Living Out Our Faith Patiently - James 5:12-20
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Introduction
Introduction
So, this evening, we draw even closer to finishing our study of James. Last week, we concluded the second section which included verses 7-11. In that study, we learned much about patience. God desires that we, as believers, endure until His return with much longsuffering and patience. Now, as we move into this next section, the Holy Spirit identifies 4 different circumstances which will try our patience. How many of you who are this evening know what it means to have someone or something try your patience? Imagine all of us have experienced it multiple times. It is important to remember that this book started out informing us that we will encounter many trials and temptations. Early, in the first chapter, the Holy Spirit encourages us to “count it all joy” when we are tried. Now, as we finish out this book, the Holy Spirit once again brings us back to that topic and the fact that we can patiently endure if we do things God’s way.
Let’s read our text and then we will begin identify four different circumstances every believe will encounter that will try your patience. Then, with each circumstance, the Holy Spirit gives instruction concerning how we should handle each one.
12 But above all things, my brethren, swear not, neither by heaven, neither by the earth, neither by any other oath: but let your yea be yea; and your nay, nay; lest ye fall into condemnation.
13 Is any among you afflicted? let him pray. Is any merry? let him sing psalms.
14 Is any sick among you? let him call for the elders of the church; and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord:
15 And the prayer of faith shall save the sick, and the Lord shall raise him up; and if he have committed sins, they shall be forgiven him.
16 Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.
17 Elias was a man subject to like passions as we are, and he prayed earnestly that it might not rain: and it rained not on the earth by the space of three years and six months.
18 And he prayed again, and the heaven gave rain, and the earth brought forth her fruit.
19 Brethren, if any of you do err from the truth, and one convert him;
20 Let him know, that he which converteth the sinner from the error of his way shall save a soul from death, and shall hide a multitude of sins.
Let me give you for the five circumstances and then we will work through each one. I can assure that we will not do all four this evening. However, we will go as far as time allows and pick up where we leave off next week.
Here are the five!
Circumstance #1 - Times which tempt us to use corrupt communication. [James 5:12]
Circumstance #2 - Times of emotional swings. [James 5:13]
Circumstance #3 - Times of sickness. [James 5:14-15]
Circumstance #4 - Times of sin. [James 5:16-18]
Circumstance #5 - Times when a fellow believer sins. [James 5:19-20]
We begin the journey to the end of James with the first circumstance.
Read with me again James 5:12
12 But above all things, my brethren, swear not, neither by heaven, neither by the earth, neither by any other oath: but let your yea be yea; and your nay, nay; lest ye fall into condemnation.
Our first circumstances is...
Times Which Tempt Us to Use Corrupt Communication
Times Which Tempt Us to Use Corrupt Communication
I use the term “corrupt communication” since encompasses all communication that does not meet God’s standard of righteousness. A thought we will come back to in a bit.
I do, however, find it amazing how much God’s Word spends talking about the way we communicate specifically through our mouth. Remember James 3. The entire first part of that chapter was spent teaching us the danger of the tongue. Now that we are coming to conclusion of this book, the Holy Spirit once again gently reminds us to be careful about our speech.
Today’s society has a huge problem. It is common practice for everyone to be “potty mouth.” By that, I mean there is vulgarity to the people’s language today that has not existed before. It seems as if everyone curse like a sailor these days, even believers.
Not too long ago, I ran into a “casual” attender of our church on my day off. On those days, I am usually dressed with work clothes and a hat. Initially, the person did not recognize me. Under the circumstances, this person was not happy and upon seeing me the continued to express their unhappiness along with some colorful language. After a few minutes, I proceed to say, “You know I haven’t seen you in church in a while. We sure do miss you!” At the moment, the person I was conversing with realized who I was. Let’s just say their was awkward moment right about them.
Swear Not
Swear Not
My point is this. Language has digressed. Cursing and using profane words is common place. However, in the life a true believer, there is no place for such distasteful verbiage. That is the point of this verse.
Now, note this. How a person speaks is reflective of that person’s true inner self. Christ taught this very fact.
17 Do not ye yet understand, that whatsoever entereth in at the mouth goeth into the belly, and is cast out into the draught?
