But another word for sick is used in verse 15, “kamno”. This basically means “to be weak” and it could refer to spiritual or physical weakness. The Problem – The Greek word for “sick” in verse 14 is “asthenia”. Interpretative challenge – Starting in verse 14 this is a difficult passage to understand fully. In good times or in bad, we need to turn to God and show our reliance upon Him.ģ. All of these are sinful, fleshly responses. We may become prideful, giving credit to ourselves for our good fortune. If we are not relying on God, we may forget God during difficult times, thinking that we can “go it alone”. It shows that we recognize that God is the source for the good things that happen in our lives. Singing is a way we can respond to God’s goodness by proclaiming our thankfulness for His abundant blessings. Sing praises to God – How about if everything is going smoothly and we are doing well? James says that when you are cheerful, you should sing praises to God. Nothing in the world (chocolate, entertainment, psychologists, or friends) can fully comfort you.Ģ. We should turn to Him during difficult times. God is the ultimate comforter and knows exactly what we are going through. But all of these are sinful, fleshly responses. Sometimes when the going gets tough, we may give up, complain, or even doubt God. Through prayer we can align our actions to His will and our attitudes to His desires. Turning to Him in prayer shows that we are reliant upon Him. He also promises to cause all things to work for good to those who love Him (Romans 8:28). God doesn’t promise to take all afflictions away from us, but He does promise to give us His joy and peace (John 15:11). So do not let it weaken your faith if you pray for a difficulty to go away and it doesn’t. This doesn’t guarantee that the source of the affliction will go away, just as Paul’s thorn in the flesh did not go away. If we have any affliction or trial, we are to take it to God to receive His comfort, wisdom, and help. James tells us how we are to react to that suffering. You likely know people who are facing difficult trials and may be facing one yourself. In the church there are bound to be people who are suffering. Is anyone suffering? – The word for suffering here is a general word referring to emotional or mental suffering or both, but is not to be confused with the word for sick in verse fourteen. I am not saying that you should pray about that.ġ. I refer to those whose sin does not lead to death. Psalms 30:2 – Lord my God, I called to you for help, and you healed me.ġ John 5:16 – If you see any brother or sister commit a sin that does not lead to death, you should pray and God will give them life. Mark 6:13 – They drove out many demons and anointed many sick people with oil and healed them. Sing and make music from your heart to the Lord,Ĭolossians 3:16 – Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts. Psalms 105:2 – Sing to him, sing praise to him tell of all his wonderful acts.Įphesians 5:19 – Speaking to one another with psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit. Psalms 55:22 – Cast your cares on the Lord and he will sustain you he will never let the righteous be shaken. Wait for the Lord be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord. Psalms 27:13-14 – I remain confident of this: I will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. Philippians 4:6 – Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. What are some reasons God may choose not to heal someone?.What should you do if your church doesn’t have any elders?.What is the typical response of unbelievers when they are sick?.What does singing praises show about your heart?.What does a prayerful attitude show about our heart?.What is the use of praying if God isn’t going to take away the trial?.
Responding to situation’s God’s way (13-14) Help the one who is straying to turn back (19-20) I. The prayer of the righteous is effective (15-18)