INTRODUCTION
Outline.
1. The Passion of the Petitioner:
2. The Piety of the Petitioner:
3. The Promise to the Petitioner:
Remarks.
1. This is a letter to the saints from James, the Lord’s brother. This is the same James that stood up at the Jerusalem Council for the Gentiles in (Acts 15:13-21). It is believed that he also was part of the “Circumcision” that caused Peter to act in an unchristian manner to the Galatians (Galatians 2:11-12). To the Jews – those scatter abroad as a result of persecution he now writes. The time of this Letter is believed to be around 62 A.D. In this Letter he speaks of the Jew’s certain afflictions, sufferings and their need to be patient and ardent in prayers. One cannot expect God’s work or assistance in their daily affairs without a passionate and persistent prayer life. Jesus said it like this: “that men ought always to pray and not to faint,” (Luke 18:1).
2. First, let us notice the “passionate nature of the petitioner.” James reminds us of an Old Testament prophet Elias who “prayed earnestly” that it would not rain. James states: “the effectual and fervent prayer” is what avails. The Greek word is ??e???? (energeo), which means the active work (inwardly) in prayer through a solemn and earnest faith in God’s ability and willingness to grant the request “of the righteous.” The petitioner should “be operative, active, at work, putting forth power and energy in his requests to God.” This is also the meaning of Paul’s encouragement to the Ephesians: “Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh (energeo) in us…,” (Ephesians 3:20).
3. Secondly, let us consider the character and piety of the petitioner. He notes that the prayers that receive answers are from “a righteous man.” A man that totally trusts in God and abides in his teaching before Him and men. Many prayers go unanswered because the petitioners pray without faith, earnesty and godliness. We are all men of like passion – but when we stand in the presence of God he knows our inner strengths and weaknesses; he has seen our miss deeds and secret sins; he has judge our hearts as righteous or unrighteous. “The eyes of the Lord are over the righteous, and his ears are open unto their prayers: but the face of the Lord is against them that do evil,” (1 Peter 3:12).
4. Finally, let us review “the promise to the petitioner.” James concludes his instruction on prayer by affirming that this type of prayer “availeth much.” It is from the Greek word “?s???” which means to avail, prevail or to succeed. It is the same word that Paul uses in (Philippians 4:13), “I can do (ischuo) all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.” Elias prayed earnestly that it would not rain. The windows of heaven withheld its early and latter rains. He prayed again to God that it would rain. And the heavens brought forth its showers. When we pray in faith, in accordance with the will of God and with persistency and fervor; God will grant the request of our hearts and shower upon us his blessings.
BODY OF LESSON
I THE PASSION OF THE PETITIONER
A. In our first point, James explains the passion and fervor of prayer. It is the “effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man that availeth much.” The word here is: energeo, which means “to work effectually in, to be mighty in, to do or to show forth one’s self.” Let it be understood, that this is a prayer of faith, one that does not waver or doubt that God is able to perform and provide that which we are requesting. He says earlier, “the prayer of faith shall save the sick, and the Lord shall raise him up; and if he have committed sins, they shall be forgiven him,” (James 5:15). Looking closer at the idea of faith in ones prayer, the writer also says: “If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him. But let him ask in faith, not wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed. For let not that man think that he shall receive any things of the Lord. A double minded man is unstable in all his ways,” (James 1:5-8). James illustrates the prophet Elias “he prayed earnestly that s might not rain: and it rained not on the earth by the space of three years and six months. And he prayed again, and the heaven gave rain, and the earth brought forth her fruit,” (James 5:17-18). Jesus said to Peter, “Oh he of little faith,” (Matthew 8:26).
B. Jesus speaks of a persistent prayer! He illustrates this after saying: “men ought always to pray, and not to faint,” (Luke 18:1). We cannot tire in offering our requests unto God. Our Lord makes reference to an unjust judge and a widow who had come to him and asked that he “avenge her of an adversary,” (Luke 18:3). The unjust judge concluded: “Yet because this widow troubleth me, I will avenge her, lest by her continual coming she weary me,” (Luke 18:4). Jesus says: “And shall not God avenge his own elect, which cry day and night unto him, though he bears long with them? I tell you that he will avenge them speedily…,” (Luke 18:7-8). What is the lesson here? “Pray without ceasing,” (1 Thessalonians 5:17). Pray with passion and fervor. Pray knowing that God will hear and answer your requests. If they are in keeping with his will and offered in faith and thanksgiving. You might need to ask yourself “why have my prayers gone unanswered?” Have they been offered in faith? In accordance to His will? Have you wearied God in your many petitions? Illustrate: Your requests to your earthly father. How often did you ask him? The saint has help in his prayers: “The Spirit also helps in our weakness. For we do not know what we ought to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercessions for us with groaning which cannot be uttered. Now he who searches the hearts knows what the mind of the Spirit is, because the Spirit makes intercessions for the saints according to the will of God,” (Romans 8:26-27). I want to stress that the Spirit makes intercessions for the saint’s prayers – “according to the will of God.” When we fashion our prayers “according to the will of God” and in the “name of the Lord Jesus.” We can be confident our requests shall be heard.