18 But those things which proceed out of the mouth come forth from the heart; and they defile the man.
19 For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, blasphemies:
This is a very descriptive picture of what goes in comes out. Physically, we eat and what we eat goes into the belly. However, as many of you experience, sooner or later it comes out the other end. Not trying to be graphic, just factual. By the way, that is the same thing Christ said. However, the things that come out of the mouth are the things that are in a person’s heart. Note the things that flow out of a sinful heart - evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, blasphemies. Those last two terms are the things which come out of the mouth. They are corrupt communications. As such, Christ states the truth. Our mouth reveals our heart.
As you consider our text, James 5:12, in conjunction with the entire Word of God, there are
Four Ways a Person Swears
Four Ways a Person Swears
Oath Swearing
Oath Swearing
This particular is not corrupt communication, however, it can turn into corrupt communication. This form of swearing is also the form mentioned in our text. In Greek, it means to affirm or deny something with an oath. We find this type in our court systems. A person who takes the stand as witness in a trial must first take an oath (swear) that they are telling the truth and nothing but the truth. Thus, by their oath, they attesting that what they are going to say can be trusted as the truth.
It is interesting that Christ was asked to attest to veracity of witnesses against Him at His trial before the Sanhedrin. Here is how He handled the situation.
62 And the high priest arose, and said unto him, Answerest thou nothing? what is it which these witness against thee?
63 But Jesus held his peace. And the high priest answered and said unto him, I adjure thee by the living God, that thou tell us whether thou be the Christ, the Son of God.
64 Jesus saith unto him, Thou hast said: nevertheless I say unto you, Hereafter shall ye see the Son of man sitting on the right hand of power, and coming in the clouds of heaven.
Did you notice anything here that relates to our text? Christ was tempted by these men to swear an oath that the lies for true or false. What was His reaction? He “held is peace.” He neither said yea or nay. Instead, answers the High Priest’s outrage by stating “Thou has said.” In doing so, Christ made no oath and remained a man of faithful character.
You see a man’s word is his bond. Thus, the Holy Spirit encourages believers to consider what they say before they say it. Swear not. Do not make any oath or swear to anything unless you have greatly considered the consequence. It is best to just keep your yes as yes and your no as no.
Consider two important thoughts here. The first thought is that if you are trustworthy in your daily walk with the Lord and with others, your word is enough. A yea becomes a yea and a nay becomes a nay. There is no need to swear or make oaths. This reminds me of our tendency to say “If I am being honest” or “ In all honesty.” Should a believer have to say such things? The answer is no. For each believer is called to live that is righteous and trustworthy before the Lord and men.
This thought leads me to the second one. Swearing and making oaths are for untrustworthy people. The whole reason we are forced today to sign contracts and have those contracts notarized is that people are untrustworthy. Yet, the fact remains that God expects us as believers to live faithful, obedient lives in accordance with His Word. As we do, we become trustworthy and there is no need for swearing or oath taking.
Note the second type of swearing.
Loathsome Swearing
Loathsome Swearing
I termed it loathsome because we should all loath to hear it. Essentially, this type of swearing is what comes out of a heart of sinful and reprobate people. It is a natural result of sin.
10 As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one:
11 There is none that understandeth, there is none that seeketh after God.
12 They are all gone out of the way, they are together become unprofitable; there is none that doeth good, no, not one.
13 Their throat is an open sepulchre; with their tongues they have used deceit; the poison of asps is under their lips:
14 Whose mouth is full of cursing and bitterness:
Note that their “mouth is full of cursing and bitterness.” It does not astonish me when unbelievers have “potty mouth.” I don’t like it and really don’t want to hear it. However, I always consider the source. They do know Christ and have not experience the change in their life that He brings. Additionally, they do not have His Spirit residing within them working in conjunction with God’s Word. However, I am appalled when professing believers use vain curse words. It is unbecoming of a believer. I believe it reveals one of two things about them. Either they are truly not a believer or they have a lot of spiritual growth ahead of them. In either case, I have duty. I must confront them helping them truly believer in Christ or helping them grow by overcoming the sin of corrupt communication.
Here is the third type.
Sociopathic Swearing
Sociopathic Swearing
Another term would be hypocritical, but sociopathic somewhat rhymes with the other terms. This is the type we have already discussed here in the book of James. We find it back in chapter 3.
