Today’s passage: James 5:19-20

Helpful thoughts:

• Remember the context of the whole letter when reading these verses: Faith without works is dead.  If a person is living in sin, his faith is not true living faith.
• These verses are therefore a call to evangelism.
  • When a person who appears to be a part of the church shows that their faith was dead, believers are to reach out to them, calling them to repentance and salvation!

Questions to consider:

1. What are some mistakes we can make as a church when we find people to be caught up in sin?  Why is it so dangerous (and unloving) to turn a blind eye and ignore the problem?
2. What two specific motivations does James give us to reach out to people who are lost?  What will they be saved from?
3. Why is it worth the risk?  So much can go “wrong” when trying to help a person who has seemingly abandoned Christ.  Why shouldn’t we allow those possibilities to deter us?  What assurance do we already have that makes the risk seem small in comparison?

Today’s passage: James 5:13-18

Helpful thoughts:

• It is a special kindness and love to rejoice with those who rejoice when you are suffering and to weep with those who weep when you are in a time of rejoicing (Romans 12:15)
• The word translated as “sick” in verses 14-15 does not only refer to physical sickness.  It often just means “weak”.  So, in this context, we could understand this need for prayer to come from weakness that is resulting from any kind of suffering.
• The elders may or may not have actually anointed people with oil.  This would have been more a medical practice at that time than any kind of religious ceremony.  I personally think this verse is using the idea of anointed the sick with oil as an illustration.  When the elders come around the suffering and pray over them in the name of the Lord, they are caring for the spiritually wounded and bruised in the congregation.
• Elijah’s prayer wasn’t powerful because he was powerful.  Elijah’s prayer was powerful because God is powerful.

Questions to consider:

1. What do we have to be willing to put aside when we see others suffering or rejoicing and choose to join together with them?  How does this show a spiritual maturity and Christ-likeness?
2. Why do we often find it hard to share our non-physical sufferings with others?  What keeps us from allowing our brothers and sisters in Christ (And our pastor) to lift us up in prayer in some of the areas that matter most?  Who could you share your rejoicing or suffering with?
3. Can you think of someone you could rejoice with and/or comfort with today?  How could you reach out to encourage and pray for them?

Today’s passage: James 5:7-12

Helpful thoughts:

• We yearn for the elimination of all suffering.  While we wait, our God-given instruction is to be patient.
• God had a purpose for the suffering of the prophets, for Job, and for you.  You will never suffer in vain.
• The Jews used to make oaths, or swear on anything they could think of besides God Himself.  When they did this, it was like crossing your fingers behind your back when making a promise…it was intended to be an excuse to not keep your promise!  They actually excused themselves from sin and deceit through this tactic.

Questions to consider:

1. Can you have an established heart in the midst of suffering? Who or what must your hope be placed in to make that happen so you can weather the storm?
2. What should our church be “found” busy doing when Jesus returns?  Are you doing that?
3. How do God’s sovereign purposes, compassion and mercy give you hope and strength?

Today’s passage: James 5:1-6

Helpful thoughts:

• In chapter 5, James will address the oppressor and the oppressed.
• The very riches the oppressor loves will become loathsome once they are used against him in judgment.
• The oppressor even abuses the legal system to murder the innocent.
  • James 4:2 – You desire and do not have, so you murder.
  • The innocent did not retaliate (Matthew 5:39-42).

Questions to consider:

1. How does a passage like this help us to look at money?  Was the money the problem or the heart of the one who sinfully gained and possessed it?
2. If the oppressor will grow to hate their riches once they turn against him, what/who does he truly value the most?
3. In what ways does the lack of resistance challenge your thinking?  What testimony does it give to the oppressor?  How would it glorify God?

Today’s passage: James 4:13-17

Helpful thoughts:

• The same arrogance or pride that makes us think we can slander and condemn other people also causes us to view our will as sovereign.
  • If my will is sovereign, then God is an accessory or a boost to my plans.  If He fails to meet my expectations, I will think I have a right to be angry.  If I get what I want, then I will declare God is good.  (This is super dangerous because it will look like I am being spiritual!)
  • God isn’t the subservient vapor of an existence…I am.
• God has revealed His will to us in His Word!  He has given us everything we need (2 Timothy 3:16-17).

Questions to consider:

1. How do you learn “the right thing to do”?  Where do you get that information?
2. What is true of the heart that desires to learn of God’s already revealed will more than to receive a guarantee of their own desired earthly future?
3. What place does having a “sense” from the Spirit or visions have after having studied a passage like this?  Does it look like God is encouraging us to “Lay out a fleece” or discouraging that kind of practice?  Why is the sufficiency of Scripture so encouraging and empowering?