JAMES CHAPTER FIVE

JAMES
Chapter Five

Video link to youtube.com

Number within parentheses are verse references links

Table of Contents with synopsis

The Rich are Warned ………………………………. 5: 1-6
Exhortations of the Coming of Jesus ……….. 5: 7-13
Healing the Sick ……………………………………...5: 14-16
Conclusion …………………………………………….. 5: 19 & 20

Although it’s not a sin to be rich, far too often wealth becomes a barrier between God and man.  Wealth is short lived whereas life after death is eternal.  The choice is your eternity in heaven with Jesus or an eternity separated from God and exist in constant torment.  James begins this portion of his letter with a dire warning.  He concludes his letter with a promise.

The Rich Are Warned

Verses 5:1-6

1  Come now, you rich, weep and howl for your miseries which are coming upon you.  2  Your riches have rotted and your garments have become moth-eaten.  3  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!  4  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 Sabbath.  5  You have lived luxuriously on the earth and led a life of wanton pleasure; you have fattened your hearts in a day of slaughter.  6  You have condemned and put to death the righteous man; he does not resist you.

In verses 1-6 James makes six accusations of the rich: 1. they are foolish in storing up so many riches (verses 1-3).
2. Possessions that are not used spoil and do no good. 
3. They were not honest in what they did (verse 4).
4. They got their wealth by unfair actions and they cheated their workers.
5. They lived a life of luxury while other people were in need of their help (verse 5). 
6.  They were guilty of the crime of murder (verse 6).
Let’s take a closer look at each of the 6 verses.

(1)It was evident to James the church was envious of the rich, who flaunted their wealth. The use of the phrase “Come now” is used here to bring attention to what follows.  The rich people James was speaking of were not part of the Christian church, but rather those who were wealthy, such as land owners.  These wealthy people took great comfort and security from their wealth.  James knowing this to be a stumbling block for the church used the rich to point out just how foolish the rich were in banking on the temporal things of this world (Matthew 6:20).
James tells how the rich will regret deeply their wealth.  Placing money, anyone, or anything above God, causes a rift between God and man.  Jesus said in Matthew 6:24  “No one can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and wealth.

(2 & 3) Things of this world will pass away but God is eternal.
In verses, 2-3 James continues on with the futility of storing up riches of the earth, or hoarding things such as oil, food and other human necessities, while the poor were in much need.
The last days referred to in verse 3 is the period of time from Jesus’ death and resurrection until He comes again.  Now the wealthy landowners were known to withhold wages of those who worked for them, bringing about the workers hatred towards their employers.  We find this true in some instances today when an employer does not pay overtime (Leviticus 19:13, Deuteronomy 24:15 ).

Money or other earthly possessions are of no value until they are used.  The parable of the talents is a good example of how true this statement is.  We are told to use our wealth whether it be in money, time, or goods to help the widows and orphans (James 1:27). As a church we are using our resources as our Lord would desire; through our benevolence fund, helping each other, and our ministry at Pinehurst.
Ask yourself: Am I doing all I can for those in need?   

(5&6) James drives his point home with the judgment against those who are guilty of crimes against the poor.
James makes reference to how they (the rich) were fattening their hearts.  This reference would be likened to the farmer who would fatten his animals for slaughter.  The rich lived lavishly while the poor suffered in poverty.  Sodom was destroyed because of their self-indulgence and guilt against the poor (Ezekiel 16:49 ).  Because the accusers were rich they carried more weight with the courts. The poor were condemned by the courts because of their poverty.  They could not afford someone to represent them; finding themselves without any recourse. 
This is true even today in this country.  While the wealthy can afford the best in attorneys' to represent them, the poor get public defenders, often times these lawyers are fresh out of school with little or no courtroom experience.