9 Therewith bless we God, even the Father; and therewith curse we men, which are made after the similitude of God.
10 Out of the same mouth proceedeth blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not so to be.
Sociopath is a great term of this type of swearing. Note that “out of the same mouth proceedeth blessing and cursing.” This a two faced person. They want God’s blessing, but they are unwilling to work with others. Instead of being a blessing to others, they curse them. The irony of the whole thing is they are cursing a person who is made in the image of God. It takes a certain amount of warped evil to thing you can bless God and curse men at the same time.
Then there is this last type.
Covert Swearing
Covert Swearing
I say covert because we do it without anyone else knowing. It is an inward action. How many times do we secretly within our heart and mind curse someone out? Don’t answer that question. It is rhetorical. If you need confess, confess it to God. It is, however, a sober question. It reminds that we must be careful not swear even in our hearts. Instead, we must determine to obey Scripture and ask the Holy Spirit to help us guard our hearts against corrupt communication. Communication happens within and without. We often talk to ourselves long before we talk to others. The danger of corrupt communication is just as real within as without.
22 For oftentimes also thine own heart knoweth that thou thyself likewise hast cursed others.
Let’s take this point one step further. Note again our text.
12 But above all things, my brethren, swear not, neither by heaven, neither by the earth, neither by any other oath: but let your yea be yea; and your nay, nay; lest ye fall into condemnation.
The instruction is swear not by heaven, by earth, or any other oath.
1 Thus saith the Lord, The heaven is my throne, and the earth is my footstool: Where is the house that ye build unto me? And where is the place of my rest?
To swear by Heaven or to curse Heaven is to swear by God or to curse God. A very dangerous proposition for any person.
In that same verse, Isaiah 66:1, we see mention that the “earth” is God’s footstool. Listen to Psalm 24:1
1 The earth is the Lord’s, and the fulness thereof; The world, and they that dwell therein.
To swear by the earth or to curse the earth is to swear by God and to curse God as well. Again, a dangerous thing for any person to do.
The summation is that we shouldn’t swear or curse anything. All belongs to Him. Our duty is not swear or curse the Lord, but, instead, we are to stand in awe of Him.
To swear or to curse is morally wrong. It is such that God even listed it as one of the ten commandments.
7 Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord thy God in vain; for the Lord will not hold him guiltless that taketh his name in vain.
12 And ye shall not swear by my name falsely, neither shalt thou profane the name of thy God: I am the Lord.
It is the signature of a wicked person.
4 The wicked, through the pride of his countenance, will not seek after God: God is not in all his thoughts.
5 His ways are always grievous; Thy judgments are far above out of his sight: As for all his enemies, he puffeth at them.
6 He hath said in his heart, I shall not be moved: For I shall never be in adversity.
7 His mouth is full of cursing and deceit and fraud: Under his tongue is mischief and vanity.
There is no place in the life of a believer swearing or cursing. We are to live lives pleasing to the Lord through obedience to His Word. When we do, His Spirit enables us making us trustworthy before others with no need to swear or make oaths. Additionally, His Spirit will helps during difficult circumstances use words that edify and do not corrupt.
Here is the second circumstance in our text. Look again at James 5:12-13
12 But above all things, my brethren, swear not, neither by heaven, neither by the earth, neither by any other oath: but let your yea be yea; and your nay, nay; lest ye fall into condemnation.
13 Is any among you afflicted? let him pray. Is any merry? let him sing psalms.
Times of Emotional Swings
Times of Emotional Swings
We are emotional people. Remember we are made in God’s image. God is emotional. Scripture portrays Him as angry, grieved, and, at times, full of blessing and joy. The only difference between our emotions and His is our sin nature. Our sin nature influences our emotional swings. God is balanced and His emotions are always perfect. We, on the other hand, swing from one emotion to next. Our emotions are often based on our reaction to our circumstances and not our obedience to God as well as our faith in His promises. If we find ourselves faced with negative circumstances, we feel afflicted and emotionally we respond with despair and anxiety. However, it doesn’t take long for our pendulum of emotion to swing the other way. We fell joy and happiness when things are going our way. We have what we want and we are happy we have them. Yet, within a matter of minutes, our rights are violated and our joy is gone. Just like that, we swing back and forth throughout the day on a roller coaster of emotions.
How do we combat such emotional swings?
The easy answer is obedience.
However, there is so much involved in that answer. God’s answer in our text is twofold based on the circumstance.
