James 5
September Memory Verse: Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. 1 Peter 1:3 (ESV)
Read: James 5
Before we dive into James 5, take a few minutes and pray for the families who lost loved ones 20 years ago on September 11, 2001. Many families lost a mother, father, son, daughter, brother, sister, grandparent, etc. All of us will forever remember that terrible day and we are grateful for the first responders who lost their lives serving others.
Today we close out the book of James. Chapter 5 addresses three major themes.
Wealth
There is nothing wrong with diligently working hard, saving & investing, and becoming wealthy. Hoarding wealth and becoming self indulgent on the other hand dishonors God. It is even more egregious if wealth is accumulated while an employer underpays or abuses their employees.
The proper perspective on wealth is that God provides blessings so that we can in turn be a blessing to others.
Suffering Well & Waiting
Suffering is a fact of life. We place our hope and salvation in the suffering servant, Jesus Christ. I read a book by Paul David Tripp several years ago entitled, Suffering. Tripp talks about a single day that changed his life where he went from enjoying good health to excruciating pain and loss of 65% of his kidney function, which was irreversible. Tripp drew closer to the Lord through his suffering and gained a new understanding and empathy for those who suffer.
Even if our suffering endures until death, Christians awake in the presence of Jesus and there is no more suffering. We have a new body and enjoy heaven for eternity.
Praying & Confession
“Prayer is the slender nerve that moves the muscle of omnipotence” C.H. Spurgeon
I have loved this quote from the first time I heard it years ago.
At the beginning of 2021 Tim Parsons challenged us to be a church that prays. Many of you have your picture on the prayer wall in our worship center standing in front of your neighborhood, school, or place of employment. What would happen if we as a church strived for righteousness and prayed consistently? Let’s try it and find out.
By: Mike Pepper
Read: James 5
Before we dive into James 5, take a few minutes and pray for the families who lost loved ones 20 years ago on September 11, 2001. Many families lost a mother, father, son, daughter, brother, sister, grandparent, etc. All of us will forever remember that terrible day and we are grateful for the first responders who lost their lives serving others.
Today we close out the book of James. Chapter 5 addresses three major themes.
- Wealthy people who are self indulgent and abuse their employees
- Suffering well & waiting on the Lord
- Faithful praying & confession
Wealth
There is nothing wrong with diligently working hard, saving & investing, and becoming wealthy. Hoarding wealth and becoming self indulgent on the other hand dishonors God. It is even more egregious if wealth is accumulated while an employer underpays or abuses their employees.
What good is it for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul? Mark 8:36
From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded; and from the one who has been entrusted with much, much more will be asked. Luke 12:48b
The proper perspective on wealth is that God provides blessings so that we can in turn be a blessing to others.
Suffering Well & Waiting
Suffering is a fact of life. We place our hope and salvation in the suffering servant, Jesus Christ. I read a book by Paul David Tripp several years ago entitled, Suffering. Tripp talks about a single day that changed his life where he went from enjoying good health to excruciating pain and loss of 65% of his kidney function, which was irreversible. Tripp drew closer to the Lord through his suffering and gained a new understanding and empathy for those who suffer.
You have heard of Job’s perseverance and have seen what the Lord finally brought about. The Lord is full of compassion and mercy. James 5:11b
Even if our suffering endures until death, Christians awake in the presence of Jesus and there is no more suffering. We have a new body and enjoy heaven for eternity.
Praying & Confession
“Prayer is the slender nerve that moves the muscle of omnipotence” C.H. Spurgeon
I have loved this quote from the first time I heard it years ago.
Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective. James 5:16
At the beginning of 2021 Tim Parsons challenged us to be a church that prays. Many of you have your picture on the prayer wall in our worship center standing in front of your neighborhood, school, or place of employment. What would happen if we as a church strived for righteousness and prayed consistently? Let’s try it and find out.
By: Mike Pepper
4 Comments
From a blind man, given eyes that can now see:
"...but if anyone is a worshiper of God and does his will, God listens to him." (John 9:31)
Good post Mike. James is always clear and to the point in what he says.
Great encouragement today, Mike! "Let's try it and find out." What do we have to lose by being focused on prayer and righteousness? Nothing. What do we have to gain? Absolutely everything! Praying that I can focus on this today and moving forward in a way I never have before!
That was great! I put my neighborhood on the prayer wall, and I am praying for them. But recently I got a job, and a friend from church works at the job too. We will pray together for or co-workers and bosses.