C. Our nation, the President, the congress, the courts, the church, its leadership and membership is in need of prayer. Hear the Apostle Paul: “I exhort therefore, that first of all supplications (Gr: deesis, askings, entreaties and request to God or to men); prayers (Gr: proseuche, prayers addressed to God); and intercessions (Gr: enteuxis, falling in with, meeting with, or coming together on behalf of another); and giving of thanks (Gr: eucharistia, thanks, thanksgiving, thankfulness or the giving of thanks) be made for all men. For kings, and for all that are in authority: that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty,” (1 Timothy 2:1-2). Recall Paul’s statement in (Titus 2:11-12)?
1. A charge is given to Christians to pray for all men in general, and particularly for all in authority. Timothy must take care that this be done. Paul does not send him any prescribed form of prayer, as we have reason to think he would if he had intended that ministers should be tied to that way of praying; but, in general, that they should make supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks: supplications (entreating to God) on behalf of others, prayers (prayers to God for self and others), intercessions (standing in on behalf of others), and giving of thanks (offering thanks or thanksgivings for requests already granted). Let us never forget to give God thanks for blessings, goodness and gifts already received.
2. “All men, yea, for kings, and for those who are in authority,” are to receive our prayers. Many want and ask for our prayers, for they have many difficulties to encounter, many snares to which their exalted stations expose them too daily. In praying for our governors, we ask of them to take the most likely course that will to lead a peaceable and quiet life. I’m convinced that our governor needs our prayers. That God give her a kind and compassionate heart.
3. Church we are living in the last days. Corruption, fraud, evil dealing has been seen in all levels of government and business. The near collapse of the economy market can be attributed to greed and graft from all sides. God has put in office a man (our President, Mr. Obama) to lead this nation through the wilderness of economic decline and decay. Pray for him! That God will use him and those that have this country’s best interest at heart. He needs our prayers. Those that have been the victims of all that appose God, righteousness and goodness; also needs our prayers and support. This nation is on a swift decline to destruction and only the prayers of the “righteous man” can save it. Our children and grandchildren’s future are at stake!
4. The reason: “That we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty.” Surely a just and reasonable request. “For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God.”
D. But let me further explain why so many of our prayers have gone unanswered. Do you want to know why? And the church said: “amend.” Go to Matthew Chapter 6 please. Notice if you would verses (9-15). Here Jesus presents the model prayer. Within this prayer he offers a promise. “For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you: But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses,” (verses 14-15). More on this later in the lesson.
E. Hear also a warning from James. “Ye ask, and receive not, because ye ask amiss, that ye may consume it upon your lusts,” (James 4:3). Your intentions and motives are all wrong! It’s not for the benefit of others or for the glory of God that you ask; but rather, you ask out of your own lusts and desires. Put God back into the picture and see what a difference your prayer life will bring. Ask according to his will; ask in faith believing that ye shall receive it; and then give God the glory for his gifts and goodness. “And all things, whatsoever ye ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive,” (Matthew 21:22). I beseech each of you to pray in faith believing that whatsoever we ask of our Father, in keeping with his will, it shall be granted unto us. Do you believe this church? And the church said: “amen.” Now let’s notice the piety of the petitioner in his prayer.
