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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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