If you are feeling afflicted, PRAY. If you a feeling merry, PRAISE the LORD.
Now, seeing that, some might say the only time they should pray is during affliction and the only time they should praise is when things are going good. That is not the case. We should pray and praise when we are in the valley as much as when we are on the mountain peak. However, there is something to be said about praying in the times of affliction and praising Him during times of blessing.
Afflictions Should Drive Us to Pray
Afflictions Should Drive Us to Pray
We already know that all of us are going to face trials and tribulation. The Holy Spirit said they would come. It is not of “if” they will come, but “when” they come. We are going to face adverse circumstances simply because we live in a world filled with sinful people. On top of that, all of nature groans in tribulation. Thus, there are going be times when we deal with natural disasters. Even our own bodies suffer from the curse resulting in trying times when faced with medical issues.
What is the answer to combatting those times? It is prayer. Those are times that should drive us to our knees seeking God’s presence and power in our lives. For than other time, it is during such times that we must rely on Him to help us stand as witnessed for Him.
41 Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.
1 And he spake a parable unto them to this end, that men ought always to pray, and not to faint;
24 Hitherto have ye asked nothing in my name: ask, and ye shall receive, that your joy may be full.
Going back to our text, we learn...
Tranquility Should Turn Into Praise
Tranquility Should Turn Into Praise
There are moments when all is quiet. There is no drama, no trial, and not tribulation. It is peaceful. In those moment, we must keep our attention upon the Lord. How do we do that? We spend those moments praising Him and thanking Him for the quietness of the hour.
Today’s “Christianity” has turned the word “praise” into a joke. They teach that praise means you have jump up and down, raising your hands to the sky, slapping others on the back, and acting like some jolly and giddy person who just received a billion dollars (inflation). That is not the true sense of praise. Instead, it means we are to cheerful people who sing His praises in the quietness as well as the midst of the raging storm. You don’t have hoop and holler to praise Him. You praise Him by your calm assurance and confidence that He is Lord and worthy to be praised. It is a cheerfulness that simply emanated from the heart resulting in a song and joy that He is Jehovah God. Praise must always flow from our lips.
19 Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord;
This is another one of those interesting verses. Note the context.
15 See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise,
16 Redeeming the time, because the days are evil.
17 Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is.
18 And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit;
19 Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord;
20 Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ;
21 Submitting yourselves one to another in the fear of God.
The instruction is by good stewards of Christ. We are walk circumspectly, redeeming the time, and understanding the Lord’s will. We do so by allowing the Spirit to control us instead of fleshly desires. How do we allow the Spirit to control us? One way is by speaking to ourselves in psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs as we sing and make melody in our hearts to the Lord.
This thought takes us back to an earlier thought. We all communicate with ourselves. We talk ourselves. It is equally important that we do not use corrupt communication when we do. We overcome corrupt communication by singing to ourselves about God, His Word, and His promises. As we do, we keep our minds fixed upon Him. The end result is that we live obediently allowing God’s Spirit to work through us.
Afflictions should drive us to pray. Tranquility should turn to praise.
13 Is any among you afflicted? let him pray. Is any merry? let him sing psalms.
So our next circumstance is this.
Times of Sickness
Times of Sickness
This is one that all of us can truly identify with. There is no doubt it has affected every person sitting here tonight. There are different types of sickness. There is the flu and the common cold which, for the most part, can be handled very easy. A step up from there might things like diabetes and other such common health problems. They are difficult, but with proper management many live with them. Then there are more severe and life threatening types of diseases like cancer and many others. In our text, we are dealing with severe diseases which may have been treated but now there is very little hope left.
Look at our text.
14 Is any sick among you? let him call for the elders of the church; and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord:
15 And the prayer of faith shall save the sick, and the Lord shall raise him up; and if he have committed sins, they shall be forgiven him.
Let’s begin by examining four fact noted in these two verses.
The first fact is the question “Is any sick among you?”
The word “sick” refers any who are lacking physical strength often associated with physical weakness or infirmity as a result of disease. In fact, note Matthew 8:17
17 That it might be fulfilled which was spoken by Esaias the prophet, saying, Himself took our infirmities, and bare our sicknesses.
