Session 13 With Anticipation Believers should turn to God when facing the trials of life. JAMES 5:7-9,13-20 MEMORY VERSE: JAMES 5:16 READ James 5:1-20, First Thoughts (p. 134), and Understand the Context (p. 134). Make notes about words and concepts that may require additional explanation during the Bible study session. STUDY James 5:7-9,13-20, using Explore the Text on pages 135 139. As you study, recall James s original audience for this letter in James 1:1. Consider how they would have been encouraged and challenged by verses 7-10, and the importance of his teaching on prayer (vv. 13-18) in their context. PLAN the group time, looking for ways to incorporate the Key Doctrine (Salvation) in the PSG (p. 121) into the session. Use the ideas under Lead Group Bible Study (pp. 140 141), More Ideas (p. 142), ideas included in QuickSource, and ideas online at Blog.LifeWay.com/ExploretheBible/ Adults/LeaderExtras to customize the plans according to the needs of your group. GROW from expert insights on weekly studies through the Ministry Grid (MinistryGrid.com/Web/ ExploretheBible). GATHER the following items: Personal Study Guides. Prepare to display the following Pack Items: PACK ITEM 2 (Outlines of Galatians; James); and PACK ITEM 4 (Poster: Doctrine of Salvation). Make copies of: PACK ITEM 9 (Handout: Doctrine of Salvation). For More Ideas (p. 142): Pre-enlist a volunteer to speak whose testimony involves restoration after straying from God s will. Date of My Bible Study: 133
BIBLE SKILL Salvation Glorification is the culmination of salvation and is the final blessed and abiding state of the redeemed (1 John 3:2). BIBLICAL ILLUSTRATOR For additional context, read QuickBites: Sickness and Illness in the Greco-Roman World in the Fall 2018 issue of Biblical Illustrator. Available at LifeWay. com/biblicalillustrator. BIBLE SKILL Use multiple Scripture passages to understand a major doctrine. Read the following Bible passages and take note of some things the Bible teaches about prayer during troubled times: 2 Kings 20:5; Psalm 102:1-2; Matthew 26:41; Romans 8:26; and Philippians 4:6. How can you relate these passages to James 5:13-18? FIRST THOUGHTS What are you anticipating right now? Maybe you picture a vacation destination, a holiday, an addition to the family, or payday. Anticipation adds spice to life. Those who have nothing to look forward to in the future lack hope. Sometimes anticipation can include thoughts of fear and worry, but sometimes it is the eager expectation of something that will arrive in the future. (In PSG, p. 118) What are you looking forward to the most? What are you dreading the most? What role, good and bad, can anticipation play in a person s life? UNDERSTAND THE CONTEXT JAMES 5:1-20 At the end of chapter 4, James warned against the arrogance of omitting God from one s plans (see 4:13-17). James 5:1-6 addresses another manifestation of human arrogance: wealthy people who put their trust in their riches and use their wealth to oppress others. James declared that wicked people will lose their wealth. In fact, what they accumulate will ultimately testify against them. Who were the wealthy James warned in 5:1-6? More than likely he spoke of non-believing traders or landowners who misused their riches to cheat their workers, live indulgently, and oppress others. Christians might have been among those abused by the wealthy. In 5:7-11, James turned again to Christians. How do Christians respond to abuse by the wealthy or to any trial? James called on his readers to focus on the return of Christ as they faced trials. He used two Old Testament examples of patience under fire the prophets (5:10) and Job (5:11). In 5:13-18, James directed his readers to be people of prayer, especially when facing suffering and sickness. He reminded them of the prayers Elijah offered as an example of the power of prayer. Believers should take all matters to God in prayer, trusting Him to provide an answer. The letter concludes with James calling on his readers to seek to reclaim people who had strayed from the faith or who had faltered under the pressure of difficulties. He affirmed the person who took on the reclaiming ministry, characterizing such actions in terms of saving a life (5:19-20). 134 Explore the Bible Leader Guide
EXPLORE THE TEXT PATIENCE (JAS. 5:7-9) VERSES 7-8 Numerous references to brothers and sisters occur in the rest of the chapter (vv. 7,9,10,12,19). James experienced a compassionate, family-like connection with the believers to whom he wrote. His loving attitude toward them guided him to offer words of support and encouragement. James returned to an earlier theme of his letter be patient during trials (1:2-4,12). The Greek word translated be patient literally means be of a long spirit. It conveys the ideas of showing restraint, of being slow to anger slow to avenge others offenses. In 2 Peter 3:9 the word is used to explain the seeming delay in Christ s return to allow people time to repent. The Greek term can mean to refuse to lose heart. It has the sense of active, courageous perseverance and steadfastness, not passive waiting. It also has the idea of enduring misfortunes and troubles without complaint and persistence in resisting temptations. In a foot race, sprinters go all-out from start to finish. Distance runners, however, pace themselves for the long haul. Christian living represents a long haul. It requires endurance and consistency throughout. James explained how long to be patient and why. Patience until the Lord s