A Verse-By-Verse Study Of The Book Of Chapter Five

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. James 5:16

Themes / Subjects Of Seven James Prayer and Practice Peter Hope and Knowledge Jude Faith and Conflict John Love and Truth

James Five Deals With What… TWO THEMES Trouble: 5:4 - Poor people deprived 5: Physically afflicted ones 5: Spiritually backslidden Prayer: 5:4 - Poor laborers cry out 5: Sick / afflicted pray 5: Elijah / mature ones pray

In James Five We Note… FAITH – 12 Times WORKS – 13 Times DOER – 5 Times

In James Five We Note… Show the ultimate worthlessness of all earthly riches Show the detestable character of those who possess riches (when it is their “god”)

Go to now, ye rich men, weep and howl for your miseries that shall come upon you.

Listen, hear, take heed (cf. 4:13) “Come now” (exclamatory interjection) (Claiborne)

Go to now, ye rich men, weep and howl for your miseries that shall come upon you. The rich who obtained wealth immorally or those who hoard their riches (Claiborne) Those “engulfed” in riches obtained at any price and used selfishly (Clark) Rich were one of the major sources of persecution of the church (Turner Whether a VIRTUE or VICE is determined by the possessors of wealth (Taylor) No VIRTUE in POVERTY, Nor VICE in RICHES (Woods) Jer. 4:8 Isa. 5:8 Amos 3:10 Prov. 11:28 1 Tim. 6:19 Luke 6:24 Luke 18:24

Go to now, ye rich men, weep and howl for your miseries that shall come upon you. Wieresbe THREE REASONS For Exhortations Of James The way they got their wealth (5:4, 6a) The way they used their wealth (5:3-5) What riches can / will do (5:1-4) Abraham was rich – Maintained his faith and character Lot became rich and it ruined his character / lost his family

Go to now, ye rich men, weep and howl for your miseries that shall come upon you. Violent grief (WVBS) { Cry out in grief (Woods) Burst into weeping (Claiborne) Howling / Shrieking (Turner) Howl / Frantic terror (Barclay)

Go to now, ye rich men, weep and howl for your miseries that shall come upon you. For the “coming of woes” (Clark) Hardship, sufferings, great distresses (Woods) Wretchedness, distress, trouble to appear (Ferguson) Likely an “apostrophe” Figure of speech in which one audience is addressed but the lesson is intended for another (Matt. 23:37-39)

Go to now, ye rich men, weep and howl for your miseries that shall come upon you. Difficulties were marching upon them, not to avoid or evade (Woods) Judgment will not be kind to those who choose mammon over God (Stancliff) Josephus spoke of the unspeakable horror, disaster, slaughter, famine and total ruin of Jerusalem, temple and everything else

Your riches are corrupted, and your garments are motheaten.

Not necessarily large amounts of money, but one who has the wrong attitude toward what he has (Woods) Rotten, worthless, “your riches have rotted” Ancient times RICHES included such matters as FOOD (grain, oil, etc.), GARMENTS (purple, linen), PRECIOUS STONES, or METALS (gold, silver) (Taylor)

Your riches are corrupted, and your garments are motheaten. Likely highly decorated heirlooms Expensive outer garments worn in public Pound of wool dyed with purple sold for over $100 Joseph gave changes of garments to his brothers (Gen. 45) Achan kept a beautiful mantle (Josh. 7) Samson promised garments if they solved his riddle (Judg. 14) Naaman brought garments to prophet (2 Kings 5) Paul claimed he had coveted no man’s garments (Acts 20)

Your riches are corrupted, and your garments are motheaten. Material things offer NO LASTING SECURITY Wealth when not used to good purposes becomes worthless They pranced around in their finest, but to God they were already rotted (Woods)

Your gold and silver is cankered; and the rust of them shall be a witness against you, and shall eat your flesh as it were fire. Ye have heaped treasure together for the last days.

