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Opening Prayer; Father God be with us now as we continue in our study in the Epistle of James. Tonight we study the effects of riches and the management of our affairs and our conduct as Christians. We ask that you impart to us those matters that you would have us learn from these verses. Be with those of our group who cannot be here tonight, we offer our prayer for their safekeeping and pray that they will join us for the next study. We offer this prayer in the name of Your Son our Lord Jesus Christ…..Amen
James 5:1-6 The Misuse of Riches
1. Now listen, you rich people, weep and wail because of the misery that is coming on you. 2 Your wealth has rotted, and moths have eaten your clothes. 3 Your gold and silver are corroded. Their corrosion will testify against you and eat your flesh like fire. You have hoarded wealth in the last days. 4 Look! The wages you failed to pay the workers who mowed your fields are crying out against you. The cries of the harvesters have reached the ears of the Lord Almighty. 5 You have lived on earth in luxury and self-indulgence. You have fattened yourselves in the day of slaughter. 6 You have condemned and murdered the innocent one, who was not opposing you.
Discussion
James is offering a condemnation to those who idolize their riches, setting their affection on riches rather than on God. He is telling them that they have replaced the worship of God with the love of their wealth and position. This is simply the way of the world. The richer one is, the more they attract the world's attention, which incidentally becomes addictive. They ignore and avoid those who have been unfairly treated and they take advantage of their high position to influence matters of interest to them for self promotion and gratification. .They know what they are doing, and whom they are hurting, and they know that judgment is coming. They really should be living in fear of God and seeking his mercy with a change of heart. Yet their wealth and posessions have calloused their heart to the worship God except in ways that promote their position in life. Hoarding wealth does two things. One, it becomes a powerful force in one's life, making real life decisions more difficult because it has such an addicting influence. And two, it becomes a testimony against those who have coveted it and used it in a life of luxury and even to the detriment of their own well being. The condemnation concludes with vs. 6 referring to the Jews who had condemned to death and crucified Jesus Christ the righteous and innocent one who was trying to save them from their sinful ways.
God does not condemn the wealthy nor does he prevent the use of great wealth to aid nations. Joseph was in a position to save the lives of many in Egypt because of his position, wealth and power.- Gen 47:15 -17; Abraham was a man of great wealth, & was called a “friend of God”—James 2:23; God called Job a perfect and upright man—Job 1:8; Solomon praised great riches as a blessing from God, saying, “In the house of the righteous there is much treasure. Please read (Ps.112:). The Bible only condemns the rich who store up their wealth instead of using it to reach the lost, feed the hungry, cloth the naked, provide for widows and orphans, shelter the cold & homeless, nurse the sick & use it for the spreading of the Gospel.
Questions 1. What dangers are always present for the rich and powerful?
2. What is the good that can come of great wealth?
3. In what ways does our church use it's wealth?
4. How does one's great wealth become a testimony against them?
Pg.2
James 5: 7-12 Patience and Peserverence
7 Be patient, then, brothers and sisters, until the Lord's coming. See how the farmer waits for the land to yield its valuable crop, patiently waiting for the autumn and spring rains. 8 You too, be patient and stand firm, because the Lord's coming is near. 9 Don't grumble against one another, brothers and sisters, or you will be judged. The Judge is standing at the door! 10 Brothers and sisters, as an example of patience in the face of suffering, take the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord.11 As you know, we count as blessed those who have persevered. You have heard of Job's perseverance and have seen what the Lord finally brought about. The Lord is full of compassion and mercy. 12 Above all, my brothers and sisters, do not swear--not by heaven or by earth or by anything else. All you need to say is a simple "Yes" or "No." Otherwise you will be condemned.
Discussion
As a matter of good character we are urged to be patient. Anxiety is just another way the world works its spell on the people who are of the world. We are to be patient as the farmer is patient waiting on the proper time and season to do his work. And we are urged to be patient with each other realizing that all do not walk at the same pace. We all have different gifts and different callings, thus our interests are not all compatible yet we are all to be civil and kind with each other not complaining and argumentative. We are to be tolerant and passive without grumbling and calling names. Those who are opposed to patience and civil conduct with their fellow man will be judged and it shall be counted against them. The judge is standing at the door. One of the great character traits of the Christian is that no matter the circumstances, like Job, they persevere and do not break from God.
Then we are urged not to swear. "Above all things, my brethren, swear not." The prohibition has not ceased to be necessary, as our daily, experience proves. Where is the pleasure in swearing? In times of strong excitement it is no doubt a relief to the feelings to use strong language; but what is gained by making the strong language more culpable by adding blasphemy to it? Besides which, there is the sadly common case of those who use blasphemous words in every phrase they utter, who habitually swear for lack of better words to express themselves.. But just let those who profess to think that there is no harm in idle swearing ask themselves whether they expect to repeat that plea when they give an account for every idle word at the day of judgment. (Matthew _12:35-37). Let us not swear the Lords name in vain, nor by the heavens, nor the earth. Why swear when a simple yes or no is all that is needed. We need not curse the circumstance of our life by swear words which do actually judge us to be lesser and not greater than the person or the thing being cursed, or sworn at.