coming gives believers hope of relief from suffering. God will bring justice for the oppressed at the return of Christ. God alone controls the timing of that event. In the meantime, Christians exercise active waiting as we live for Him daily. The word translated coming can also mean presence. The thought of the presence of Christ offers comfort while we wait. James illustrated patience with how the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth. The farmer prepares the soil, plants the seed, and waits for the grain to grow. He does his part. Ultimately, however, he must wait until it receives the early and late rains. The early rains in Palestine fell in October and November, and the late rains fell in April and May. Little rain fell between those times, so farmers were dependent on these rains to produce a harvest. The rain was in God s hands. The farmer worked and then trusted God to work. We are to commit ourselves to faithful Christian living and leave the timing of the Lord s coming to God. James repeated his appeal, you also must be patient. Possibly the writer feared the loss of patience among the faithful, which might result in the loss of focus for the church. James implored his readers: Strengthen your hearts. What makes courage in uncertain, troubled times possible? We have hope for what will come at the end of the struggle. The Lord s coming is near. This expression occurs throughout the New Testament (see Rom. 13:12; Heb. 10:25; 1 Pet. 4:7). Our phrase just around the corner captures the sense of the words is near. Living in light of Christ s return should give believers staying power, because at His return believers will be vindicated and the wicked oppressors will be judged. JAMES 5:7-8 7 Therefore, brothers and sisters, be patient until the Lord s coming. See how the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth and is patient with it until it receives the early and the late rains. 8 You also must be patient. Strengthen your hearts, because the Lord s coming is near. Session 13 : With Anticipation 135
JAMES 5:9 9 Brothers and sisters, do not complain about one another, so that you will not be judged. Look, the judge stands at the door! VERSE 9 James probably sensed some impatience within the believing community. He urged, do not complain about one another. The Greek term translated complain means to groan or to sigh inwardly, and then to verbalize ill feelings toward someone. In this context it has the sense of blaming others for one s difficulties. Grumbling depicts a judgmental attitude toward others. James warned his readers, avoid complaining so that you will not be judged. God sees the disunity created by critical-spirited Christians. He judges those who sin in this way. They hinder the church s purpose. James warned his readers, Look, the judge stands at the door! The word look emphasizes a strong warning: Jesus, the judge, is on the threshold and is about to enter (His coming is near, v. 8). With the Judge so near, how can we continue to complain and find fault with one another? God sees our hearts and judges the sin within. All believers should examine closely how their actions affect their church and the Lord. We do not stand accountable for the harm done by others. But we do answer for our own hurtful thoughts or deeds, especially when they affect the body of Christ. (In PSG, p. 121) What impact should the promised return of Jesus have on a believer? On an unbeliever? JAMES 5:13-15 13 Is anyone among you suffering? He should pray. Is anyone cheerful? He should sing praises. 14 Is anyone among you sick? He should call for the elders of the church, and they are to pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord. 15 The prayer of faith will save the sick person, and the Lord will raise him up; if he has committed sins, he will be forgiven. PRAYER (JAMES 5:13-18) VERSES 13-15 James posed three questions to stress the need for believers to be people of prayer. First, he asked, Is anyone among you suffering? The word suffering denoted a time of distress or persecution. James s readers had experienced persecution that caused them to scatter (1:1). How should a believer respond to suffering? He should pray, James insisted. The verb tense James used expresses the sense of keep on praying. Prayer should be the Christian s consistent, continual attitude. Through prayer we acknowledge God s sovereign power to address our situation. A personal relationship with God provides a basis for endurance during times of suffering. Secondly, James asked, Is anyone cheerful? This cheerfulness goes deeper than temporary happiness determined by a present outward situation. Instead, it originates from a right relationship with God that brings inner peace despite outside forces. A Christian can be cheerful even in times of pain. A cheerful attitude prods believers to sing praises to God who gives us joy. Praise through song has long been associated with prayer. The Hebrews often sang their prayers to God. Verse 13 emphasizes the appropriateness of prayer in both bad and good times. 136 Explore the Bible Leader Guide
