Chapter 5 Overview - James 5
Written by LaRosa Johnson
Wednesday, October 01, 2008
We have finally reached the final chapter in our James devotion series. Over the course of the first four chapters, we have learned quite a bit about living out our faith. As we have seen thus far, there has been a natural progression in the content that James has delivered; each topic has built upon the previous one and presents the reader with an astounding amount of practical application. Chapter 5 is no different, as it continues in much the same manner as the rest of the letter. Our study today will serve as an overview of the chapter and then we will move forward with the verse by verse study of the text. If hearts and minds are ready, please read James 5 and keep reading.
When we look at this passage of Scripture, you will notice that we can break it down into about four sections. Verses 1-6 deal focus in on another group of believers who have issues. Verses 7-12 talk about a response to the group discussed in the previous verses, as well as giving instruction on being patient and steadfast with endurance. Moving along, verses 13-18 specifically deal with meeting the needs of our brothers and sisters, while the chapter and epistle closes in verses 19-20 with a brief exhortation on restoring a straying brother or sister in the faith.
So, what can we expect to learn from this chapter? Well, first, we once again find James calling people out for their outlandish behavior. In chapter 1 he called out those that weren't doers of the word; in chapter 2 he warned against those who were showing favoritism; chapter 3 had James warning the talkative type; and, chapter 4 dealt with those that were all caught up in fulfilling their desires. When we get to chapter 5, James begins by calling out rich believers who have oppressed others by exploiting them and cheating them out of their wages for their own personal gain. James wants to put them in check, getting them to realize that Jesus could come back at any moment and that they have bigger things to worry about than just stacking paper. That's where the chapter begins.
The second section of the chapter focuses in on those believers who have been abused by the oppressive rich, along with application for believers in general. What are these oppressed believers to do? They are to simply be patient, both with the circumstance and the person oppressing them, and endure with steadfastness. They aren't to complain or talk bad, but they are to also remember that the Lord's return is near and walk in a manner that is prepared for His return. The bottom line is that no matter what circumstance is being faced, perseverance and walking in a Christlike manner are key.
James then smoothly transitions into the topic of meeting the needs of others, especially those who have been or are being oppressed. He tells the oppressed or sick that they are to seek out spiritual leadership and have them pray for them. In short, this is a lesson on prayer, praying for others, and the power of prayer. We see in this passage the spiritual benefits of praying for others and the effect that it can have in their ability to remain steadfast in their walk, especially when weary. He also talks about sharing burdens with one another so that they can be prayed over. That then moves into a lesson on prayer's power, giving the example of Elijah and how the Lord heard and answered his prayers for rain. That is the same kind of power that we can have in our prayer lives because we serve the same God.
The chapter then closes with a couplet of verses that speak about bringing back a straying brother. This is all about helping a brother who has fallen into sin and restoring them back to the right track. It also includes correcting doctrine, where a brother or sister may be straying because they're being led away by a false teaching; it is our responsibility to bring them back to the truth. When we do that, we're helping to keep them on the right path.
That's all of what you can expect to find in this chapter. There's quite a bit of information, and every verse is plenteous in the amount of fruit that it can bear in our lives. James gives us so much practical application in this chapter, and we should be quick to take heed to everything that he has presented us with in this chapter, just as we have with all the others. Just because this is the final chapter, we are not going to rush through it; we're going to take our time. So, until next time, remained steadfast and prayed up. God bless!
devotion courtesy of Trailblazin Ministries
http://www.trailblazinministries.com/devotions/james076.php
Home 