Tarnished, rust down, rust through (Claiborne) All the way to the bottom (Woods) Figurative since gold and silver do NOT rust

Your gold and silver is cankered; and the rust of them shall be a witness against you, and shall eat your flesh as it were fire. Ye have heaped treasure together for the last days. Lord will say, to those who had much world’s goods, “I was hungered and ye gave me no meat” (Matt. 25:42-43)

Your gold and silver is cankered; and the rust of them shall be a witness against you, and shall eat your flesh as it were fire. Ye have heaped treasure together for the last days. Metaphor (Coffman) Terrible image of bad situation (WVBS) Riches would bring their destruction (Clark) Flesh = Plural and stresses completeness of the destruction Every part of them

Your gold and silver is cankered; and the rust of them shall be a witness against you, and shall eat your flesh as it were fire. Ye have heaped treasure together for the last days. Heaped = Laid up, treasured up Wealth through covetousness / greed Greedy men have spiritual myopia (cannot see afar off) (Stancliff) Reserved unto fire in the day of judgment (2 Peter 3:7)

Behold, the hire of the labourers who have reaped down your fields, which is of you kept back by fraud, crieth: and the cries of them which have reaped are entered into the ears of the Lord of sabaoth.

An example of evil rich; land owner whose laborers make him wealthy Hire = Wages Agricultural workers, worked in the fields for their master Withholding daily wages Cheated his workers Cruel, calloused Never would get wages

Behold, the hire of the labourers who have reaped down your fields, which is of you kept back by fraud, crieth: and the cries of them which have reaped are entered into the ears of the Lord of sabaoth. Workers lived on verge of starvation Impossible to save anything Not being paid meant FAMILY NOT EATING OT commanded employer to pay wages when the sun went down (Stancliff)

…and the cries of them which have reaped are entered into the ears of the Lord of sabaoth. Continual crying out; yell for vengeance { Highest title for power & majesty Often translated: “Lord Almighty” Only here and Rom. 9:29 but 282 times in the OT God of the heavenly armies Greek Septuagint renders it “Almighty” (Woods)

Ye have lived in pleasure on the earth, and been wanton; ye have nourished your hearts, as in a day of slaughter.

Not with remorse nor regret Lived in high style; fattened your hearts Luxury and extreme extravagance At the expense of others A life of ease, revel, carouse

Ye have lived in pleasure on the earth, and been wanton; ye have nourished your hearts, as in a day of slaughter. Not with remorse nor regret Lived in high style; fattened your hearts Luxury and extreme extravagance At the expense of others A life of ease, revel, carouse Attitude of “Me first, myself next, and if anything is left, I’ll take it” (Clark)

Ye have lived in pleasure on the earth, and been wanton; ye have nourished your hearts, as in a day of slaughter. Lived in lewdness and lasciviousness Luxury, self-indulgent, wastefully, wantomly Selfishness leads to the destruction of the soul

Ye have lived in pleasure on the earth, and been wanton; ye have nourished your hearts, as in a day of slaughter. Figure is of animals who have been fed and fattened for butchering (Woods) Lived like animals who cared neither for origins or destinies (Taylor)

Ye have lived in pleasure on the earth, and been wanton; ye have nourished your hearts, as in a day of slaughter. Day of slaughter = Day of judgment It is as if James said: “We are now at the judgment; this is the way you have lived; therefore your destination is inevitable, because you prepared yourselves for this destiny!”

Ye have condemned and killed the just; and he doth not resist you.

TWO VIEWS Any righteous man vs. The Lord Jesus Likely speaking of righteous brothers Every wound that selfishness inflicts on Christ’s people is another wound inflicted on Chrsit (Barclay) Jesus serves as the “antitype of all who have died unjustly for the cause of the Great Jehovah”

Ye have condemned and killed the just; and he doth not resist you. Christ is our EXAMPLE He resisted not (1 Peter 2:21-23; Isa. 53:7) How should Christians act under persecution? 1 Peter 2:21ff Matt. 5:39ff Rom. 12:19

Be patient therefore, brethren, unto the coming of the Lord. Behold, the husbandman waiteth for the precious fruit of the earth, and hath long patience for it, until he receive the early and latter rain.

