Chapter 5
-The rich who live in self-indulgence and luxury are railed
against as this last chapter in James’ short book begins. These are certainly
not being doers of the Word and their riches are bringing misery and hardship
on them in the last days as they’ve tried to hoard it for themselves by fraud.
James says these are like fattened animals beefed up for the slaughter. They
have condemned and murdered the righteous when they had no power and no voice
to resist (James 5:1-6). *Application* The Word of God is against the luxurious
stashing away of wealth. Instead, God desires for us to work hard, earn a great
living, and share our bountiful blessings with others, especially those in true
need. God is not against us making money and being prosperous, but He disdains
the hoarding of it for our own selfish pleasures. Don’t be miserly and
dishonest with your means. Don’t ever be afraid to give generously. Hold
nothing back when He asks. Build true treasure in the Heavenly Kingdom (Luke
12:16-34).
-Now patience is considered as the main thrust of the next
five verses (James 5:7-11). We should keep an eye on the coming of the Lord as
we wait. This could have double meaning in its interpretation. One meaning is
obviously His glorious return to earth when all is made right and the enemy is
utterly destroyed for good and forever. The other meaning can deal with how the
Lord shows up in our distress and aids us just when we need it the most in
certain earthly situations. In either case, it is He who comes to us for our
benefit and relief. Just like the patient farmer, which is an awesome
illustration, we must establish our hearts by not grumbling against one
another, plus we must withhold judgment. Again it is the Judge that stands at
the door, and we are not to be so arrogant as to take that role in and of
ourselves (James 4:11-12). In our suffering and patience remember the prophets
who were tortured for their honesty and forthrightness, enduring the
persecution with perfect fortitude and steadfastness. Job is also mentioned as
a classic example for discovering the everlasting purpose of the Lord in
difficult situations to demonstrate His compassion and mercy after allowing
tests and trials. *Application* How patient are you? The question is one we don’t
often like to think about in our fast paced, easy answer, quick solution world.
There are times the Lord makes us slow down. Enjoy those periods of your life
rather than fight them. Be still and know that He is God (Psalm 46:10).
-A quick word is given on swearing of oaths. The practical
implication here is for our “yes” to yes, and our “no” to be no so that we do
not fall into condemnation. In other words, give honest answers all the time,
but do it in love (Ephesians 4:15).
-The prayer of faith is discussed now as the book begins its
conclusion. If you are suffering, pray. If you are cheerful, sing praise to
God. If you are sick, call on the elders of the church to have them pray over
you and anoint you with oil in the Name of the Lord. “The prayer of faith will
save the one who is sick, and the Lord will raise him up. And if he has
committed sins, he will be forgiven. Therefore, confess your sins to one
another and pray for one another, that you may be healed (James 5:15-16).” The
prayers of the righteous has extraordinary power as it is working, just like
Elijah of the Old Testament (James 5:13-18). *Application* Prayer is essential
in the working out of our faith. To be a prayer warrior, you must do it. It is
an action. Go before the Lord in full conviction and earnest. Lay everything
bare before Him with confession and get things right. He will respond, you can
count on that!
-The last section of this book deals with bringing back
someone who has wandered off from the truth. “Whoever brings back a sinner from
his wandering will save his soul from death and will cover a multitude of sins
(James 5:20).” *Application* We are to obey Jesus’ teaching on leaving the 99
sheep to go out to rescue the lost one (Luke 15:3-7). Go into the highways and byways
and compel people to come back to Christ and His saving grace (Luke 14:23). Be
a soul winner. This will take action as well. It is not a passive thing y’all.
I hope we all get James’ point, faith without works is dead (useless, James
2:20, 26).
Verse to memorize:
James 5:8
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