Keys of Truth: James (Chapter 5)

Chapter summary:
James began his letter by encouraging his readers to accept trials with joy, as God has a maturing purpose in permitting them. Now he looks at resources which enable us to endure under severe, continuing persecution. James warns the rich oppressors of the poor. The rich live in luxury now, but face certain judgment for their mistreatment of the innocent (5:1-6). Under such persecution believers are to be patient and stand firm until the Lord returns. The certainty that the "Judge is standing at the door" comforts and encourages (vv. 7-9).
In the meantime believers can take comfort in the example of others, like Job, who have lived through suffering and emerged into an experience of God's mercy (vv. 10-11). As we persevere we are to remain unshakably committed to telling and living the truth (v. 12). Believers also have the resource of prayer. When offered by a righteous person prayer has great and powerful effect on our experience here and now (vv. 13-18). Finally, each of us is a resource for others. When a person strays we are to reach out and turn him or her back to a life lived according to God's truth (vv. 19-20).

Key thought: It won't be long. (5:9)

The believer’s personal application: Rather than be discouraged when suffering continues, let's remember that our prospects are good!

INSIGHT

“Why against the rich?”(5:1-6):
In Jerusalem, few in the wealthy class responded to the Gospel. As persecution of the early church developed, many believers lost their livelihood and were further exploited by the powerful. The charges James makes against the rich are (1) they greedily hoard wealth when others are suffering, (2) they defraud their employees, (3) they live in extravagance and self-indulgence, and (4) they "murder" innocent men.

“Patience” (5:7-9).
Like farmers, we wait for harvest time. We know that Christ, the Judge, "is standing at the door."

“Job's example” (5:10-11):
After Job's terrible suffering God blessed him with double of all the good things he had before (Job 42). His example assures us that when the Lord returns we too will experience the compassion of the Lord.

“Don't swear” (5:12):
Why the emphasis on discontinuing the use of oaths? Because our patient waiting requires us to live such an honest life, that our integrity rather than an oath, will convince others that we are speaking the truth.

“Prayer and anointing” (5:14-16):
This passage linking prayer, sickness, church elders, anointing with oil, and confession of sins has fascinated Christians throughout the ages.

Several things are clear from the text (1) Prayer is needed when sickness comes. (2) One role of the elders of a church is to pray for the sick. (3) Prayer is primary, and anointing with oil is secondary. 4) Oil was the most common ingredient in ancient medical treatments, and the verb describing its use (aleipho) means to "smear on" rather than the sacramental "to anoint" (chrio). Thus the passage teaches application of both prayer and normal medical treatments. (5) "Confession" is important if sin should happen to be the cause of the sickness, and thus the sickness is disciplinary. (6) Since confession and prayer are associated with good health, it is important for Christians to be sensitive to sin, confess their sins to each other, and pray for each other.

“Prayer's effectiveness” (5:17-18):
The prayer of a person in right relationship with God is truly powerful. Elijah, whose weaknesses are not covered over in the Old Testament was effective in prayer because he was righteous and because he prayed earnestly.