Confessing and Praying
James 5:13-18
Pastor Jerry Koller

In verses 13-15, you could say James is addressing individuals. In verse 13, we read, Is any among you… The word “you” is a reference to all.

In the ancient language, the word "confess” has to do with an outspoken acknowledgment.
• It expresses a frank outspoken acknowledgment of sin.
• It can express joyful praise of God.
• It can express an open assent to truth.

Confession is admitting that you have sinned. Confession is assuming personal responsibility for your thoughts, actions, and attitudes.
• Confessing sin to one another reflects accountability.
• Confession should be directed to the one to whom sin has been committed.
• Confessing sin to one another is a way of maintaining open, sharing, and praying relationships with another Christians which will help keep us from bottoming out in our spiritual lives.

Therefore, confess your sins to one another, and pray for one another so that you may be healed. (James 15:6a)
• The word “healed” can, but does not necessarily, mean physical healing.
• The word that literally means to “cure,” whether its physically or figuratively.
• It has to do with making someone whole again.

Throughout the New Testament, you will find that it is God’s desire that His people live in harmony and unity. Confession of sin and prayer helps bring that about.

The effective prayer of a righteous man can accomplish much. (James 5:16b)
• The word ‘effective’ comes from a Greek word from which we also get our English word “energy.”
• The phrase “accomplish much” literally means “is very strong.”

An example of the effectiveness of the prayer: Elijah was a man with a nature like ours...(James 5:17a)
• This word for nature implies all human beings share the same constitution, the same liabilities, and the same limitations.
• When he prayed, powerful things happened. (see James 5:17-18)
• This is an example of what the prayers of a righteous person can accomplish. This is not a promise that if you pray for the rain to stop, it will stop.

If someone is suffering as a result of a brother or sister in Christ and if that suffering becomes so overwhelming that they can’t seem to muster up the strength to continue is prayer any longer, they should call for help.
• They should call for the elders of the church to come alongside them and pray.

Part of what they should pray for is a restoration of the relationship between the one causing the suffering and the sufferer.
• For that to happen, there needs to be confession of sin.
• With confession must come forgiveness.
• When confession and forgiveness happen, there can be Shalom.

mission café
Sundays | 9:00-10:15am | Mission Cafe

worship
Sundays | 10:30am | Sanctuary
• If you're unable to join us in-person, you can watch live on Facebook or view later in the week on Facebook or YouTube or listen to an audio only version on Archive.

children’s worship
Sundays | 10:30am | Children’s Worship Room
• Ages 5 years old through 5th grade
• Does not meet on the first Sunday of each month.
• Contact Alyssa Newell for questions or more information.

men’s bible study
Tuesdays | 7:00-8:30pm | Mission Café
• Contact Paul Fitton or Larry Dobberstein for questions or more information.

church office open
Wednesdays | 11:00am-4:00pm

theology class
Wednesdays | 7:00-8:00pm | Main Foyer
• Closed course.
• Resumes 2/25

bible study
Thursdays | 9:30-11:30am | Conference Room
• Studying Joshua; open to new participants at any time.
• Contact Tina Wilburn for questions or more information.

women’s craft group
Thursdays | 6:30pm | Craft Room
• Contact Tracy Marshall for questions or more information.

• Vincent Bryant still has a small area on his foot that hasn't healed. He is also having eye problems and is able to see very little right now. Continued prayers for the foot sore to completely close and heal as well as his vision to be restored are appreciated.
• Miriam Bryant is recovering from a successful hand surgery. She is pleased with the results and expects to have the stitches removed on 1/30.
• Sandi Cagle is recovering from surgery on her shoulder. Please pray for a speedy healing and that the pain will be manageable.
• Mike Rooker has returned home and is continuing outpatient therapy.
• Carson Rooker is recovering from surgery to repair his clavicle that was broken in 3 places following a skiing accident.
• Bruce Ferguson is being tested for prostate and bladder problems. Please pray that the results are negative and that the issues are not happening because of cancer.
• Check out our monthly prayer card on-line at southhavenfbc.com under “Weekly Bulletins” for a list of those with on-going needs.

First Baptist Church
1635 76th Street
South Haven, MI 49090
269-637-1291
southhavenfbc@gmail.com