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James presented God’s Word to enable believers to measure their faith, conduct, and humility. He also encourages us in patient service while looking for the imminent return of our Lord. Now, he completes the letter with the test of fellowship through prayer. We have noted the believer’s reliance on God and one another, and this is as it should be. This morning we will finish the messages of the Book of James and complete his thought on the responsibility and opportunity of the brethren to edify one another.
VII. Instruction on prayer. James 5:13-18

A. The Reliance. James 5:13-15

1. In times of trouble. James 5:13a “… Is any among you afflicted? let him pray.”
2. In times of rejoicing. James 5:13b “… . Is any merry? let him sing psalms.”
3. In times of sickness James 5:14-15a

The words used here denote either physical disease or emotional despondency. Either of these conditions can incapacitate a person, leaving them weak, feeling helpless and hopeless. In times like this, the believer is instructed to call for the pastor to come and minister to them as we saw in the last message. This time of compassion being shown, care bestowed, and counsel being given, should be a time of self examination.

B. The Reflection. James 5:15b
“… and if he have committed sins, they shall be forgiven him.”

The Apostle John repeated the instruction that James gave here in his first letter –

1 John 1:9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

And Matthew recorded the relationship between sickness and sin –

Matthew 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.

This man, along with these men, knew that his primary need was of forgiveness. The physical healing was simply an illustration of the spiritual healing!

Matthew 9:6-7 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. And he arose, and departed to his house.

Upon being restored to good health and especially if one is restored to a right relationship with God, James reminds us that sin against God may have also involved sin against men. Forgiveness needs to be sought from the Lord first, but this should lead to seeking forgiveness from the offended person. Therefore James instructs us in –

C. The Response. James 5:16-18

1. The expectation. James 5:16a

The brother or sister has been shown compassion in the ministry of the church. The pastor has manifested the love of the Lord in his ministry to this person. Now we are instructed to continue in this care for one another through the confession of sins and prayer for one another. We must understand the underlying truth of this instruction – we must have a love for God and for one another that enables, even constrains us to confess our offenses personally and even if necessary, publicly. We do not mind so much to share praises in the congregation or to pray in the congregation, but to confess our faults – that is something different altogether. All of what James has written leads to this point – a necessary component in growing into the stature of the fulness of Christ – being that perfect man. When we have offended – confess it!

Colossians 3:12-14 Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering; Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye. And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness.

Ephesians 2:21 In whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord:

Also, We must be prepared to intercede for the brethren. These verses, speaking of the confession and forgiveness of sin, reveal not only the possibility, but the probability of sin being involved and we must be prepared to forgive and pray for the brethren.

2. The earnest desire. James 5:16b
3. The example. James 17,18
The Prophet Elijah as noted in 1 Kings 17:1 and 1 Kings 18:41-44

a. The person: He was of the same nature as other men.
b. The prayer.

1). He prayed for the rain to be held back by the Lord according to God’s instruction.
2). He prayed for the glory of the Lord to be manifested in accepting his offering.
3). He prayed for the rain to be restored to the land, but notice in this case –

c. The persistence.
He prayed seven times for the rain to be restored. Notice that Elijah prayed earnestly, expecting the Lord’s will to be done. We need to learn to be persistent in prayer in the accomplishment of God’s will. Do not stop until you know that what God wants to be done is done!

Not everyone will be submissive to the Lord’s conviction and they will bring judgment upon themselves, but this judgment belongs to the Lord and while we pray for His correction in their lives, we need to be praying for them to submit, confess, and be restored into fellowship with the Lord and His people –

D. The Restoration. James 5:19, 20

1. The interest shown in the brother’s testimony.

Galatians 6:1 Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted.

2. The intercession to save the brother’s life.

1 John 5:15-16 And if we know that he hear us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of him. If any man see his brother sin a sin which is not unto death, he shall ask, and he shall give him life for them that sin not unto death. There is a sin unto death: I do not say that he shall pray for it.

When God judged the sin and declared the penalty to be death, His judgment was righteous and there was no point in interceding for these. A few examples are Korah, Achan, and –

Leviticus 10:1-2 And Nadab and Abihu, the sons of Aaron, took either of them his censer, and put fire therein, and put incense thereon, and offered strange fire before the LORD, which he commanded them not. And there went out fire from the LORD, and devoured them, and they died before the LORD.
But the Lord reveals many instances where He has responded in mercy to the intercession of His children. Remember Abraham, Moses for examples.
Upon repentance with confession, the brother is restored in the fellowship of the church. The unity of the church is maintained and the Lord is glorified.

The instruction in prayer leads to unity of the brethren. James gave us a measure of our prayer life. Do we love one another enough to pray and give of ourselves to one another.

James’ letter reflects the words of our Lord in summary –

Mark 12:29-31 And Jesus answered him, The first of all the commandments is, Hear, O Israel; The Lord our God is one Lord: And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength: this is the first commandment. And the second is like, namely this, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. There is none other commandment greater than these.

