Here’s how the study works: Read the chapter mentioned in the heading several times during the week and share any words, thoughts, verses that stood out to you. Having a week for a chapter creates the opportunity to reread it several times and make additional comments as you feel inclined as well as make comments on other people’s insights.
v.3 You have hoarded wealth in the last days.
Since Jesus’ return could happen at any moment we are still in the last days. Therefore we should use our wealth to advance the Kingdom of God and not be self-indulgent or lazy.
v.3 You have hoarded wealth in the last days.
Since Jesus’ return could happen at any moment we are still in the last days. Therefore we should use our wealth to advance the Kingdom of God and not be self-indulgent or lazy.
v.4-5 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. You have lived on earth in luxury and self-indulgence. You have fattened yourselves in the day of slaughter.
In the West we live in luxury and self-indulgence at the expense of those in underprivileged countries who are not paid properly for their work. In fact, even farmers in my own country are not paid properly for their work. These verses make it clear that God hears and will act. It grieves God's heart and should also grieve ours.
v.4-5 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. You have lived on earth in luxury and self-indulgence. You have fattened yourselves in the day of slaughter.
In the West we live in luxury and self-indulgence at the expense of those in underprivileged countries who are not paid properly for their work. In fact, even farmers in my own country are not paid properly for their work. These verses make it clear that God hears and will act. It grieves God's heart and should also grieve ours.
v.7 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.
It is interesting that James writes that in response, to the dangers of wealth, we should be patient. Perhaps indicating that we don’t need to rush out and buy the newest, latest gadget but rather be patient and wise in our use of money and not just live for the present.
v.7 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.
It is interesting that James writes that in response, to the dangers of wealth, we should be patient. Perhaps indicating that we don’t need to rush out and buy the newest, latest gadget but rather be patient and wise in our use of money and not just live for the present.
v.8 You too, be patient and stand firm, because the Lord’s coming is near.
Lots of encouragement here to be patient and to persevere also v.7, 10 & 11
v.8 You too, be patient and stand firm, because the Lord’s coming is near.
Lots of encouragement here to be patient and to persevere also v.7, 10 & 11
v.11 The Lord is full of compassion and mercy.
So good to know He is not a slave driver and He is not indulgent but rather he loves us and chooses to show us mercy.
v.11 The Lord is full of compassion and mercy.
So good to know He is not a slave driver and He is not indulgent but rather he loves us and chooses to show us mercy.
v.12-13 do not swear—not by heaven or by earth or by anything else…Is anyone among you in trouble? Let them pray.
Seems that swearing is a sign of impatience but a better response would be to pray.
v.12-13 do not swear—not by heaven or by earth or by anything else…Is anyone among you in trouble? Let them pray.
Seems that swearing is a sign of impatience but a better response would be to pray.
v.14 Is anyone among you sick? Let them call the elders of the church to pray over them and anoint them with oil in the name of the Lord.
It is the responsibility of the one who is sick to request prayer.
v.14 Is anyone among you sick? Let them call the elders of the church to pray over them and anoint them with oil in the name of the Lord.
It is the responsibility of the one who is sick to request prayer.
v.16 Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed.
(From Constable’s commentary) "Private sin requires private confession; public sin requires public confession".
v.16 Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed.
(From Constable’s commentary) "Private sin requires private confession; public sin requires public confession".
v.17 Elijah was a human being, even as we are. He prayed earnestly that it would not rain, and it did not rain on the land for three and a half years.
I've often wondered what it means to "pray earnestly". The Message says "prayed hard".
Lately it has occurred to me that it means focused and sincere. Often our minds wander when we pray but if we stay focused on God then we can pray earnestly.
v.17 Elijah was a human being, even as we are. He prayed earnestly that it would not rain, and it did not rain on the land for three and a half years.
I've often wondered what it means to "pray earnestly". The Message says "prayed hard".
Lately it has occurred to me that it means focused and sincere. Often our minds wander when we pray but if we stay focused on God then we can pray earnestly.
v.18 Again he prayed, and the heavens gave rain, and the earth produced its crops.
It sounds like Elijah decided to pray for it not to rain and then for it to rain. But it was actually God's plan and Elijah was receiving "the word of the Lord" (1 Kings 17-18).
However it shows that God wants us to use our faith.
v.18 Again he prayed, and the heavens gave rain, and the earth produced its crops.
It sounds like Elijah decided to pray for it not to rain and then for it to rain. But it was actually God's plan and Elijah was receiving "the word of the Lord" (1 Kings 17-18).
However it shows that God wants us to use our faith.