James 5:1-11 — The Haves and the Have Nots “James”
James 5:1-6. “Now listen, you rich people, weep and wail because of the misery that is coming on you. 2 Your wealth has rotted, and moths have eaten your clothes. 3 Your gold and silver are corroded. Their corrosion will testify against you and eat your flesh like fire. You have hoarded wealth in the last days. 4 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. 5 You have lived on earth in luxury and self-indulgence. You have fattened yourselves in the day of slaughter. 6 You have condemned and murdered the innocent one, who was not opposing you.”
- James is targeting wealthy people who make wealth the _________ of their life, who also use their wealth to ________________________ of the poor
- Two challenges for all us “average” wage earners:
James 5:7-9, ”Be patient, then, brothers and sisters, until the Lord’s coming. See how the farmer waits for the land to yield its valuable crop, patiently waiting for the autumn and spring rains. 8 You too, be patient and stand firm, because the Lord’s coming is near. 9 Don’t grumble against one another, brothers and sisters, or you will be judged. The Judge is standing at the door!”
- You won’t get long-term patience on _________________________. If your focus is on “this life only,” you will find it ___________________ to get through “this-life-only” stuff.
See Revelation 21:4, 27; James 2:1-4; 4:1-2, 11-12, 5:1,4
James 5:10-11, ”Brothers and sisters, as an example of patience in the face of suffering, take the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord. 11 As you know, we count as blessed those who have persevered. You have heard of Job’s perseverance and have seen what the Lord finally brought about. The Lord is full of compassion and mercy.”