Today we ask the question – Do you love the Lord with all of your heart, soul, and mind? You cannot love Him unless you have responded to His love for you in repentance and faith, trusting Him as your Saviour. Are you saved?

As you measure your life by His Word that He has led James to write, how do you measure up? How is your faith, your conduct, your humility, your expectation of His return, your fellowship? If there is something that is not right this morning, then settle it with the Lord and if necessary, with one another.

Remember the words of Paul –

Ephesians 4:13 Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ:

Message One

Note from (1978). Bibliotheca Sacra, 135(539), 224 on theme of James –
“His purpose is practical, to present a series of tests whereby his readers can determine the genuineness of their own faith. “The testing of your faith” (1:3) seems to be the key which James left hanging at the front door, intended to unlock the contents of the book. ”
I. Introduction James 1:1
II. Instruction on temptation. James 1:2-27
A. Response to temptation. James 1:2-12
1. Understand the result. James 1:2-4 (What may be achieved through the trial)
James directs us in the second step in our response, having the proper attitude, we must –
2. Use the resources that God provides. James 1:5-8 How to meet the need!

Message Two

3. Uplifted in spirit. James 1:9-12 The right attitude – Refer to Proverbs 30:8,9
B. Reason for temptation. James 1:13-18
Why am I facing these troubles? The often asked question.
1. The reason is sin. James 1:13
2. The result is death. James 1:14,15
3. The response is submission to the Truth. James 1:16-18

Message Three

C. Readiness to face temptation. James 1:19-27
If we are going to be prepared to face temptation, we must yield ourselves to God. Note what James instructs us about –
1. Counsel for victory over temptation. James 1:19-21
To be ready for temptation, we must be –
2. Careful in complete obedience. James 1:22-25

Message Four

3. Consistent in service. James 1:26,27 James defines the difference between –

Are you consistent in your love for God and in your service unto Him? James is encouraging us to have fith in God and look after others – God will look after us!

Message Five

III. Instructions on Faith. James 2:1-26
A. Empty Faith. James 2:1-7
But partiality should not be shown based on position, economics, popularity.
Let’s look at the warning this morning – how to measure our faith –
1. The conduct of faith. The pattern of conduct is the Lord Jesus Christ. James 2:1
2. The conflict between faith and the flesh. James 2:2-5
3. The condemnation of their actions. James 2:6,7
They did not manifest faith in the Lord through their actions.

Message Six

B. Examined faith. James 2:8-13

1. The Standard has been revealed. James 2:8,9
2. The Standard has been explained. James 2:10,11
3. The Standard should be obeyed. James 2:12
4. The Standard will be upheld. James 2:13

Message Seven

C. Evidence of faith. James 2:14-26
1. The Characteristics of Faith
2. The Consideration of faith. James 2:14-17 What is the true relationship of faith and works?
3. The Challenge of faith. James 2:18,19
4. The Conclusion James 2:20
5. The Cooperation of faith and works. James 2:21-26 Faith and works

Message Eight

IV. Accountability of Teachers. James 3:1-18
A. Control (Godly). 3:1-12

1. The decision to lead must be made in the assurance of God’s will. James 3:1,2
2. The dominion of man. James 3:3,4
3. The danger of lack of control. James 3:5-8
4. The difficulty of this control. James 3:9-12
God can and will make the bitter heart sweet if you call upon Him!

Message Nine
B. Content (Godly). James 3:13-18
1. The Counterfeit teacher James 3:14-16
2. The Consecrated teacher. James 3:13, 17-18

Message Ten

V. Instructions on Humility. James 4:1-5:6
A. Covetousness. James 4:1-10
1. Revealed the problem. James 4:1a
2. Recognized the cause. James 4:1-5

Message Eleven
3. Recommended the solution. James 4:6-10

Message Twelve

B. Criticism of the brethren. James 4:11,12
1. The exhortation – James 4:11a
2. The explanation – James 4:11b,12
3. The encouragement

Message Thirteen

C. Confidence in self. James 4:13-17

1. Predictions of success in our own strength. James 4:13
2. Presumptuous attitudes. James 4:14,15
3. Pride. James 4:16 “…rejoice in your boastings…”
4. Practical application. James 4:17

Message Fourteen

D. Condemnation of the ungodly rich. James 5:1-6 (trust in riches)
1. The exhortation to them. James 5:1
2. The evidence against them. James 5:2-3b
3. The explanation of their actions. James 5:3c-6

Message Fifteen

VI. Instruction on the Coming of the Lord James 5:7-11 God reveals His –
A. Grace – patience to wait on Him. James 5:7,8
1. Present themselves – James 5:7a Give your life with all that it involves to the Lord –
2. Patiently serve – James 5:7b
3. Prepare for His coming. James 5:8 “…for the coming of the Lord draweth nigh…”
B. Mercy – judgment is waiting. James 5:9
C. Justice – Judgment is sure. James 5:10,11
1. The Trial of Job. James 5:11
2. The trust of the prophets. James 5:10 “…and having not seen…”

Message Sixteen

VII. Instruction on integrity. James 5:12
A. Integrity is required of believers. Refer to Matthew 5:33-37.
1. The reproof. Matthew 5:33
2. The rebuke. Matthew 5:34-36 Refrain from this practice of swearing.
3. The exhortation Matthew 5:37 – be honest and dependable.
Swearing is not necessary at all. The believer’s word should be enough!

