Preached by Pastor Mike Hess Sunday morning 05/16/2010.
A Neglected Resource in Suffering - Prayer
James 5:12-18
Introduction:
“Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.” Hebrews 4:16
“do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.” Philippians 4:6
I. Suffering Produces Character (James 5:12)
“Let what you say be simply “Yes” or “No”; anything more than this comes from evil.”
Matthew 5:37
“More than that, we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us.” Romans 5:3-5
“Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ.” Ephesians 4:15
II. Suffering Provides Opportunity (James 5:13-14)
“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.” 2 Corinthians 1:3-4
“casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you.” 1 Peter 5:7
III. Suffering Provides Examination (James 5:15-16)
“It was not that this man sinned, or his parents, but that the works of God might be displayed in him.” John 9:3
“And this is the confidence that we have toward him, that if we ask anything according to his will he hears us. And if we know that he hears us in whatever we ask, we know that we have the requests that we have asked of him.” 1 John 5:14-15
“I acknowledge my sin to you, and I did not cover my iniquity; I said, “I will confess my transgressions to the LORD,” and you forgave the iniquity of my sin.” Psalm 32:5
“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” 1 John 1:9
“He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness. By his wounds you have been healed.” 1 Peter 2:24
IV. The Example of Elijah (James 5:17-18)
“Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think according to the power at work within us.” Ephesians 3:20
Application:
1. We as a pastoral staff and the deacons want to pray for you. Please let us know how we can do that.
2. Look for areas in your life where going through suffering has strengthened your faith in Christ and your confidence in Scripture.
3. There should be no doubt after reading this passage that God uses the prayers of His people in a great way. Don’t neglect this resource!
