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Powerful Prayer

Matthew 5:33-37

2 Corinthians 12:7-10

James 5:12-20

Connecting promises with actions

Above all, my brothers, do not swear – not by heaven or by earth or by anything else. Let your “Yes” be Yes and your “No”, no, or you will condemned. James 5:12

See Matthew 5:33-34
OT use of oaths is ok (Ex 13:19, 22:11, Lev 5:4). Lev 19:12
NT – Paul often calls “God as his witness”
The swearing oaths and the level of truthfulness

Reflect… are our promises matched by our actions?
A misuse- cannot take an oath or swear on the Bible in court

Prayer (v13-16)

Verse 13: when suffering, when happy

In this [the great news of salvation through Jesus] you greatly rejoice though you may have to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. 1 Peter 1:6-7

Consider it pure joy my brothers when you face suffering of many kinds. James 1:2

Calling the Elders (v14) to pray.

As you anoint the sick person with oil pray for them.

The purpose of anointing: medicinal effects, symbolic purpose
A misuse of this verse: extreme unction or last rites, superstition

Prayer of faith (v15)

“And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise him up. If he has sinned he will be forgiven. v15

2 Cor 12:7-9- A prayer offered in faith, not the prayer of faith.

Applying this today
Pray for the sick and treat with the medicine available of the time.

Sickness and Sin (v16)

1 Cor 11:29-30
Example of Elijah (v17-18)

A deep concern for each other’s eternal destiny

James 5:19-20 calls upon all Christians to have a deep concern for the eternal salvation of each other.
How many people do you know who have wandered from the truth?