B. Integrity is required of believers at all times in every circumstance. James 5:12
The reinforcement of the truth taught by the Lord.

Message Seventeen

VII. Instruction on prayer. James 5:13-18 Today we will be looking at verses 13 – 15.
A. The Reliance. James 5:13-15
1. In times of trouble. James 5:13a “… Is any among you afflicted? let him pray.”
2. In times of rejoicing. James 5:13b “… . Is any merry? let him sing psalms.”
3. In times of sickness James 5:14-15
Conclusion:
Pastors, Prayers, and Prescriptions – God uses this three fold plan to engage His children in caring and helping one another in times of sickness.

Message Eighteen

The final message in this series through the Book of James –

VII. Instruction on prayer. James 5:13-18 Today we will be looking at verses 13 – 15.

As an introduction to the purpose of this portion of James’ letter we should read Paul’s statement to the church in Ephesus as to their responsibilities to one another –

Ephesians 4:11-12 And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:

Personal spiritual growth is to enhance the corporate spiritual growth of the church. We are to grow strong individually that we may grow strong corporately- “edifying of the body of Christ”.

The believer who is applying the truths that James has presented in his letter will grow strong spiritually. We will be fulfilling Peter’s admonition to begin our spiritual growth nourished in the milk of the Word as an infant and a young child,

1 Peter 2:2 As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby:

And Paul’s exhortation to grow strong life through the truths of God’s Word.

Hebrews 5:13-14 For every one that useth milk is unskilful in the word of righteousness: for he is a babe. But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.

With spiritual growth comes wisdom and understanding. We know that we do not live unto ourselves – we must rely on God, we must respond to the needs of others and we must restore those that have erred. Let’s look at these three subjects today –

A. The Reliance. James 5:13-15

1. In times of trouble. James 5:13a “… Is any among you afflicted? let him pray.”

Psalm 91:14-15 Because he hath set his love upon me, therefore will I deliver him: I will set him on high, because he hath known my name. He shall call upon me, and I will answer him: I will be with him in trouble; I will deliver him, and honour him.

Jeremiah 33:3 Call unto me, and I will answer thee, and shew thee great and mighty things, which thou knowest not.

Acts 16:25 And at midnight Paul and Silas prayed, and sang praises unto God: and the prisoners heard them.

Paul and Silas illustrated the work of God in the lives of His children as they went from prayer to praise –

Psalm 40:1-3 I waited patiently for the LORD; and he inclined unto me, and heard my cry. He brought me up also out of an horrible pit, out of the miry clay, and set my feet upon a rock, and established my goings. And he hath put a new song in my mouth, even praise unto our God: many shall see it, and fear, and shall trust in the LORD.

2. In times of rejoicing. James 5:13b “… . Is any merry? let him sing psalms.”
Being thankful for God’s blessings!

Proverbs 17:22 A merry heart doeth good like a medicine:…
Proverbs 15:13 A merry heart maketh a cheerful countenance:…
You can influence those around you.

3. In times of sickness James 5:14-15

The believer that is ailing is instructed to seek healing from God through this three fold plan He has set forth here –

a. The Pastors “… let him call for the elders of the church…”
The Pastor has been given the responsibility by God for –

1). Counseling in God’s Word.
Acts 20:28 Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood.

2). Caring for God’s people.
3). Correcting misconceptions and wrong thinking.

1 Thessalonians 5:12 And we beseech you, brethren, to know them which labour among you, and are over you in the Lord, and admonish you;

b. The Prayers. “… and let them pray over him…”

Romans 12:12 Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer;
Romans 12:15 Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep.
1 Peter 5:7 Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.

c. The Prescription. “… anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord…”

Anointing with oil. In this case, the oil prescribed is olive oil. This is not what is promoted today as a miraculous healing oil. It is simply God’s medicinal oil! God’s Word reveals the history of the use of oils and salves for medicinal purposes –

1). 4,000 years ago –

Genesis 37:25 And they sat down to eat bread: and they lifted up their eyes and looked, and, behold, a company of Ishmeelites came from Gilead with their camels bearing spicery and balm and myrrh, going to carry it down to Egypt.

2). 2,500 years ago –

Isaiah 1:6 From the sole of the foot even unto the head there is no soundness in it; but wounds, and bruises, and putrifying sores: they have not been closed, neither bound up, neither mollified with ointment.

Jeremiah 8:22 Is there no balm in Gilead; is there no physician there? why then is not the health of the daughter of my people recovered?

3). 2,000 years ago.