Exhortations of the Coming of Jesus
5:7-18

7  Therefore be patient, brethren, until the coming of the Lord. The farmer waits for the precious produce of the soil, being patient about it until it gets the early and late rains.  8  You too be patient; strengthen your hearts, for the coming of the Lord, is near.  9  Do not complain, brethren, against one another, so that you yourselves may not be judged; behold, the Judge is standing right at the door.  10 As an example, brethren, of suffering and patience, take the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord.  11  We count those blessed who endured. You have heard of the endurance of Job and have seen the outcome of the Lord’s dealings that the Lord is full of compassion and is merciful.  12 But above all, my brethren, do not swear, either by heaven or by earth or with any other oath; but your yes is to be yes, and your no, no, so that you may not fall under judgment.  13 Is anyone among you suffering? Then he must pray. Is anyone cheerful? He is to sing praises. 

(7) James speaking to his fellow Christian-Jewish converts tells them to be patient on the Lord.  The Lord will judge those who cause suffering and also to those who have endured suffering. Jesus tells the story of the rich man to show the judgment the Lord brings.
Being patient is one of the most difficult things for people to conquer especially those who are suffering at the hands of another.  James gives an example of waiting for the harvest.  The Lord brings forth the rains which in-turn brings forth the harvest.  If the farmer shows patients waiting for the early and late rains to come then he should also show patients for the Lord to bring forth judgment, even if they have to wait until the Lord returns. (I Thessalonians 2:19; Galatians 6:9; Deuteronomy 11:14 ).

As Christians, we must also practice patients in our times of tribulation, and in our prayers.  We should expect our prayers to be answered.  However, the Lord answers in His time, not ours?

(8) James is saying be reassured that all will be made right when the Lord comes again and to be ready.  James speaks here as though the Lord was coming very soon.  James did not know, nor does any man know, when the Lord will come again.  Jesus gives us the parable of ten virgins to illustrate the lesson James is teaching here. 
I believe James believed the Lord could come at any time.  Many have unsuccessfully predicted the end of days.  It is not for us to know, for none know but the Father alone (Matthew 24:36).  Yes, our Bible gives us signs to look for of the end of days, but here again, this serves only to assure our readiness when the master returns (1 Thessalonians 4:16). 
If we live our lives as though Jesus was coming any moment, our hearts will be without blame knowing our place is with Jesus (I Thessalonians 3:13).  Additional references: (Romans 13:11-12; I Peter 4:7)

(9)  James is telling the church it is wrong for Christians to complain about other Christians. James is repeating, in different words, what he said in chapter 4 verse 11. Where he states, complaining is actually speaking against the law (James 4:11).
What is complaining but judging?  The complaining might be loud and boisterous or a quiet muttering to one’s self. In some translations, you might see the word murmur used. When a person complains about another person, he is, in fact, passing judgment on that person. 
For the judgment to be made, there must be a standard to measure against.  The standard we as Christians are measured against is the example of Christ Jesus, for we are called by his name.   As Christians we are told not to judge others, for if we do, by the same measure we will be judged; Not just by Jesus someday (Matthew 24:33), but also by others today (Matthew 7:1 & 2).  This exhortation goes beyond your Christian brother or sister in Christ; it extends also to your neighbor (I Corinthians 4:5; James 4:12; I Peter 4:5). 
(10 & 11) James knew the church was suffering ridicule and even physical abuse at the hands of nonbelievers. James wanted to give hope to those who suffered and did so by reminding them of the story of Job.  Job suffered greatly at the hands of Satan.  He showed his faith in, and love for God, through his suffering.  Because Job endured great suffering and did not curse God; he was rewarded greatly. 

Jesus tells us to rejoice in our suffering (Matthew 5:12). This is not to say to jump up and down while you’re going through our suffering. Rather rejoice in the promise of blessings which may or may not come in our lifetime.  When you endure an illness, let’s say cancer, and the Lord delivers you from this illness.  Your joy abounds because you endured, and our blessing is deliverance from our suffering.  Jesus does not want you to suffer as He did, but He does want you to rely on Him, and to rejoice when you see His hand at work in your life.

