James 5:1-12

Introduction:

1. God loathes oppression and gives repeated warnings to oppressors (Leviticus 19:13; Proverbs 20:10; 22:22; Isaiah 1:11-17; Jeremiah 22:3; Micah 6:8).

2. In this section, James uses such a situation as both a warning to rich oppressors and encouragement to the oppressed who trust in God.

Discussion:

I. Woes To the Oppressors

A. “Come now” appears again as a call to attention.

B. The oppressors faced terrible sorrows for their misdeeds.

1. Weep= “to sob, wail aloud” (Strong)

2. Howl= “to cry aloud in invocation” (Mounce); “shriek” (Zodhiates)

C. Regardless of how things appear, God will vindicate the oppressed and punish the oppressors (Genesis 4; Psalms 73; Luke 16:19-31).

II. Identifying the Oppressors

A. Were these rich Christians who lost their way or rich non-Christians?

B. Though some Christians could so fail, the context indicates James is likely using a rhetorical device known as an apostrophe.

1. James never calls them brethren, a term used 15 times as in verse 7.

2. There is no call to repentance, only a promise of punishment.

3. There is no promise of reconciliation to God.

III. Establishing the Hearts of the Oppressed

A. “Therefore” in verse 7 clearly links this section to the previous.

B. Because He is coming, we must be patient and establish our hearts.

1. Patient= “to be long of spirit, not to lose heart” (Thayer)

2. Establish= “to turn resolutely” (Strong); “make stable” (Thayer)

C. James offered two powerful examples of patient, established hearts.

1. The farmer patiently waits for the rains over which he has no control.

2. The prophets and Job stayed faithful through remarkable trials.

Conclusion:

1. Though we cannot control how others treat us, we can control our response.

2. James made it clear that oppressors may fare sumptuously in this life, but their end is one of sorrow and woe (cf. Psalms 73).

3. Those who wait on the Lord are renewed by His power (Isaiah 40:28-31).