Rich
James 5:1 Go to now, ye rich men, weep and howl for your miseries that shall come upon you.
James 5:2 Your riches are corrupted, and your garments are motheaten.
James 5:3 Your gold and silver is cankered; and the rust of them shall be a witness against you, and shall eat your flesh as it were fire. Ye have heaped treasure together for the last days.
Beware rich man of trusting in your earthly treasure. Material possessions wear out and are moth eaten. Your gold and silver tarnish from lack of use. These were days of tribulation, many were poor in Jerusalem, many had fled to other lands. At the beginning of the Church in acts 2, all were together in one place, sharing all things as the Spirit led. We should not trust in earthly riches, being separated from one another, not caring for a brother in need. In the end of this life, your money will not give you security or buy you eternal life.
Your gold and silver is cankered, covered with rust for lack of use. This can be applied to other things as well. What about your giftings from God? Are they being used for his service, to benefit others? Or is it an ego trip?Are you the proud possessor of things? Or are you a giver, giving out to others of what you have received?
Luke 12:32 Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom.
Luke 12:33 Sell that ye have, and give alms; provide yourselves bags which wax not old, a treasure in the heavens that faileth not, where no thief approacheth, neither moth corrupteth.
Luke 12:34 For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.
Money cannot buy the Kingdom treasures. Where do we keep our treasures? What is of the greatest value to us?
Acts 8:18 And when Simon (the sorcerer) saw that through laying on of the apostles' hands the Holy Ghost was given, he offered them money,
Acts 8:19 Saying, Give me also this power, that on whomsoever I lay hands, he may receive the Holy Ghost.
Acts 8:20 But Peter said unto him, Thy money perish with thee, because thou hast thought that the gift of God may be purchased with money.
Acts 8:21 Thou hast neither part nor lot in this matter: for thy heart is not right in the sight of God.
Acts 8:22 Repent therefore of this thy wickedness, and pray God, if perhaps the thought of thine heart may be forgiven thee.
Acts 8:23 For I perceive that thou art in the gall of bitterness, and in the bond of iniquity.
Acts 8:24 Then answered Simon, and said, Pray ye to the Lord for me, that none of these things which ye have spoken come upon me.
Jer 9:23 Thus saith the LORD, Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom, neither let the mighty man glory in his might, let not the rich man glory in his riches:
Jer 9:24 But let him that glorieth glory in this, that he understandeth and knoweth me, that I am the LORD which exercise lovingkindness, judgment, and righteousness, in the earth: for in these things I delight, saith the LORD.
Lord give your servants heavenly treasures. We want to serve you in your will and purposes. You are the treasure of our heart.
Mat 25:40 And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.
Rich by fraud
James 5:4 Behold, the hire of the labourers who have reaped down your fields, which is of you kept back by fraud, crieth: and the cries of them which have reaped are entered into the ears of the Lord of sabaoth.
In this day when corporate leaders become rich and the stockholders and employees loose their savings, many cry out. The government may try to make justice, but in the end all are accountable to God. If we make our gain at another's expense we must answer to God. The Lord of the Sabaoth, translates into the Lord of Hosts. The ears of the Lord of Hosts, the Lord of the angelic armies hears. Oh Lord show favor to your servants, have mercy on our failings through the blood of Jesus.
James 5:5 Ye have lived in pleasure on the earth, and been wanton; ye have nourished your hearts, as in a day of slaughter.
James 5:6 Ye have condemned and killed the just; and he doth not resist you.
wanton, spatalao, luxory, pleasure, to live luxuriously, lead a voluptuous life.
To gain by another's labours and not show them fairness, living in luxury, yes even God's people, perhaps leaders of TV evangelistic churches, all are accountable to God. It is the Lord's wealth, not our own to make ourselves rich. This was written to the church that was scattered across many countries.
Does the church kill and condemn? Maybe, some do in words of condemnation, speaking the letter of the law, without the spirits direction.
2 Cor 3:5 Not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think any thing as of ourselves; but our sufficiency is of God;
2 Cor 3:6 Who also hath made us able ministers of the new testament; not of the letter, but of the spirit: for the letter killeth, but the spirit giveth life.
Mat 12:36 But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment.
Mat 12:37 For by thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned.
Jesus is Coming Soon
James 5:7 Be patient therefore, brethren, unto the coming of the Lord. Behold, the husbandman waiteth for the precious fruit of the earth, and hath long patience for it, until he receive the early and latter rain.
James 5:8 Be ye also patient; stablish your hearts: for the coming of the Lord draweth nigh.
Be patient, a fruit of the Spirit. Patient, because our Lord is coming. No more suffering and pain. No more battling with the enemies of our Lord.