Longsuffering; willingly endure Definition Of PATIENCE Endure delays and bear suffering Not losing heart; not giving up! Hold mind in check; opposite of wrath Sweet or long tempered Stay put / stand fast when you’d like to run Now returns to instructing the brethren

Be patient therefore, brethren, unto the coming of the Lord. Behold, the husbandman waiteth for the precious fruit of the earth, and hath long patience for it, until he receive the early and latter rain. PATIENCE An imperative for each era of Christians who look for the return of their Saviour (Taylor) Steady, unwavering endure all the wrongs that men may inflict upon you (Lenski) God’s vineyard is not yet ready for harvest. When ready, the poor will become rich beyond measure (Stancliff) Right will eventually triumph - so if necessary suffer uncomplainingly life’s difficulties (Woods

Be patient therefore, brethren, unto the coming of the Lord. Behold, the husbandman waiteth for the precious fruit of the earth, and hath long patience for it, until he receive the early and latter rain. PATIENCE Brethren in the first century especially needed patience To deal with the heartless money barons (vs. 1-6) No man is spiritually complete without the quality of PATIENCE! (Massey, Denton)

Be patient therefore, brethren, unto the coming of the Lord. Behold, the husbandman waiteth for the precious fruit of the earth, and hath long patience for it, until he receive the early and latter rain. Over 300 references to the coming of the Lord in the New Testament One in 25 verses either directly or indirectly Many have become disheartened in the delay of His coming Live as if that coming would be today (for it may) Cf. Words of admonition in Hebrews 10:32-34 and 12:1-4

Be patient therefore, brethren, unto the coming of the Lord. Behold, the husbandman waiteth for the precious fruit of the earth, and hath long patience for it, until he receive the early and latter rain. Worker in the earth (farmer, tiller of the soil) (Woods) Precious fruit = Harvest of grain Waiteth = Expectantly waits Farmer can NOT control weather Can NOT rush the harvest

Planters v. 7 - Plant seeds and patiently wait for rain Prophets v Spoke for Lord in spite of persecution Patriarch v Patient endurance

Be patient therefore, brethren, unto the coming of the Lord. Behold, the husbandman waiteth for the precious fruit of the earth, and hath long patience for it, until he receive the early and latter rain. Stedfastness even with setbacks Harvest is not at the BEGINNING, but END of the effort Harvest is worth it! Precious!

Be patient therefore, brethren, unto the coming of the Lord. Behold, the husbandman waiteth for the precious fruit of the earth, and hath long patience for it, until he receive the early and latter rain. Harvest is not at the BEGINNING, but END of the effort Harvest is worth it! Precious! Two rainy seasons in Palestine Early - October (Soon after sowing) Latter - March (Grain to fill out and ripen)

Be ye also patient; stablish your hearts: for the coming of the Lord draweth nigh.

Longsuffering Patient in material things, so should we be in spiritual (WVBS) Wait for things to develop in their proper season (Barnes) Wait for deliverance from trials Not fruitlessly fret against life’s difficulties Nor wearily wear their lives away on useless anxiety

Be ye also patient; stablish your hearts: for the coming of the Lord draweth nigh. Strengthen, stable, make purpose firm, sure, unwavering, render constant, confirm one’s mind Though not convenient, prepare to endue difficult times (WVBS) Delay must NOT produce despair or forgetfulness (WVBS)

Be ye also patient; stablish your hearts: for the coming of the Lord draweth nigh. “The return of Christ is so real, so certain, so sure of fulfillment, that He is always regarded as near at hand” (Woods) Do not know when (Matt. 24:36-39) But we KNOW it “draweth nigh” 2 Peter 3:10-13

Grudge not one against another, brethren, lest ye be condemned: behold, the judge standeth before the door.

