THE ABUSIVE RICH WILL BE JUDGED James had a message for the oppressive rich. He asked for their close attention, as in 4:13, by saying "Come now." This time he is speaking to the rich. His message seems to be directed to some rich outside the church, especially since verse 7 is directed to brethren.... [ Continue Reading ]
CHRISTIANS NEED TO BE PATIENT James urges the brethren to patiently endure just as the Lord did (James 5:7; Matthew 5:38-48). At the coming of the Lord, James urged his readers to remember, all will be rewarded according to their deeds (John 5:28-29). This should cause us to patiently endure what o... [ Continue Reading ]
THOSE WHO ENDURE ARE BLESSED The prophets suffered for God. The Greek word for "suffering" which James uses in reference to the prophets is one which designates external pressure (Matthew 23:34; Luke 11:47; Acts 7:52). Those spokesmen for God left an example of bearing up under such and remaining tr... [ Continue Reading ]
RESPONSES TO VARIOUS SITUATIONS What should a Christian do when physical and mental problems bear down upon him and depression sets in? James says pray, not just once, but repeatedly. On the other hand, if we are joyful and full of good spirits we ought to let it be known through songs of praise. A... [ Continue Reading ]
EXAMPLES OF PRAYERS OF THE FAITHFUL James encouraged those in the first century church to keep on confessing their sins to one another and to keep on praying one for another. A similar concept is found in 1 John 1:7 where the apostle of love urged his readers to keep on walking in the light so they... [ Continue Reading ]
RESTORING THE ERRING It is obvious James believed one could err from the truth. Yet, how can one wander from something in which he has not been? So, Christians can fall from grace (See also Galatians 5:2-4; 2 Timothy 2:16-18). To turn a man back is to cause him to change course. By causing him to ch... [ Continue Reading ]