Mark 6:13 And they cast out many devils, and anointed with oil many that were sick, and healed them.

4). The present time. A medical website lists some of the medicinal uses of olive oil.

Olive oil is used to prevent heart attack and stroke (cardiovascular disease), breast cancer, colorectal cancer, rheumatoid arthritis, and migraine headache.
Some people use olive oil to treat high cholesterol, high blood pressure, blood vessel problems associated with diabetes, and pain associated ear infections, arthritis, and gallbladder disease.
Olive oil is applied to the skin (used topically) ringing ears (tinnitus), pain in the ears, lice, wounds, minor burns, psoriasis, and for protecting the skin from ultraviolet (UV) damage after sun exposure.

Conclusion:

Pastors, Prayers, and Prescriptions – God uses this three fold plan to engage His children in caring and helping one another in times of sickness.
As God has provided through James a measure for our faith, our conduct, and our humility, He has given us a pattern of our fellowship and dependence on one another. Are we prepared to minister to one another in any need in life? Do we fulfil the law of God –

1 John 3:23 And this is his commandment, That we should believe on the name of his Son Jesus Christ, and love one another, as he gave us commandment.

Let us follow His plan and “edify the body of Christ”.

VII. Instruction on integrity. James 5:12

A. Integrity is required of believers. Refer to Matthew 5:33-37.

We are following Paul’s outline as given to Timothy in to examine the instruction of the Lord as recorded by Matthew

2 Timothy 4:2 Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine.

1. The reproof. Matthew 5:33

a. The tradition practiced.

1). Do not perjure yourself (swear falsely)
2). Do that which you have sworn unto the Lord to do.

b. The truth – swearing was legitimate only as proscribed by God.

Leviticus 19:12 And ye shall not swear by my name falsely, neither shalt thou profane the name of thy God: I am the LORD.

Deuteronomy 6:13 Thou shalt fear the LORD thy God, and serve him, and shalt swear by his name.

The Pharisees and Scribes had turned the practice of swearing into that which would be to their advantage. If they swore to anything other than by the Lord, they were not constrained to keep the promise. The Lord exposed this practice to all in the presence of the Pharisees and then continued with –

2. The rebuke. Matthew 5:34-36 Refrain from this practice of swearing.
The practice of swearing in daily life led to the practice of swearing in anger – note the response of the High Priest as he interrogate the Lord Jesus –

Matthew 26:63-65 But Jesus held his peace. And the high priest answered and said unto him, I adjure thee by the living God, that thou tell us whether thou be the Christ, the Son of God. Jesus saith unto him, Thou hast said: nevertheless I say unto you, Hereafter shall ye see the Son of man sitting on the right hand of power, and coming in the clouds of heaven. Then the high priest rent his clothes, saying, He hath spoken blasphemy; what further need have we of witnesses? behold, now ye have heard his blasphemy.

Both of these emotional outburst were forbidden by the Law of God but common practice led to contempt for the principles of God!

3. The exhortation Matthew 5:37 – be honest and dependable.
Swearing is not necessary at all. The believer’s word should be enough!

B. Integrity is required of believers at all times in every circumstance. James 5:12
The reinforcement of the truth taught by the Lord.

We should remember that from the beginning of this letter, James had had one purpose –
To instill in the believer this goal. –

Ephesians 4:13 Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ:

This man is identified by his faith, he is identified by his conduct, he is identified by his humility, he is identified by his patient service unto the Lord. To all of this is added –
He is identified by his integrity – “… : but let your yea be yea; and your nay, nay;…”.
Is it possible that James was listening as Jesus gave these same instructions in Matthew 5:33-37.
I believe that it is also possible that the Lord brought the words of Hosea to James’ mind to help him understand this admonition to his readers –

Their words –

Hosea 6:3 Then shall we know, if we follow on to know the LORD: his going forth is prepared as the morning; and he shall come unto us as the rain, as the latter and former rain unto the earth.
And then their actions as noted by the Lord –

Hosea 6:4 O Ephraim, what shall I do unto thee? O Judah, what shall I do unto thee? for your goodness is as a morning cloud, and as the early dew it goeth away.

As we noted last week, they were instructed to serve the Lord in patience, knowing the early rains and waiting for the latter rains.

We note from Hosea 6:3 that the spirit was willing, but from Hosea 6:4 the flesh was weak!

James is instructing them to not rely on vows and promises to be trusted of others. He is instructing them to be people of integrity and they would be trusted of others!

The message is to believers – the children of God and speaks of God’s desire that we reflect Him in our lives through integrity – in every circumstance! We, as Christians individually and as Ipoh Bible Baptist Church corporately need to have the testimony of truth and faithfulness. Is that our testimony today? James has again given us a measure of our lives – how to we measure up to God’s expectations. Are we growing unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ?

The message for unbelievers is that you have an opportunity to come to the Lord for salvation today? Will you give your life to Him?

