James 5:7-8

In the previous verses the Holy Spirit speaks to those who have set their affections and focus on the thing of this earth.

So we do not focus on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal. 2 Corinthians 4:18 HCSB

This world has everything to offer and yet we are not to grow affectionate to it.

Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. 1 John 2:15 ESV

The mention is to the rich man, yet anybody in any social class can fall prey of the world mindset therefore being classified as a rich man.

Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect. Romans 12:2 ESV

If we belong to another place, we should identify with who we are and where we are from:

But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, who will transform our lowly body to be like his glorious body, by the power that enables him even to subject all things to himself. Philippians 3:20-21 ESV

Therefore, since our affections should be set (by faith) on who we are (by God’s declaration) and where we will be going (by God’s promise), our time and efforts should be invested accordingly. A farmer counts on the rain to come even though when he is ploughing the ground it is dry. He spends hours preparing the soil. He purchases seed and plants them only to cover them up with soil, never to be seen again. Then he waits and waits some more because he knows for certain that once the rains come, the seed will grow into a plant and yield the precious fruit. The patience of the farmer pays off.

As the rains came for the farmer, so the Lord will come for those who have placed their faith in Jesus. We should live expectantly for His return. The decisions we make, the time and resource investments and way we live should be reflective of this fact. Just like the farmer’s focus was on the precious fruit, our focus should be placed on the eternal since that is where the Lord is coming to take us.

Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God. Hebrews 12:1-2 ESV

James 5:1-6

In an article he writes about the Bible, humanist Joseph Summer tries to demonstrate that the Bible is false on three assumptions; the seeming contradictions the Bible has with itself, the harshness of God’s dealings with people and the incorrect description of the physical world in contrast with our current scientific knowledge.

Today’s passage might appear to serve the humanist’s point. First, we have what might appear as contradictions: riches or wealth seem to equate misery and hardship. The humanist ‘knows’ that many of the world’s current problems today (ex: environment, illiteracy)  are because of poverty not riches. The rich are actually out to solve the global crisis. The philosophy of the world today is, either you are wealthy, and long as you do your part (recycle, donate free stuff, give to the poor) you’re part of the solution and that’s cool, or you’re less fortunate and the world owes you what you rightfully deserve. Right?

Secondly, the unfairness and harshness of God is seen in that it speaks negatively of the rich, why would the God of the Bible promise misery to a person who simply wants to live in luxury and enjoyment of life? He works hard, he should be allowed to enjoy it. Especially since he’s solving the world crisis. Right?

The third sense is the physical understanding of the world, ‘your gold and silver are corroded‘ – it is common knowledge that gold and silver do not corrode.  These are precious metals because they never corrode.

Therefore, the humanist concludes, the Bible is false. Right?

Who determines what is right? The humanist? We know enough not to trust man’s understanding…

Trust in the Lord with all your heart
    and lean not on your own understanding; Proverbs 3:5 NIV

We also know not to trust our feelings…

The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it? Jeremiah 17:9 KJV

We trust the word of God as the truth.

All your words are true;
    all your righteous laws are eternal. Psalm 119:160 NIV

Does this passage in James teach that God is against the rich and all for the poor? No, but we should define who a rich person is. This passage mentions the person  15 times and only once is God mentioned. The rich man is defined as one who is trusting in his riches to satisfy his longing rather than God. He goes to great lengths to acquire riches (not paying wages, condemning and even murdering the innocent). A rich person sacrifices whatever it takes to get me where he wants; family, friends, even God. This is a person who considers himself to be successful yet God holds it against him calling him rich man.

“No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money. Matthew 6:24 ESV

The issue God has with this person is that their trust is not set on God (who desires to richly provide for us).

As for the rich in this present age, charge them not to be haughty, nor to set their hopes on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who richly provides us with everything to enjoy. 1 Timothy 6:17 ESV

The rich man mentality is dangerous and leads to destruction:

But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation, into a snare, into many senseless and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction. 1 Timothy 6:9 ESV

Have you ever lacked discernment and fallen prey to this mindset?

Do not toil to acquire wealth; be discerning enough to desist. When your eyes light on it, it is gone, for suddenly it sprouts wings, flying like an eagle toward heaven. Proverbs 23:4-5 ESV

Here’s the correct mindset.

Sell your possessions, and give to the needy. Provide yourselves with moneybags that do not grow old, with a treasure in the heavens that does not fail, where no thief approaches and no moth destroys. For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also. Luke 12:33-34 ESV

We should give not because we are guilty [humanism] of what we have but because you do not need more than God’s provision [grace]: Nor should it be out of our abundance, but from a cheerful heart. After all, we are blessed!

Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ…I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people, and his incomparably great power for us who believe. Ephesians 1:3, 18-19a ESV

Invest today for what God has prepared for you tomorrow.

James 4:16-17

The pride of life here is seen the way of one who makes plans for success and enjoyment with a total disregard for God.

For everything in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—comes not from the Father but from the world. 1 John 2:16 NIV

What is evil? Sometimes evil actually has to be pointed out to us before we realize it is actually wrong.  Surely prosperity (abundance in life) is not evil is it? James is not saying here that making plans for your benefit is wrong, unless a situation should arise where… “you know what is good and do not do it.” In this case the example is given where one makes plans apart from God’s involvement.  It may feel like it is right, you may be ‘getting ahead’ in life, you might even be doing good for others, yet if it is your plan and not God’s, it is arrogance and… not from the Father.

“Unused knowledge of one’s duty is sin, the sin of omission”, Robertson states.

Jesus spoke harshly to those who knew to do right yet did not…

“Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You give a tenth of your spices—mint, dill and cumin. But you have neglected the more important matters of the law—justice, mercy and faithfulness. You should have practiced the latter, without neglecting the former. You blind guides! You strain out a gnat but swallow a camel. Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You clean the outside of the cup and dish, but inside they are full of greed and self-indulgence. Blind Pharisee! First clean the inside of the cup and dish, and then the outside also will be clean. Matthew 23:23-26 NIV

If I really want to please God in my life, to really make the right choices, then I need to learn in a practical, daily, moment by moment sense that…

And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him. Hebrews 11:6 NIV

How can you know to do the right thing each time? Simply put, you don’t.  Situations will arise where all options appear to be good. You don’t want to be making choices on life without diligently seeking God first. Let Him reward you as a result of trusting and depending on Him.

James 4:13-15

In the book of Daniel, king Belshazzar had everything he could want. He was the most powerful man in the Babylonian kingdom. Nothing could stand in his way, if he wished it, it was done.

One evening however, at the height of his success, during a celebration among many guests, his life came to a sudden end. Even though we could imagine his wise men foreseeing great things for him ahead, even though Belshazzar was protected by the greatest of armies, even though the city of Babylon was impenetrable, it occurred in a flash.

The prideful mindset of Belshazzar had taken him to see himself as God by making gods of gold, silver, wood etc…

but you have lifted up yourself against the Lord of heaven. And the vessels of his house have been brought in before you, and you and your lords, your wives, and your concubines have drunk wine from them. And you have praised the gods of silver and gold, of bronze, iron, wood, and stone, which do not see or hear or know, but the God in whose hand is your breath, and whose are all your ways, you have not honored. Daniel 5:23 ESV

There are two world views, two mindsets. One is a divine, God centred view while the other is a man centred view.  Whatever our mindset, determines how we live.

For as he thinks in his heart, so is he… Proverbs 23:7a NKJV

James has been speaking out against partiality, strife, fighting, jealousy and judging another. These all come out from a man centred mindset. In other words, pride.

Better to be of a humble spirit with the lowly, than to divide the spoil with the proud. He who heeds the word wisely will find good. And whoever trusts in the Lord, happy is he. Proverbs 16:19-20 NKJV

Pride is a result of the flesh. The flesh cannot be tamed or changed but it can be rendered powerless while the mind is set on the Spirit.

 But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. Galatians 5:16 ESV

The Spirit empowered life is only available to one who has the Spirit. How do you receive the Spirit?

In him you also, when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and believed in him, were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit, Ephesians 1:13 ESV

Christ came to set the captives (of sin) free. He did this by personally paying the sin debt for transgressions but also by condemning the sin nature. As our substitute (He died in our place) he was victorious over sin and death. We (those who have trusted in Christ) are now identified with Christ before God. Our identification with Christ is not only with Him but also in what He did. Therefore, His death and resurrection is now mine. When I died with Christ, I instantly was freed from the sin nature’s power to rule in my life.  Now I count on this fact by faith and present my self  to the Spirit.

For sin will have no dominion over you, since you are not under law but under grace. What then? Are we to sin because we are not under law but under grace? By no means! Do you not know that if you present yourselves to anyone as obedient slaves, you are slaves of the one whom you obey, either of sin [flesh], which leads to death, or of obedience [Spirit], which leads to righteousness? Romans 6:14-16 ESV [brackets added for clarity]

The Spirit has been provisioned (grace) to the believer so that you can walk free from the slavery that the carnal mindset produces.

