SCRIPTURE: JAMES 5
BIBLE VERSES:
“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. You have lived on earth in luxury and self-indulgence. You have fattened yourselves in the day of slaughter. You have condemned and murdered the innocent one, who was not opposing you.” (James 5:4-6)
“You too, be patient and stand firm, because the Lord’s coming is near. Don’t grumble against one another, brothers and sisters, or you will be judged. The Judge is standing at the door!” (James 5:8-9)
“ Is anyone among you in trouble? Let them pray. Is anyone happy? Let them sing songs of praise. 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. 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. 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.” (James 5:12-16)
“Remember this: Whoever turns a sinner from the error of their way will save them from death and cover over a multitude of sins.” (James 5:20)
WARNING TO RICH OPPRESSORS (vs. 1-6)
Rich people who failed to pay the workmen just compensation will be condemned. Their wealth will rot. Their gold and silver will corrode. The cries of the workmen will reach the ears of the Lord Almighty. They live in luxury and self-indulgence and fattened themselves. They have condemned and murdered innocent men.
PATIENCE IN SUFFERING (vs. 7-12)
The farmer is patiently waiting for the autumn and spring in order to yield valuable crops. We should also be patient and stand firm while waiting for the Lord’s coming. Take Job as an example. He persevered during his trials and the Lord finally blessed him double fold. Refrain from grumbling or swearing because you will be judged.
THE PRAYER OF FAITH (vs. 13-20)
Elijah prayed earnestly that it would not rained for 3-1/2 years. Again he prayed and the heaven gave rain and the earth produced it crops. Never underestimate the power of prayer. It can make the sick person well and confessed sins will be forgiven. Someone should bring back anyone who had wander from the truth to save him from death.
THOUGHTS:
In preparation for the Lord’s coming, James reminded us of 4 things:
- The rich must not hoard his wealth and held back honest wages of his employees.
- When you are undergoing trials, be patient.
- Do not forget to pray for the sick, for forgiveness of sin, for the nation and for the weather.
- Be concerned when a fellow believer starts to stray. Try to help him and win him back.
Sins of the rich:
- Hoarding of wealth
- Stealing wages
- Luxurious living
- Injustice.
Christians must learn to be patient like a farmer knowing that in due season, we shall reap a harvest. Do not become critical and start to murmur and complain or blame others. Imitate Job. He did not understands the “whys”. But he trusted the Lord knowing that all things work together for good. So, Christians must live by faith, looking forward to Christ’s coming.
James admonished us not to swear. He was telling us to have honest speech that does not need to back up our promises with oaths. In other words, Christians must always keep and honor his word even if it hurts him personally. Always be honest by avoiding lies, half truths and omission of the truth. Be a trustworthy person to show good testimony to unbelievers.
The church as body of believers mut serve with love, compassion and truth. It must have faith in action in order to draw people to Christ. Christians should help backsliders return to God by praying for the person and acting in love.