Introduction
James sent a strong condemnation to the rich believers who behave like the worldly lords. On the other end, those who encounter oppression - be it from believers or unbelievers - are asked to be patient, not to stir up strife within the church, and leave the judgment to Christ who is coming soon. James closes his letter with encouragement for the church community to confess to one another and to pray for one another for healing, which refers to physical but just as applicable to relationship healing and reconciliation, given the much conflict in this community.
Scripture: James 5:1-5
“Your gold and your silver have rusted; and their rust will be a witness against you and will consume your flesh like fire. It is in the last days that you have stored up your treasure! Behold, the pay of the laborers who mowed your fields, and which has been withheld by you, cries out against you; and the outcry of those who did the harvesting has reached the ears of the Lord of Sabath. You have lived luxuriously on the earth and led a life of wanton pleasure; you have fattened your hearts in a day of slaughter.” (v3-5)
Observation:
It appears that the Jewish Christians James were actively hoarding wealth to the point where they withheld just payment to their workers and perhaps drag the innocent to court to extract every penny and more. What would be the difference be between a Christian and a non-Christian if all behaved this way?
God has graciously given much to Christians, for we know those with many property, businesses and cars – these are not a sin for God chooses whom He wishes to bless, but it is idolatry when we worship the gifts rather than the Giver. And for those who has been given less, they are to be contented for we deserve nothing to begin with. The gap between those who have and those who do not are to enable Christians to practice practical love, kindness, and giving.
Application:
Has God blessed our family with all the comfort that we need? Have we thanked Him and being grateful, rather than being discontented? We didn’t have much when we started as a family and yet today we have much to praise God for and to rejoice, rather than focus on the negatives.
And have we been prudent with how we spend our money? Have we done our part in saving in electricity, water, and being careful in buying things that are value for money and not carelessly? Have we saved up for rainy days, for example, if I lose my job or a family member need expensive health care? How have we given to the church and to the church ministry generously and yet reasonably? If we haven’t been doing this enough, let’s plan and do it as a family.
Scripture: James 5:6-9
You also, be patient. Establish your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is at hand. Do not grumble against one another, brothers, so that you may not be judged; behold, the Judge is standing at the door. (v8-9)
Observation:
James started his letter with encouragement for those facing persecution. Then he speaks about quarrels within the church. Here he puts the two together. Whether or not Christ comes within our life time, we are to be patient and be contented with the lot of life given to us, for we only have a short time to live, and even shorter to serve God.
For this reason Satan throws curve balls into relationships in the church and in families from without and from within, so that believers spend valuable time judging and fighting one another, wasting precious time and damaging their testimony. Believers are asked to close ranks with forgiving spirit in spite of differences in opinions in obedience to God for the unity of the spirit.
Application:
Are we tempted to believe that we are somehow shortchanged and become discontent with our lives that God alloted to us? Or do we thank God for all the blessings He has given us. Are we blaming others for our suffering instead of being instruments of peace? Do we judge others with pride and self righteousness? If yes, may the spirit convict us of our attitudes and transform our minds, and to "establish our hearts" so we don't get distracted from God's will for us, our family and our ministry.
But above all, my brothers, do not swear, either by heaven or by earth or by any other oath, but let your “yes” be yes and your “no” be no, so that you may not fall under condemnation. (v12)
Observation:
James returns to his topic about managing our tongue. There were the loose tongue (1:26), flattering tongue (2:3), toxic tongue (3:8), double tongue (3:10), slandering tongue (4:11), boastful tongue (4:13,16), and grumbling tongue (5:9).
Here he addresses the swearing tongue. Very often, a lying or an exaggerating tongue is used together with the other forms of tongue misuse, such as to flatter, boast, slander, complain or even to swear falsely, judging and accusing another person.
Following Jesus' teaching on not to swear (mat 5:33-37), James places speaking the simple truth above swearing. If we only know that someone speaks truth when they swear, then we don't know if they are lying the rest of the time. Swearing is not a sin (Paul also used it from time to time), but a Christian who is trustworthy and consistent need not resort to it.
Application:
Swearing using God's name risks condemnation because we have imperfect understanding of other people or even of ourselves, such that it is not possible to guarantee what we say is totally and absolutely true. We are just asked to be as accurate as possible on the facts, with no discrimination or emotional bias against any person even if we are making a comment about an enemy.
Words creates a bondage between people because everyone depends on what was said/promised to take actions or to make decisions for the future. If we lie, then we together with everyone who hear us become a bondage to that lie. That is why accuracy - no more, no less - of words are very important.
So, when asked of our opinion, we can only say, "if I'm wrong, I stand to be corrected, but in my personal opinion, I think/believe....". And if we make a promise to do something, it will be good to add: "if God willing."
In other words, say what you mean, and mean what you say. People may not like your opinion, but they will respect your humility and your trustworthiness. However, sometimes it is still better to say nothing if it doesn't bring a positive outcome.
If we had lied /exaggerated in order to gain advantage, it is better to go back and admit it rather than to add more lies to defend it, for it will become harder to confess when the lies grow bigger.
Scripture: James 5:13-15
Let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord. And 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. (v13-15)
Observation:
Tongues, as cursed as they are, have good and powerful uses. James exhort people to pray and praise. For the sick, the elders have the responsibility and the authority to pray for healing. Healing powers are not inherent in anyone but elders are expected to understand their flock and their flock are to be submissive to them. In an environment where there is discernment, submission and righteous prayer in faith in Jesus name, healing can take place. Sin or evil influences can be causes of physical or psychological illness and these too can be overcome by elders' ministry.