2 Cor 1:8 For we would not, brethren, have you ignorant of our trouble which came to us in Asia, that we were pressed out of measure, above strength, insomuch that we despaired even of life:
2 Cor 1:9 But we had the sentence of death in ourselves, that we should not trust in ourselves, but in God which raiseth the dead:
2 Cor 1:10 Who delivered us from so great a death, and doth deliver: in whom we trust that he will yet deliver us;
Some reading this have suffered great things, but when the hope of Jesus came into their hearts, they knew that victory was near, freedom from earthly and spiritual bondage, your redeemer lives!
Job 19:25 For I know that my redeemer liveth, and that he shall stand at the latter day upon the earth:
The illustration of the farmer waiting for his harvest, receiving the early and latter rain, is as our receiving the first promise. We have received Jesus and the seal of his Holy Spirit. As the day of the Lord approaches, the devil will be more active for he knows his end is near. But with the increase of evil will come the outpouring of God's Holy Spirit. It began at Pentacost with Peter speaking of Joels prophecy.
Acts 2:16 But this is that which was spoken by the prophet Joel;
Acts 2:17 And it shall come to pass in the last days, saith God, I will pour out of my Spirit upon all flesh: and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams:
Acts 2:18 And on my servants and on my handmaidens I will pour out in those days of my Spirit; and they shall prophesy:
Acts 2:19 And I will show wonders in heaven above, and signs in the earth beneath; blood, and fire, and vapour of smoke:
Acts 2:20 The sun shall be turned into darkness, and the moon into blood, before that great and notable day of the Lord come:
Acts 2:21 And it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be saved.
Mat 9:37 Then saith he unto his disciples, The harvest truly is plenteous, but the labourers are few;
Mat 9:38 Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he will send forth labourers into his harvest.
Stablish your hearts... sterizo, strengthen, place firmly, set fast, fix , for the Lord is coming, this we know
Eph 3:16 That he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man;
Eph 3:17 That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love,
Eph 3:18 May be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height;
Eph 3:19 And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God.
Are you trusting in Jesus or are you one of the scoffers?
2 Pet 3:3 Knowing this first, that there shall come in the last days scoffers, walking after their own lusts,
2 Pet 3:4 And saying, Where is the promise of his coming? for since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of the creation.
We are not as the scoffers, we shall grow deeper in the Lord, as we are preparing for his soon return. Come Lord Jesus. Let us not trust in riches, living in luxory, but rather may our treasure be of His kingdom. We want to please God. We are all gifted in some way to bless others in his service. Better to wear out then to rust out.
He is at the Door
James 5:9 Do not grumble against one another, brethren, lest you be condemned. Behold, the Judge is standing at the door!
grumble, stenazo, grudge, grown, sigh
It is always easier to see another's faults. Be careful not to grumble at or judge a brother. Who has made you judge?
Mat 7:1 Judge not, that ye be not judged.
Mat 7:2 For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again.
The judge is standing at the door, Jesus is our judge and he will judge according to his word.
2 Tim 4:1 I charge thee therefore before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the quick and the dead at his appearing and his kingdom;
2 Tim 4:2 Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine.
How can we please God if we are ignorant of his word? Yes, you are saved by grace through faith in Jesus. Our God is merciful. Still, let us not be ignorant assuming we know the voice of God. If we grumble at others and cause the name of Jesus to be thought less of by our careless actions, we need to repent, ask for forgiveness and draw close to our Lord.
Gal 5:14 For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this; Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.
Gal 5:15 But if ye bite and devour one another, take heed that ye be not consumed one of another.
Gal 5:16 This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh.
Gal 5:17 For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would.
James 5:10 My brethren, take the prophets, who spoke in the name of the Lord, as an example of suffering and patience.
I think of Jeremiah. The weeping prophet. He spoke God's warning and judgment to a disobedient people, who would not hear him. Do people oppose you? Remember what Jesus said to those who would not receive his message of grace and truth.
Mat 23:37 O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, thou that killest the prophets, and stonest them which are sent unto thee, how often would I have gathered thy children together, even as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings, and ye would not!
Mat 23:38 Behold, your house is left unto you desolate.
Mat 23:39 For I say unto you, Ye shall not see me henceforth, till ye shall say, Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord.
Yes, Jesus is coming again, soon.
John 14:2 In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.
John 14:3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.
One of our Daily Bible readers wrote me a note regarding the return of Jesus:
" Do you think it possible for him to already be born here on earth, preparing...........? I'd really love to hear your insights (either way). Thanx "
Jesus is not going to be born on earth again. He will return as he left us.
Acts 1:8 But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.
Acts 1:9 And when he had spoken these things, while they beheld, he was taken up; and a cloud received him out of their sight.
Acts 1:10 And while they looked stedfastly toward heaven as he went up, behold, two men stood by them in white apparel;
Acts 1:11 Which also said, Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? this same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven.
