Ordinary People, Extraordinary Things James 5:16-­‐20 June 12, 2011 Series: Tools in the Hands of the Master Bible References use NKJV 1. God Hears Ordinary People (vv16-­‐18) Avail = ischuo = to be of strength … powerful and effecVve. James 5:16 (NIV) HAVE FORCE Elijah did spectacular things Elijah was not a spectacular person He was a man just like us Elijah was afraid and ran for his life... he came to a broom tree, sat down under it and prayed that he might die. 1Kings 19:3-­‐5 "I have had enough, Lord," he said. "Take my life; I am no beaer than my ancestors." Then he lay down under the tree and fell asleep. 1Kings 19:3-­‐5 1. God Hears Ordinary People (vv16-­‐18) a. Prayer that is passionate EffecVve, fervent = Energio = English word energy Abundance of POWER Earnest = Proseuche = A form of worship In prayer he prayed Secret prayer leads to public power 1. God Hears Ordinary People (vv16-­‐18) a. Prayer that is passionate b. Prayer that is pure Behold, the Lord's hand is not shortened, that it cannot save; Nor His ear heavy, That it cannot hear. Isaiah 59:1-­‐2 But your iniquiVes have separated you from your God; And your sins have hidden His face from you, so that He will not hear. Isaiah 59:1-­‐2 i. There are Vmes when God’s ways only make us more confused ii. The strength of a believer is always related to his faith in God Ah, Lord God! Behold, You have made the heavens and the earth by Your great power and outstretched arm. There is nothing too hard for You. Jeremiah 32:17 i. There are Vmes when God’s ways only make us more confused ii. The strength of a believer is always related to his faith in God iii. Everything worth having depends upon prayer You do not have because you do not ask… James 4:2 Never delivered to earth, because never requested from earth 1. God Hears Ordinary People (vv16-­‐18) 2. God Saves Ordinary People Through Ordinary People (vv19-­‐20) Wander = Planao = drijed or strayed Our English word ‘planet’ is from this Turns him back = Episrepho = to turn around in opposite direcVon Death = can apply to physical death or the way/path of death Way = Hodos = route How do we save a friend from their path of destrucVon? i. Be loving rather than condemning Brethren, if a man is overtaken in any trespass, you who are spiritual restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness, considering yourself lest you also be tempted. Bear one another's burdens… GalaVans 6:1-­‐2 i. Be loving rather than condemning ii. Be gentle and yet be firm Swim out ajer them i. Be loving rather than condemning ii. Be gentle and yet be firm iii. Be paVent and genuinely care A long, long, long Vme