The word “sicknesses” which understand as diseases is the same word as “sick” in our text. For that reason, we know that the Holy Spirit is referring to any person in our midst who is without strength due to disease. In most instances, these people are at the end of their rope so to speak. They have done everything the doctor’s have prescribed and not getting any better. Now, they are physically unable to function.
Here is the second fact.
Those who in such a condition (sick due to disease) are to “call for the elders of the church.” The word “elders” is the same word from which we get our English word “presbytery.” We know that presbytery refers to pastors and ministers of the local church. Therefore, they are to call for the pastor and, in our case, the deacons.
Here is the third fact.
When they call for the pastor and deacons, it is for them to do things.
Pray for them
Anoint them with oil
Now, according to our text, they are to do these two thins in whose name? They are to do it in the name of the Lord. Why the Lord? He is the only One who can heal sicknesses. It is not the prayer that heals them even though we are to pray for one another. Additionally, it is not the oil that heals them. No, it is on the Lord Jesus Christ Who can bring healing if He so desires.
Here is another important consideration about praying for the sick and anointing them oil. These verse not only provide instruction for the sick, but it also provides needed instruction for the elders. They know that they are to pray for deliverance and healing in those times and to anoint the sick with oil. In doing so, they too understand that it is only the Lord that can provide healing. It is not the pastor or the deacons.
The fourth fact found in our text is this.
15 And the prayer of faith shall save the sick, and the Lord shall raise him up; and if he have committed sins, they shall be forgiven him.
Following these instructions provides a path for the Lord to “save” the sick and, if the Lord wills, “raise him up.” The word “save” gives the idea of making whole again. The phrase “raise him up” means to stand up or to make stand up. It is the same word often used when Christ would heal someone that was lame and caused them to stand up as they were made whole.
Now, note that it is the “prayer of faith” which results in healing. We will come back to this in few minutes.
So, let’s take all these facts and paint a picture with them. Let’s say that a dear brother or sister is diagnosed with a severe disease. Immediately, when we know, we are to begin praying for them. As we do, they are being attended by doctors who seek to help them overcome their disease. They begin all kinds of treatments with the hope that their disease would go into remission. However, over time, the disease keeps winning and they are becoming very sick. Eventually, the doctors have exhausted all their options in helping them and this dear saint is now bedridden with little or no hope of recovery. What are they to do? Are they just lie there and give up in the midst of this great trial and tribulation and thus limiting God’s power in their lives? The answer is no. In our text, God provides a way by which if He so chooses His power can greatly manifested in their lives. By that same token, God makes it so that the local church can provide great encouragement to this dear saint. Neither they nor their fellow believers should give up. Yes, it might seem bleak. Yet, the Holy Spirit says don’t give up. Instead, we are gather together and pray. We are to gather together and anoint them with oil.
Now, back to the phrase “prayer of faith.” Every believer involved from the person sick to the elders and on to fellow believers are to pray in faith. We are to pray knowing and expecting that God is going to heal them. We pray not to provide false hope for God can truly heal any sickness. No, we pray knowing that God will heal one way or another. Death can be a form of healing. You might be thinking what are you talking about. Are we not praying that God would raise them up and not face death? Is that what the passage says? Do you see any promise that they will not face death? The answer is no. God’s way of healing might be to bring them home to Him. There is no better healing. God could also heal them and raise them up from their sick bed so they can go on to live and not face death at that moment. It is all in God’s hands. Yet, no matter what happens, we are to do our duty as He has commanded. We pray and we anoint fully expecting God’s healing.
20 And Jesus said unto them, Because of your unbelief: for verily I say unto you, If ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye shall say unto this mountain, Remove hence to yonder place; and it shall remove; and nothing shall be impossible unto you.
22 And all things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive.
23 Jesus said unto him, If thou canst believe, all things are possible to him that believeth.
7 If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you.
So why the oil? Why would the Holy Spirit instruct us anoint with oil? That is a great question that has twofold answer.
Here is number one.
Oil, in the Scriptures, has always been associated with the Holy Spirit’s presence.
In the Old Testament, men were anointed with oil before the Holy Spirit moved upon them.
13 Then Samuel took the horn of oil, and anointed him in the midst of his brethren: and the Spirit of the Lord came upon David from that day forward. So Samuel rose up, and went to Ramah.
