James 5 - Introduction

1. Outline:

1. Hoarded Wealth: James 5:1-6

2. The Need For Patience: James 5:7-11

3. Oaths: James 5:12

4. Prayer For the Sick: James 5:13-16

5. Example of Elijah: James 5:17-18

6. Straying From The Truth: James 5:19-20

1. Introductory Comments:

The first question we are confronted with as we enter this chapter is whether James is addressing rich non-Christians, Christians or both. 1. The rich mentioned in James 1:10-11 were members of the Church, while the rich man mentioned in 1 Peter 2:2 could have been. non-Christian visitor. While the rich in verses James 5:1-6 are not directly or specifically called upon to repent,. believe that the door to repentance was open. In fact repentance was the only way to avoid the coming condemnation (Acts 17:30). 2. In the Old Testament the prophets often addressed and included judgments against the unbelieving world in their writings. The book of Isaiah contains judgments against many non-Jewish nations, Babylon (James 13:3), Philistia (James 14:28), Moab (James 15:1), Damascus (James 17:1), Ethiopia (James 18:1), and Tyre and Sidon (James 23:1). 3. Clearly these verses apply to any greedy individual among the wealthy, Christian or non-Christian. 4. Roberts writes, "It certainly would be. warning to any Christian who might be tempted to act in the wrong way…..But the probable purpose which James had in mind was to put such unjust people in the proper perspective before the church. Those who suffer as Christians from the hands of such people are not to envy the rich…..They are to see these sinful people for what they are in God's sight: wretched people fattening themselves for. day of slaughter" (pp. 180-181). Jesus pointed out that even religious people often make the mistake of trying to combine. love for God with. love for wealth (Matthew 6:24). In addition, it is clear that some of the Christians which James addresses thought too much of wealth and were holding the wealthy on. pedestal (James 2:1ff).

To this day Christians are tempted to envy the wealthy (Psalms 73:1). It is. common temptation to glorify those who seem self sufficient and above the aches and pains of daily living. Our society especially is captivated by the person who wheels and deals, wines and dines, makes the big bucks, and doesn't care what man or God thinks about him.