Third, James asked, Is anyone among you sick? He addressed a specific type of suffering that all people face, even the strongest Christians. Sickness can dominate lives when it strikes. James had in mind the kind of illness that confines someone to the bed. He encouraged the sick to call for the elders of the church. The initiative to call for the elders rested with the ailing person. The seriousness of the infirmity probably dictated a visit to the person s house. The word elder was commonly used to refer to an older person. It came to denote a spiritually mature individual. The Jews often attached the title elder to respected rabbis. As the church took on a more organized form, elder became an office of leadership in the church. Numerous New Testament references mention that office (see Acts 11:30; 15:2, 1 Tim. 5:17; Titus 1:5; 1 Pet. 5:1). Apparently, more than one person could hold the position of elder in the church. In the case of a sick call, the elders represented the whole church. The elders were to pray over the infirmed individual. Praying over may suggest the elders stood at the bedside of the sick person. Some believe it meant that they laid hands on the sick one. James mentioned that the elders were to anoint the sick person with oil. Old and New Testament references point to the belief that olive oil contained medicinal agents (see Isa. 1:6; Jer. 8:22; Mark 6:13; Luke 10:34). More importantly, oil symbolized God s nearness and power available to His people through prayer. James acknowledged that the power to heal came from God directly. The elders were to pray in the name of the Lord. Any healing came only as it took place within the context of God s will for the infirmed person. The process amounted to more than a ritualistic act; it was a worship event. In this context, the prayer of faith described the prayer for the sick. Faith referred to the faith of the one doing the praying. A faith prayer came from the person rightly motivated to be an agent of God s healing. Bold prayer laid the power to heal in God s hands alone. Praying people can confidently trust that God cares and responds to their prayers. The prayer of faith will save the sick person. The result of God s saving work in this context is the Lord will restore him to health. Some translations use the phrase raise him up for the healing act. Most importantly, if the person gets off the sick bed and on their feet, God did it. The question remains, What if all the steps are followed and the person stays sick or dies? That remains a mystery known only to God. Believers know, however, that ultimately God raises up the dead believer to the healing of eternal life. Sometimes infirmities arise because of sin. For example, abuse of alcohol or drugs can cause organ damage. Sexual sin can result in disease. Long-term gluttony can create a weight problem that results in high blood pressure and other health problems. James raised the possibility that sometimes sickness occurs in persons who committed sins. Sin does not cause all illness. When it does, however, the sin will be forgiven. God works when His people pray. He willingly forgives the sin of the contrite. Forgiveness, however, provides no guarantee of restoration to health. Forgiveness does restore a right relationship with God that leads to spiritual healing. Session 13 : With Anticipation 137
JAMES 5:16 16 Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is very powerful in its effect. VERSE 16 The assurance of forgiveness (v. 15) points believers to confess your sins to one another. Confession involves acknowledgment of sin. When members of Christ s body sin against each other, the whole body suffers. The larger context of prayer for physical healing implies confession of the sin that might be the cause of the illness. The act of confession requires genuine humility. Did James advocate open confession of all sin to the whole church? More than likely he meant the confession to be made to God and to those specifically hurt by the sin. When sin affects everyone in the church directly, however, confession may need to be made publicly. Confession to one another gives a better understanding of how to pray for one another. Sin often exposes a person s weakness. When we admit our weaknesses, it opens the way for us to be healed when other believers intercede for us. The word for heal in this verse can mean physical or spiritual healing. Confession is important for the total well-being of a Christian in relating to God and to other believers. James wrote, The prayer of a righteous person is very powerful in its effect. The righteous person refers to one who is committed to knowing and doing God s will. The idea is that God hears and makes effective the prayers of His faithful people. Thus, His people are to pray. James here moved beyond the praying done by the elders (v. 14) to the opportunity for all Christians to pray. Prayer can be powerful in its effect because the God who hears our prayers is powerful. He can work in any way He chooses in response to prayer. When Christians bring matters big or small to God, He hears and responds. JAMES 5:17-18 17 Elijah was a human being as we are, and he prayed earnestly that it would not rain, and for three years and six months it did not rain on the land. 18 Then he prayed again, and the sky gave rain and the land produced its fruit. VERSES 17-18 The experience of Elijah from the Old Testament illustrates the power of prayer. Later Jewish tradition extolled Elijah as a man of prayer. His popularity arose from accounts of his amazing acts and miracles. He was a human being as we are. In other words, Elijah was a regular person. His commitment and connection to God, however, distinguished him. Powerful praying, then, may be practiced by regular people like us. James recounted that Elijah prayed earnestly that it would not rain (see 1 Kings 17:1). The term earnestly indicates that he prayed intensely with faith in God s ability to act. Lack of rain served as a judgment on the sins of Ahab and Israel. The land experienced no rain for three and onehalf years. Famine resulted. Elijah hoped this judgment might reveal God s power to Ahab and bring him to repentance. After Ahab s apparent repentance, Elijah prayed again (1 Kings 18:41-46). As a result the sky gave rain and the land produced its fruit. The power of God became visible as an answer to Elijah s pleas. The illustration of Elijah teaches that prayer works. He lived his life in close fellowship with God. The Lord willingly heard the prophet s prayer. 138 Explore the Bible Leader Guide