(12)  When a person swears, he or she is making a declaration of intent.  You are saying in effect may God and His creation bears witness to this declaration.  An example of this is when a person takes the witness stand in court; he or she must first swear or affirm, to tell the truth, and the whole truth.  Our legal system added the word affirm because there was a reluctance by some to swear an oath because of their faith.
I do not believe James is saying necessary saying all oath are wrong but rather you will be held to strict accountability for that oath.  If you promise, to tell the truth, and lie or mislead you have violated your oath, and you will be judged for that. 

James goes on to say let your yes be yes and your no’ be no.  Swearing then and even now was used to bolster what a person was saying.  Do not fall into the trap of embellishing a statement with what could be considered an oath.  Remember we are held accountable for any oath we make, for example; our marriage vows are made before God and witnesses.

(13) James referring back to verse 10 tells those who are suffering to pray.  Do not swear or promise rather pray. Do not as an example say, Lord, I promise to take care of the poor if you will just take this tribulation from me. I believe he was talking about persecution here because in verse 14 he specifically speaks of sickness.  Rest assured God will hear such a prayer, He might not, however, deliver you from such suffering.  The suffering you are experiencing maybe the method God chooses to use to refine you. This refining could be to rid you of unwanted facets in your life. Considering this I would suggest you pray for relief as Jesus did, in which He said “Father if you are willing to take this cup from me, yet let your will be done” (Luke 22:42).

When the period of suffering is over rejoice, giving praise for your deliverance.  Be happy knowing that the suffering is over, and the hand of God has worked within you. God may allow tribulation to come into your life, He uses this tribulation.  However, remember He is not the source of the tribulation.  His desire is not to see you suffer for suffering sake but rather for you to grow into what He wants you to be.
In the next verse, James tells what to do if we are sick.

Healing of the Sick

14  Is anyone among you sick? Then he must call for the elders of the church and they are to pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord; 15 and the prayer offered in faith will restore the one who is sick, and the Lord will raise him up, and if he has committed sins, they will be forgiven him.  16  Therefore, confess your sins to one another, and pray for one another so that you may be healed. The effective prayer of a righteous man can accomplish much.  17 Elijah was a man with a nature like ours, and he prayed earnestly that it would not rain, and it did not rain on the earth for three years and six months.  18  Then he prayed again, and the sky poured rain and the earth produced its fruit.

(14 & 15 ) We are to call upon the elders of the church and the pastor who is considered to be an elder.  As leaders of the church, praying will church individuals' is one of the most important and solemn tasks an elder can perform. 
Oil was used for medicinal purposes.   Example oil of oregano is used to heal cuts and scrapes and protects the wound from infection.  The apostles healed by anointing with oil asking for healing in the name of Jesus (Mark 6:13 ).  In the process of anointing for healing; 1) Elders are to be purified, that is to say, to have been forgiven of any sins.  2) The person being healed will be forgiven of any sins they have committed.  3) The person must believe wholeheartedly they will be healed.  4) The Elders will ask thankfully, and with expectation for healing in the name of Jesus.  The Elders do not have any special powers to heal.  Healing comes from God who is the great physician.

Some churches preach to seek only this type of healing, and not to go to doctors for treatment of any kind.  I believe this to be a very dangerous practice.  In ancient times medicine was crude and often caused more harm than it solved.  In this age medical treatments have been perfected far beyond that which James could have dreamed of.  God can’t be restricted to heal by anointing alone.  He may desire you to use the skills He has given to another to heal.  

(16)  I like Ian Mackervoys comment on this verse:  “It is not only the elders and the sick person who should pray. All the Christians should pray for one another. They should confess their sins to one another. They must pray for one another that God may heal them. As they confess their faults and pray for one another, God makes them clean. He forgives them and they forgive one another. Those whom God forgives he considers to be righteous persons. When they pray to God, he will hear them. God does great things in answer to their prayers.”
There is a saying that “confession is good for the soul”.  God wants us to pray for each other, and to confess our sins to the offended.  By first confessing to that person that you have transgressed against then seeking their forgiveness. Then pray with that person for God’s forgiveness for sinning against your brother/sister in Christ, and your sins will be forgiven you.   