Nevertheless, I tell you the truth: it is to your advantage that I go away, for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you. But if I go, I will send him to you.  John 16:7 ESV

 You, believer, have been saved by grace! God made provision for salvation for anyone who believes. That salvation is complete and in no way finished at the point of your believing upon him. Salvation has a past, present and future aspect – but all by grace provision! Just like your justification (past) was provisioned by grace, your sanctification (present) is also by grace and not by works. In other words, a mind set on the flesh (works/law) will not bring about your sanctification, only a mind set on the Spirit.  As an example now of this in our every day life, we would not say “we will do this or that” but rather “if the Lord wills we will live and do this or that…” One perspective is trusting in self, the other trusts in the Lord. Who are you trusting in?

James 4:11

There are passages that deal with abstaining from evil, not being friends with the world and not identifying ourselves with the world. This would require a certain amount of judgment to determine. This verse however is not one of them.

There are at least 4 words in the Greek that are translated judge into english. This causes some confusion. What the believer should do is examine closely, question, arbitrate but never is he to judge – pass a verdict or condemn. It just so happens we quite easily tend to jump to a ‘logical’ conclusion and speak as though it were fact. Even in the case of it being true, we are not to speak of each other in this way.

Why? Well, in the next verse (12) we get the reason…

There is only one lawgiver and judge…James 4:13a ESV

You and I are not the givers of the law. We did not produce the law and have no legal right to become judges. We may think we keep the law better than the next guy and that somehow gives us permission to speak ill of our brother, yet the moment we do, we become judges and no longer doers of the law. A judge sanctions those who break the law. He is, in a sense, above the law to make sure it is applied. We are never in such a category. This is God’s chair alone.

Keep in mind, there is only one who kept the law, Jesus Christ. The only way you keep the law is by faith in Jesus Christ (Him taking your place, keeping the law for you). This means you never, not on your best day, deserve to apply the law on others.

Aren’t you glad God doesn’t judge you? If He did, He would have to give us justly what we deserve. Thank goodness for the work of Jesus Christ.

For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him. John 3:17 ESV

James 4:10

The epitome of pride is seen in the heart of Satan himself when he says,

I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will be like the most High. Isaiah 14:14 KJV

This was behind the lie Satan fed to Eve in the beginning,

For God knows that when you eat from it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil. Genesis 3:5 NIV

Pride was driving  the infamous Nimrod, who began organized religion and united mankind to make a name for themselves at Babel.

He became a fearless hunter in defiance of the LORD. That is why it is said, “Like Nimrod, a fearless hunter in defiance of the LORD.” Genesis 10:9 ISV

Pride is what drove Belshazzar the Babylonian king,

but you have lifted up yourself against the Lord of heaven. And the vessels of his house have been brought in before you, and you and your lords, your wives, and your concubines have drunk wine from them. And you have praised the gods of silver and gold, of bronze, iron, wood, and stone, which do not see or hear or know, but the God in whose hand is your breath, and whose are all your ways, you have not honored. Daniel 5:23 ESV

So humility must be the opposite right? Well, sort of, however it is not self-abasement. True humility is essentially our faith in action, trusting the Lord rather than ourselves.

Trust in the Lord with all your heart,
    and do not lean on your own understanding.
In all your ways acknowledge him,
    and he will make straight your paths. Proverbs 3:5-6 ESV

When one is trusting in the Lord, he is dependent on the Lord for direction and enabling. This is how God exalts,

Good and upright is the Lord;
therefore he instructs sinners in his ways.
He guides the humble in what is right
and teaches them his way.  Proverbs 25:8-9 NIV

When God promises to take care of us and to even exalt us it is as good as done. When and how is up to God’s creative genius and to the praise of His name.

Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, 1 Peter 5:6 ESV

Remember the pride of the self-righteous religion man?

The Pharisee, standing by himself, prayed thus: ‘God, I thank you that I am not like other men, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even like this tax collector. I fast twice a week; I give tithes of all that I get.’ 

Jesus was not impressed. Yet God’s response to the sinner is to exalt him…

But the tax collector, standing far off, would not even lift up his eyes to heaven, but beat his breast, saying, ‘God, be merciful to me, a sinner!’ I tell you, this man went down to his house justified, rather than the other. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but the one who humbles himself will be exalted.” Luke 18:11-14 ESV

Wouldn’t you rather be exalted by God rather than humbled by Him? Next time you reach into your self-motivated bag of goodies and want to swish out your pride, remember this verse.