(In PSG, p. 123) Why might a group place little emphasis upon confession of sin to one another? How can that emphasis be retained? What safeguards need to be in place for this to be done in a God-honoring way? The early church clearly saw the need for action when members fell into sin. PROTECTING (JAS. 5:19-20) VERSES 19-20 The phrase if any among you strays introduces a supposed situation. The word strays means wanders and has the idea of being led into error. The truth refers to Christian conduct or doctrine, perhaps to both. The Christian who brings back any believer deviating from the right path to the way of truth does the erring person a monumental service. The believer instrumental in restoring the sinner can save ( rescue ) the sinner s life from death. The term death is used here to refer to physical death as the result of sin, not spiritual death separation from God for eternity. The verse does not imply that Christians can lose their salvation at physical death because they die with unconfessed sin. Additionally, the recovery of the straying person serves to cover a multitude of sins. The Greek word rendered cover means to veil or hide and has the sense of obtaining forgiveness for sins (see Pss. 32:1; 85:2). Peter used this expression: Above all, maintain constant love for one another, since love covers a multitude of sins (1 Pet. 4:8). A multitude indicated a large number of sins and the serious nature of sin. The idea here seems to be that the erring believer will turn from sins and receive God s forgiveness. The early church clearly saw the need for action when members fell into sin (see also Gal. 6:1). They pursued a ministry of redemption and restoration for the good of the sinner and the church. This practice reflects genuine love and concern for the spiritual condition of the members. JAMES 5:19-20 19 My brothers and sisters, if any among you strays from the truth, and someone turns him back, 20 let that person know that whoever turns a sinner from the error of his way will save his soul from death and cover a multitude of sins. Why does the church need to practice the work of reclamation of faltering believers? What biblical principles or guidelines should be considered in the ministry of restoration? Session 13 : With Anticipation 139
LEAD GROUP BIBLE STUDY FOCUS ATTENTION (FIRST THOUGHTS) READ: As the group arrives, direct them to read the paragraph on page 118 of the PSG. Discuss the questions at the end of the paragraph: What are you looking forward to the most? What are you dreading the most? What role, good and bad, can anticipation play in a person s life? REVIEW: Refer to the topic for today s session, pointing to the table of contents in the PSG. Lead group members to give short summaries of the main idea for each of the sessions in this unit. Remind group members that one of James s main points in chapter 4 was that we should make our plans for the future with humility. Compare the suggested summaries with Pack Item 2 (Outlines of Galatians; James). TRANSITION: However, there is one future event believers can be absolutely certain of Jesus return. Today, we will study what James said about living our lives in anticipation of that glorious day. EXPLORE THE TEXT SUMMARIZE: Point out that verse 7 contains a therefore/then. The old cliché about Bible study is that whenever you get to a therefore, you have to back up to see what it s there for! Using the commentary under Verses 7-8 (pp. 135 136), summarize James 5:1-6. Emphasize the vivid picture James painted of the greedy, oppressive landowners. Remind the group of James s original audience (James 1:1) believers who had been scattered as a result of the persecution as described in Acts 8:1. READ: Invite a volunteer to read James 5:7-9. Direct group members to listen for reasons believers should be patient. Write reasons on the board as the group calls them out. LEAD: What does it look like to live our lives as though the Lord is near? Direct two volunteers to find and read 2 Corinthians 4:16-18 and 2 Peter 3:8. Emphasize that because 2,000 years have passed should not cause us to lose heart. REFLECT: What keeps believers from living as though the Lord s coming is near? On a scale of 1 to 10, with 10 being the greatest, how does the return of Christ impact your daily life? Encourage the group to write a number in the margins of their PSGs. ASK: What impact should the promised return of Jesus have on a believer? On an unbeliever? (PSG, p. 121) DISPLAY: Before the Scripture passage is read, write Suffering, Cheerful, Sick, and Sinful on the board or a large sheet of paper. Ask: Before we read the next passage about prayer, in which of these situations are you most likely to pray? Which is the least? READ: Invite a volunteer to read James 5:13-18. Point out that James 5:16 is the memory verse. EXPLAIN: James presented three scenarios in verses 13-14. For all three of them, the response is the same: He should pray. Whether someone is suffering, cheerful, or sick, he should pray. ASK: Why should prayer be our first course of action, rather than our last? Why might a person fail to start with prayer? What does who a person turns to first reveal about that person s beliefs? (PSG, p. 123) 140 Explore the Bible Leader Guide
