(YG) Confession of sin

In times of suffering the temptation is grumble and complain about others, which James addressed in verse 9

James rebukes those in the congregation that are grumbling against the brethren, he calls it sin and warns of judgement

James gives us specific instruction in dealing with our suffering, take it to the Lord in prayer

God may remove our trial, but more often that not, God will give us the grace we need to endure the troubles to accomplish God’s perfect will

A praying Christian is a mature Christian

1. (V15) Prayer of faith will save the sick

a) This could be a physical sickness but not exclusively

The Greek word means to grow weary or weak

James was writing to those who had become weak both morally and spiritually in their suffering

1.1 (V16) Confess your trespasses to one another

a) Our responsibility is to confess our sin to one another

True confession requires a person to take responsibility for their actions

In todays society we want to move forward without admitting our sin or asking for forgiveness

b) Confession must have honesty and integrity

If we confess with no real intention of battling the sin, our confession isn’t thorough and it mocks God.

Repentance is turning away from sin

c) The Proper understanding of sin should lead to grief

Grieving over sin is a profound emotional and spiritual response that reflects a deep awareness of the holiness of God and the gravity of sin. This concept is rooted in the biblical understanding of sin as a transgression against God's law and character, and the appropriate response of sorrow and repentance.

Our natural desire is to keep the sin hidden, which is a tool of the enemy

The enemy wants you to burry it inside because he knows it will rot you from the inside out

Your hidden sin will cause problems with everyone around you because your not right with God and there is internal battle going on inside of you

1.2 Confess your sin and pray for one another

a) Confess your sin and pray for one another

Brings refreshment and healing from that sin

Hebrews 12:1–2 “Let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith,

Christianity is a team sport and not something you do on your own

Hopefully this youth group is uplifting as you are a positive influence on one another

1.3 The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much

a) Fervent

Acts 12:5 recounts how the early church prayed fervently for Peter while he was imprisoned: "So Peter was kept in prison, but earnest prayer for him was made to God by the church.

Here, “earnest” translates to fervent, showing that the community engaged in heartfelt prayer with a sense of urgency and expectation.

1.4 (V17) Elijah was a man with a nature like ours

a) Elijah was a man like you and I, yet God answered his powerful prayer

2. (V19) Bring back the erring one

a) The goal of confronting someone in sin is to bring restoration

Before you confront someone I would recommend praying

Asking the Lord for the right words and He would soften the heart of the sinner

The goal is not winning the argument but restoring the person

Matthew 18:15 ““Moreover if your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault between you and him alone. If he hears you, you have gained your brother.”

Go to the person on your own

Take one or two more people with you

But if he refuses to hear you take it to the church

Galatians 6:1 “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.”

Proverbs 10:12 “Hatred stirs up strife, But love covers all sins.”

Conclusion: . This speaks powerfully of the restoration that is possible for those who have sinned. “I know of men of good standing in the gospel ministry, who, ten years ago, fell into sin; and that is thrown in our teeth to this very day. Do you speak of them? You are at once informed, ‘Why, ten years ago they did so-and-so.’ Brethren, Christian men ought to be ashamed of themselves for taking notice of such things so long afterwards. True, we may use more caution in our dealings; but to frreproach a fallen brother for what he did so long ago, is contrary to the spirit of John, who went after Peter, three days after he had denied his Master with oaths and curses.” (Spurgeon)

ii. James concludes with this because this is exactly what he has endeavored to do through this challenging letter – to confront those who have wandered from a living faith, endeavoring to save their souls from death, by demanding that they not only hear the word, but do it, because a living faith will have its proof.

iii. “So the homily ends – abruptly, even more abruptly than the First Epistle of John, without any closing word of farewell to the readers, abruptly but not ineffectively. The Wisdom writings on which it is modeled end as suddenly.” (Moffatt)