James, The Book Of

XIII. Oaths And Christians 5:12

James 5:12 "But above [ pro {pro} = figuratively of precedence, preference, dignity, meaning before, above, before all things ] all things, my brethren, [ adelphoi {ad-el-fos'} = from the same womb, a brother, one of the same nation or nature, one of equal rank and dignity, a member of the Christian community ] swear [ omnuete {om-noo'-o} = to take or make an oath, the person or thing by which one swears ] not, neither by heaven, neither by the earth, neither by any [ tina {tis} = some or any person or object, any (man, thing, thing at all), whatsoever ] other oath: but let your yea be yea; and your nay, nay; lest ye fall into condemnation." [ krisin {kree'-sis} = condemnation, dissimulation, hypocrisy ]
     The Jews were very good at using various oaths to back up their statements. Since they did not want to misuse God's name they would swear by heaven, earth, Jerusalem, or by their own heads. James makes the point in this verse that Christians should not have to back up their statements by making these worthless oaths, but their word should be their oath.
     The Theological Dictionary of the New Testament states, "Truthfulness is the norm in the Christian community: hence taking oaths is totally unnecessary." This concept goes back to the old saying, "my word is my bond." The rich men didn't keep their word, but Christians must always keep their word even if it hurts us to do so.
     With this said, I must point out that this verse is not telling us that we are not to take any kind of oath. Oaths are permissible to Christians, this is demonstrated by our Lord (Mt 26:63), and of Paul (II Cor 1:23; Gal 1:20) and God Himself (Heb 6:13-18). When Christ said, "Swear not at all" in Matthew 5:34, He was laying down the principle that the Christian must not have two standards of truth, and that his ordinary speech must be as sacredly true as his oath (just as James states here)

Study Notes & Questions

James is echoing the teaching of our Lord Jesus here. Why should the believer avoid oaths? What is an oath?
Matthew 5:34-37 "But I say unto you, Swear not at all; neither by heaven; for it is God's throne: Nor by the earth; for it is his footstool: neither by Jerusalem; for it is the city of the great King. Neither shalt thou swear by thy head, because thou canst not make one hair white or black. But let your communication be, Yea, yea; Nay, nay: for whatsoever is more than these cometh of evil."
The Christian is told to always to speak the _____ in love:
Ephesians 4:14-15 "That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive; But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ."
Are we saved by an oath? Are we children by an oath? Did God ever demand that His people in relationship to Him take an oath?
Deuteronomy 23:21-23 "When thou shalt vow a vow unto the LORD thy God, thou shalt not slack to pay it: for the LORD thy God will surely require it of thee; and it would be sin in thee. But if thou shalt forbear to vow, it shall be no sin in thee. That which is gone out of thy lips thou shalt keep and perform; even a freewill offering, according as thou hast vowed unto the LORD thy God, which thou hast promised with thy mouth."
Should the believer in Christ obey the Word because of an oath, or because of a relationship?

Sons of God are empowered to be so by the relationship they have with _________ __________.
John 1:12-13 "But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name: Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God."
Sons of God are led through this life by a supernatural relationship with the __________ __________.
Romans 8:14-17 "For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God. For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father. The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God: And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together."
Sons of God do not use the resources of this world to function spiritually, but use ________ resources.
Philippians 2:14-15 "Do all things without murmurings and disputings: That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world"
We are Sons of God because of His great love. Not because of our effort, not because of any input that we have made into this Blood bought, Jesus only paid for Covenant.
I John 3:1-3 "Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not. Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is. And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure."

XIV. The Prayer Of The Saints: 5:13-20
A. Prayer For The Afflicted (5:13)

James 5:13 "Is any among you afflicted? [ kakopathei {kak-op-ath-eh'-o} = to be vexed, suffer trouble, dejected, to suffer evil or afflictions ] let him pray. Is any merry? let him sing psalms." [ psalleto {psal'-lo} = to sing praises or psalms to God whether with or without instruments ]
     James closes this book with the topic of prayer. Vance Havner states "The measure of any Christian is his prayer life." It was and is important that Christians pray, and it's even more important for those who are suffering. "While our prayer may not remove the problem we are facing, it will give us the strength to see us through."
     James says that we are to pray whether we are afflicted, or whether we are happy. God balances our lives and gives us hours of suffering, and days of singing. The mature believer knows how to sing while they are suffering (Job 35:10; Acts 16:25).