Anointing the sick with oil helps that person to recognize that God’s Spirit and His power are available to them. It is reminder that He can do anything giving them encouragement knowing God is with them. People who are extremely sick and confined to a bed or house experience times of deep depression. The anointing of oil helps them remember that they have God on their side and He is with them 24/7.
Second, oil is also often associated with God’s care, comfort, and joy as well as a reminder of His mercy.
7 Thou lovest righteousness, and hatest wickedness: Therefore God, thy God, hath anointed thee With the oil of gladness above thy fellows.
9 Thou hast loved righteousness, and hated iniquity; therefore God, even thy God, hath anointed thee with the oil of gladness above thy fellows.
So, then, according to this text, what should a believer do when faced with a terminal illness? They should call for the pastor and the deacons to come pray and anoint them with oil. In doing so, they show their faith in God placing their life into His hands accepting His will their life. Additionally, they are encouraged knowing that other believers stand with them.
Times of Sin
Times of Sin
As we continue our study of this passage in James, we come to the third circumstance the Holy Spirit presents to us.
16 Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.
17 Elias was a man subject to like passions as we are, and he prayed earnestly that it might not rain: and it rained not on the earth by the space of three years and six months.
18 And he prayed again, and the heaven gave rain, and the earth brought forth her fruit.
All of us are sinners. There is no doubt about that. Both the teachings of God’s and the evidence of men’s actions make it clear that we are sinners. Even after salvation, we continue to deal with our sinful flesh. Its pull on our lives every single day is real. Therefore, is not a matter of if we will sin, but when we will sin.
Now, here is another aspect of sin that we must admit. We often sin not just against God, but also against others.
That is the circumstance we are faced with in our text. Remember we have two types of relationships. There is our relationship with God and there is our relationship with others. Sometimes, we sin against God and Him alone. Unfortunately, too many times our sin involves more than just God; it involves others around us. What are we to do?
Look again at the text. The answer is quite clear.
16 Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.
Confession means to agree with. There are times when we need to admit and agree that we have offended someone else through sinful actions. Actions such as...
When we have wronged or unjustly acted against another person,
When we have lied or misled another,
When we offended or caused someone else to stumble and sin, or even
When we have publicly committed some crime.
In each of those circumstances, the Biblical thing to do is confess it to those who have sinned against. Additionally, we are to pray for one another.
Prayer is amazing tool. It is one that we do not utilize to its full potential for sure.
In fact, that is the essence of the next couple of verses. Now, keep in mind, we are still talking about times of sin. It is interesting that the Holy Spirit would couple such times with prayer. Prayer is critically important on so many different levels. However, in our text, we seen on big reason it is so critically important.
16 Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.
Now, stop there for a minute and look with me at verse 15. What does it say at the beginning of that verse?
15 And the prayer of faith shall save the sick, and the Lord shall raise him up; and if he have committed sins, they shall be forgiven him.
Whose prayer and what kind of prayer will save the sick? It is the prayer of faith offered by people of faith. Now, in verse 16, we see that the “effectual, fervent prayer of a righteous man” works. It “availeth much” means it is quite able and has the power to do what needs to be done. In other words, such prayer is capable to accomplish great things such as heal both the sick and the sinful.
The Holy Spirit goes on to point us to the Old Testament and the prophet Elijah.
17 Elias was a man subject to like passions as we are, and he prayed earnestly that it might not rain: and it rained not on the earth by the space of three years and six months.
You probably know the story. It is found in 1 Kings 17 and 18. Elijah was God’s spokesman during the reign of one Israel’s most wicked king. And, as we know, he prayed that it would not rain and God answered that prayer. For 31/2 long years, it did not rain. Can imagine our county going without rain for 3 and 1/2 years? Then,
18 And he prayed again, and the heaven gave rain, and the earth brought forth her fruit.
What is the point? The point is that prayer is an extremely powerful tool in our spiritual arsenal. And, guess what? A believer who prays earnestly and fervently will see amazing results.