Do not grumble (murmur, groan) Grudge = to groan from within (Turner) Patience and murmuring are incompatible Holding malice in the heart toward oppressors will not improve situation (Stancliff)

Grudge not one against another, brethren, lest ye be condemned: behold, the judge standeth before the door. Under distress often fretful, impatient Quarrelsome and blame others for troubles Easy to take offence, quick to find fault Condemn for a NEGATIVE purpose If improperly judge others, they judge (condemn) themselves

Grudge not one against another, brethren, lest ye be condemned: behold, the judge standeth before the door. The Lord = Judge Before the door = Nearness, can enter suddenly and unexpectedly, can accomplish His purpose without delay Lord’s judgment will take strict account of Christian’s behavior

Take, my brethren, the prophets, who have spoken in the name of the Lord, for an example of suffering affliction, and of patience.

Great Example A copy to be imitated Suffered great wrongs but persevered without complaint (Heb. 11:33f 2 Chron. 36:16 2 Chron. 23:37 1 Thess. 2:15 Acts 7:52 Jer. 32 Faithful and loyal at their post of Divine duty (Taylor Jesus referred to the prophets (Matt. 5:10-12) (Wiersbe)

Jeremiah was placed in a dungeon Micah was in prison Moses was rejected Elijah was threatened Daniel in lion’s den JEREMIAH Pleaded for the people to give in to punishment God was ready to bring As he spoke, an army bore down upon them Instead of listening, they threw him in a dungeon Called him a traitor Samuel was rejected

Take, my brethren, the prophets, who have spoken in the name of the Lord, for an example of suffering affliction, and of patience. Christians should follow the heritage of these great ones

Take, my brethren, the prophets, who have spoken in the name of the Lord, for an example of suffering affliction, and of patience. Messengers of God God’s spokesman By the authority of the Lord

Take, my brethren, the prophets, who have spoken in the name of the Lord, for an example of suffering affliction, and of patience. Prophet vs. Priest The prophet has been to God and is returning with a message for the people The priest has been to the people and is returning to God with a gift or offering in hand for God (G. C. Brewer)

Take, my brethren, the prophets, who have spoken in the name of the Lord, for an example of suffering affliction, and of patience. Messengers of God God’s spokesman By the authority of the Lord Model, pattern for others (Arndt & Gingrich) Bear up under life’s greatest calamities

Behold, we count them happy which endure. Ye have heard of the patience of Job, and have seen the end of the Lord; that the Lord is very pitiful, and of tender mercy.

Easy to view others and see their great results (benefits) (WVBS) Speak of their patience with commendation (Barnes)

Behold, we count them happy which endure. Ye have heard of the patience of Job, and have seen the end of the Lord; that the Lord is very pitiful, and of tender mercy. Is “HAPPY” the best word Happy does not adequately convey the meaning of the term (Woods) Happy denotes that which is accidental or mere outward circumstances

Behold, we count them happy which endure. Ye have heard of the patience of Job, and have seen the end of the Lord; that the Lord is very pitiful, and of tender mercy. BLESSED would have been the better choice Inward, results from peace reigning in heart Greek word found 58 time in NT Translated happy only six times Is “HAPPY” the best word

Behold, we count them happy which endure. Ye have heard of the patience of Job, and have seen the end of the Lord; that the Lord is very pitiful, and of tender mercy. Hold out to the end; remain under; Exhibit patience regarding things Note the marvelous list in Hebrews 11 (esp. vs )

Behold, we count them happy which endure. Ye have heard of the patience of Job, and have seen the end of the Lord; that the Lord is very pitiful, and of tender mercy. Hold out to the end; remain under; Exhibit patience regarding things “If the good and great of past ages suffered so much for the Cause they loved, why should we hope to obtain the garland they wore if we shrink from the battles they fought so valiantly?” (Woods)

