Please forgive this rough draft format, as these are my raw study notes on the book of James, although they are a bit better formatted than former efforts. I felt a great sense of urgency to publish them rather than waiting until I had the time to pretty them up. Thank you and I pray that God blesses and encourages you through this material. I’m not sure of the condition of the world at the time of this publication. But at the time of its writing, summer 2009, things are looking increasingly bleak with the economy, health care and unemployment, there is a renewal and increase of racism, and godly principles of living being disregarded. Are these the first stages of birth pains? The last? God only knows. And He is very busy these days. Seek His wisdom. Encourage each other. Pray. Jesus is coming to deliver His people and judge the wicked…Stacey
Take a few minutes to pray and savor chapter 5 of the book of James. Then return here and ponder the thoughts, answer the questions, and be sure to leave comments about your own revelations…
5:1-6 – riches are worthless, so put your effort into accumulating “kingdom wealth”.
Can you think of examples? Leading people to Christ. Growing in love, deepening your character…
5:4 – The wicked weren’t paying their workers at the end of the day.
5:6 – see Matt 18:21-35 – the parable of the unforgiving debtor.
Why wouldn’t the innocent resist? Because they trusted those with power over them.
5:7-8 – be patient as you wait for Jesus to return.
How?
5:7 – patient – makrothumia.
Do you think James was a farmer?
5:10-11 – How did the prophets serve as an example of patience?
5:11 – perseverance – hupomone – hope.
How was Job an example of endurance?
5:12 – Don’t make oaths. See Matthew 5:33. How does this equate to swearing an oath in court? What does this relate to? Say “yes” or “no”. Don’t be extravagant in promising or trying to convince others you’re telling the truth.
5:13 – Pray, praise.
5:14-15 – Call others to pray and anoint us when we’re ill.
5:16 – Confess sin to each other.
Pray for each other.
5:17-18 – see 1 Kings 17:1; Revelation 11:3-12.
• The book of James is called the “Proverbs of the New Testament”. What pearl of wisdom have you harvested from today’s reading, and how will you apply it to your life?
• What attributes of God do you see in this book?
• What verse of scripture seemed to be God speaking directly to you? What is He teaching you in these verses? How does He want you to respond?
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