JAMES 5:12-18Man on a Mission

JAMESKey Verse: But be doers of the word,

and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves- James 1:22 (NKJ)

Review- Patience refuses to seek revenge. It’s not passive in nature- our obligation is to “strengthen our hearts” during trying times

JAMES

Above all, my brothers, do not swear-- not by heaven or by earth or by anything else. Let your "Yes" be yes, and your "No," no, or you will be condemned- vs. 12

 

Unconnected? Possible answers:

Pharisaic oath-taking

Known liars becoming truth-speakers by invoking an object of great worth

A Christian being a person of his/her word

Bargaining with God

JAMES

Bargaining with God- “Above all”

How is that a lack of faith?

JAMES

“Striking a bargain with God cuts at the very heart of the gospel; it is an attempt to rely on the worth of one's rely on the worth of one's own offeringown offering instead of relying on God's grace in the offering of Christ on the cross. Bargaining is a reliance on reliance on worksworks; James is insisting that we rely on grace”- IVP Commentary

Hupocrisis- “condemned”

JAMES

Is any one of you in trouble? He should pray. Is anyone happy? Let him sing songs of praise- vs. 13

Why is this needed? What do people usually do when they face trouble or when they’re happy?

What is James telling them to do?

JAMES Is any one of you sick? He should call

the elders of the church to pray over him and anoint him with oil in the name of the Lord- vs. 14

Trouble? Go to God. Happy? Go to God. Sick? Go to…?

What does this say about “Lone Ranger” Christians?

“ANNOINT”

Aleipsantes- daub or smear (as medicine)

Chrio- anoint as ritual or sacrament

What is James saying about the use of medicine in healing?

JAMES

And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise him up. If he has sinned, he will be forgiven.

What makes him well?

What does sin have to do with it?

JAMES Therefore confess your sins to each

other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective- vs. 16

How does James picture this taking place in a church gathering?

JAMES Elijah was a man just like us. He

prayed earnestly that it would not rain, and it did not rain on the land for three and a half years. Again he prayed, and the heavens gave rain, and the earth produced its crops- vs. 17-18

A funny thing happens when we don’t pray: (nothing)

Takeaways:

Do I bargain with God to get what I want? Why is that wrong? How does God respond?

What part does confession play in prayer for sickness? Would I confess if I were sick and needed prayer?

Is there anything I need to confess publicly right now? What’s stopping me?

Takeaways:

The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective- vs. 16

Elijah was a man just like us. He prayed earnestly… - vs. 17

What are the conditions for powerful prayer?