Why is faith important when elders pray over the sick, according to James 5:14? What James 5:14 Actually Says “Is any of you sick? He should call the elders of the church to pray over him and anoint him with oil in the name of the Lord.” Why Faith Must Undergird the Elders’ Prayer • Faith turns a routine prayer into “the prayer offered in faith” that “will restore the one who is sick” (James 5:15). • Faith acknowledges God as the direct healer—oil and elders are instruments, but the Lord raises the sufferer up. • Faith aligns the elders with heaven’s authority; they pray “in the name of the Lord,” not in their own strength or merit. • Faith refuses doubt, echoing Jesus’ words: “Have faith in God…whatever you ask in prayer, believe that you have received it” (Mark 11:22-24). • Faith attracts the Lord’s pleasure, for “without faith it is impossible to please God” (Hebrews 11:6). How Faith Functions in This Ministry 1. Trust in God’s Character – He is compassionate (Psalm 103:2-3). – He is faithful to His promises (Numbers 23:19). 2. Confidence in Christ’s Finished Work – “By His stripes we are healed” (Isaiah 53:5). – Peter echoes it: “by His wounds you were healed” (1 Peter 2:24). 3. Dependence on the Spirit’s Power – The Spirit distributes gifts of healing (1 Corinthians 12:9). – Faith welcomes the Spirit’s activity instead of quenching it (1 Thessalonians 5:19). 4. Agreement with Other Believers – Jesus promises: “If two of you agree on earth about anything they ask, it will be done” (Matthew 18:19). – Elders collectively express unified faith for the sick member. What Faith Is Not • Not presumption—elders still submit to God’s sovereign will (1 John 5:14). • Not a mental trick—faith rests on revealed truth, not wishful thinking. • Not a guarantee of a specific timeline—healing may be immediate (Acts 3:6-8) or progressive (Mark 8:24-25). Benefits Faith Brings to the Sick Believer • Spiritual encouragement: assurance of God’s care (Psalm 34:18). • Physical restoration: “the Lord will raise him up” (James 5:15). • Forgiveness: “if he has sinned, he will be forgiven” (v. 15), reminding us that faith and repentance travel together. • Deeper fellowship: sickness becomes an occasion for the church to surround the hurting member in love. Living This Out Today • Cultivate a Scripture-saturated faith before illness strikes (Romans 10:17). • Elders should pray boldly, anoint with oil, and speak the name of Jesus with confidence. • The congregation supports in unified belief, expecting God to act while resting in His perfect wisdom. |
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