Pray and Sing, Even In This Day

MAY 17, 2020 STUDY NOTES JAMES 5:13 BIBLE TEACHER: CLIFTON JONES PRAY AND SING, EVEN IN THIS DAY INTRODUCTION There are some sayings that remind us of the different experiences of life Such as, “There is a light at the end of the tunnel” Which tells us there will be some tunnels as we travel the road of life “Cheer up, it could get worse,” telling us that today is not a good day But also reminding us that tomorrow may not be either There are many days in the path of our life that we want to ask God, “Why?” James wants us to accept everyday of our life and learn how to live for God each day Physical illness, misfortunes, and accidents, are problems that we all face sooner or later James wants us to know, even though we are saved, we can face trials and troubles He tells us what our attitude must be as a Christian when we face troublesome times In the previous verses James spoke to us concerning patience in the time of suffering In chapter one James said, Jas 1:2 My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; Our trials and troubles can be many, they are diversified, of various kinds, any-and all kinds Anything can happen at any time, great financial loss, terminal disease, death of loved ones The world says rejoice when you don’t have a problem and we agree with that philosophy But God has “joy” for the Christian in the time of our problems, Jesus in us is our joy James is teaching that nothing should take away the “joy” of the Christian life Our joy is not based upon the things that this world will give us or take away from us James is telling us about the genuine joy that can be ours in the times of real trouble The fullness of joy is ours because we draw closer to God and sense His presence Chaos and confusion can come at any moment which will try our faith, Jas 1:3 Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience Does our attitude change when the circumstances of our life changes? How do we handle our day by day problems? When problems come, do we continue to think, talk, and act as a Christian? What James has to say can only apply to Christians, the lost will never understand what he says Throughout the book of James his concern is our “faith,” our faith is the life we live daily The problems of life reveal the true nature of your faith, is it a living faith? When faith goes to work during our problems it develops and achieves patience “Patience” is something we often talk about and wish we had more of it James gives us a formula for Biblical patience, it is problems plus faith equals patience Biblical patience is continuing to be a witness for Christ through all hardships and trials of life Through Christ we can rejoice in all kinds of trials and troubles Know God, know God’s Word, know what God can and will do according to His Word Believe what God can do in the time of trials and troubles And then allow God to work it all out according to His will and purpose Exactly what James promises us in the conclusion of the book of James What are the real promises found in this passage concerning our daily life? Is there a promise in this passage that all Christians can be healed of all sickness? If healing does not occur, is it because of the lack of faith on the part of the believer? It is often heard today that “It is not God’s will for you to be sick.” This is one of the key biblical passages on sickness and healing, but what does it teach? There are many different views and different practices that come from this passage Some ministers claim to have the gift of healing and conduct healing services People are invited to come forward and be anointed with oil for healing They base the healing service on this passage of scripture The theme of this passage is prayer, verses 13-18 each have a reference to prayer In verse 13 the individual is called upon to pray In verses 14 and 15 the elders of the church are called upon to pray In verse 16 the church congregation is called upon to pray How powerful is prayer? We find an example in verses 17 & 18 There is no need that prayer cannot meet and no problem that prayer cannot solve In the closing verses of James, he encourages us to turn to God in faith and prayer Regardless of the circumstances we face, good or bad, continue to trust God and pray ITS TIME TO PRAY Jas 5:13 Is any among you afflicted? let him pray. Is any merry? let him sing psalms. Does anyone have a problem? Do you suspect that you may soon face a problem? Are you suffering in any way? Physical, mental, financial, spiritual, any personal problem? If so, what are you doing about it? James does not ask the question to find an answer, he already knows the answer He knows what life is like upon this earth, he understands the daily path of life His question is a statement of truth to get their attention He actually-says, “someone among you is afflicted,” affliction is a fact of life We often ask someone, “How is it going today?” And we really don’t want to know And often they will say, “you don’t want to know,” and how often they are right But James wants us to know, he wants us to think about how things are going in our life today He wants to inform us and instruct us of the truths of life as a Christian He knows that there will always be someone among us who is afflicted The word translated “afflicted” is found in only three other verses of the NT, all in 2 Timothy: 2Ti 2:3 Thou therefore “endure hardness,” as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. You will face difficult times and suffer hardship, even as you faithfully live for Christ 2Ti 2:9 Wherein I “suffer trouble,” as an evil doer, even unto bonds; but the word of God is not bound. Paul’s trouble was