Acts 1:12 Then returned they unto Jerusalem from the mount called Olivet, which is from Jerusalem a sabbath day's journey.
He will return through the clouds and set down where he went up. Where was that? The Mount of Olives was a short distance from Jerusalem, the only distance allowed on a sabbath day, by their customs.
Mat 24:27 For as the lightning cometh out of the east, and shineth even unto the west; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be.
Be prepared, you can't beat lightening to the strike. The church should be prepared to be caught up to meet Jesus in the sky before he returns to earth. This is called the catching up or the rapture f the church.
1 Th 4:15 For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep.
1 Th 4:16 For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first:
1 Th 4:17 Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.
Let us be dwelling in truth and in his spirit. Then we will not be fooled by a false Christ.
James 5:11 Behold, we count them happy which endure. Ye have heard of the patience of Job, and have seen the end of the Lord; that the Lord is very pitiful, and of tender mercy.
In sufferings, consider the attitude of Job.
Job 1:21
Oaths
James 5:12 But above all things, my brethren, swear not, neither by heaven, neither by the earth, neither by any other oath: but let your yea be yea; and your nay, nay; lest ey fall into condemnation.
This type of oath was one made to be broken; a careless superstitious oath. Sort of like wishing on a lucky star or swearing by something other then God in a casual manner. We are not to swear by heaven or earthly things. If we make an oath it should be of a good conscience and unto God. In our courts, I remember that the accused would swear on the Bible that they would tell the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth, so help you God. When we make an oath to God, he expects us to keep it. This is no longer "politically correct, " in a country that defies God in their sinful lifestyles. There is no absolute truth in a culture of tolerance of all beliefs and sins. Listen to Jesus' words about swearing.
Mat 5:34 But I say unto you, Swear not at all; neither by heaven; for it is God's throne:
Lest ye fall into condemnation. A better translation would be to fall into judgment. Our words will be judged by Jesus at the last day, but we will not be condemned if we are in Christ Jesus.
Rom 8:1 There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.
There is another more familiar kind of swearing, which comes from fear or anger. This is the swearing we hear at work or in public places, taking the Lord's name in vain. This is of evil. Peter was told that he would deny the Lord three times. Not only did he deny the Lord, but he swore in the process.
Mark 14:71 But he began to curse and to swear, saying, I know not this man of whom ye speak.
Now we truly see that swearing in a casual manner is from evil. If we make an oath to God or a promise, it should be done with prayer and meditation. We should not be making oaths because a speaker has stirred our emotions, or from blind rage. Oaths are unto God, and are of great importance, all other oaths are of sin.
Sing Praises
James 5:13 Is any among you afflicted? let him pray. Is any merry? let him sing psalms.
afflicted, kakopatheo, to suffer (endure) evils (hardships, troubles)
Eph 5:18 And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit;
Col 3:15 And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful.
For the Lord is in our praises, where the Lord is the devil cannot dwell.
Psa 22:3 But thou art holy, O thou that inhabitest the praises of Israel.
1 Tim 2:8 I will therefore that men pray every where, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and doubting.
Pray and praise, where? Everywhere.
Rev 5:11 And I beheld, and I heard the voice of many angels round about the throne and the beasts and the elders: and the number of them was ten thousand times ten thousand, and thousands of thousands;
Will we join in the praise?
Prayer of Faith
James 5:14 Is any sick among you? let him call for the elders of the church; and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord:
Here is a clear step by step promise from God's word. Are you sick, those who are in Christ among us? Use your faith in God and call the Elders, men of faith and good character.
James 5:16 Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.
Annointing with oil, usually olive oil upon the forehead and the body; the symbol of God's annointed Spirit. The calling upon the mercies of our Lord through the power of the Holy Ghost; the power of God for healing. In the name of the Lord, not in the name of medicine or natural things. We appeal to the supernatural power of God. This does not mean that doctors are not used for healing, but ultimately God is the healer.
Lam 3:22 It is of the LORD'S mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not.
James 5:15 And the prayer of faith shall save the sick, and the Lord shall raise him up; and if he have committed sins, they shall be forgiven him.
James spoke of asking God for wisdom, in faith. We should do the same when asking for healing.
James 1:6 But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed.
The prayer of faith shall raise up the sick, and the Lord will honor your faith in him, forgiving your unconfessed sins. Often it is sin that causes satan to attack, but I put no blame. Illness is not a pleasant thing. The Lord has given these hopeful verses to comfort, to give us faith in God and to point us to the healer who wants us to have faith.
Mark 4:40 And he said unto them, Why are ye so fearful? how is it that ye have no faith?
Mat 9:2 And, behold, they brought to him a man sick of the palsy, lying on a bed: and Jesus seeing their faith said unto the sick of the palsy; Son, be of good cheer; thy sins be forgiven thee.
