1. How to Deal with Life’s Circumstances (James 5:13-18)

2. A Brief Review Today represents our 17 th and next to the last lesson in our series of lessons taken from the book of James. Our theme is “How To” Christianity. We are seeking how we can most effectively live the Christian life in a practical manner.

3. How To… Survive Trying Times Obtain Wisdom Survive Temptation Address Our Anger Secure Salvation Become a Doer of the Word Embrace Pure Religion Stop Showing Partiality Develop Real Faith Talk Like a Christian Should Develop a Heart of Understanding Overcome the Influences of the World Stop Being Judgmental Give God Control of Our Life View Riches Develop Patience and Perseverance

4. How to Deal with Life’s Circumstances Suffering(Difficulty) Cheerfulness(Delight) Sickness(Discouragement)

5. Difficulty and Discouragement Suffering and sickness are two of the most challenging circumstances that we will face in this life. Our suffering can come as a result of: –Difficulty brought upon us from others (John 15:18,19; 17:14; II Timothy 3:12; I Peter 4:12-16) –Difficulty due to the normal circumstances of life (loss of a loved one, loss of a job and income, an increase in the burdens and responsibilities of life, etc.) –Difficulty due to our own poor choices

6. Difficulty and Discouragement Beyond just the difficulty brought on by suffering, most individuals at some point have to face the discouragement that comes about from sickness. Sickness that brings about discouragement can happen to us personally or it can happen to a loved one. In addition, the illnesses we experience aren’t just limited to physical maladies; they also can be emotional or mental in nature.

7. Difficulty and Discouragement Whether we are suffering or sick, the remedy for these circumstances of life is the same- PRAYER. James lists several principles about prayer in our text: –Prayer should be made in times of difficulty and discouragement. (5:13,14; I Peter 5:7) –We should feel free to call upon the elders to pray for us. (5:14) –Prayer brings about physical healing. (5:15) –Prayer brings about spiritual healing. (5:15) –Part of praying for one another involves confession. (5:16) –The fervent prayer of a righteous man brings about much good. (5:16)

8. Difficulty and Discouragement Additional Thought: The idea of the elders anointing with oil is mentioned in our text. In the first century, oil was used for medicinal purposes (Luke 10:34). That is to say the elders sought to address sicknesses both spiritually and physically. So it should be with us today. God has given man the ability to develop medicines and medical treatments that can provide healing. These treatments should be sought out in conjunction with our prayers.

9. Delight Even though there are indeed times of suffering and sickness in life, there are also many circumstances that bring us absolute delight! Just as we have learned how to deal with the difficult circumstances of life, we also need to learn to deal with the delightful times. James tells us that when the delightful times come, we need to show PRAISE! (5:13)

10. Delight We are told in the Bible that giving God praise in times of cheerfulness is the proper response! (Psalm 92:1,2; 96:1,2; 100:1-5; 146:1,2) But why? Why is the giving of praise so important when we are cheerful? –It makes our happy times even happier. –It helps build up a reserve of goodness in our hearts and minds that will help us to endure when times get tough again. –It lets the world know how great our God is!

11. Concluding Thoughts In our lesson for today, we have examined a full range of human experiences and circumstances. Some of our experiences like suffering and sickness bring about difficulty and discouragement, whereas other experiences bring about good cheer and delight. In all of life’s circumstances there is an appropriate response- either PRAYER or PRAISE!