(17 & 18 )  Elijah a Tishbite (of Gilead) of the Old Testament was a prophet and a righteous man.  The story as recorded in I Kings 17:1  is an example of what James was talking about when he said the prayer of a righteous man avails much.
There are two very important take-a-ways’ on these two verses.
1. Elijah was a man just as we are today.  He was a righteous man, which means he was right with God.  It was no accident of nature that caused no rain to fall on the land for three years; it was an answer to prayer.  But why would Elijah ask for such a terrible thing? He was obedient to God who was angered by Ahab king of Israel who sinned greatly against God (1 Kings 16:30).
2.  Elijah prayed earnestly.  When I think of praying earnestly I think of the movie
“The War Room”.

Conclusion
5:19 & 20

19  My brethren, if any among you strays from the truth and one turns him back,  20 let him know that he who turns a sinner from the error of his way will save his soul from death and will cover a multitude of sins.

(19 & 20) James ends his letter with a warning concerning those who stray away from the truth (the gospel of Christ).  It is for us, who are brothers and sisters in Christ, to feel a great loss when one of our brethren stray from Jesus. 
If we knowingly allow one of our brethren to stray, and make no attempt to rescue them, are we not betraying the very love we profess for one another?  If he is not rescued, James indicates to us his soul will face death.  Are we not then responsible for this brother or sisters death? (Matthew 18:15  )

James tells us if we do turn the strayed soul from his wayward path we will be saving his life, and his sins will be forgiven.  Once again he will be restored.
Can a person lose his/her salvation?
This is a question which has been debated for as long as I can remember.  It is not my intention to begin a study on this subject but rather to point out the two sides of the issue. (2 Timothy 2:17; Hebrews 6:4-6 (NKJV))
I

believe James is referring to a person who has a working knowledge of the gospel (enlightened) as opposed to a person who has been sealed by the Holy Spirit.   
Is it possible for a born-again Christian to backslide (stray)?  Some argue if a person is truly saved, they’re sealed by the Holy Spirit, and will not depart from Jesus.  Here are a few pro and con references:
Matthew 7:19-23; Matthew 10:22; Luke 12:46; Luke 13:6-9; John 8:31-32; John 15:1-6; Romans 11:20-22; 1 Corinthians 9:27; Colossians 1:21-23
Calvinist believe:  Psalm 37:23-28; John 6:37-40; John 10:26-30; John 14:16; Romans 6:3-5, 8; Romans 8:28-39; Romans 14:4; I Corinthians 1:7-9; Ephesians 1:13-14.
As you can see there are valid points on each side.  My advice concerning this matter is to live as though you could lose your salvation.
For more information on "Can, a Christian lose salvation"

Ian Mackervoy writes “19-20 It is possible for a person, who knows the truth about the Lord Jesus, to turn away from him. This is not when a Christian does something wrong. It is more than that. It is when a person wanders away from Jesus Christ and denies the truth.
Christian brothers and sisters should look after one another. So, when one of them wanders away, the rest should feel it deeply. It is their duty and desire to try to bring back to the *Lord Jesus any who have turned away. Suppose that a person brings another one back to the Lord Jesus. He should know that by this God has saved that person from death. Most Christians believe that this cannot mean the death of the body. James is speaking about the death of the soul. To bring back a brother or sister to Jesus is a great work. As that brother or sister comes back to the Lord Jesus, God will forgive all his or her sins. A person who comes to Jesus with real trust and receives new life from him can never lose that life. But these verses talk about one of them, that is one of that church, who turns away. This passage speaks about those who have heard the truth but they have not really put their trust in the Lord Jesus Christ.