What’s more specific, would any of us here at Seagoville do that?

Here are a few ways that Christians might wander from the truth as we consider the serious nature of sin:

1. Convince Ourselves That Forsaking The Assembly Is Not Really Sinful.

In the first Century physical and mental persecution toward Christians was reaching an all time high. Yet the Hebrews writer expressly stated that to forsake the relationship they had one with another in the assembling of themselves together would be sinful, even deadly (Heb.10:25-26). Assembling together in the first century was dangerous, even deadly at times; yet God assured them that it was in this manner that they could draw near to the one who saved them to begin with. How can any of us today draw nearer to the Lord Jesus Christ by missing any of our Bible studies or worship services?

2. Let Ungodly Conduct Within the Local Body Continue Without Discipline.

God, through His Divine word, has appointed certain men to shepherd the flock at the local congregation level. As shepherds (i.e. Pastors/Elders/Bishops) these men are to not only feed and protect the "sheep" that they have been given, but also they are to love them enough to administer discipline that they might learn to be mature and productive for the Lord (Acts 20:28; 1 Pet.5). Even our Lord said that whom He loves He "rebukes and chastens" so that repentance may result (Rev.3:19). By allowing sin to go unchecked within the body the truth of the gospel becomes impotent and despised. We also must heed the apostolic admonition and "withdraw from the ungodly" when necessary so that Christ’s body will remain pure and Holy as God intended it to be.

3. Feeding On the Cares Of This World Rather Than The Word of God

Christians are commanded to "grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ"(2 Pet.3:18). This is accomplished especially in desiring and feeding upon the "pure milk" of God’s word on a daily basis (2 Pet.1:1-2; Ps.1:1ff) Rather than spending time with the cares and pursuits of this life, every Christian ought to yearn for more of the word of God that has saved his/her soul. Again, this can be accomplished at least three times per week if our priorities are where they ought to be. May God help us to do this!

"My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge." Hosea 4:6

The danger of wandering from the truth is monumental, especially considering the great adversary we face on a daily basis (1 Pet.5:8-9). Wandering from the truth of the Gospel is damaging to the body of Christ and deadly to the soul of the Christian. Let us so love our Lord as well as one another that we do not miss out on the eternal blessing awaiting all faithful children of God (2 Cor.5:1-2; Rev.2:10)