Good morning,
James 5 has five themes, riches, patience, prayer, faith, and restoration. This week we will explore each of these and make pertinent application.
Be ye also patient; stablish your hearts: for the coming of the Lord draweth nigh. (James 5:8)
INTRODUCTION:
When we are patient, we are persevering. We will have confidence and hope in life whatever we face because who we are in Christ.
Today we will look at oaths and prayer.
Oaths and Christians 5:12
“But above all things, my brethren, swear not, neither by heaven, neither by the earth, neither by any other oath: but let your yea be yea; and your nay, nay; lest ye fall into condemnation.”
First, we are never to take the Lord’s name in vain. Second, the oaths taken in secret societies are also prohibited. Third, the oath we take in court or for the “oath of office” is an expression of agreement and is acceptable. Many of us have served in the military. When we were inducted we took an oath to “serve and defend the Constitution of the United States.”
Prayer for the Afflicted (5:13)
“Is any among you afflicted? let him pray. Is any merry? let him sing psalms.”
We are to pray for those who are afflicted. Who are the afflicted? Believers persecuted for their faith. Why are they being persecuted, beaten, and killed, because they will not renounce their faith in Jesus Christ. Although this is the extreme, there are believers at work or in a local church that may be afflicted for their faith.
Pray for these believers. Ask God to put His hedge of protection round about them. Pray that they would stand firm under the affliction.
Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001
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