The words “earnestly” and “fervently” are important here. In Greek, the two words are one word. That Greek word simply means work or be at work. Essentially, the prayer of the righteous works. Such prayer acts by carrying out it intended course of action. Additionally, such prayer is the instrument designed to produce spiritual results. Its implementation results in some wondrous effects. All of which is vouched for in many different other Bible passages such as:
7 Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you:
8 For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened.
24 Hitherto have ye asked nothing in my name: ask, and ye shall receive, that your joy may be full.
22 And all things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive.
Let me wrap this point up with this thought. Relationships with others can be hard. It seems the closer we are to people the easier it is to mess up and sin in those relationships. The issue with too many people is that simply choose to ignore the sin allowing it to fester. The longer they allow it to fester the more open the wound becomes. Soon, whatever is going on between the two is no longer a private matter, it is open sore spreading pain to others around them. For us, as believers, we have clear instruction from God to deal with sin against others immediately.
25 Wherefore putting away lying, speak every man truth with his neighbour: for we are members one of another.
26 Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath:
Christ specifically instructed the following.
23 Therefore if thou bring thy gift to the altar, and there rememberest that thy brother hath ought against thee;
24 Leave there thy gift before the altar, and go thy way; first be reconciled to thy brother, and then come and offer thy gift.
We have that same understanding when we read our text.
16 Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.
Don’t waste time. If you let sin between you, the Lord, and others to continue, it will not end well. Confess and pray! Those actions must be acted on quickly without delay.
Prayer is powerful. It is through prayer that healing is accomplished. It helps heal the body and the soul. It heals the sick and it repairs sinful relationships.
Now, one last personal thought about our text. Back in the summer I expressed my opinion that we, as a local church, need to do a better job at praying together. As I look at our church and our attendance, I keep asking myself what is missing? What is holding this church back from the Lord adding to our numbers? We preach the Word. We practice the Word. So what exactly is missing? I have searched for that answer and I have thought long about it. When I do, I keep coming back to these verses as well as Matthew 7:7
7 Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you:
13 And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son.
14 If ye shall ask any thing in my name, I will do it.
There are many more verses I could give you. However, my point is this. The one thing we haven’t done as a church is pray like we should. I mean pray together. I truly believe that we must get on our knees together before the Lord and ask Him to give us souls and to add our church.
For that reason, I am announcing tonight that starting in January we are going to change our Sunday evening services. We are not ending them. However, we are going to change our focus. We are going to make Sunday nights a concentrated and focused evening each week of prayer. I am convinced we need to do this. I thought so back in the summer. I have given it time. I am still convinced now and even more than then. I did not make the change then because a few objected. However, now I am not asking. I love you, but I must do what I feel God is leading me to do. I hope that you will join me. I want to see God do something great in our church. However, if we don’t fervently and earnestly ask Him, then we will not receive. Starting the first Sunday evening of January, our services will look like this.
Prayer & Welcome
Sing a Few Choruses
5-10 Minute Challenge from Psalms
Prayer Requests along with Missionary Highlight
Split into Prayer Groups (Men and Women) (Goal to spend 30 minutes in prayer)
*There will be no live stream, special music, or offering.
The last and final circumstance as we close out our study of James is this.
Times When a Fellow Believer Sins
Times When a Fellow Believer Sins
There is no doubt that believers can slide backwards in their walk with the Lord. In fact, if we are honest with ourselves, it would seem we are always taking one step forward and two steps backwards. The last circumstance listed in our text dealt with our own sin. Now, the Holy Spirit brings up a situation where a close believer strays from the truth of God’s Word. Note the words in verses 19-20.
19 Brethren, if any of you do err from the truth, and one convert him;
20 Let him know, that he which converteth the sinner from the error of his way shall save a soul from death, and shall hide a multitude of sins.
You will note two actions taken by such a believer. They...
“err from the truth” according to verse 19, and they...
walks in the “errors of his way” according to verse 20.
The word “err” means to gradually and slowly wander off the path.
In this case, this fellow believers is gradually and slowly wandering away from the truths of God’s Word. What then is our responsibility when we know such a person is moving in such a direction? The answer is plain. We are to “convert him.”
Convert has the idea of arresting someone’s attention.
There is a sense of bringing them back to their original path. Thus, it is our job, as concerned brothers and sisters, to go to them, seek to arrest their attention, and lead them to repentance and reconciliation with God Who is our Father. We must take them by the hand and lead them back to the Lord and His Word. It is act of love and not of discipline. This word “convert” paints a picture of lovingly and graciously leading them to repent of their sin and helping them restore their relationship with God.
Can you imagine the difference it would make if more believers and churches practiced this type of loving confrontation to those who backslide? We definitely need more believers who would have such an attitude and ministry of rescuing and restoring other who have wandered away from God.