II THE PIETY OF THE PETITIONER
A. We must conclude as James states: “the effectual and fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.” We must take from the phrase – that our relationship to God bears tremendously on the outcome of our prayer requests. Remember: “the eyes of the Lord are over the righteous and his ears are open to their prayers….” And also: “The Lord is far from the wicked: but he heareth the prayer of the righteous,” (Proverbs 15:29). We cannot live disobediently, recklessly and sinfully and expect that God will continue to have favor with such behavior. It is the man of faith’s prayer that “availeth much.” It is the prayer of one totally committed to the service and sacrifice of God, that will ultimately win his approval. “If I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear my prayer,” (Psalms 66:18). Notice also: “He that turneth away his ear from hearing the law (truth), even his prayer shall be an abomination,” (Proverbs 28:9). Illustrate: Anger, bitterness, envy, hate and despitefulness. All these can hinder your prayers to God; and withhold his blessings. Many saints are unable to move forward; because they are still looking back! Remember Paul: “Forgetting the things behind; reaching forth to the things before; and pressing towards the prize,” (Philippians 3:13-14).
B. “The righteous man” as illustrated by the text is clear. Elias was that person. “He was subject to like passions as we are, and he prayed earnestly.” The word here is: ??te?o?, which means, fervently and intensely, “that it might not rain: and it rained not on the earth by the space of three years and six months. And he prayed again, and the heaven gave rain, and the earth brought forth her fruit,” (James 5:17-18). It must be a pouring out of the heart to God. It must proceed from a faith unfeigned and out of a pure heart. (1 Peter 1:22). Such prayers will “avail much.” They are of a great advantage to ourselves, and very beneficial to others. It is a blessing having such brethren in the church, whose prayers are acknowledged in the sight of God. In prayer we must not look to the merit of the man, but to the grace of God. We should follow Elias example, and that is: “prayed earnestly,” or, as it is in the original, “in prayer he prayed.” It is not enough to just say a prayer, but we must pray in prayer. Our thoughts must be fixed, our desires firm and our faith and trust in God’s ability to grant our requests for self and others. See (Romans 4:20-21).
C. God has commission his people and his leaders to pray for the people. Notice James: “Is any among you afflicted? Let him pray. Is any merry? Let him sing psalms (give praise). Is any sick among you? Let him call for the elders of the church; and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord: And the prayer of faith shall save the sick, and the Lord shall raise him up; and if he has committed sins, they shall be forgiven him. Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much,” (James 5:13-16). James divides the prayers of the saints into three distinct groups:
1. Individuals. “If any are afflicted, let him pray.” In a day of affliction nothing is more valuable than prayer. The person afflicted must pray for himself, as well as engaging the prayers of others for his situation. Times of affliction and trial; are times of prayer. Isn’t this what Paul and Silas did while they were in prison? (Acts 16:25-34). They prayed and God was touched by their afflictions. And, you know the results! You must pray for yourself, that God will work in your life, in your own situations to his glory and honor. It is necessary to exercise faith and hope while under affliction; and prayer is the way we obtain and increase in these graces to enable us to endure such sufferings with contentment. Paul says: “Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content: I know how to be abased, and I know how to abound, everywhere and in all things I have learned both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. I can do all things through Christ…me,” (Philippians 4:11-13).
2. Elders. “If any are sick among you, call for the elders of the church.” The elders in the first century would be summoned to the bed side of the sick. They would apply oil as an anointing and pray for the sick. If they were sick; they would be healed. If they had committed sins, they would be forgiven. It is the duty of the elders and ministers to pray over the sick, when called for by the saints. Let them pray over him; let their prayers be offered for their situation, and their intercessions be made for those suffering in such afflictions and trials. If they have sinned, they shall be forgiven. Prayer over the sick must proceed from, and be accompanied with faith “in the name of the Lord.” Let me emphasize one thing here; we must be careful to observed, that the saving of the sick is not ascribed to the” anointing with oil,” but to the “prayer of faith” offered to God by the elders. It is God doing the “healing” and the “forgiving” not the “oil” and not the “man.”
3. Members. “Confess your faults one to another, and pray for one another.” When we gathered on the Lord’s Day for worship and praise, at the appropriate time we are all encouraged to “confess our faults one to another, and pray for one another.” These kinds of prayers benefits not only the one to whom we pray for; but also those who pray for the saints. Too often however, this becomes a time of public reporting, rather than a time of true confessing of sins. None can obtain forgiveness without truly repentance of their sins. God will grant forgiveness of sins and cleanse the consciences of all guilt after true repentance and forsaking of ones sins. Notice the wise man Solomon: “He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whosoever confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy,” (Proverb 28:13). James states also, such actions shall: “save a soul from death; and hide a multitude of sin,” (James 5:19-20).
