Passing Your Tests Through Prayer

James has given several tests of genuine faith **(faith that is proven by works, by a tongue that is bridled, being characterized by wisdom from above, by avoiding worldliness, pursuing God's will for our lives, the test of patience).

But how do we pass these tests? James 5:13-18

James wrote to Jewish believers who had been forced to flee from Palestine by the persecution recorded in Acts 8. In James 1:1, he referred to them as "the twelve tribes who are dispersed abroad." Being both Jewish and Christians, they faced a lot of persecution from the pagan culture in which they lived.

In light of the suffering dealt with throughout the letter, James calls the people to respond a certain way: to pray.

James deals with several truths concerning prayer: 

 

Prayer brings comfort. 

v.13

"Suffering" mentioned in v.10 as well, refers to those who are enduring evil treatment by people (not physical illness).

James says that the antidote to such "suffering" is prayer!

v.13 says, "he must pray." This suggests a continual pleading with God in prayer; it could be translated "let him keep on praying."

Prayer is essential to enduring affliction.

The Hymn "What a Friend We Have in Jesus" says:

"O what peace we often forfeit, O what needless pain we bear, All because we do not carry everything to God in prayer." "Have we trials and temptations? Is there trouble anywhere? We should never be discouraged. Take it to the Lord in prayer." "Are we weak and heavy-laden, Cumbered with a load of care? Precious Savior, still our refuge. Take it to the Lord in prayer."

Those who keep a cheerful attitude in their suffering are "to sing praises."

Prayer brings comfort.

 

Prayer brings restoration.

vv.14-15

This needs to be looked at in context. Should sick believers expect physical healing through the prayers of the elders? (Miracles are still possible.) But such an interpretation is taken out of context.

As seen in the previous verse, the suffering James is more focused on is evil treatment, not a physical illness. 

These "sick" are probably those who are weak because of their suffering. They are defeated in the spiritual battle. They have lost the ability to endure their suffering. They are tired, weak, depressed, and defeated Christians.

They have tried to draw close to God's power, but have lost motivation, and even fallen into sinful attitudes (they are sick in their sins).

They are encouraged to call on the elders to come lift them in prayer. "anointing with oil."

Oil was used as a medicine and a symbol of the Holy Spirit coming over someone (like the anointing of Kings).

The rubbing of oil (anointing) of weak/defeated believers shows the responsibility for elders to stimulate, encourage, strengthen, and refresh these people. 

This act of restoration is to be done "in the name of the Lord."

When this is done, the "prayer offered in faith will restore the one who is sick." 

The elders' prayers will deliver the weak, defeated believers from their spiritual weakness, and "restore" them to spiritual wholeness.

"has committed sins, they will be forgiven" is evidence that this text is not about physical healing (alone).

 

Prayer brings reconciliation.

v.16a

Sin tries to remain private and secret, but God wants it exposed and dealt with in the loving fellowship of other believers. "You" is plural.

 

Prayer brings power.

v.16b-18

James encourages elders and all Christians to pray for those in spiritual weakness because such "prayer" is "effective" (energy).

The prayer of a righteous man "can accomplish much" (lit. "is very strong").

Proverbs 15:8 -- "The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination to the Lord, but the prayer of the upright is His delight." 

Example: Elijah -- a man with a "sin" nature like ours, "prayed earnestly," and incredible things happened.

James deals with several truths concerning prayer in this text: Prayer brings Comfort, Prayer brings Restoration, Prayer brings Reconciliation, and Prayer brings Power. 

Prayer brings power in the life of a believer to help them pass the tests of true, saving faith!

Are you passing the tests?