B. Prayer For The Sick (5:14-16)

James 5:14 "Is any sick [ astheneo {as-then-eh'-o} = see below discussion ] among you? let him call for the elders [ presbuterous {pres-boo'-ter-os} = the elders of Christian churches, presbyters, to whom was committed the direction and government of individual churches ] of the church; and let them pray [ proseuxasthosan {pros-yoo'-khom-ahee} = to pray to God, offer prayer (to pray over one; with hands extended over him) ] over him, anointing [ aleipsantes {al-i'-fo} = to oil (with perfume, oil, or ointment), anoint, to rub, to cover over, besmear ] him with oil [ elaio {el'-ah-yon} = olive oil, oil ] in the name of the Lord:"
James 5:15 "And the prayer of faith shall save [ sosei {sode'-zo} = to save, deliver or protect, make whole, to save from death and (by implication) to heal, restore to health ] the sick [ kamno {kam'-no} = see below discussion ] , and the Lord shall raise him up; and if he have committed [ pepoiekos {poy-eh'-o} = to commit, continue ] sins, they shall be forgiven [ aphethesetai {af-ee'-ay-mee} = to let go or give up a debt (not by demanding it), to remit, forgive ] him."
James 5:16 "Confess your faults [ amartias {ham-ar'-tee'-ah} = to fall by the wayside, fault, lapse, error, mistake, wrongdoing, offence, sin, trespass ] one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. [ iathete {ee-ah'-om-ahee} = to make whole, to be free from sin, to heal or save from the consequences of sin, to bring about (one's) salvation ] The effectual [ energoumene {en-erg-eh'-o} = earnest, (to show activity) to work, be active, operate, work effectually in ] fervent prayer of a righteous man [ dikaiou {dik'-ah-yos} = upright, righteous, virtuous, keeping the commands of God ] availeth [ ischuei {is-khoo'-o} = to have efficacy, to avail, have force and value, to be strong, to have strength, ability, power (both physical and moral) ] much."

     There has been much debate over verses 14 an 16 over the years. Some teach from this passage that full physical health is always just a prayer away; others see this as prayer plus medicine (prayer + the physician); while others see this as a healing of spiritual sickness. Let's look at the Greek to get our answer.
     The Greek "astheneo" is translated "sick" in verse 14. However, of the thirty four (34) times it is used in the New Testament, twenty (20) times it refers to "physical weakness" because of sickness in the Gospels and Acts, but fourteen (14) times in the Epistles of "spiritual weakness". "Paul used it for those spiritually weak in the faith:"

Romans 14:1-2 "Him that is weak (astheneo) in the faith receive ye, but not to doubtful disputations. For one believeth that he may eat all things: another, who is weak, (astheneo) eateth herbs."
I Corinthians 8:10-13 "For if any man see thee which hast knowledge sit at meat in the idol's temple, shall not the conscience of him which is weak (astheneo) be emboldened to eat those things which are offered to idols; And through thy knowledge shall the weak (astheneo) brother perish, for whom Christ died? But when ye sin so against the brethren, and wound their weak (astheneo) conscience, ye sin against Christ. Wherefore, if meat make my brother to offend, I will eat no flesh while the world standeth, lest I make my brother to offend."

     The Greek "kamno" is translated "sick" in verse 15 which means "to be weary in mind". This word only occurs here and in Hebrews:

Hebrews 12:3-4 "Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God. For consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied (kamno) and faint in your minds. Ye have not yet resisted unto blood, striving against sin."

     The Greek words therefore do not refer to "physical healing" from sickness as many have supposed, but "spiritual strengthening" of the Brother or Sister who has been struggling to grow, or is struggling under the weight of sin.
     The "Horizontal Relationship" within the Church is designed by God to strengthen the "Vertical Relationship" we have with our Creator. The weak believers call for the strong believers so there can be strengthening within the Body. Strengthening through "understanding", not condemnation, through "unity", not backbiting or judging, through "encouragement", not discouragement.
     James then outlines what must be done. First, the one who is "sick", must call for the church elders (plural, not singular). Also notice that this passage doesn't say call the deacons, or the mature men or women in the church congregation.
     Second, when the elders come, they are to pray over them and anoint them with oil (probably olive oil). It was the custom during James' time period to anoint the sick with a mixture of oil, wine, and water. The term "anointing" carries the idea of "to rub over."
     We are not told here, as many have asked me, where the oil is to be rubbed if someone is "sick". Based on other scriptures verses it would most assuredly be on the head or forehead.
     Thirdly, there needs to be "confession of sin". Verse 15 speaks of the forgiveness for the sick person's confessed sin, and verse 16 says that everyone who is involved needs to confess their sins. James tells us at the end of verse 16 that there is tremendous power that is made available through a good man's earnest prayer. While God can and does heal, we must also keep in mind that sometimes for His own reasons, He chooses not to heal (II Cor.12:7).

Study Notes & Questions

We are to confess our SINS one to another, and pray for each other, that we all be ____________. (see James 5:16)
Proper communication with one another, and communication with our Father, within our Christ established relationship, is the key to an effective ministry.
Why was anointing with oil done?
Priests Anointed:
Exodus 29:5-7 "And thou shalt take the garments, and put upon Aaron the coat, and the robe of the ephod, and the ephod, and the breastplate, and gird him with the curious girdle of the ephod: And thou shalt put the mitre upon his head, and put the holy crown upon the mitre. Then shalt thou take the anointing oil, and pour it upon his head, and anoint him."