4. Truly: “the effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.” Let me point out that prayer leader’s prayers could be hindered. “Husbands, likewise, dwell with them with understanding, giving honor to the wife, as to the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life, that your prayers may not be hindered,” (1 Peter 3:7).
D. Jesus example of two petitioners. (Luke 18:9-14). “And he spake a parable unto certain which trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and despised others….”
1. One a Pharisee. “The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, God, I thank thee, that I am not as other men are, extortionist, unjust, adulterers, or even as this publican. I fast twice in the week; I give tithes of all that I possess.” His was a prayer of scorn and self-righteousness. This was the prayer of one who trusted within himself that he was righteous and despised others. This kind of prayer goes nowhere! It “availeth” nothing!
2. The other a publican. The publican on the other hand “standing afar off, would not lift up so much as his eyes unto heaven, but smote his breast, saying, God be merciful to me a sinner.” This man represents members who find it difficult to walk into the sanctuary, experiencing guilt and shame for their sins and lack of attendance. They cannot imagine that God’s love and mercy is available to them even as it was for this publican. They need only to do as he did; “smote their breast and say, God be merciful to me a sinner.”
3. Jesus said: “I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other: for every one that exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbelth himself shall be exalted.”
4. One prayed to himself before God; the other prayed to God for himself!
5. The latter is the spirit God desires for us to display before Him and in the sight of all men. This kind of prayer “availeth much.” He went home justified, the other did not. He went home forgiven, the other did not. He went home exalted, the other did not. Notice David: “The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit: a broken and a contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise,” (Psalm 51:17).
E. The prayer of the hypocrites. Our Lord says: “And when thou prayest, thou shall not be as the hypocrites are: for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and in the corners of the street, that they may be seen of men. Verily I say unto you, they have their reward. But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut the door, pray to thy Father in secret, and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly. But when ye pray, use not vain repetitions, as the heathen do: for they think that they shall be heard for their much speaking. Be ye not therefore like unto them: for your Father knoweth what things ye have need of, before ye ask him,” (Matthew 6:5-8). Let’s review the important parts of our Lord’s statements. Notice the hypocrites’ prayers and what Jesus requires of us:
1. “They love to pray standing in synagogues…in the corners of the street, that they may be seen of men. They have their reward.”
2. “They use vain repetitions, that they should be heard for their much speaking. They have their reward.”
3. “But thou, enter into thy closet, shut the door; pray in secret.”
4. “Your Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly.”
5. “Be not like unto them, your Father knoweth what things ye have need of before ye ask him.” With these things in mind, let us now notice the last point “the promise to the petitioner.”
III THE PROMISE TO THE PETITIONER
A. Finally, we will notice the “promise to the petitioner” or the prayer of a “righteous man.” Recall James stating in Chapter 1 that the believer must pray in faith without doubt. In every statement regarding prayer, faith and obedience must be its foundation. We notice this from James Chapter 2, regarding Abraham. His act of faith and obedience (the offering of his son unto God) wrought him the righteousness of God, (James 2:21-23). Many are confused today regarding this one point. What God requires is both our faith and our obedience. It is with these we can also be called: “the Friend of God,” (James 2:23-24).
B. James states the promise of such a prayer. It “availeth much.” This is the kind of “prayer that prevails!” It will receive an answer sought from God. This kind of prayer is in keeping with the will of God. It is prayed in faith. It is answered in goodness. What is it you are praying for today? Is it the safety of a love one in a war zone; the salvation of a family member or friend; the strengthening of a marriage partner (husband or wife); the healing of a child from sickness (cancer); the deliverance from an addiction? All of these are noble requests that can be made unto God. The question is, “are we asking in faith, and without doubt?”
1. “And the prayer of faith will save the sick, and the Lord will raise him up. And if he has committed sins, he will be forgiven,” (James 5:15).
2. “Confess your faults (trespasses) to one another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed.”
3. “The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much,” (James 5:16).
C. Paul’s statement regarding prayer: “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus,” (Philippians 4:8-9). “Pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you,” (1 Thessalonians 5:17-18). “Continuing steadfastly in prayer,” (Romans 12:12). Also, “Continue earnestly in prayer, being vigilant in it with thanks-giving; meanwhile praying also for us…,” (Colossians 4:2). To the Ephesians he wrote: “Praying always with all prayers and supplications in the Spirit; and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplications for all saints; and for me, that utterance may be given to me, that I may open my mouth boldly, to make known the mystery.…,” (Ephesians 6:18-20).
