AM Scripture Reading: James 5.13-20

This Morning’s Sermon:

Brent T. Willey

Solutions For Emotional Situations

James 5.13-20

Introduction:

1. God created us as emotional beings.

2. Emotion = “a state of feeling.” [E.g., happy, sad, excited, angry, mournful, disappointed, etc.]

3. James addresses the existential issues of life.

I. “IS ANYONE AMNONG YOU SUFFERING?”

1. Suffering–kakopatheō [kakos=evil;pathos=suffering]: signifies to suffer hardship. (E.g., 2 Tim. 2.3,9)
2. Christians are not exempt from suffering!
   1. As soldiers of Christ. (2 Tim. 2.3)
   2. As evildoers, though innocent. (2 Tim. 2.9)
   3. In persecution. (2 Tim. 3.12; 1 Pet. 2.18-21; 3.13-14)
3. Accept suffering & use God’s solution for coping with it: “Let him pray”} deliverance, possibly – strength, always! (E.g., Dan. 3.16-18)

II. “IS ANYONE CHEERFUL?”

1. Cheerful – euthumeō [eu=well; thumos=soul]. Synonyms: merry, good spirits (Text & Acts 27.22,25 only)

2. Can this be a problem? Absolutely, because some people do not properly deal with success! (E.g., Luke 12.16-21)

3. Solution: Celebrate with praise, not profligacy! “Let him sing psalms” (cf., Prov. 16.18; Heb. 13.15).

III. “IS ANYONE AMONG YOU SICK?”

1. Sick – astheneō[a = without; sthenos = strength]: it has a variety of meanings. Context is important!
   1. Physical sickness (Luke 4.40; Acts 9.37; Phil. 2.26-27)
   2. Spiritual weakness (Rom. 14.1; 1 Cor. 8.11-12; 11.30)
2. Righteous prayers are an important part of the solution:“Call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him…”

   1. “Anointing him with oil” provides comfort to the sick.

   2. Communication & prayer is the emphasis. (Vs. 14-18)

   3. The joy of retrieving the lost! (Vs. 19-20; Luke 15.7,10)

Conclusion: Problems are common; positive solutions are rare!