MINI-LECTURE: The emphasis for at least two out of four of these categories is not individual, private prayer, but inviting other people to pray for you. Acknowledge that this can be hard in our culture, with our emphasis on independence. We tend to think of a personal relationship with Jesus as private. But all through the Book of James, the emphasis has been on obedience. In 108 verses, James gave 52 imperatives. So we have to take the imperative to have other people pray for us and with us seriously. DISCUSS: Why might a group place little emphasis upon confession of sin to one another? How can that emphasis be retained? What safeguards need to be in place for this to be done in a God honoring way? (PSG, p. 123) After discussion, ask: Did anyone share anything in the group today that impacted your first responses to those questions? Then use the Verse 16 material in the PSG on page 123 to supplement the discussion on guidelines and safeguards for confession. TRANSITION: It s fitting that James ended his imperative-filled letter with instruction on how believers can help one another obey all these commands. READ: Call on a volunteer to read James 5:19-20. Guide group members to listen for two results of turning a straying person back to God. CLARIFY: Use information in the paragraph beginning Why should a person turn back one who strays? on page 125 of the PSG to guide understanding saving a soul from death in light of the assurance of salvation. Distribute copies of Pack Item 9 (Handout: Doctrine of Salvation) to clarify Jesus is the only One who saves us spiritually. READ: Call for volunteers to locate Proverbs 10:12 and 1 Peter 4:8. Using the commentary for verse 20, help the group understand that while only Jesus can atone for sins, God uses the loving confrontation of faithful believers to turn the unfaithful to Himself. ASK: What is the connection between loving a brother or sister in Christ and turning them from sin? How might the return of a straying believer cover a multitude of sins? SUMMARIZE AND CHALLENGE (IN MY CONTEXT) GUIDE: Direct attention to Pack Item 4 (Poster: Doctrine of Salvation). Explain that glorification is the culmination of salvation and is the final blessed and abiding state of the redeemed. SUMMARIZE: The passages we studied in today s session dealt with both Christ coming in His glory and our ultimate glorification as redeemed, sanctified, forgiven children of God. Read the bulleted summary statements under In My Context (PSG, p. 126). CHALLENGE: Direct the group to consider their responses to the questions under In My Context (PSG, p. 126). Then discuss the second question set: Discuss with the group ways of strengthening the group s ministry to others through prayer. How can the group more effectively pray for others in the group? How can the group involve others in prayer and ministry to those who voice a prayer need? PRAY: Allow extra time for prayer to close this session. Re-read the instructions for prayer in James 5:13-17. Spend time sharing requests in light of these verses. Session 13 : With Anticipation 141
PRACTICE Contact any group members who were absent from this session. Let them know the study was about prayer, and ask if there is anything you can pray with them about. Send an email or text to all group members, reminding them that you will be beginning a new unit of study next week on Genesis. As part of your personal study, complete the Bible Skill on page 124 of the PSG. Email or text group members and encourage them to do the same. MORE IDEAS FOCUS ATTENTION (FIRST THOUGHTS) To supplement the Focus Attention activity, begin with a celebration of an upcoming event that will connect with people in your group. It could be a retirement celebration, a baby or wedding shower, or a graduation celebration. The point is to celebrate something people have been anticipating for a long time. Emphasize the anticipation of the event. EXPLORE THE TEXT To add to the understanding of James 5:7-8, review the first and last chapters of the Book of Job. Point out that because of Job s patient endurance, God doubled everything Job had lost (see Job 1:2-3; 42:12-13). To apply the study of James 5:13-18, spend time in prayer for the needs of the sick within your group, church, and community. Emphasize the statement on page 122 of the PSG: God can save a sick person by healing his or her sickness temporarily on earth or by taking that person to be with Him in a place where sickness doesn t exist. For further application of James 5:19-20, pre-enlist a volunteer to speak on his or her testimony experience of being a strayed church member who was lovingly brought back within the fold. SUMMARIZE AND CHALLENGE (IN MY CONTEXT) On the board or a large sheet of paper, make a list of action points from James 5:7-20. Direct the group to list in their copies of the PSG action points that especially challenge them. Encourage them to include these action points on their daily prayer list. SUGGESTED MUSIC IDEA To end the session, play a recording of Here s My Heart, by Lauren Daigle. 142 Explore the Bible Leader Guide