Behold, we count them happy which endure. Ye have heard of the patience of Job, and have seen the end of the Lord; that the Lord is very pitiful, and of tender mercy. JOB Healthy, wealthy, prestigious, honored by God and man Stripped of his wealth, family, health, friends and even his wife’s sympathetic sensitiveness (Taylor)

Behold, we count them happy which endure. Ye have heard of the patience of Job, and have seen the end of the Lord; that the Lord is very pitiful, and of tender mercy. JOB Catastrophic losses Yet, Job worshipped Lost his FAMILY Lord gave, Lord takes Wife turned on him Shall we rec. good (2:10) Friends accuse him Tho He slay me…

Behold, we count them happy which endure. Ye have heard of the patience of Job, and have seen the end of the Lord; that the Lord is very pitiful, and of tender mercy. Book Of Job Job’s distress – Ch. 1-3 Job’s defense – Ch Job’s deliverance – Ch Impatient Christians are a powerful weapon in the devil’s hands (Wiersbe) Abrahams’ impatience led to the birth of Ishmael Moses’ impatience robbed him of a trip to the promised land Peters’ impatience almost made him a murderer

Behold, we count them happy which endure. Ye have heard of the patience of Job, and have seen the end of the Lord; that the Lord is very pitiful, and of tender mercy. Patience = Perseverance Loyal endurance (Claiborne) Steadfastness (Holland) Endured (tho often complained) All suffering will eventually end Saints (faithful ones) will triumph OT narratives sustain us in our trials Faith maintained without blaming God

Behold, we count them happy which endure. Ye have heard of the patience of Job, and have seen the end of the Lord; that the Lord is very pitiful, and of tender mercy. End = Goal, purpose, outcome, result, conclusion The end intended by the Lord

Behold, we count them happy which endure. Ye have heard of the patience of Job, and have seen the end of the Lord; that the Lord is very pitiful, and of tender mercy. Compassionate, full of pity, tender-hearted Not unmindful of agonies of His people Blessed Job after all the intense trials (Job 42) Same outpouring of compassion for Abraham, Joseph and Daniel

Behold, we count them happy which endure. Ye have heard of the patience of Job, and have seen the end of the Lord; that the Lord is very pitiful, and of tender mercy. Full of compassion for those who suffer Have pity, to be very kind Like the farmer — keep working Like the prophets — keep spreading truth

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.

Especially to note these instructions (Turner) His injunction and desire for them to apply themselves to it at once (Woods) Important Under These Circumstances!

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. Swear = Affirming or denying by an oath (Turner) Meant a guarantee, removal of all doubt, and end of all strive; give assurance that the person would keep his word (Massey, Denton) Oath-taking was continuous Proof of the prevalence of lying and cheating Possible the afflictions caused them to take oaths

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. Be truthful! Never a time to be deceitful, lying is always wrong! NOT forbidding taking oath in court Oaths were taken in God’s name (Deut. 6:13) One must not swear falsely (Lev. 10:12) Paul’s use of oaths (1 Thes. 5:27; 2 Cor. 1:23; Rom. 1:9; Phil. 1:18) Christ and oaths (Matt. 6:63-64; Mark 14:61-62)

Jews avoided use of God’s name 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. By Jewish law, if you stood by someone who took an oath, you were bound to remind him of it A woman had to have her husband’s approval to make an oath

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. When you say YES, be certain YES is the true answer When you say NO, NO must be the correct answer (Woods) A person of TRUTH, speech simple and understandable, his word should be his bond (Turner) Tell the TRUTH always (Clark)

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. Give your word and let that become bond. Best guarantee is not an oath, but good character of one who makes it (WVBS) Christians should be known for keeping their word ALWAYS! Honest & truthful people = Yes is yes

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. We will be JUDGED by our words (Matt. 12:36-37; James 2:12; Rev. 21:8) (Clark) Lest put into position where judgment will condemn you by your words What about “euphemisms”?