We have been instructed about the difficulties facing believer –
From within – we have been given God’s Word to measure our faith, our conduct, our humility –
From without – temptations, troubles, trials. Now we receive –

VI. Instruction on the Coming of the Lord James 5:7-11 God reveals His –

A. Grace – patience to wait on Him. James 5:7,8

Do not be distracted from that which is most important – knowing and doing God’s will.

These believers had grown up under the teaching of the Scriptures. They understood that God’s faithful people looked at the former rain as a promise of the latter rain.

Deuteronomy 11:13-15 And it shall come to pass, if ye shall hearken diligently unto my commandments which I command you this day, to love the LORD your God, and to serve him with all your heart and with all your soul, That I will give you the rain of your land in his due season, the first rain and the latter rain, that thou mayest gather in thy corn, and thy wine, and thine oil. And I will send grass in thy fields for thy cattle, that thou mayest eat and be full.

God is reminding them again that His blessing of salvation will come to completion – He has saved them and just as sure as the latter rain followed the former, He is coming for them. His working in them is toward one purpose – He has saved them from the penalty of sin and His coming will save them from the power of sin which will lead to being saved from the presence of sin.

Revelation 21:23-25 And the city had no need of the sun, neither of the moon, to shine in it: for the glory of God did lighten it, and the Lamb is the light thereof. And the nations of them which are saved shall walk in the light of it: and the kings of the earth do bring their glory and honour into it. And the gates of it shall not be shut at all by day: for there shall be no night there.

James instructs the believers to –

1. Present themselves – 5:7a Give your life with all that it involves to the Lord –

Romans 12:1 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.

We are not sitting like patients in a waiting room to be called in to see the doctor – we are serving “…and ye shall be witnesses unto me…” Therefore we are to –

2. Patiently serve – 5:7b

The Lord again illustrates this truth with the example of the farmer who works out God’s plan in his life: prepares the ground, plants the seed, following the rain he tends the plants, after the latter rains the plants mature and the harvest is prepared.
There are times that this work is difficult and slow.

Jeremiah 4:3 For thus saith the LORD to the men of Judah and Jerusalem, Break up your fallow ground, and sow not among thorns.

God told the Jews to break up the hard ground so that the seed could be sown. It takes work, patience, and reliance on the Lord.

3. Prepare for His coming. James 5:8

2 Timothy 4:7-8 I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.

They need to be prepared because in His –

B. Mercy – judgment is waiting. James 5:9
Mercy is God not giving us that which we deserve – He witholds judgment, but He will not forget judgment – He is at hand! He is at the door! The Imminent return of the Lord.
We are to remember that the Lord is Judge and that we as believers are to walk worthy of His calling –

Romans 12:19-21 Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord. Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head. Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.

1 John 2:28 And now, little children, abide in him; that, when he shall appear, we may have confidence, and not be ashamed before him at his coming.

C. Justice – Judgment is sure. James 5:10,11

1. The Trial of Job. James 5:11
Remember that this was the earliest book and Job’s testimony was known.

a. His righteousness

1). The condemnation of the accusers.
2). The confession of Job.

b. His reward. “…Have seen the end of the Lord…”

1). The responsibility of Job to pray for his friends.
2). The restoration to Job of that which he lost.

2. The trust of the prophets. James 5:10 “…and having not seen…”
Their trust was steadfast through their trust and by the example of others.

The Lord is coming! He has given us His grace, His mercy, and His justice. He has taught that we should trust Him and serve Him faithfully. Have you trusted Him today?

V. Instrucion on Humility. 4:1-5:6
A. Covetousness
1. Revealed the problem. James 4:1a
2. Recognized the cause. James 4:1-5
3. Recommended the solution. James 4:6-10
B. Criticism of the brethren. 4:11,12
Pride can raise our estimation of ourselves and our abilities, while we look down on others, we raise our –
C. Confidence in self. 4:13-17

James’ warning of these characteristics – covetousness, criticism, confidence in self, concludes with the –

D. Condemnation of the ungodly rich. 5:1-6 (trust in riches)

1. The exhortation to them. James 5:1
We need to know that James is not rebuking church members in particular, but all men in general, including believers, making them aware of the dangers and warning them of the judgment appointed to those who turn from the love of God and their neighbors to the love of power, position, and possessions.

In writing Psalm 73, the psalmist has accurately described the feelings that many of us have had or are having as we consider the prosperity of others, especially the prosperity of those that do not confess faith in God. Read Psalm 73
The Lord is reminding us here again of the danger that the love of wealth can bring into our lives. Even believers can become like unto the lost in the pursuit of wealth and power. As Paul so plainly wrote –

1 Timothy 6:10 For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.

Note the testimony of Achan. The men of Israel had been given clear instructions not to take any of the property they came across in battle for the city of Jericho. Achan did not obey the command of God and his sin effected the army of Israel. When brought to trial, he gave this excuse –

Joshua 7:20-21 And Achan answered Joshua, and said, Indeed I have sinned against the LORD God of Israel, and thus and thus have I done: When I saw among the spoils a goodly Babylonish garment, and two hundred shekels of silver, and a wedge of gold of fifty shekels weight, then I coveted them, and took them; and, behold, they are hid in the earth in the midst of my tent, and the silver under it.