that he was in prison just like a criminal because he preached Christ 2Ti 4:5 But watch thou in all things, “endure afflictions,” do the work of an evangelist, make full proof of thy ministry. Paul told Timothy that he could expect to suffer hardships as he ministered to others The thought is not the suffering of physical illness but the suffering of hardship The meaning is to be treated badly; to be mistreated or suffer evil from someone Going through difficult days because of the way difficult people treat you Dealing with problems that come from other people and are beyond our control There is nothing that we can do to prevent those kind of problems But there is something that we can do with the problem, we must turn it over to God We do not need to have a “pity-party,” we need to have a prayer time We do not need to complain to others, we need to call upon God It usually makes us feel better to talk to someone about our problems For comfort and strength, the best One to talk to is God, Jas 1:5 If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him. Are you physically exhausted? Are you mentally depressed? Are you emotionally strained? Are you spiritually broken? Then James says, “It is time to pray” let him pray. Too often what James tells us to do first is what we do as a last resort When it comes to problems, usually the first step is, try to take care of it yourself And then the next step is, go to a good friend to help you And then you finally realize, “What A Friend We Have In Jesus” James makes it clear in verse 13, if you have problems, the first thing to do is “pray” Prayer is always the answer, regardless of what the circumstances of life may be James is saying, pray and keep on praying, pray about anything and everything The original word that James uses identifies with all aspects of prayer It identifies with submission to God, confession of sin, and a petition for self Supplication is the concern for the needs of your life, pray for all-of your needs It also includes intercession, praying for the needs of others, always pray for one another James also identifies prayer with worship, realizing that you are coming face to face with God God is the One that you turn to in the time of affliction, God is the One you must talk to, 1Pe 3:12 For the eyes of the Lord are over the righteous, and his ears are open unto their prayers: but the face of the Lord is against them that do evil. Three things are stated in that verse: God is watching; God is listening; God judges evil Sometimes we talk to people and they do not hear a word we say But God is always paying attention, He gives attention to our needs, Psa 34:15 The eyes of the LORD are upon the righteous, and his ears are open unto their cry. You can pray for deliverance and you can also pray for strength to endure God may deliver you from your trying circumstances of life If not, God will give you the grace to endure, either way your prayer is answered, Jas 4:6 But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble. Paul prayed for God to deliver him from what he called “a thorn in the flesh,” 2Co 12:7 And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure. 2Co 12:8 For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me. 2Co 12:9 And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. 2Co 12:10 Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong. God is the “God of all comfort,” 2Co 1:3 Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort; 2Co 1:4 Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God. Jesus gave us some instructions concerning prayer, Mat 6:5 And when thou prayest, thou shalt not be as the hypocrites are: for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and in the corners of the streets, that they may be seen of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward. When you pray, be sure that is what you are honestly doing, talking to God and not man, Mat 6:6 But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly. Be sure it is a private conversation and do not allow yourself to be distracted Clear your mind of all worldly attractions, give your full attention to “Your Father” Respect Him, Reverence Him, He cares for you, He is concerned about you He will provide for you, He will guide you, He will protect you Others will see the work of God in you, what God has done for you through prayer, Mat 6:7 But when ye pray, use not vain repetitions, as the heathen do: for they think that they shall be heard for their much speaking. Make it plain--Keep it simple--Be honest--Be truthful, Mat 6:8 Be not ye therefore like unto them: for your Father knoweth what things ye have need of, before ye ask him. Paul said, 1Th 5:17 Pray without ceasing. The emphasis in this verse is not time but attitude Prayer is not so much “time” with the Lord--Prayer is “presence” with the Lord There is no restriction upon the time or place to pray or what we are to pray about There is nothing too small or too monumental to talk to God about We should never do anything without praying about it, Col 4:2 Continue in prayer, and watch in the same with thanksgiving; Eph 6:18 Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints; 1Ti 2:8 I will therefore that men pray everywhere, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and doubting. 