Prayer, Faith, Fellowship

The Undeniable relationship between Faith, Fellowship, and Prayer

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How we respond to our circumstances discloses our relationship status to the Lord - vs. 13

Suffering - Taken together, then, the data suggest that the word has a broad application, covering trials of all kinds

James’s concern when he deals with trials elsewhere (1:2–4, 12; 5:7–11) is to encourage believers to endure the suffering with the right spirit and with a divine perspective on history. Presumably, then, the prayer that he encourages here is for the spiritual strength to endure the trial with a godly spirit.

Cheerful - Euthymeō refers not to outward circumstances, but to the cheerfulness and happiness of heart that one can have whether in good times or in bad.

It was this sense of well-being that Paul encouraged his fellow travellers to have even though their ship was in imminent danger of destruction (, )

When our hearts are comforted, it is all too easy to forget that this contentment comes ultimately only from God. Thus, perhaps even more than when suffering, we must be reminded in times of happiness of our glad obligation to acknowledge God’s supreme role in our lives.

How we respond to our sickness demonstrates our relationships to God and others vs. 14

In times of sickness, we are commanded to call on others, that they may intercede on our behalf.

elders - same or similar office as pastors

elders in the faith - those well established in faith

Anointing with oil

Oil was used as medicine - What James may be saying, then, is that the elders should come to the bedside of the sick armed with both spiritual and natural resources—with prayer and with medicine. Both are administered with the Lord’s authority and both together can be used by him in healing the sick.

As a different kind of practical purpose, others suggest that the anointing may have been intended as an outward, physical expression of concern and as a means to stimulate the faith of the sick person.

It is best, then, to think of the anointing with oil as a symbolic action. Anointing frequently symbolizes the consecration of persons or things for God’s use and service in the Old Testament.

Prayer of Faith vs. 15 - This is the main theme of this section.

modified by euche - which means a strong, fervent, petition

Faith is the key, not the fervency of the prayer!

Not relation between sin and sickness

Of the Lord, the Lord- He is the object and power of our faith

Power of Repentance and fellowship

Confess to one another

Pray for one another

be Healed - (this is most likely dual fold, spiritual and physical

Once we have repented, we are declared righteous - This teaches that all have accepted Jesus and repented of their sins - the righteous man simply designates one who is wholeheartedly committed to God and sincerely seeking to do his will.

13 Is anyone among you suffering? Let him pray. Is anyone cheerful? Let him sing praise. 14 Is anyone among you sick? 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 will save the one who is sick, and the Lord will raise him up. And if he has committed sins, he will be forgiven. 16 Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working. The Holy Bible: English Standard Version. (2016). (Jas 5:13–16). Wheaton: Standard Bible Society.