D. Jesus’ statement regarding prayer: “If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, you will ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you,” (John 15:7). Also: “And whatever you ask in my name, that I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son,”; “If you ask anything in my name, I will do it,” (John 14:13, 14). Finally, “And whatsoever things you ask in prayer, believing, you will receive," (Matthew 21:22). Prayer must be offered in the name of Jesus! Notice also: “And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him,” (Colossians 3:17).
E. Jesus’ promise regarding prayer: “Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you: For every one that asketh receiveth: and he that seeketh findeth: and to him that knocketh it shall be opened…,” (Matthew 7:7-12). Jesus promises:
1. “Ask and it shall be given you.” Here Jesus says; just “ask and it shall be given you.” Remember, we must ask in faith, not doubting, nor out of our own lusts. If you ensure that your request is like that of Jesus on the evening of his arrest: “O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me, nevertheless not as I will, but as thou wilt,” (Matthew 26:39). When you can pray like this: your prayers will be answered according to the will of God.
2. “Seek and ye shall find.” Keep seeking an answer from God.
3. “Knock and it shall be given you.” Be persistent in your prayers to God.
4. “Or what man is there of you, whom if his son ask bread, will he give him a stone? Or if he asks a fish, will give him a serpent? If ye then, being evil know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more shall your Father which is in heaven give good things to them that ask him?” God is faithful in his promises to us. Remember: “Every good and perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with who is no variableness, neither shadow of turning,” (James 1:17).
CONCLUSION:
A. Outline.
1. Passionate of the Petitioner
2. Piety of the Petitioner
3. Promise to the Petitioner
B. Summarize main points.
1. First, we noticed the “passionate nature of the petitioner.” James reminded us of an Old Testament prophet Elias who “prayed earnestly” that it would not rain. James pointed out that: “the effectual and fervent prayer” is what avails. The Greek word is ??e????, which means the active work (inwardly) in prayer through a solemn and earnest faith in God’s ability and willingness to grant the request “of the righteous.” The petitioner was “operative, active, at work, putting forth power and energy in his requests to God.” This as you recall was also the meaning of Paul’s admonition to the Ephesians: “Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh (energeo) in us…,” (Ephesians 3:20).
2. Secondly, we considered the character and piety of the petitioner. We noted that the prayers that receive answers were from “the righteous man.” This was a man that totally trusts in God and abides in his teaching before Him and all men. Recall that many prayers go unanswered because the petitioners pray without faith; without earnesty and without godliness. We are all men of like passion – but when we stand in the presence of God he knows our inner strengths and weaknesses; he has seen our miss deeds and secret sins; he has judge our hearts as righteous or unrighteous. Remember the words of Peter: “The eyes of the Lord are over the righteous, and his ears are open unto their prayers: but the face of the Lord is against them that do evil,” (1 Peter 3:12).
3. Finally, we reviewed “the promise to the petitioner.” James concluded his instruction on prayer by affirming that this type of prayer “availeth much.” It is from the Greek word ?s???, which means to avail, prevail or succeed. Recall it is the same word that Paul used in (Philippians 4:13), “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.” Elias prayed earnestly that it would not rain. The windows of heaven withheld its early and latter rains. He prayed again to God that it would rain. And the heaven brought forth its showers. When we pray in faith, in accordance with the will of God and with persistency and fervor; God will grant the request of our hearts and shower upon us his blessings.
C. Invitation. H. B. R. C. B.
D. Persuade. 2 Cor 5:11 "Knowing therefore the terror of the Lord we persuade men." “Today is the day of salvation." 2 Cor 6:2
E. Motivate. Mt 11:28-30, "Come unto me all ye that labour and are heavy laden and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart; and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light." I hope it shall not be said of you; as it was of the children of Israel by Jeremiah: "The harvest is past, the summer is ended, and we are not saved." Jer 8:20. Illustrate: "There is no pillow as soft as a clear conscience." Review Mt 20:29-34. Two blind men! "What will ye that I shall do unto you? They say unto him, Lord that our eyes may be opened. So Jesus had compassion on them, and touched their eyes: and immediately their eyes received sight, and they followed him." As of this moment your eyes are now opened! Will you do as these, "follow him?" Luke says: "The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he that anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the broken hearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering the sight of the blind, and to set at liberty them that are bruised, To preach the acceptable year of the Lord." Jesus is the answer. Won't you make the decision to follow him right now?
