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James 5:1-6
As we begin today’s Bible study, I want to make note that this passage of Scripture, James 5:1-6 is not condemning those who have made a successful living financially. This passage of Scripture is addressing those who have made a successful living financially by ways in which are ungodly and unrespectful in their lives to God. James, in James 5:1 (NKJV) tells those who are rich to, “weep and howl for your miseries that are coming upon you!” But we must also not jump to conclusions and assume that he is speaking to everyone who is financially wealthy as he goes on to state the type of person he is speaking of in James 5:4-6. The “rich” people that James is speaking to in this passage have gained their financial freedom by not paying their employees the wages due to them (James 5:4). This type of people have lived a life of “pleasure and luxury” (James 5:5) as one would indulge themselves in the pleasures and luxuries of this world, which is reflective of the sinful nature and not honoring God. James tells us that this type of person speaks “condemnation” on others, which also implies self-praise – not living in humility to God who allowed that person to accomplish the financial freedom that has been acquired (James 5:6), and James goes as far as to label these people murders to the ones who have not shown resistance to them. This statement may not be directed to one who has directly committed murder but possibly in taking advantage of the less fortunate causing them to lose everything, even to their death.
This is a command for those who have obtained riches in ungodly manners to come to a realization of their sins and repent and humble themselves before the Lord.
To those of you who have had successful careers and understand that God has blessed you with your success…congratulations! This message is not to include you. But in that I also want to add that only you and God truly know the intentions of your heart. The Bible teaches us that it is very easy to fall into trusting your money more than you trust God; please remember who it was that allowed you to have your riches and give praise to Him – our Creator Almighty God who sent His one and only Son to pay the price for your sins so that you may be set free from them by putting your faith and trust in our Savior Christ Jesus.
And if you are one of those in which James is speaking to in this passage, it is for your own good to hear this as it will hopefully lead you to conviction for the sins you have committed; that maybe through this message, God will speak to your heart and draw you to Him. God tells us through His word in Ezekiel 18:27-28, “Again, when a wicked man turns away from the wickedness which he committed, and does what is lawful and right, he preserves himself alive. Because he considers and turns away from all the transgressions which he committed, he shall surely live; he shall not die.” And in Ezekiel 18:30-31, “…Repent, and turn from all your transgressions, so that iniquity will not be your ruin. Cast away from you all the transgressions which you have committed, and get yourselves a new heart and a new spirit…” The Lord calls us all to repentance and to humble ourselves before Him in seeking His forgiveness through Jesus – the way, the truth, and the life (John 14:6). Having a lot of money will not assure you a place in heaven, nor will giving a lot of money to charities in a fleeting attempt to try and earn your way to heaven. It is only through putting your faith in Jesus Christ that you may be forgiven and receive a new life – in Christ. Jesus tells us in the second part of John 14:6 (NKJV), “No one comes to the Father except through Me.” This does not mean that you can choose to believe this or not; Jesus is the only way to heaven. But it is not too late as the Apostle Paul tells us in Romans 10:9-13 (ESV), “…if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved. For the Scripture says, ‘Everyone who believes in him will not be put to shame.” For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek; for the same Lord is Lord of all, bestowing his riches on all who call on him. For everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” You may have riches in this world, but if you put your faith and trust in the riches of Jesus, the blessings of the Lord will make you truly rich.
Dear LORD,
We all dream of being financially secure, but my prayer today is that we will all put our hope, faith, and trust in You so that we will be spiritually secure for eternity, where the riches of this world will not help us gain entrance; for the Apostle Peter tells us in about the power of the name of Jesus in Acts 4:12 (NIV), “Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved.” Please help us LORD to humble ourselves before You and acknowledge our need for Jesus to set us free from the ways of this world that we would receive everlasting life – in Christ. In Jesus name I pray, amen.