Mat 9:3 And, behold, certain of the scribes said within themselves, This man blasphemeth.
Mat 9:4 And Jesus knowing their thoughts said, Wherefore think ye evil in your hearts?
Mat 9:5 For whether is easier, to say, Thy sins be forgiven thee; or to say, Arise, and walk?
Mat 9:6 But that ye may know that the Son of man hath power on earth to forgive sins, (then saith he to the sick of the palsy,) Arise, take up thy bed, and go unto thine house.
I see from these verses two things: First, the prayer of faith in Jesus shall heal you and second, because of your faith in Jesus, he forgives you your sins. We receive grace for healing and for salvation through faith in Jesus.
Effectual fervent prayer
James 5:16 Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.
Part of forgiveness is confession and repentance.
Luke 17:3 Take heed to yourselves: If thy brother trespass against thee, rebuke him; and if he repent, forgive him.
Pray for one another that ye might be healed. Healing in body and healing in relationships, healing of the heart, God is our healer and he answers the effectual prayer of a righteous man.
Effectual fervant prayer; from the Greek word: energeo , energy, a prayer with energy and enthusiasm and in faith, knowing God hears and will answer our request.
James 5:17 Elias was a man subject to like passions as we are, and he prayed earnestly that it might not rain: and it rained not on the earth by the space of three years and six months.
God was in Elijah's prayer, he listened and answered. The prayer of faith is a prayer in the will of God. If we ask for something to consume it upon our lusts, we ask incorrectly.
I have heard accounts of outdoor evangelical meetings where it was starting to rain and prayers went up to stop the rain and the rains stopped. I had been heading in a car for a sure collision one rainy day, and I called out with energy, an effectual fervent prayer "Jesus", and I was stopped before colliding with another car. God hears the energetic prayer of faith.
In our morning prayer group we pray with energy and faith in one accord and God has answered our prayers. He has healed several, one with a brain tumor. Our prayers have also been heard to set the captives free. Jesus desires that we be free to serve him, call upon his name with zeal and with faith.
Convert Him
James 5:19 Brethren, if any of you do err from the truth, and one convert him;
Convert, is to turn around or to turn towards the truth of God.
James 5:20 Let him know, that he which converteth the sinner from the error of his way shall save a soul from death, and shall hide a multitude of sins.
The evidence of a new life in Jesus is a change of heart and direction. James is addressing the church that is scattered. Some may have turned to other ways. Someone needs to come along side and convert them, or they may continue to go astray. Talk all you want about eternal security, but your security should be evident in a life that stays close to God and his word of truth. If we say we love him and go out into the world and its ways, where is your new life? As James taught, our works should be evidence of our faith. No, works do not save us, faith in Jesus saves, but works are the evidence of a new life.
Mat 7:20 Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them.
1 John 5:2 By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God, and keep his commandments.
Dan 12:3 And they that be wise shall shine as the brightness of the firmament; and they that turn many to righteousness as the stars for ever and ever.
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James Chapters
James 4
Mat 5:35 Nor by the earth; for it is his footstool: neither by Jerusalem; for it is the city of the great King.
Mat 5:36 Neither shalt thou swear by thy head, because thou canst not make one hair white or black.
Mat 5:37 But let your communication be, Yea, yea; Nay, nay: for whatsoever is more than these cometh of evil.
I would add to this, if any man is depressed or in sorrow, praise the Lord. It is never time for self pity.
Eph 5:19 Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord;
Eph 5:20 Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ;
Col 3:16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.
Col 3:17 And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.
Rev 5:12 Saying with a loud voice, Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power, and riches, and wisdom, and strength, and honour, and glory, and blessing.
Rev 5:13 And every creature which is in heaven, and on the earth, and under the earth, and such as are in the sea, and all that are in them, heard I saying, Blessing, and honour, and glory, and power, be unto him that sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb for ever and ever.
Rev 5:14 And the four beasts said, Amen. And the four and twenty elders fell down and worshipped him that liveth for ever and ever.
Lam 3:23 They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness.
Lam 3:24 The LORD is my portion, saith my soul; therefore will I hope in him.
Lam 3:25 The LORD is good unto them that wait for him, to the soul that seeketh him.
James 1:7 For let not that man think that he shall receive any thing of the Lord.
Luke 17:4 And if he trespass against thee seven times in a day, and seven times in a day turn again to thee, saying, I repent; thou shalt forgive him.
James 5:18 And he prayed again, and the heaven gave rain, and the earth brought forth her fruit.
Mat 7:21 Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.
1 John 5:3 For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous.
1 John 5:4 For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith.
1 John 5:5 Who is he that overcometh the world, but he that believeth that Jesus is the Son of God?
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James 2
James 1
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