Except where swearing to the truth of a matter, appearing as a witness, or at the calling of a judge or magistrate where an oath is required as part of our civil duty, in response to the law.
Questions
1. Can you name some things that cause you to be anxious?
2. In dealing with a cntentious person, what do you feel is the best advice?
3. What does James mean by “do not swear” explain your answer?
4. What about when we are directed by law to swear on the bible, or testify under oath?
5. In our present day, do we have a more cavalier attitude about swearing than in biblical times?
6. What about the present genre of movies which get better ratings if there is profanity
7. What does that tell us about today’s morals?
Pg.3
James 5: 13-20 Positive Faith and Prayer
13 Is anyone among you in trouble? Let them pray. Is anyone happy? Let them sing songs of praise. 14 Is anyone among you sick? Let them call the elders of the church to pray over them and anoint them with oil in the name of the Lord. 15 And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise them up. If they have sinned, they will be forgiven.16 Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective. 17 Elijah was a human being, even as we are. He prayed earnestly that it would not rain, and it did not rain on the land for three and a half years. 18 Again he prayed, and the heavens gave rain, and the earth produced its crops. 19 My brothers and sisters, if one of you should wander from the truth and someone should bring that person back, 20 remember this: Whoever turns a sinner from the error of their way will save them from death and cover over a multitude of sins.
These scriptures vvs 13-20 are a plea for prayer and faith. We do not know what lies just beyond the moment and we have very little control over the next step we take. Our intention may be of the highest order, and our plans may be the most pure and sincere. But the world has a way that will certainly fail us if we purpose our life with the best of wisdom and learning, but omit God's omnipotent presence from our lives. When things are going well and we are happy, our heart sings and all seems glorious, but such is short lived. Life is such that our way is often detoured through the worst of times. We must have a home base, a place of refuge, a safe haven. It is incumbent on a mother and father to properly care for their children, give them a secure environment and a loving relationship. Without that relationship the family becomes broken and often falls apart. God feels that same incumbency when dealing with His Children. God is the Christians home base, our place of refuge, our safe haven. He offers us a relationship that is sound and secure one that cannot be broken, He is the power the Christian needs to survive the worlds ways. When that relationship is made, our hearts sing a new song, one of salvation and surety. Left without God the man is at risk of losing his soul.
Our contact with God is through the use of Prayer. God listens and is moved by every word thought and deed the Christian does. He responds always. Prayer is the most powerful message God can receive from us. True our deeds are a response to what God is doing in our life but our prayer to God is the communication with which we are able to reach and interact with God. Jesus taught us the way to pray, and it is up to us to put into action the power of prayer in our life. Without prayer the relationship is weakened and is subject to what the world offers.
If a Christian sees a brother or sister wavering and in need of Godly counsel, bring that one back into the fold with prayer and kind words of truth about God. Saving Souls is not just for the evangelist. We Christians are to be actively involved in a great cover-up; that is, turning men away from their sins, so that their sins may be “cast … into the depths of the sea” (Micah 7:18-19) and “remembered no more” (Isaiah. 43:25).(1 Peter 4:7-11)
Questions 1. What is the typical response to suffering?
2. Will God always take away the trial from us?
3. What does a prayerful attitude show about our heart? (Our reliance on God.)
4. What is the typical response of an unbeliever to good news?
5. What does turning to other believers for prayer show about our hearts?
6. What does it mean that Elijah had a "nature like ours"?
7. What can we learn from the example of Elijah? What was Elijah's motivation for this prayer?
Pg.4
Scripture Readings
Psalm 112:1 Praise the LORD. Blessed are those who fear the LORD, who find great delight in his commands. 2 Their children will be mighty in the land; the generation of the upright will be blessed. 3 Wealth and riches are in their houses, and their righteousness endures forever.
4 Even in darkness light dawns for the upright, for those who are gracious and compassionate and righteous. 5 Good will come to those who are generous and lend freely, who conduct their affairs with justice. 6 Surely the righteous will never be shaken; they will be remembered forever.7 They will have no fear of bad news; their hearts are steadfast, trusting in the LORD.
8 Their hearts are secure, they will have no fear; in the end they will look in triumph on their foes. 9 They have freely scattered their gifts to the poor, their righteousness endures forever; their horn will be lifted high in honor. 10 The wicked will see and be vexed, they will gnash their teeth and waste away; the longings of the wicked will come to nothing.