Application:
Today we are not regularly exposed to much physical healing ministry of the elders as we depend on doctors. However, this does not mean the healing ministry of elders ought not be neglected. Other than prayers for physical illness, there is a great deal of healing required for spiritual, emotional or mental problems that affect the whole being and relationships. It's only by submission to church leadership as ordained by God can any Christian truly be under the submission of Christ and experience the holistic healing that God intends for him/her.
Scripture: James 5:16
Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working. (v16)
Observation:
James advocate a practice hardly followed by churches today. There should be a continuous process of confession and accountability to one another in the church. It should be a Christian lifestyle. This is the power behind healing of all kinds - physical, mental, emotional, spiritual.
It is important to note that the response to a confession is not judgment or pronunciation of a punishment sentence, but prayer. There is love and "bearing each other's burden" implied in this undertaking, which makes this practice attractive and sustainable.
Prayers and ministry for healing (either physical, emotional or healing of relationships) are not restricted to elders but any mature or "righteous" members of the church as their gifts enable them.
Application:
The reason we do not practice confession, even when we know we had done or said something wrong to someone else is due to pride and to "save face." This is especially in the Asian communities.
How do we overcome this primal self defensive instinct? It takes leadership and examples from figures of authority in the church as well as in the family. It must prove that the church is a "safe place" for confession and free of judgement.
Without this practice, churches merely become a Sunday place to put on your best smiles and greetings while the heart is filled with grudges, bitterness, jealousy, and discontentment. As the devotion journal says: "we need a revival of truth and reconciliation more than a revival of signs and wonders."
Scripture.. James 5:16-18
The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working. Elijah was a man with a nature like ours, and he prayed fervently that it might not rain, and for three years and six months it did not rain on the earth.
Observation
The bible says that if we regard (cherish) sin in our lives, God will not hear us. (psalms 66:18). No one can be perfect, even "God's friend", Moses. A righteous man is not a man without sin but who is aware of his faults and acknowledges his sins before God, and allows God to change him over time.
A righteous' mans prayer is effective because he is intimate with God and has learned how to discern the will of God, and God has a special favor towards him. (eg, Daniel, Moses, Elijah, Joshua, Peter, Paul, etc.)
Application
There's a special understanding between a righteous man (as defined above) and God that is hard to explain. He has insights into why God choose to answer or not to answer prayers, and patiently waits for God's right timing.
If you need a problem to be solved, find such a righteous man and ask him to pray for you. Don't be surprise that he may not do it, for your problem need not a prayer but a right action on your part. But if he does pray for you, the bible says it will work with great effect. Just be ready that the answer from God may not be what you expect!
Scripture: James 19-20
let him know that whoever brings back a sinner from his wandering will save his soul from death and will cover a multitude of sins. (v20)
Observation:
The word wandering (gk. plané) implies a person who had strayed from right thinking or actions due doctrinal errors, deception, deceit or delusion. This can be self-influenced or externally influenced. The farther and longer a person stay in error, the harder it is to bring them back.
That's why it is so critical for each believer to be part of a Bible study /teaching fellowship and open to confession and correction by each other. The plurality of elders and teachers (as suppose to individual learner or a single church leader) remove biased views and small uncorrected errors that build up to be a major deception that can ruin lives.
Application:
Are we in a group of fellowship that is serious about biblical teaching and are willing to change our views when different perspectives are given? Never follow a particular preacher, or book author or pastor. Always go to the bible and work along with several trusted friends who are serious in faith, truth and action as James had been advocating.
Prayer for James 4:
Lord, let not the greed for money nor financial insecurity rule our lives. Help us to be prudent with what you have given us and to be good stewards. Help us to guard them carefully for we do not know what rainy days will come, and when they do, your provisions are there to protect us but also to help others. Help us also to be sensitive to others with needs around us and give us the wisdom to give appropriately.
Help me be patient with people who are difficult to deal with or give me problems. Humble me to know that I am also a sinner and have to rights nor qualified to judge another believer. Help me to focus and obey only on the truth of your word, forgive those who offends me and leave the rest to you.
Help me to become a trustworthy person by telling the truth without clouding or veiling it with pretense, falsehood or exaggeration. Also give me the sensitivity and wisdom to not say anything that would destroy someone's reputation if the truth is spoken, but rather to find a way to correct or build up one another. Lastly give me the courage to admit past lies so as to free myself and all who depended on my words.
Help me to be willing to submit myself to authorities you have put in place. Like any medical recovery, spiritual recovery can be long and painful but You are the Great Physician by whose stripes
we have been healed. We pray for our elders who has this great responsibilities of ministering to the flock - may they have the wisdom and courage to bring healing to whoever requires it.
Forgive us for hiding negative thoughts against our brothers and sisters. Give us wisdom and courage to confront those who had offended us and to confess our wrong reactions to them. For those we have offended without knowledge, reveal it to our conscience so that we can heal the relationship and free the community from distractions and do your work with joy. We pray for church leaders to have the courage to lead a culture of confession in their churches.
Lord, thank you for the teachings and message from the book of James. May we grow in faith, truth and in action as we grow closet to you. Help us serve the church and create a community and family that attract others to you by our love and walk.
In Jesus Name, Amen.
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