Is any among you afflicted? let him pray. Is any merry? let him sing psalms.

Afflicted = suffering Word is broad enough to include inward and outward suffering (Claiborne) Sufficiently comprehensive to embrace every type of affliction, whether of outward bodily character or of inner mental anguish (Woods) Downcast? Despondent? Discouraged? Depressed? PRAY! (Cline, Denton)

Pray = Keep on praying! Whatever the cause/problem, Prayer is the ANSWER! Is any among you afflicted? let him pray. Is any merry? let him sing psalms. Jesus prayed Matt. 26:36-44 The Apostles prayed Acts 4:23-31 Paul & Silas prayed Acts 16:25 Ask God for strength to cope with affliction (Woods) Cf. Paul’s thorn in the flesh (2 Cor. 12:7-10)

God is able to handle ANY BURDEN! (1 Peter 5:7) Is any among you afflicted? let him pray. Is any merry? let him sing psalms. Privilege or Pain Is PRAYER A… Power or ProblemOpportunity or ObligationBlessing or BoreComfort or Chore

Merry = Cheerful, friendly, joyful, pleasant or agreeable Free of anxiety and disturbing problems Is any among you afflicted? let him pray. Is any merry? let him sing psalms. No better way to express JOY than to SING Praise = Highest form of prayer (Woods) Happiness and merry heart should cause us to sing hymns of praise and thanksgiving (Stancliff)

Is any among you afflicted? let him pray. Is any merry? let him sing psalms. ? SING or PLAY (instrument) Lord never authorized it Apostles never sanctioned it No NT writer ever commanded it No NT church ever practiced it

“Dozens of the world’s most profound Greek scholars, including all of those who have produced the major English translations, have borne witness to the fact that the New Testament meaning of the word does not include the use of a mechanical instrument; and that its meaning today is simply to sing.”

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:

Weak, without physical strength Almost 5 chapters have been spent describing their spiritual sickness Remember the prayer of Hezekiah

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: They have the rule over you They watch for your souls They are qualified men of God Mature and spiritual men Available in every church Why The Elders? Call = At Once!

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: Two Possible Meanings That it endorses using best possible medical means for sick That it was miraculous healing in the first century

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: Pray in his behalf Primary need = prayer Pray over him = Main verb Oiling him with oil = a participle (minor and subsidiary act) (Lenski)

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: Olive oil was used both medicinally and symbolically Served as a token of the power of God by which healing done (Woods) Oil was used in OT times to signify God’s approval in appoint kings, prophets, priests, etc. Anointing could be translated “massaging” (medical term) (Wiersbe) Galen the Greek doctor called OIL “the best of all medicines” (Barclay)

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: By the Lord’s authority (Woods) Lord ordained that it be done and blessing which accompanied it would be accomplished by him (Woods)

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.

Prayer believing God will hear and answer (WVBS) The prayer which results from faith (Woods) The prayer characterized by faith (Claiborne) What is “the prayer of faith” Answer: 1 John 5:14-15 “Our prayer should anticipate the will of God be done” (Stancliff)

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. Wiersbe quotes Robert Law: “Prayer is not getting man’s will done in heaven. It is getting God’s will done on earth” Jesus prayed three times in the garden How Many Times Should We PRAY? Paul prayed three times for the thorn in the flesh

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. PRAYER will save (heal) (not oil mentioned) (Woods, Lenski, Turner) Note how much more is said about the EFFICIENCY of prayer SAVE = to make well, sound, preserve safe

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. The LORD will do this (Woods) AN EMPHATIC PROMISE to be trusted and believed concerning the Prayer Of Life

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. A Third Reason for the prayer of faith A sinner (backslider) needs correction (WVBS) Not a sin to be weak / weary Pray for help (Turner) FORGIVENESS is conditional (cf. v. 16) In addition to the healing of the body Sin-sick saint, who repents and confesses, will be forgiven

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.

Open admission of a fact (wrong-doing) (Ferguson) Greek: “hamartia” Sin (same as James 1:15) (Wiersbe) Confession presumes repentance (Acts 8:32; 1 John 1:9) Confession = prerequisite of forgiveness (Stancliff) Confession & Pray = Stipulations of God’s second law of pardon (Taylor) Sins mentioned in v. 15 are now to be confessed

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. Nothing connected to Catholic doctrine of Auricular Confession (confession in the ear) (Woods)

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. As Paul practiced Phil. 1:3 2 Thess. 3:1 Acts 12:5 Both public and private (Claiborne)

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. HEALED: Made whole To cure, revive, recover God is the ONE who is doing the healing Only those willing to CONFESS THEIR SINS can claim the promise God will NOT bestow His blessings on those who insist on maintaining a barrier between themselves and him (Woods)

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. Earnest entreaty for something longed for Energetic (vitality, power) (Barnes) Supplication in its working (Claiborne) Approach to God in prayer Petition from an inferior to a superior Involves petition, thanksgiving, praise, devotion (Woods)

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. RSV = “The prayer of a righteous man has great power in its effects” (Claiborne) Men (in Bible times) often “cast themselves down” Lay before the Lord a broken and contribite heart

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. A just man One who keeps the commandments of the Lord 1 John 3:7 Psm. 119:172 That which issues from the heart of a righteous man DOES GOOD (Stancliff)

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. Able to do much (WVBS) Has great force (Claiborne) Strong, Efficacy, Prevails (Barnes) Powerful & mighty (Ferguson) What type of prayer avails much? (Taylor) One that is effectual and fervent Falls from lips of a righteous man

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. In the manner in which it accomplishes its purpose (Woods) Persistently expressing our desires and thoughts (Luke 11:5-8 18:1-8 Matt. 15:21-28)

Boulder / Hoover Dam Completed in 1935

Located in the Black canyon of the Colorado River At that time = World’s largest electric power producing facilityWorld’s largest concrete structure

726’ tall 1244’ long 660’ thick at base4,360,000 yards of concrete

726’ tall 1244’ long 660’ thick at base4,360,000 yards of concrete When President Franklin D. Roosevelt flipped a switch, all the power of the dam was activated … Yet, CHRISTIANS HAVE A GREATER SOURCE OF POWER!

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.

CLARK: “Elijah is given as an example of one whom God heard and answered his prayer” Had frailites & weaknesses Fiery Tishbite Not exceptional qualities Like passions

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. 1 Kings 17 = Having a confrontation with King Ahab (Stancliff) False god (Baal) was set up to worship Had provoked Jehovah more than others From depths of his heart; Intensive Earnestly, continual requests, persevering with great fervor Emphatic statement indicating the intensity

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. Compare O.T. & N.T. Blend two together for additional details OT does NOT say he specifically prayed that it not rain (1 Kings 17:1) James says it! That settles it! OT does NOT give length of drought James: 3 years and 6 months

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. How many times did Elijah petition God? Seven 1 Kings 18:45 Miraculous but was obtained through natural prayer

And he prayed again, and the heaven gave rain, and the earth brought forth her fruit.

Great example of AVAILING PRAYER (Taylor) Did not give up Prayed persistently Did not have the power in his own hands to open / close the heavens (Holland) God answered this prayer by natural means

And he prayed again, and the heaven gave rain, and the earth brought forth her fruit. Prayer today works in providential rather than miraculous ways (Stancliff) God will answer our prayers as he did Elijah Brought forth = To sprout

Brethren, if any of you do err from the truth, and one convert him;

Assumes the possibility of apostasy (Clark) Brethren = Five times in this chapter (Merideth) One can ERR from the truth Gradual moving away from the will of God (Wiersbe) ERR = Yield to temptation, fail to exercise caution IF = Assumed as true (Claiborne) God’s description of the ERRING CHILD: Left his first love – Rev. 2:4 Unfruitful branch – John 15:1-8 Foolish virgin – Luke Spiritual adulterer – James 4:8