1Pe 5:7 Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you. We often sing songs in a worship service and never hear their message Have you paid attention to the hymn, “What A Friend We Have In Jesus?” O what peace we often forfeit O what needless pain we bear All because we do not carry Everything to God in prayer Have we trials and temptations? Is there trouble anywhere? We should never be discouraged Take it to the Lord in prayer Are we weak and heavy laden, Cumbered with a load of care? Precious Savior, still our refuge Take it to the Lord in prayer James is telling us we can sing that song and do what it says, “Take it to the Lord in prayer” James now has another question for us, Is any merry? “Is anyone cheerful?” Are you having a great day? Are you in good spirits? James indicates that is where you will be after you have prayed You can be facing trials and troubles and still be rejoicing in Jesus The thought is, “It is well with my soul,” I have a peace of mind and joy in my heart As Christians we are not always happy, with the happenings we face in life You are not happy because of what has happened, things that you have no control over But as a Christian, we can always be “Joyful,” our joy is because of Jesus The Bible does not promise the Christian that all outward conditions will be favorable But it does promise that there will be inner peace and joy, Psa 30:5 For his anger endureth but a moment; in his favour is life: weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning. Regardless of the outward conditions of life, there can be a song within the heart Because of the inner tranquility of the heart and the peace of mind, you can sing about Jesus James says, “it is time to sing” let him sing psalms. Singing is a wonderful part of our life as we gather to praise and worship God But singing is not limited to our praise time in church, we should sing in private worship The Hebrew word translated “Psalm” in the OT means, “to make music” The word that James uses means to play a stringed instrument or to sing a hymn We can sing praises to God with or without an instrument, “Just sing” to the Lord The OT directs God’s people to praise God in song, Psa 33:2 Praise the LORD with harp: sing unto him with the psaltery and an instrument of ten strings. Psa 33:3 Sing unto him a new song; play skilfully with a loud noise. When you get saved you have a lot of new songs you can sing Songs like, “Redeemed, Redeemed, Redeemed by the blood of the Lamb, His child forever I am” Psa 81:1 Sing aloud unto God our strength: make a joyful noise unto the God of Jacob. Psa 92:1 It is a good thing to give thanks unto the LORD, and to sing praises unto thy name, O most High: (It is good to learn the value of “Praising God”) Psa 98:4 Make a joyful noise unto the LORD, all the earth: make a loud noise, and rejoice, and sing praise. Psa 98:5 Sing unto the LORD with the harp; with the harp, and the voice of a psalm. Psa 98:6 With trumpets and sound of cornet make a joyful noise before the LORD, the King. The emphasis is strong, shout joyfully, break forth in praise, praise with instruments Psa 149:1 Praise ye the LORD. Sing unto the LORD a new song, and his praise in the congregation of saints. (Let the “Hallelujah Chorus” be heard) The finale to the whole book of Psalms is a Psalm of “Universal Praise” Praise God in His sanctuary, Psa 150:1 Praise ye the LORD. Praise God in his sanctuary: praise him in the firmament of his power. Praise God because of His mighty acts, for all that He has done for you, Psa 150:2 Praise him for his mighty acts: praise him according to his excellent greatness. Praise God everyway that you can, Psa 150:3 Praise him with the sound of the trumpet: praise him with the psaltery and harp. Psa 150:4 Praise him with the timbrel and dance: praise him with stringed instruments and organs. Psa 150:5 Praise him upon the loud cymbals: praise him upon the high sounding cymbals. If you have a voice, then use it to “Praise God,” Psa 150:6 Let everything that hath breath praise the LORD. Praise ye the LORD. Pro 15:13 A merry heart maketh a cheerful countenance: but by sorrow of the heart the spirit is broken. A joyful heart will light up the face, it will brighten the path before you, Pro 15:15 All the days of the afflicted are evil: but he that is of a merry heart hath a continual feast. The days of affliction can be a miserable path, but a cheerful heart will change the day Follow the instructions of James and all of God’s Word, it will make a difference There are many references to joy and rejoicing in the NT and songs are a way for us to do that The NT church was a singing church, songs were an important part of worship and thanksgiving Paul instructs believers to sing and make music to the Lord, Col 3:16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. Study the Word of God until there is a song in your heart, Paul tells us that we must be filled with the Spirit, Eph 5:18 And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit; And then in the very next verse, he says sing, Eph 5:19 Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord; Regardless of the present emotional experience of life, God is the One to turn too You can pray at any time about anything, you can praise God at any time for all things Faith in God can sing or pray whether you are sad or glad Paul and Silas did both, Act 16:25 And at midnight Paul and Silas prayed, and sang praises unto God: and the prisoners heard them. Paul and Silas had been beaten and cast into prison, but their joy of Jesus was not locked up What they had within could not be beaten out of them, that within them became a witness James is telling us to Pray until you can Praise and Praise until you can Pray Php 4:4 Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I say, Rejoice. Php 4:6 Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. 1Th 5:16 Rejoice evermore. Through prayer and praise your heart will become so full that you will have to let it out Think about what James has said, listen to the song, and do what both tell us to do COME ON CHILDREN LET’S SING