This is the attitude that James is condemning in this portion of his letter. Even though the wealthy people he is speaking to may not have stolen outright, they are robbing God and man through their attitudes and actions.

The pattern is always the same – seeing, coveting, taking.

2. The evidence against them. James 5:2-3b

a). Worthless in the sight of God. 5:2,3a
“…are corrupted…are moth eaten…is cankered…”
b). Evidence of their unrighteousness. 5:3b
“…shall be a witness against you, and shall eat your flesh as it were fire.”

3. The explanation of their actions. James 5:3c-6

These live a life in the realm of negative behaviour – ‘Never’ being the guiding principle –

a. Never enough! “…heaped treasure together…” 5:3b

Ecclesiastes 5:10-11 He that loveth silver shall not be satisfied with silver; nor he that loveth abundance with increase: this is also vanity. When goods increase, they are increased that eat them: and what good is there to the owners thereof, saving the beholding of them with their eyes?

b. Never trusting! “…kept back by fraud…” 5:4 The thought –
“If I give it away, how will I regain it.”
“My employees can afford to wait to get paid.”
“If I give my money away and then have a need, they cannot afford to give back to me.” “I will keep what I have for myself and will pay them when I can!”

c. Never in peace! “…lived in pleasure …being wanton…” 5:5

Ecclesiastes 5:12 The sleep of a labouring man is sweet, whether he eat little or much: but the abundance of the rich will not suffer him to sleep.

d. Never satisfied! “…condemned and killed the just…” 5:6
People are simply a resource to them to provide what they need and what they want. The people are as expendable as their stock animals in the time of slaughter or the products of the earth.

1). King David disposed of Urijah in order to have his wife.
2). Jezebel killed Naboth in order to give his vineyard to Ahab for a present.
Both of these just men were considered to simply be nuisances to be dealt with.
Conclusion:
James speaks of their ownership which they will not be able to deny as they stand before the Righteous Judge –
“Your riches”
“Your garments”
“Your gold” and being understood –
“Your silver”.
As much as they owned these things, they must accept ownership of the consequences –
“Your miseries”!
What could have been a blessing has become a curse because they rejected humility and embraced pride looking only to the exaltation of self!
We are not a repository of God’s wealth, we are agents of God’s wealth. We are to use and disperse it at His direction. God’s blessings are to flow through us to others!

V. Instrucion on Humility. 4:1-5:6
A. Coveteousness
1. Revealed the problem. James 4:1a
2. Recognized the cause. James 4:1-5
3. Recommended the solution. James 4:6-10

B. Criticism of the brethren. 4:11,12

Pride can raise our estimation of ourselves and our abilities, while we look down on others, we raise our –

C. Confidence in self. 4:13-17

We should be aware that men have the potential to accomplish great things on their own –
Genesis 11:6 And the LORD said, Behold, the people is one, and they have all one language; and this they begin to do: and now nothing will be restrained from them, which they have imagined to do.

But James warns us of this self confidence that leads to –

1. Predictions of success in our own strength. 4:13

Proverbs 27:1 Boast not thyself of to morrow; for thou knowest not what a day may bring forth.

2. Presumptuous attitudes. 4:14,15

a. Man has little control over any of that which he is dependent on for success! 4:14
(health, natural elements, demand for product, public acceptance)
b. Man should rely on the leadership and blessing of God. 4:15

3. Pride. 4:16

a. The evil inclination of man-

The religious and government leaders in Israel –

Isaiah 56:10-12 His watchmen are blind: they are all ignorant, they are all dumb dogs, they cannot bark; sleeping, lying down, loving to slumber. Yea, they are greedy dogs which can never have enough, and they are shepherds that cannot understand: they all look to their own way, every one for his gain, from his quarter. Come ye, say they, I will fetch wine, and we will fill ourselves with strong drink; and to morrow shall be as this day, and much more abundant.

They had no fear of God and no expectation of judgment! Even after God’s judgment fell on them and they were carried away to a strange land by the Chaldeans, many of them refused to repent –

Jeremiah 6:17 Also I set watchmen over you, saying, Hearken to the sound of the trumpet. But they said, We will not hearken.

It is amazing how pride can lead one into the depths of depravity “I am worthy to make my own decisions and what right do you have to judge me?”
God has always rebuked man’s pride –

b. Examples from Scripture –

1). Refer to Luke 12 (this man’s greatest failure was in his success)

Luke 12:15-20 And he said unto them, Take heed, and beware of covetousness: for a man’s life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth. And he spake a parable unto them, saying, The ground of a certain rich man brought forth plentifully: And he thought within himself, saying, What shall I do, because I have no room where to bestow my fruits? And he said, This will I do: I will pull down my barns, and build greater; and there will I bestow all my fruits and my goods. And I will say to my soul, Soul, thou hast much goods laid up for many years; take thine ease, eat, drink, and be merry. But God said unto him, Thou fool, this night thy soul shall be required of thee: then whose shall those things be, which thou hast provided?

