1. Outline
(EBC) In 3:14–16 James has discussed a philosophy of life that is characteristic of the unregenerate mind and is a major ingredient of worldliness.
I. 4:1–10 he examines this worldly attitude in greater detail.
- First he identifies the source of worldly antagonisms (4:1–3);
- next, he reproves spiritual unfaithfulness (4:4–6);
- and, finally, he pleads for submission to God (4:7–10)
III. Arrogant Self-Sufficiency (4:13–17)
2. Repeated word in 4:13-17-boast, arrogant, boasting v.16
Summary: The Bible said this is evil v.16. How? They are not just ignoring the temporal nature of their lives, but they were arrogant in how to plan their life without God. Not seeing that they live under the willingness of the Lord. (BKC) The key to avoiding boasting is to maintain a godly perspective. Instead of making big plans on the human plane, one must expand his view to include God in the picture.
(EBC) “Now that I have pointed the matter out to you, you have no excuse.” Knowing what should be done obligates a person to do it.
Reflection: Do I see my live is under God or under my own will?
3. Repeated word in 5:1-6
Your riches have rotted, your clothing has become moth-eaten, Your gold and silver have rusted, v.2-3, vs you have hoarded treasure v.3b; the workers...cries out against you, and the cries...have reached the ears of the Lord of Heaven's Armies v.4;
a day of slaughter v.5b vs you have condemned and murdered the righteous person v.6.
Summary: What the riches had done wrong turned against them. The money they have hoarded would be taken away, bc the workers' cries reached the Lord. What they had done to the righteous person would come upon them as well.
Reflection: God is active in our lives and is in control, not the rich person. Be careful how to live.
4. Questions
1) If the Lord is willing
2) That means we are in control over what will happen to our lives, not the Lord. My live is short and temporal.
3) to do it
4) They made their money by holding back the worker's pay. And then they themselves live luxury live. Also they condemned and murdered the righteous person.
5) I use my money to support myself, donate to the church and give to the charity. Sometimes, we use our money to travel and relax.
5:7-12
1. repeated word: patient v.7 x2, v.8, 10 and endurance v.11x2
A. patient (BDAG) to remain tranquil while waiting, have patience, wait
Summary: People who can be patient because of 2 factors: (1) They have hope for the return of the Lord v.7,8. That will be the end of their waiting (2) The precious fruit of the ground which comes after the rain v.7a. The good result after the return of the Lord. Therefore, remain tranquil while waiting.
Reflection: Waiting for the end result to come is one matter, but waiting while remain tranquil is another. Perhaps I can do the former, but need to learn to do the later.
B. endure (BDAG) to maintain a belief or course of action in the face of opposition, stand one’s ground, hold out
endurance (BDAG) the capacity to hold out or bear up in the face of difficulty, patience, endurance, fortitude, steadfastness, perseverance
Summary: v.9 James also mentioned grumbling against one another and then in v.10 the prophets were examples of suffering and patient. In v.11, those who have endured are blessed, e.g. Job enjoyed the full compassion and mercy of the Lord. In other words, there were some kind of opposition or difficulty and as a result, people grumbled against one another. James encouraged them by the examples of the prophets and Job who received the reward when he maintained his faith and bear up the difficulty.
Note: Job enjoyed the "full" compassion and mercy of the Lord. (BDAG) to a very high degree of affection and compassion for someone, sympathetic, compassionate, merciful.
Reflection: Endurance is another level up from being patient. Not only I need to wait for the Lord, but in the face of difficulties. Being tranquil at this task mean not being grumble and bearing up the difficulty while maintaining my faith. To enjoy the full compassion and mercy of the Lord will be my motivation.
2. Questions
1) 5:6 (EBC) In the former section James warns the oppressing rich of coming judgment; in the latter section he encourages the oppressed poor to “be patient.”
2) To see the effect of the chemo on the cancer tumors
3) To be praise by God and not judged by God when He comes again.
4) (EBC) Jeremiah certainly stands out as one who endured mistreatment with patience. He was put in the stocks (Jer 20:2) thrown into prison (32:2), and lowered into a miry dungeon (38:6); yet he persisted in his ministry without bitterness or recrimination. Such men constitute a model (hypodeigma) for believers who are oppressed and mistreated.
5) I seldom swear anything.
6) He is compassionate and merciful
Comments