HELP IN TIME OF NEED James 5:13-18

Help In Time Of Need  We continue our series on the book of James  We have but 2 more lessons and then we will be done with this NT book  Tonight we deal with some things that we, as Christians, should all be very familiar with

Help In Time Of Need  Let’s remember what James has just finished talking about  In verses 1-6 he speaks very sharply to those who were rich  In verses 7-12 he comes back to the faithful and tells them to be patient and to do so without grumbling

Help In Time Of Need  Certainly being patient (longsuffering) isn’t always easy, especially when you are being persecuted  So James gives them some much needed help in that area  James tells us that we have some help at our disposal in our time of need

Help In Time Of Need  1. Prayer  James lays forth the question, “Is anyone among you suffering?”  This would certainly have brought forth a resounding “Yes!” then just as it would today  James knew they had troubles as he already mentioned them in chapter 1

Help In Time Of Need  1. Prayer  The help James gives them is in the form of prayer  James has already encouraged prayer several times throughout the book of James  Here James gives us some things that prayer should be used for in our lives

Help In Time Of Need  1. Prayer  Prayer should be used for suffering (v. 13)  We cast our cares upon God because He cares for us (I Pet. 5:7; Phil. 4:6)  James already told us that when we are going through trials we should ask God for wisdom (1:2-5)

Help In Time Of Need  1. Prayer  Prayer should be used for sickness (vs )  This is why we pray often for those who are sick among our numbers  Our daily prayers should include those who struggle with physical ailments

Help In Time Of Need  1. Prayer  Prayer should also be used for sin as well  We are told that if we confess our sins that God is faithful and just to forgive us of all sins (I Jn. 1:9)  That confession needs to come before the throne of God

Help In Time Of Need  1. Prayer  James gives us 3 uses for prayer here in chapter 5  However, James also tells us what kind of prayer should be offered as well  There are 3 characteristics of prayers that should be offered up

Help In Time Of Need  1. Prayer  Prayer should be faithful  James mentions it is the prayer of faith that will save the sick  He already mentioned having faith with our prayers in chapter 1  Without faith we receive nothing

Help In Time Of Need  1. Prayer  Prayer should also be fervent  If we want our prayers to work, they must be fervent  Fervent means to be active or mighty in  We need to constantly petition the throne of God for what is important (Lk. 18:1)

Help In Time Of Need  1. Prayer  Our prayer should be earnest as well  The literal translation there is “in prayer he prayed”  This indicates the intensity with which he prayed (Woods, GA Comm.)  Do we beg and plead with God with tears?

Help In Time Of Need  2. Praise  Surely there were some there who were suffering  However, there were probably some who were cheerful or glad in their hearts  James tells those who were cheerful to sing psalms

Help In Time Of Need  2. Praise  It’s easy for us to murmur and complain when we are unhappy  How many of us take the time to praise God and let our thanks be known when things are going well?  God needs to hear the good not just the bad

Help In Time Of Need  2. Praise  We need to do a better job of expressing our appreciate to God and before the ears of our fellow man  Remember that Paul said to let our requests be made known to God with thanksgiving (Phil. 4:6)  God deserves our appreciation and praise!

Help In Time Of Need  3. Confession  A third help in the time of need is the confession of sin that is spoken of here  Obviously we need to confess our sins to God in order that we might receive forgiveness (I Jn. 1:9)  This is not just for the one who is sick

Help In Time Of Need  3. Confession  The purpose is not so that man will forgive you, but rather that prayer might be offered for God’s forgiveness  That word confess means to acknowledge or agree  We do not have to tell every sin we’ve committed

Help In Time Of Need  3. Confession  There can be mental and emotional relief in confession of our sins  There is also the benefit of having someone else petition God on your behalf  This is especially comforting when someone seems to be struggling