We have examples from two men who loved God which reminds us that any of us are capable of this sin of pride –

2). Hezekiah boasted of God’s blessings on his life and set himself up to fail –

2 Chronicles 32:24-25 In those days Hezekiah was sick to the death, and prayed unto the LORD: and he spake unto him, and he gave him a sign. But Hezekiah rendered not again according to the benefit done unto him; for his heart was lifted up: therefore there was wrath upon him, and upon Judah and Jerusalem.

3). Josiah boasted (by his actions) of God’s favour and paid with the loss of his life.

c. Examples from recent history. Men boast of their achievements

1). The Titanic – the ship that could not sink!
2). The British R101 dirigible disaster in 1930. Flying from England to India, made it to France and crashed with the loss of 48 lives. The R101 was a government project with the intention of impressing the world with British innovation and power.

d. Exhortations to humility.

1 Peter 5:6 Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time:

4. Practical application. James 4:17

a. Seek the Lord’s guidance.
b. Submit to the Lord’s guidance.

Remember the consequences that the Israelites endured in their disobedience to God’s will.
Numbers chapter 14

James’ warning of these characteristics – covetousness, criticism, confidence in self, concludes with the –

D. Condemnation of the ungodly rich. 5:1-6 (trust in riches) –

Which we will see next week. Today we need to examine ourselves and use the measure provided by James to determine whether we are trusting in God or trusting in self!

V. Instruction on Humility. 4:1-5:6
A. Covetousness
1. Revealed the problem. James 4:1a
2. Recognized the cause. James 4:1-5
3. Recommended the solution. James 4:6-10

James again helps us to understand humility by warning of the dangers of –

B. Criticism of the brethren. 4:11,12

1. The exhortation – 4:11a

Leviticus 19:16-18 Thou shalt not go up and down as a talebearer among thy people: neither shalt thou stand against the blood of thy neighbour: I am the LORD. Thou shalt not hate thy brother in thine heart: thou shalt in any wise rebuke thy neighbour, and not suffer sin upon him. Thou shalt not avenge, nor bear any grudge against the children of thy people, but thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself: I am the LORD.

Illustrate – Miriam and Aaron speaking evil of Moses. They must have spoken to each other about Moses and invented a reason to challenge his leadership.

Numbers 12:1-2 And Miriam and Aaron spake against Moses because of the Ethiopian woman whom he had married: for he had married an Ethiopian woman. And they said, Hath the LORD indeed spoken only by Moses? hath he not spoken also by us? And the LORD heard it.

The one, whether Miriam or Aaron, who brought up the issue should have been rebuked by the other and both been in submission to the leadership that God established!

2. The explanation – 4:11b,12

a. God instituted the Law and revealed it through His Word.

1). He revealed it through His Word.
2). He judges all things according to His Word.

John 12:47-48 And if any man hear my words, and believe not, I judge him not: for I came not to judge the world, but to save the world. He that rejecteth me, and receiveth not my words, hath one that judgeth him: the word that I have spoken, the same shall judge him in the last day.

b. God instructs man to submit to His Word.

1). We are to judge ourselves according to His Word.

1 Corinthians 11:31 For if we would judge ourselves, we should not be judged.

2). We are to judge others according to His Word.
Speak to them, not about them!

a). The command to Pastors

(1). To judge themselves –

1 Peter 5:2-3 Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight thereof, not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind; Neither as being lords over God’s heritage, but being ensamples to the flock.

(2). To judge the church –

Ephesians 5:11 And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them.

1 Timothy 5:20 Them that sin rebuke before all, that others also may fear.

2 Timothy 4:2 Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine.

Titus 1:13 This witness is true. Wherefore rebuke them sharply, that they may be sound in the faith;

b). The command to people –

(1). Caring for them –

Colossians 3:12-14 Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering; Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye. And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness.

(2). Correcting them. Refer to how Aquila and Priscilla helped Apollos.

Acts 18:25-27 This man was instructed in the way of the Lord; and being fervent in the spirit, he spake and taught diligently the things of the Lord, knowing only the baptism of John. And he began to speak boldly in the synagogue: whom when Aquila and Priscilla had heard, they took him unto them, and expounded unto him the way of God more perfectly. And when he was disposed to pass into Achaia, the brethren wrote, exhorting the disciples to receive him: who, when he was come, helped them much which had believed through grace:

(a). They did not cast him out, they called him in.
(b). They did not teach him as his masters, they explained to him as his mentors.
(c). They did not restrict him, they recommended him. They trusted the Holy Spirit would lead him and that he would follow that leadership!

3. The encouragement

a. Maintain the right relationship –

John 13:34-35 A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.

1 John 5:1 Whosoever believeth that Jesus is the Christ is born of God: and every one that loveth him that begat loveth him also that is begotten of him.