Now, note what happens when believers react to backslidden believers God’s way!
20 Let him know, that he which converteth the sinner from the error of his way shall save a soul from death, and shall hide a multitude of sins.
The Holy Spirit notes two very positive results.
The first is the sinner (the believer who has sinned) is saved from death.
In our study of 1 Corinthians, we recently covered the ordinance of the Lord’s Table. In that chapter, chapter 11, the Holy Spirit noted how many of the Corinthian believers sinned by misusing this sacred ordinance. They abused and misused it without remorse and repentance to the point that the Holy Spirit noted that many believers were weak, sickly, and even some slept. The word “slept” being a euphemism for a believer who died. I truly believe that there are circumstance under which God takes home believers who are unwillingly to repent and live God’s way. Such believers become a detriment to the cause of Christ and, thus, they are no longer useful for Him. So, God chooses to bring them home instead of allowing them stay here on earth. I believe our text tonight is referring to that same Scriptural fact. If we, as believers, are able to confront and convert a wayward fellow believer then we are, in a sense, saving their soul from death. This reference to death here is not a reference to spiritual death. Once a person accepts the Lord, their salvation and spiritual life is eternal from that moment on. Instead, this reference is about continuing to live this earthly life and means a physical death.
Note there are two results. The first is saving them from death. For the second,
the Holy Spirit notes that it will “hide a multitude of sins.”
This is an interesting statement. The word “hide” means to prevent something from being seen or discovered. I believe the simple explanation is this. Leading a wayward believer back to the Lord and His Word not only keeps them serviceable for the Lord, but it also keeps them from discovering more sin in their life. In other words, you are helping them from falling to even more sin. Sin breeds more sin. Thus, a believer who is living a life of sin will continue to live a life of sin by adding even more sin. However, if we can effectively convert them from their life of sin, then we help them prevent more sin thus hiding a multitude that would have happened if they had not turned back to God.
Now, let me share a word of caution here. Our job is not go around seeking to find sin in the lives of those around us. We are not judge others.
1 Judge not, that ye be not judged.
2 For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again.
3 And why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother’s eye, but considerest not the beam that is in thine own eye?
4 Or how wilt thou say to thy brother, Let me pull out the mote out of thine eye; and, behold, a beam is in thine own eye?
5 Thou hypocrite, first cast out the beam out of thine own eye; and then shalt thou see clearly to cast out the mote out of thy brother’s eye.
However, there are times when it is quite obvious a fellow brother or sister is heading in the wrong direction. The signs of them backsliding are quite evident. It is then we must act. However, we must act out of love and not with judgmental attitude. Additionally, we must be careful that we too are doing all we can to live obediently before the Lord. Therefore, we have responsibility to judge ourselves daily as we stand before the Lord. That is the essence of the verse we just read in Matthew 7. Now, one of the great things about helping others is the encouragement we receive as we witness them overcoming sin in their life. As we do, it helps us understand that we can overcome any fall by simply obeying and following Christ’s commands. Without a doubt, we must personally have an attitude of constant repentance before the Lord.
1 Blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered.
14 If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.
7 Let the wicked forsake his way, And the unrighteous man his thoughts: And let him return unto the Lord, and he will have mercy upon him; And to our God, for he will abundantly pardon.
21 But if the wicked will turn from all his sins that he hath committed, and keep all my statutes, and do that which is lawful and right, he shall surely live, he shall not die.
Conclusion
Conclusion
This entire chapter is chock full of practical examples. The examples demonstrated that we can live a life of faith. It is our job to live our faith each and every day no matter what circumstance comes our way. When the temptation comes to use corrupt communication, we resist the urge to swear. During times of great emotional swings, counter them with the Holy Spirit’s instructions. Pray during times of affliction and sing psalms during times of joy. If you encounter a time of great sickness with all hope beginning to fade, call for the elders of the church to pray and anoint you with oil. It will refresh your hope and encourage your heart. When you fall into sin, confess your sin to the Lord and, if need be, to those you have offended. Above all, we need to be praying for each other. The effectual fervent prayer of the righteous always accomplishes much. And last, when know a fellow brother or sister is slowly walking away from the Lord and into the arms of the world, we must confront them with love seeking to lead them back to Him. This is what living out our faith looks like.