Kings Anointed:
Judges 9:8 "The trees went forth on a time to anoint a king over them; and they said unto the olive tree, Reign thou over us."

Prophets Anointed:
I Kings 19:16 "And Jehu the son of Nimshi shalt thou anoint to be king over Israel: and Elisha the son of Shaphat of Abelmeholah shalt thou anoint to be prophet in thy room."

What of sin in the flock, what procedures are taken to correct it?

Matthew 18:15-17 "Moreover if thy brother shall trespass against thee, go and tell him his fault between thee and him alone: if he shall hear thee, thou hast gained thy brother. But if he will not hear thee, then take with thee one or two more, that in the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established. And if he shall neglect to hear them, tell it unto the church: but if he neglect to hear the church, let him be unto thee as an heathen man and a publican."

C. Prayer For The Nation (5:17-18)

James 5:17 "Elias was a man subject to like passions [ omoiopathes {hom-oy-op-ath-ace'} = being affected in the same way as another, subject to the same incidents, of like infirmities, subject to the same frailties and evils ] as we are, and he prayed earnestly [ proseuche {pros-yoo-khay} = to pray fervently, pray earnestly ] that it might not rain: and it rained not on the earth by the space of three years and six months."
James 5:18 "And he prayed again, and the heaven gave rain, and the earth brought forth her fruit."

     In verses 17 and 18, James uses Elijah as an example of a man who prayed for his nation's repentance. When Ahab was king, he had put up altars to Baal and Asherah. This led to the prophet Elijah praying for a drought so that the nation would repent of their idolatry (I Kings 16:29-17:1). It did not rain for 3 ½ years, and Elijah challenged the priest of Baal to see who had the real God, and God proved that He is the Only God (I Kings 18:1-40).
     The people then destroyed the false priests and repented, so once again Elijah prayed for rain and God sent the rain (I Kings 18:41-46). James said that Elijah also was a man who faced the same trials that we do. He was a man just like you and me and he "prayed earnestly," that is, he prayed with power. Elijah's example teaches us that God can use us also to bring about change in our nation, if we will pray earnestly.

D. Prayer For The Backslidden (5:19-20)

James 5:19 "Brethren, if any of you do err [ planethe {plan-ah'-o} = to be seduced or wander from the path of virtue, to sin, transgress, to roam (from safety, truth, or virtue), go astray, deceive, err, seduce, wander ] from the truth, [ aletheias {al-ay'-thi-a} = divine truth revealed to man, true, verity ] and one convert [ epistrepse {ep-ee-stref'-o} = to turn towards, to turn round, to bring back, convert ] him;
James 5:20 "Let him know, that he which converteth [ epistrepsas {ep-ee-stref'-o} = to turn towards, to turn round, to bring back, convert ] the sinner from the error [ planes {plan'-ay} = wandering from the path of truth and virtue, perverseness, wickedness, sin, deceit, delusion, error ] of his way [ odou {hod-os'} = way of thinking, feeling, acting, manner of life and conduct, living a just and holy life, way of peace or peaceful life, a road, a progress (the route, act or distance), a mode or means, journey, highway ] shall save a soul from death [ thanatou {than'-at-os} = of spiritual death, to which everyone is subject unless he has been called to the life of grace (this death stands in the closet relation to sin), includes the idea of physical death as aggravated by eternal condemnation ], and shall hide [ kalupsei {kal-oop'-to} = to cover, throw a veil of oblivion over, to hide, to cause a multitude of sins to be overlooked and not punished, to do away with ] a multitude of sins."

     James closes this book by encouraging us to minister to our brothers in Christ who have strayed from their walk with the Lord. He doesn't specifically name prayer in these verses, but it is implied. If we are to pray for the afflicted and the sick, then we should surely pray for the brother in Christ who is backslidden.
     The word "err" means "to wander." This pictures someone who has gradually moved away from the truth (either by deception or sin). This could happen over a long period of time or quickly.
     In Galatians 6:1, it speaks of a brother who is "overtaken in a fault," like someone who is jumped. This person needs to be turned back toward God. The word "convert" in verse 19, means to "turn back again." In other words, we need to turn them back on the path of truth.
     James tells us in verse 20 that the Christian who turns a backslidden believer back has saved their "soul". The word "soul" speaks of their very being or physical life, and "not salvation". Unconfessed sin in a believer leads to the Lord's discipline and sometimes premature death (I John 5:16-17; I Cor.11:30). If we turn a backslidden believer around from his sin, we save him from death and his multitude of sin will be forgiven (I John 1:9). It is good to know that God can use you and me to reach out and restore our fallen. There is a great ministry of restoration in every church. All their names appear in the church membership roll, just look for the names you don't recognize and start there. Are you up to the challenge?

End Of The Study On James

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