When we have the right relationship with God and our brethren, we can –

b. Minister with God’s Word

Hebrews 10:24 And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works:
We want to consider you in love today and provoke you for your good –

Are you saved? Have you trusted in the finished work of Jesus Christ on the cross for your salvation?

V. Instructions on Humility. James 4:1-5:6

A. Covetousness. James 4:1-10

James addresses the recipients as “my brethren” fifteen times throughout this letter. The Holy Spirit kept them before him, making this intensely personal for James.

You might ask “why is it so important to determine that this letter was written to believers”? It is important because it seems that the exhortation in Chapter Four should be written to the unsaved, not the saved! But is is written to Christians and we need to read it carefully and prayerfully! Do we see ourselves condemned by these words?

1. Revealed the problem. James 4:1a
“Whence come wars and whence come fightings among you”?
We should review these questions as we begin –

Are there times that there is –
Dissension in the church?
Division in the church?
Disturbance in the church?

The answer is certain – yes to each.

Does God condemn this activity in His church? The answer is again – yes!

Romans 16:17 Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them that are causing the divisions and occasions of stumbling, contrary to the doctrine which ye learned: and turn away from them.

2 Thessalonians 3:6 Now we command you, brethren, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye withdraw yourselves from every brother that walketh disorderly, and not after the tradition which they received of us.

2 Thessalonians 3:14 And if any man obeyeth not our word by this epistle, note that man, that ye have no company with him, to the end that he may be ashamed.

What do we do if we are that person? or to put it more personally – “What do I do if I am that person”?
We need to identify the cause and then provide the solution. This is what James has done –

2. Recognized the cause. James 4:1-5
James uses two words that are translated ‘lust’ in these five verses. We need to understand that these words can be used in a good as well as bad way depending on the context. ‘Lust’ is also translated ‘desire’ and we see the good use of the word in James 4:5 and in the following verses –

Matthew 13:17 For verily I say unto you, That many prophets and righteous men have desired to see those things which ye see, and have not seen them; and to hear those things which ye hear, and have not heard them.

1 Timothy 3:1 This is a true saying, If a man desire the office of a bishop, he desireth a good work.
The word used in its evil context is ‘lust’ translated from the word ‘hedone’ (hay doe nay) which means pleasure or pleasures. Men seeking to please the flesh. The word is used in this connection in James 4:1 and 4:3.

James deals with the cause of the sinful actions of men by revealing –

a. Their Covetousness. 4:1b

1 Timothy 6:10 For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.

2 Timothy 4:10 “…For Demas hath forsaken me, having loved this present world, and is departed unto Thessalonica…”

b. Their Conflict. 4:1c,2
James rebukes this rebellion against the will of God. Note the contrast between the perfect will of God and the perverted will of man –

1). The perfect will of God.

Ephesians 4:1-3 I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called, With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love; Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.

2). The perverted will of man. 4:1c,2

a). They fight among themselves –
“…war in your members…”, “…ye kill and desire to have…”, “…ye fight and war…”
b). They forget the Lord who has purchased them with His own blood.
“…yet ye have not, because ye ask not.”
At times they will remember God’s promise of provision and blessing and their actions in the flesh will simply increase –

c. Their Confusion. 4:3

James charges them that in their frustration and desire to have, they even call upon the Lord in prayer to get what they want! The seek God’s assistance to gain power and prosperity to enhance their own standing, seeking to glorify self.

1). In the name of Jesus according to the will of God –

1 John 5:14-15 And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us: And if we know that he hear us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of him.

Or –

2). In the name of Jabez?

1 Chronicles 4:10 And Jabez called on the God of Israel, saying, Oh that thou wouldest bless me indeed, and enlarge my coast, and that thine hand might be with me, and that thou wouldest keep me from evil, that it may not grieve me! And God granted him that which he requested.
About fifteen years ago a man wrote a book instructing people in how to control God. He promised that if one read his book once each week and prayed this prayer each day, God would give the desires of the person.

This prayer was a spontaneous prayer from Jabez to God, not a model prayer for all. Jesus taught the disciples and us how to pray and He did not refer us to Jabez!

People became excited and took up this prayer to enable them to get what they wanted from God, not thinking about what God wanted for them. James is speaking of this kind of prayer – “… Ye ask, and receive not, because ye ask amiss, that ye may consume it upon your lusts.”

d. Their Condemnation. 4:4 “Ye adulterers and adulteresses…” Unfaithful to God!
e. Their Conviction. 4:5

The struggle in the believer between the flesh and the Spirit.

1). The believer should be convinced that he is a child of God.

Romans 8:16 The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God:

2). The believer should be convicted that God’s will is right for his life.

Galatians 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.

3). The believer should be consistent in his submission to the leadership of the Holy Spirit.

Ephesians 5:18-21 And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit; Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord; Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ; Submitting yourselves one to another in the fear of God.

Are you saved? Are you sure?