Sermon Introduction
James ends his letter where every believer must learn to live—on their knees in prayer, and with their eyes open for those who are drifting away. After addressing trials, obedience, favoritism, the tongue, wisdom, and wealth, James closes by calling the church to its most essential practices: prayer in every circumstance and restoration of the wandering.
He reminds us that faith is not just personal—it’s communal. The church is a body where we share one another’s burdens, confess sins honestly, pray boldly, and lovingly pursue those who have strayed. Prayer and restoration are not “add-ons” to Christian life; they are the lifeblood of a faith that works.
Consider
“What is your first reflex when life hits hard—or when blessings overflow?” James says the answer should be the same: pray. And then he presses further: What do you do when someone you love wanders from the truth? A faith that works doesn’t just stand by—it kneels down in prayer and reaches out in love.
Series Title: Faith That Works
Week 10: Faith That Prays and Restores
Text:James 5:13–20
Big Idea: Faith that works carries others through prayer and pursues restoration of the wandering.
I. Pray in Every Circumstance
James 5:13 (NIV)
Is anyone among you in trouble? Let them pray. Is anyone happy? Let them sing songs of praise.
Cross References:
- 1 Thessalonians 5:16–18 – Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.
- Psalm 50:15 – Call on me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you will honor me.
Why We Struggle: We compartmentalize—turning to God only in crisis, or forgetting Him in joy.
Theological Summary: Prayer is not an emergency-only tool but the reflex of faith in all of life’s seasons.
Know This: Whatever season you’re in, God invites you to bring it to Him.
II. Prayer for the Sick and Suffering
James 5:14–15 (NIV)
Is anyone among you sick? Let them call the elders of the church to pray over them and anoint them with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise them up. If they have sinned, they will be forgiven.
Cross References:
- Mark 6:13 – They drove out many demons and anointed many sick people with oil and healed them.
- Isaiah 38:16 – You restored me to health and let me live. Surely it was for my benefit that I suffered such anguish.
Why We Struggle: We often lean on medicine alone and overlook the power of prayer, or we fear disappointment if healing doesn’t come.
Theological Summary: God heals according to His will. Elders model the ministry of prayer, and healing can be physical, spiritual, or both.
Note: The verb in Greek is ἀλείφω (aleiphō), which generally means to apply, rub on, or anoint with oil.
- Importantly, this word is the common, everyday word for anointing, used for personal care or medicinal purposes (e.g., washing, refreshing, treating wounds).
- Contrast: the word χρίω (chriō) is the more formal, sacred word for anointing, used in the sense of consecrating kings, priests, or describing Christ (“the Anointed One”).
- So, James intentionally uses ἀλείφω (aleiphō)—ordinary, practical application—rather than chriō, which would suggest a more ceremonial, priestly act.
Know This: Prayer is not about formulas—it’s about trusting the Lord who raises up.
III. The Power of Confession and Intercession
James 5:16–18 (NIV)
Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective. Elijah was a human being, even as we are. He prayed earnestly that it would not rain, and it did not rain on the land for three and a half years. Again he prayed, and the heavens gave rain, and the earth produced its crops.
Cross References:
- Proverbs 28:13 – Whoever conceals their sins does not prosper, but the one who confesses and renounces them finds mercy.
- 1 John 1:9 – If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.
Why We Struggle: We prefer secrecy to honesty. Confession feels risky, yet secrecy keeps us weak.
Theological Summary: Confession opens the door to healing, and prayer unleashes God’s power. Elijah’s example proves prayer is effective when aligned with God’s will.
Know This: Prayer is powerful not because of us, but because of the God who hears.
IV. Restoring the Wanderer
James 5:19–20 (NIV)
My brothers and sisters, if one of you should wander from the truth and someone should bring that person back, remember this: Whoever turns a sinner from the error of their way will save them from death and cover over a multitude of sins.
Cross References:
- Galatians 6:1 – Brothers and sisters, if someone is caught in a sin, you who live by the Spirit should restore that person gently.
- Luke 15:7 – I tell you that in the same way there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent.
- Matthew 11:28-30 NIV “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”
Why We Struggle: We fear confrontation, preferring silence over the hard work of gentle restoration.
Theological Summary: Faithful love pursues the wandering, bringing them back to truth and to life. Restoration is one of the highest callings of community.
Know This: Restoring someone from wandering is an eternal rescue mission.
APPLICATION
HEAD (What to Believe):
Prayer is powerful and effective. God calls His people to intercede, confess, and restore.
HEART (What to Feel):
Confidence in God’s willingness to hear, compassion for the suffering, and courage to pursue the wandering.
HAND (What to Do):
- Pray in every season—good or bad.
- Confess sins to a trusted believer and seek accountability.
- Intercede for others with faith.
- Gently restore someone drifting from Christ.
Key Takeaways:
- Prayer is the believer’s constant response to life’s ups and downs.
- God calls leaders and believers alike to pray for healing and forgiveness.
- Confession and intercession unlock spiritual strength.
- Restoring the wandering is both urgent and eternally significant.