College Press Bible Study Textbook Series
James 5:1-6
CHAPTER IX
PRETENDED DEBATE WITH A RICH UNBELIEVER
Introduction:
The title of this chapter is itself interpretive, and might introduce some discussion. There is no doubt but that James is here debating with a rich man; but is the rich man an unbeliever? Also, is this rich man present as James speaks, or present in the audience to which James writes? It would be better to settle these problems before beginning a more detailed study of the text.
The section in James 5:1-6 is obviously addressed to the unbeliever. James here makes clear the calamities that are to befall him in the judgment so the persecuted Christian (to whom James is writing) will know that justice will prevail and that vengeance belongs to the Lord. After completing this section, he turns back to the Christian, and says, Be patient therefore, brethren, until the coming of the Lord.
If James 4:13-17 is addressed to the rich Christian, then there is a break of thought and a change of argument between the close of chapter four and the opening of chapter five. James 4:13-14 of chapter four are in the same vein of condemnation as is the chapter five section. This is not conclusive, of course, but it does seem to be the most obvious and intended meaning.
One might ask, why argue with a person who will not hear the argument? This is done for the benefit of the reader rather than the call to repentance of the rich persecutor. There is no admonition for correction, nor call to repentance, as James made to the Christians in James 4:8. Furthermore, the come now with which he introduces James 4:13 is repeated in James 5:1, indicating James is speaking to the same persons in both sections. This entire section does not contain the word brethren which James uses or implies in nearly every paragraph of the epistle.
All this seems to indicate James is turning aside and speaking to an imaginary figure who will probably never see his epistle. The rich persons being condemned really do exist, but they are not numbered among the brethren. So he tells the brethren what is going to happen to the rich man in this very dramatic fashion.
The style of argument is the diatribe of the Stoic philosophers. The debater turns to an imaginary opponent and argues with him as if he were present. It is a style of delivery that the Jewish and Greek speakers used often, and is effectively used by ministers and public speakers today.
The Christian at the time, even as now, was numbered from among the poorer classes of the world. His most avid persecutors were the enemies of Christ, especially religious people who followed some other doctrine than that of Christ. But the world was also filled with rich people who habitually made a practice of preying upon the poor. The rich man made no exception of the poor Christian. In fact, he was easy prey because of his meek demeanor. For this reason the Christian needed encouragement to hold fast to Christ in the midst of this ill treatment. The time would come when God's justice would prevail and the rich persecutor would receive that which he had earned. So don-'t give up, brethren, says James, for the Lord will come and make all things right. (See James 5:7-8).
TEN THREE-POINT SERMON STARTERS
THE PRESUMPTION OF MAKING PLANS WITHOUT GOD James 4:13-17
1.
What we will do. (Go to this city, spend a year, trade, etc)
Do we really know what tomorrow will bring? James 4:14 a.
2.
When we will do it. (Today; or tomorrow).
Do we really know when we will die? James 4:14 b
3.
Why we will do it. (To get gain).
We should live to glorify Him. All other glorying is vain. James 4:15-17.
WHAT IS YOUR LIFE? James 4:14
1.
It is yours, to plan and do with as you will.
2.
Plans and preparations in this life are a shadow of what will come.
3.
This life is a vapor, soon gone to be replaced by eternity.
WHAT WE KNOW OF TOMORROW James 4:13-17
1.
We think we know what we shall do. James 4:13
2.
We should know it is in God's hands, not ours. James 4:14-15.
3.
We can know the Lord's will for us in eternity. James 4:17.
THE LORD'S WILL James 4:15-17
1.
We ought to be surrendered to it, whatever it is. James 4:15.
2.
Our own will and vaunting that is contrary to God's is sin. James 4:16.
3.
The Lord's will is good for me; to do good now and receive good in eternity. James 4:17.
THE SIN OF OMISSION James 4:17
1.
What we know of God's will. (To Him that knoweth.)
A.
The saint, having God's revelation, knows all things, or all He shall reveal. 1 John 2:20.
B.
The sinner, having the testimony of creation, knows the power and divinity of God, even if he has not heard the Word. Romans 1:20.
2.
We do not that which we know to do. (and doeth it not)
A.
The more we know of His revelation, the more we realize our transgression.
B.
The uninformed sinner has not glorified God nor given Him thanks. Romans 1:21.
3.
We all sin.
(But we have an Advocate and a propitiation, 1 John 2:1-2).
THERE SHALL BE WEEPING AND HOWLING James 5:1
1.
Weeping for the spiritual torment and howling for physical torment.
2.
The miseries of eternal condemnation.
3.
They are surely coming upon the unjust and ungodly.
ROTTEN WEALTH James 5:2-3
1.
Riches are corrupted. (When they are ill-gotten).
2.
Garments are moth-eaten. (When they foster selfishness and pride).
3.
Gold and silver are rusted. (When they are not used to bless God).
TREASURES LAID UP James 5:1-3
1.
The bank that really counts is in heaven.
2.
The treasures of joy laid up in Christ Jesus.
3.
The treasures of fire and torment laid up for the devil.
THE LORD OF SABAOTH James 5:4
1.
The hosts and armies of God.
2.
The leader of His armies.
3.
The enemy of His armies.
DELICATE LIVING James 5:5 (At the expense of others).
1.
It is the taking of ones-' own selfish pleasure.
2.
It is preparing our hearts for a day of slaughter.
3.
It is condemning and killing the righteous.