Sermon Central
-
Anointing With Oil In The Name Of The Lord
Contributed by Dr. Larry Petton on Apr 13, 2024 (message contributor)
"Anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord " (James 5:14) - This literally reads "after having oiled him." Whether this anointing is to be done before or during the praying is not clear from the Greek text. OIl most likely refers to olive oil. What does the oil signify?
(1) One group favors a medicinal purpose as with the Good Samaritan (Lk 10:34). Oil was used in ancient times as "cure" for a number of maladies from toothache to paralysis! As a physician I wonder how much of the "cure" was placebo effect?
(2) A second interpretation was that the oil served a sacramental function, which culminated in the Catholic use of oil in so-called extreme unction (arose about 852 AD) performed exclusively by a priest for the purpose of ostensibly removing any remnant of sin and of strengthening the soul of the dying (cf Euchelaion)). Clearly, this reflects an incorrect interpretation of James 5 which gives no Biblical support to this imaginative, mystical, man-made aberration of truth! This is what happens when we do not base our application on Sola Scriptura.
(3) Thirdly, the anointing of oil is seen by many as symbolic of consecration, which has a Scriptural basis (e.g., Ex 28:41), but the question then would be for what purpose is the sick person being consecrated? Perhaps it means that the sick "person is being set apart for God's special attention and care." Others like Cole say the oil symbolized the Holy Spirit. Perhaps, but this seems like a great deal of suppostional expositing with little genuine yield. I like Moo's statement that "anointing, whatever it signifies, is clearly subordinate to James’s main concern in these verses: and this is the subject prayer."
- Precept Austin
Related Sermon Illustrations
-
John Was A Very Lonely, Wealthy Old Man. He Had ... PRO
Contributed by Gaither Bailey on Jun 20, 2005
John was a very lonely, wealthy old man. He had worked hard all his life and built a great business and made loads of money. But, he was all alone. One Sunday evening as he was talking a walk to clear his head, he was drawn to a church where he heard wonderful, joyous music. It was a spiritual ...read more
-
A Speaker In Colorado Was About To Address A ...
Contributed by Bruce Howell on Jan 3, 2005
A speaker in Colorado was about to address a gathering of businessmen and women. Sitting a the head table, he turned to the real estate salesman on his left and said, "So, how are things going for you?" "Terrible," he answered. "Haven¡¯t you heard about the strikes? 80% of the people in this ...read more
-
A Wealthy Man Was Taking A Cruise When Suddenly ... PRO
Contributed by Gaither Bailey on Jun 20, 2005
A wealthy man was taking a cruise when suddenly the announcement came that the ship was sinking. The man took his sack of gold coins around his waist and jumped overboard trying to swim to safety. Unfortunately, the weight of the coins ...read more
-
People Refuse To Believe That Which They Don't ...
Contributed by Lou Nicholes on Oct 18, 2004
People refuse to believe that which they don’t want to believe, in spite of evidence. When explorers first went to Australia they found a mammal which laid eggs; spent some time in water, some on land; had a broad, flat tail, webbed feet, and a bill similar to a duck. Upon their return to England, ...read more
-
A Friend Of Mine, Says A Writer Quoted In The ...
Contributed by Charles R. Swindoll on Nov 1, 2004
A friend of mine, says a writer quoted in the Sunday School Times, who had been a gangster and kidnaper for twelve years, met Jesus Christ in prison. Christ said, "I will come and live in you, and we will serve this sentence together"; and they did. Several years later he was discharged, and just ...read more
Related Sermons
-
Is Physical Healing/Deliverance Guaranteed/Provided For In The Atonement?
Contributed by Dr. Craig Nelson on Nov 14, 2017
A detailed look at the Atonement in relation to physical healing.
-
Is Physical Healing/Deliverance Guaranteed/Provided For In The Atonement?
Contributed by Dr. Craig Nelson on Nov 14, 2017
A detailed look at the Atonement in relation to physical healing.
-
Doors: Open Or Closed
Contributed by Barry O Johnson on Aug 24, 2017
The majority of the body of Christ believes that God opens doors (a "yes" answer to prayer) and closes doors (a "no" answer to prayer) in their lives. Does scripture support such a belief?
-
The Battle Before The Breakthrough
Contributed by Pastor Dre on Apr 14, 2014
Here is a sermon encouraging the Christian to keep on pressing even in the midst of the battle. The battle that we are going through is a set up for our breakthrough...
-
Faith In Every Season Of Life Series
Contributed by Dean Courtier on Jul 8, 2017
The natural seasons are winter, spring, summer and autumn; there are also spiritual seasons in our lives. What spiritual season are you experiencing now? Are you trusting God to help you in the season you are in?
