The Book of
James 5
20 verses≈ 3 min2 peopleBSB
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In this chapter
Where we are
- 1Tested faithJoy in trials; hear and do
- 2Living faithNo favorites; faith that works
- 3Wise wordsTaming the tongue; wisdom from above
- 4Humble heartsDraw near to God, not the world
- 5Patient hopeWait for the Lord; pray in faithChapter 5
A Warning to the Rich
Come now, you who are rich, weep and wail over the misery to come upon you.
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You have lived on earth in luxury and self-indulgence. You have fattened your hearts in the day of slaughter. You have condemned and murdered the righteous, who did not resist you.
Reflect
Where my treasure is
James pictures riches that rot and clothes eaten by moths, while “The cries of the harvesters have reached the ears of the Lord of Hosts.” Is there anyone you owe, in pay, time or fairness? What do you hold tightly that could be put to work for others? Write down one step you can take this week.
Patience in Suffering
Be patient, then, brothers, until the Lord’s coming. See how the farmer awaits the precious fruit of the soil—how patient he is for the fall and spring rains. You, too, be patient and strengthen your hearts, because the Lord’s coming is near.
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Narrated by Bob Souer · BSB audio, public domain
Do not complain about one another, brothers, so that you will not be judged. Look, the Judge is standing at the door!
James 5:9
Brothers, as an example of patience in affliction, take the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord.
See how blessed we consider those who have persevered. You have heard of Job’s perseverance and have seen the outcome from the Lord. The Lord is full of compassion and mercy.
James 5:11
Above all, my brothers, do not swear, not by heaven or earth or by any other oath. Simply let your “Yes” be yes, and your “No,” no, so that you will not fall under judgment.
Pray
Patient like the farmer
James says, “be patient and strengthen your hearts, because the Lord’s coming is near.” Bring God whatever you are waiting for right now. Ask Him for a steady heart while you wait, for grace not to grumble at the people around you, and for trust that “The Lord is full of compassion and mercy.”
The Prayer of Faith
He should pray
Whiteboard
Hard days, glad days, sickness and sin: James gives one answer for all of them. Take it to God, and do it together. The sick call the church’s elders to pray; believers “confess your sins to each other and pray for each other.”
Is any one of you suffering? He should pray. Is anyone cheerful? He should sing praises.
Is any one of you sick? He should call the elders of the church to pray over him and anoint him with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer offered in faith will restore the one who is sick. The Lord will raise him up. If he has sinned, he will be forgiven.
Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed.
The prayer of a righteous man has great power to prevail.
James 5:16
Elijah was a man just like us. He prayed earnestly that it would not rain, and it did not rain on the land for three and a half years. Again he prayed, and the heavens gave rain, and the earth yielded its crops.
Question
Quick question
James points to Elijah as proof that prayer has power.
How long did it not rain after Elijah prayed?
Restoring a Sinner
My brothers, if one of you should wander from the truth and someone should bring him back, consider this: Whoever turns a sinner from the error of his way will save his soul from death and cover over a multitude of sins.
James 5:19–20
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James 5
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A verse to carry with you
The prayer of a righteous man has great power to prevail.
James 5:16
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