Matthew12:35-37 A good man brings good things out of the good stored up in him, and an evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in him. 36 But I tell you that everyone will have to give account on the day of judgment for every empty word they have spoken.37 For by your words you will be acquitted, and by your words you will be condemned."
Micah 7:18-19 Who is a God like you, who pardons sin and forgives the transgression of the remnant of his inheritance? You do not stay angry forever but delight to show mercy. 19 You will again have compassion on us; you will tread our sins underfoot and hurl all our iniquities into the depths of the sea.
Isaiah 43:25 "I, even I, am he who blots out your transgressions, for my own sake, and remembers your sins no more.
1Peter 4:7-11 The end of all things is near. Therefore be alert and of sober mind so that you may pray 8 Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. 9 Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling.10 Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God's grace in its various forms. 11 If anyone speaks, they should do so as one who speaks the very words of God. If anyone serves, they should do so with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen
Closing Prayer; Almighty God our father, keeper of our peace, and reedemer of our souls, guide our words and deeds as we interact with our fellow Christians, that we may always say and do what is pleasing and acceptable to you, and cause grief to no one. Be with our loved ones and those who are ill or suffering____________ Bring to these mentioned, and to those on our hearts, Your peace to calm them and the strength to endure. Offer them your healing touch that they may be well again. Be with us now as we leave this place, keep us safe and bring us back next week. In Jesus' name we pray……….. Amen.
Pg.5
Meditation; Chapter Five of The Epistle of James
(Taken from the commentary of Matthew Henry)
“Now listen you rich people”, James was probably writing about people who were not in his congregation, But he was telling all of us, that troubles are most grievous to those who live in pleasure, and are secure and sensual, lacking a moral compass. All idolized treasures will soon perish, except as they will rise up in judgment against their possessors. Take heed of defrauding and oppressing; and avoid the very appearance of it. God does not forbid us to become rich or to experience lawful pleasures; but to live in pleasure, especially sinful pleasure, is a provoking sin. The just may be condemned and killed; but when such suffer by oppressors, this is marked by God. Above all their other crimes, the Jews had condemned and crucified among all the poor and destitute who fell to their unjust laws and self righteousness, The most just One who had ever come among them, Jesus Christ the righteous.
Be patient then brothers and sisters”,Consider the farmer who waits for the seasons to plant, and to harvest his crops. Success comes to him who waits, and will not you wait for a crown of glory? If you should be called to wait longer than the husbandman, is not there something more worth waiting for? Let us serve our God, and bear our trials, as those who believe that the end will crown all. Our eternal happiness is safe if we trust and believe Him who is the Just and Righteous one, Jesus Christ
The sin of swearing is condemned; but how many make light of common profane swearing! Such swearing expressly throws contempt upon God's name and authority. The Lord will not hold him guiltless that taketh his name in vain. It is a sin, do not partake of such foolish behavior, it accomplishes nothing, and it promotes failure.
“Is any one among you in trouble”? In a day of affliction nothing is more seasonable than prayer. The spirit is then most humble, and the heart is broken and tender. It is necessary to exercise faith and hope under afflictions; and prayer is the appointed means for obtaining and increasing these graces. Observe, that the saving of the sick is not ascribed to the anointing with oil, but to prayer. In a time of sickness it is not cold and formal prayer that is effectual, but the prayer of faith. The great thing we should beg of God for ourselves and others in the time of sickness is, the pardon of sin. To acknowledge our faults to each other, will tend greatly to peace and brotherly love. And when a righteous person, a true believer, justified in Christ, and by his grace walking before God in holy obedience, presents an effectual fervent prayer, wrought in his heart by the power of the Holy Spirit, raising holy affections and believing expectations and so leading earnestly to plead the promises of God at his mercy-seat, it avails much. The power of prayer is proved from the history of Elijah. In prayer we must not look to the merit of man, but to the grace of God. It is not enough to say a prayer, but we must pray in prayer. This instance of the power of prayer, encourages every Christian to be earnest in prayer. God never says to any of the seed of Jacob, Seek my face in vain. Where there may not be so much of miracle in God's answering our prayers, yet there may be as much of grace.
There is some doctrinal mistake at the bottom of every practical mistake. There is no one habitually bad, except upon some bad principle. This is conversion; to turn a sinner from the error of his ways. By way of convincing one of the goodness of God. There is no way effectually and finally to hide sin, but there is the forsaking of it. Many sins are hindered in the party converted; and many also may be so in others whom one may influence. Since the beginning of time He has been multiplying pardons, and yet his free grace is not tired nor grown weary. May the Lord give us a part in this abundant mercy, through the blood of Christ, and the sanctification of the Spirit…. Amen.
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