James 5:7-11 Series

Open your bibles to James Chapter 5.

As we continue our series in the Book of James entitled Faith That Works.

We have been quoting R. Kent Hughes who says “one thing is clear about the book of James—the dominant theme is;

“Faith that is real works practically in one's life. Faith that is true, is a faith that works.” R. Kent Hughes

Last week built on what James said in chapter 4;

"Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will exalt you." (James 4:10 ESV)

James warned us about our pride is the enemy of humility. Pride causes us to gossip, slander, and judge against one another. While faith that works is humble and not proud. Humble faith begins with the understanding that we are no better than anyone else, rather the Christian should look beyond a person's shortcomings and have a faith in Jesus who is able to save and heal the people we have a tendency to condemn and judge.

We learned our pride will cause us to boast about tomorrow making plans to become wealthy as if we are masters of our own universe. But Faith that works humbly understands nobody is promised tomorrow and we should live humbly in faith in God who is the master of our universe. James says the faithful are to live humbly saying, “If the Lord wills, I will go here and there”

Finally, James warns us that pride can cause the rich to only want to become richer Hoarding our possessions and oppressing the poor for the sake of selfish gain. Rather we should humble ourselves knowing every blessing comes from the Lord and we are using our wealth for the glory of God and be generous toward others.

Today James builds on what we learned last week as he calls those that have fallen victim to the pride to be patient during their suffering.

Will you stand with me if you are able as we open up God’s word.

James 5:7-12

Be patient, therefore, brothers, until the coming of the Lord. See how the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth, being patient about it, until it receives the early and the late rains. 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. As an example of suffering and patience, brothers, take the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord. Behold, we consider those blessed who remained steadfast. You have heard of the steadfastness of Job, and you have seen the purpose of the Lord, how the Lord is compassionate and merciful. 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. (James 5:7-12 ESV)

PRAY

It is helpful to remind ourselves of the context James is writing. James opens his letter telling us that he is writing about the 12 tribes in the dispersion. This is important to understand who he is writing. Jewish Christians were persecuted in Jerusalem after the death of Stephen. In fear of their lives, they fled to communities around the Mediterranean. Tragically these Christians would not find too much relief wherever they went. Many were refused protection by those in Jewish communities in fear that they too would be persecuted. And many who settled into Gentile communities were exploited and enslaved. The people who would read this letter were being persecuted, enslaved, disenfranchised, and marginalized for their faith in Jesus.

James and other first-century Christians would have been an eye witness to the life, death, resurrection, and ascension of Jesus. After Jesus rose from death to life he stayed around for a while teaching his people. In Acts chapter 1 Jesus promised us that we would receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon us to be able to share the gospel with the world. It was then Jesus ascended into heaven. Luke records this amazing scene in Acts 1:9 which reads:

...as they were looking on, he was lifted up, and a cloud took him out of their sight. And while they were gazing into heaven as he went, behold, two men stood by them in white robes, and said, “Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking into heaven? This Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will come in the same way as you saw him go into heaven.” (Acts 1:9-11 ESV)

Considering all that the early church was facing the promise that Jesus would return in the same way they saw him go into heaven was good news that they longed for. And it is good news for us. Like the early church, as we live on this earth we will have to go through some tough things. But we go through them knowing Christ will be faithful. With all the suffering and injustice in the world, Christians have the promise of a day when Christ returns for His church and He will set everything straight. It will be a day when death will be swallowed up in victory. A day when Jesus will judge the living and the dead, casting Satan, sin, and death in Hell for good. It will be a day where Jesus says: