James 5:11-15 (NKJV)
Indeed we count them blessed who endure. You have heard of the perseverance of Job and SEEN THE END INTENDED BY THE LORD—that the Lord is very compassionate and merciful. But above all, my brethren, do not swear, either by heaven or by earth or with any other oath. But let your “Yes” be “Yes,” and your “No,” “No,” lest you fall into judgment. Is anyone among you suffering? Let him pray. Is anyone cheerful? Let him sing psalms. Is anyone among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer of faith will save the sick, and the Lord will raise him up. And if he has committed sins, he will be forgiven.
CG Discussion Points
- What is the difference between the life of Job and ours during the time of suffering especially after the resurrection of Christ? Discuss what Jesus, being the mediator or peacemaker between God and men means to you when He offered Himself as the ultimate sacrifice for our sins.
(James 5:11-15; Job 9:32-34; Hebrews 12:24; Hebrews 9:11-12; 1 Timothy 2:5) - Discuss why our sufferings including COVID-19 pandemic cannot be the result of God’s judgment on our wrongdoing. Who is the one that condemns and brings charges against us? How does it help you perceive the work of the devil, knowing that Jesus is our best advocate in heaven?
(Job 1:9-11; Revelation 12:10; 1 John 2:1-2; Romans 8:33-35) - What does the entire experience of Job reveal about the character of God? How would you respond after learning that “For the Son of Man did not come to destroy men’s lives but to save them” during our or our friend’s time of suffering?
(Luke 9:53-56; Job 42:7-8, 10)