JAMES 5:7 - 20 (Kent Smith Notes 8/13/23)
A STUDY OF
THE LETTER OF JAMES
JAMES 5:7 - 20
ADVICE & ENCOURAGEMENT
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BE PATIENT VERSES 7 - 8
WAIT
WAIT ON THE LORD
BE ASSURED OF WHAT IS COMING
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DON’T COMPLAIN V 9 - 11
Life on earth is not always going to go well / smoothly.
Understand that in a sinful world - bad things happen.
Do not take your frustrations out on one another.
Illustration: Former Prophets
They endured great difficulties, and we count them blessed
(Because God’s plans are more important than earthly circumstances.)
God favors those who accept His will without complaint.
He is ultimately a God of great mercy and compassion.
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DON’T MAKE GUARANTEES OR OATHS
Do not swear, make an oath, or promises, or give your word knowing that you may not be able to keep it.
You do not know what the future holds, so do not presume to make guarantees about what you will or will not do beforehand.
Be honest and direct.
Yes, I will try, but I cannot guarantee what may happen.
No, I know you would like me to, but I cannot right now.
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CHOOSE A FAITH RESPONSE V 13 - 18
Are you suffering - then pray
Are you cheerful - then praise
Are you sick - call for others to pray over you.
See the prayers of the elders
Anoint with oil
Praying in faith
Confession of sin
Corporate prayer of the righteous
Illustration - Elijah: How God heard his prayers and responded.
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ACCOUNTABILITY AND RESTORATION V 19 - 20
All of us have strayed from God (Is. 53:6)
To STRAY is to be mistaken, deceived, seduced, or wander from the path (sin)
We are to seek to turn those who stray back to God.
To TURN BACK is to return, convert, repent, or come home.
If you truly help someone to turn to God, they will be saved.
Their sins will be covered.
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Isaiah 53:6 All of us like sheep have gone astray, Each of us has turned to his own way; But the Lord has caused the iniquity of us all To fall on Him.
Key words:
Stray / Error: – Mistaken, go astray, deceived, seduced, wander (Gr, plane / planao)
Turn Back: -- Convert, turn back, or bring back to God
Save: to save, keep safe and sound, to rescue from danger or destruction
Cover: remove the harm, pardon.
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THE SIMPLE LETTER OF JAMES
Has the Letter of James impacted your daily life in the past two months?
God speaks into our lives through His Word as we regularly and intentionally READ IT!
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The more familiar we become with His word, the greater likelihood that the Spirit can bring His words to our mind and heart in the everyday events of our lives.
Of all the spiritual activities in which we can engage, daily Bible Reading has the greatest measurable impact on shaping the behaviors of Christians and their prospects for spiritual growth.
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