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James 5:16-18
Introduction:
1. Subjects previously covered in our study of James include: a. "facing temptations" (1:2-18) b. "hearing and doing the Word" (1:19-27) c. "respect of persons" (2:1-13) d. "faith and works" (2:14-26) e. "a warning for teachers" (3:1) f. "use of the tongue" (3:2-12) g. "true and false wisdom" (3:13-18) h. "strife among Christians" (4:1-10) i. "speaking evil of others" (4:11-12) j. "self-sufficiency" (4:13-17) k. "words of warning and reproof for the rich" (5:1-6) l. "patience" (5:7-11) m. "swearing" (5:12) n. "calling upon God" (5:13-15). 1) (vs.13a) God's people are to call upon Him through prayer when afflicted. 2) (vs.14-15) The elders of the church are to call upon God through prayer on behalf of those who are sick. 2. (5:16-18) James presented additional information concerning "prayer." a. (vs.16a) Prayer is involved in spiritual healing. b. (vs.16b-18) Prayer avails much. Discussion: I. (vs.16a) PRAYER IS INVOLVED IN SPIRITUAL HEALING A. Spiritual healing for Christians involves: 1. confessing faults to one another 2. praying for one another. B. 1 John 1:9 is a parallel passage. C. An illustration of these principles is found in Acts 8. 1. In Samaria a man named Simon became a Christian (vs.13). 2. After becoming a Christian, Simon sinned (vs.18-19). 3. As Peter rebuked Simon he showed Simon how to receive forgiveness (vs.20-23). 4. Simon responded by requesting prayer (vs.24). II. (vs.16b-18) PRAYER AVAILS MUCH A. (vs.16b) Prayer "avails" [accomplishes] much when it is: 1. "effectual" [effective] 2. "fervent" [from the heart] 3. offered by a "righteous" person (Proverbs 28:9; 1 Peter 3:10-12). B. (vs.17-18) Elijah's prayers illustrate how prayer avails much. 1. Elijah was "a man subject to like passions as we are." 2. However, God responded to Elijah's prayers by sending rain (1 Kings 17:1; 18:1, 41-45). C. In His Sermon on the Mount Jesus taught that prayer avails much (Matthew 7:7-11). Conclusion: 1. Praying to God is a great privilege and blessing for His children. 2. Let us call upon Him through effectual and fervent prayer, when we are afflicted as well as when we need spiritual healing. | ||