Brethren, if any of you do err from the truth, and one convert him; Ever in danger of forsaking the truth and falling into sin (Woods) Paul had seen his own brethren stumble (Gal. 2:11-13) (Clark) 2 Cor. 15:2 Ezek. 18:24 Luke 8:13 Rom. 8:13 1 John 2:19 1 Cor. 8:11 1 Cor. 9:27 Gal. 5:4 Heb. 3:12 Heb. 6:4-6 2 Peter 1:10 Two Laws Of Pardon: Alien sinner = HBRCB Erring child = Repent, Confess, Pray

Brethren, if any of you do err from the truth, and one convert him; TRUTH IS IMPORTANT Begotten by the word (James 1:18) Purified by the word (1 Peter 1:22-23) Saved by the word (1 Corinthians 15:1-3) Made free by the word (John 8:31-32)

Brethren, if any of you do err from the truth, and one convert him; Truth Is Something That Must Be Done Not only the object of the search of the mind Not only something to be studied Not only - a man must submit his mind SUBMIT HIS WHOLE LIFE!

Brethren, if any of you do err from the truth, and one convert him; Our Reaction To TRUTH Love It – 2 Thess. 2:10Obey It – Gal. 5:7Display It – 2 Cor. 4:1fSpeak It – Eph. 4:15Manifest It – 1 John 3Not Sell It – Prov. 23:23Study It – 2 Tim. 2:15

Brethren, if any of you do err from the truth, and one convert him; We have a duty! Paul stated (Gal. 6:1-2 We have a responsibility to help others remain faithful To turn them from the disastrous course he is pursuing and bring them back to the right way (Woods)

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 one who converts the sinner Let him “keep on knowing”

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 one who converts the sinner Let him “keep on knowing” Convert = Turn about, turn towards, bring back

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 one who converts the sinner Let him “keep on knowing” Convert = Turn about, turn towards, bring back Course followed after turning from truth; Sin induced by deception

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. Spiritual, not physicalOut of fire (Jude 3, Zech 3:2 “God praises the man who has courage to turn one back to the highway of holiness” (Stancliff) Degrees Of Punishment? Luke 12: Peter 2:20-22

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. Share in the work of Jesus, the Saviour Covered by bloodAway, hide, cancel Great way to close this letter, reminder of being in the soul- winning business {

Woods: “Thus ends the epistle of James, one of the truly great documents of the New Testament.” Coffman: “No signature, no farewell greeting, no formal closure of any kind, just the bold imperious words of the inspired writer.” Stancliff: “The writer of this great book was a man with compassion and vision.”

Winfred Clark MSOP Lectures Saint = 15 times / every chapter “Holy, sanctified person, set aside for special purpose” THE SAINT: Saluted Storms of Life Sin Scripture Service Snobbery Saving Faith Speech Superior Wisdom Selfishness Submission Self-Interest Suppression Stedfastness Supplication Soul-Saving

Wiersbe: – A quiz over the Book of James 1.Am I becoming more and more patient in the testings of life. 2.Do I play with temptation or resist it from the start? 3.Do I find joy in obeying the Word of God, or do I merely study it and learn it? 4.Are there any prejudices that shackle me? 5.Am I able to control my tongue? 6.Am I a peacemaker rather than a troublemaker? Do people come to me for spiritual wisdom?

Wiersbe: – A quiz over the Book of James 7.Am I a friend of God or a friend of the world? 8.Do I make plans without considering the will of God? 9.Am I selfish when it comes to money? Am I unfaithful in paying bills? 10.Do I naturely depend on prayer when I find myself in some trouble? 11.Am I the kind of person others seek for support? 12.What is my attitude toward the wandering brother? Do I criticize and gossip, or do I seek to restore him?