James 5

James 5. This chapter concludes the book of James with warnings to the rich, a call to patience in suffering, encouragement in prayer, and a final admonition.

10 As an example of suffering and patience, brothers, take the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord. 11 Behold, we consider those blessed who remained steadfast. You have heard of the steadfastness of Job, and you have seen the purpose of the Lord, how the Lord is compassionate and merciful.

James 5:10-11, ESV

James 5. This chapter concludes the book of James with warnings to the rich, a call to patience in suffering, encouragement in prayer, and a final admonition.

James 5 - Warning to the Rich

Are riches a problem for the believer in this, the 21st century? Is it wrong to be rich?

Yes, riches are a problem for the believer in this, the 21st century. When we become a believer our whole life changes. Whereas, before we were consumed with the things of this world, now we are consumed by loving and serving Christ.

Do we love Christ more than we love our riches? Romans 11:33 tells us, Oh, the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are his judgments and how inscrutable his ways!

No riches, or wealth, is not a sin for the believer, however, let us search for the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God!

James 5 - Patience in Suffering

James encourages us to have patience in suffering. Rather than grumble or be dissatisfied when we see that we do not have the things others may have, we are to set our hearts and minds on the Lord Jesus Christ.

James tells us to establish our hearts for the coming of the Lord. In other words, as believers, we need to keep our eyes on the coming of the Lord. Let us establish our hearts on the world to come.

Examples are then given of the numerous people who suffered for the Lord. Hebrews 11, after giving a rather extensive list of examples of those who put their suffering behind them and trusted in the Lord, states, of whom the world was not worthy.