James 4:9

What a most perplexing verse. Does this sound like a nice thing to say? At first glance I want to say God is way ‘out there’ and antiquated in the very least. Surely this cannot refer to our times, or yes? Would you tell your children to be sad, to cry to be miserable? After we’ve observed what the words mean, let’s interpret using Scripture to arrive at an appropriate application.

The immediate context in chapter four begins by saying,

What is the source of quarrels and conflicts among you? Is not the source your pleasures that wage war in your members? James 4:1 NASB

These believers were experiencing the results of the flesh. The Holy Spirit is revealing to them their true state, even though they were experiencing pleasures and the fantasies of the earthly life, they needed to repent (change their minds) about their way of thinking. Later on in chapter 5, James drives it home:

Come now, you rich, weep and howl for your miseries which are coming upon you. James 5:1 NASB

You may be surprised to know that godly sorrow…produces repentance (a change of mind) without regret, yet the sorrow of the world (that which comes from living for passions and desires) produces death (separation).

For the sorrow that is according to the will of God produces a repentance without regret, leading to salvation, but the sorrow of the world produces death.  2 Corinthians 7:10 NASB

We as believers can at times fall prey to the flesh. A lot of times it is very deceptive. Remember the church at Antioch? They felt they were doing quite well. God had something else to say to them:

Because you say, “I am rich, and have become wealthy, and have need of nothing,” and you do not know that you are wretched and miserable and poor and blind and naked, …Those whom I love, I reprove and discipline; therefore be zealous and repent. Revelation 3:17, 19 NASB

The flesh takes us to a point where even we, can become enemies of the Gospel. You do not want to be found in this category, even as a child of God.

For many, of whom I have often told you and now tell you even with tears, walk as enemies of the cross of Christ. Their end is destruction, their god is their belly, and they glory in their shame, with minds set on earthly things. Philippians 3:18-19 ESV

In view of the facts and the seriousness of how God sees this matter then, yes, grieve, mourn, be miserable and repent (change your mind) in regards to earthly pleasures or whatever is taking the place of God in your life. God wants us to live in dependance and reliance of Him. He wants to be our source of joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, self-control, gentleness, faithfulness etc.

So, yes, we exhort our children when they need to realize the error of their way. We explain in words that cause sorrow that what they are doing is wrong and cause them to reflect so they need not be disciplined. God is doing essentially the same here.  The seriousness of it all and yet what a loving way to say it!

That is why in the very next verse James, under the inspiration of the Spirit will say:

Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up. James 4:10 NIV

Remember, God’s way is best. Check this out:

For it is God who is producing in you both the desire and the ability to do what pleases him.  Philippians 2:13 ISV

May your walk today be in dependence of the Holy Spirit of God. Allow him to change your heart, renew your mind and understanding, and give you even the ability to please him!

James 4:7

The previous verse ended by saying “…God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble.” (KJV)

The word resisteth is a military term meaning to range in battle against.

Now we have the usage of the word submit which is also a military term meaning to range under.  Later in verse 10 we will see another word used translated as two words humble yourself which has several options, one being “to assign a lower rank or reduce to a plain.”

In the military when a commanding officer gives a directive it is to be followed. To not follow a command is insubordination. The Holy Spirit chose to use these words to clearly illustrate our state since we are either arrayed under God or opposed to it.

Therefore… in view of the fact that God ranges himself in battle against the proud, arrange yourself (submit) under God’s command. The word submit is second aorist passive imperative and could be translated “be subject therefore unto God.” Submission and obedience are a result of faith. As we walk by faith in dependence of God, we become subject to God’s authority and are obedient.

Just like we are to arrange ourselves (submit) under God’s authority, we also do the opposite and resist (to arrange against) Satan. Satan and God are in direct opposition. We cannot both serve God and Satan at the same time. As we align with God as our commander, Satan and all his forces become our enemy.

Because the carnal mind  enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be. Romans 8:7 KJV

Please note that God never intended our relationship with Him to be one of slavery and drudgery. Those who teach this or imply it to keep people in “subjection” or “motivated” have fallen back on the law (legalism).

For you did not receive the spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption as sons, by whom we cry, “Abba! Father!” Romans 8:14 ESV

Grace is the true means to subjection under God.

For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age,  Titus 2:11-12 ESV

James 4:6

But…the verse begins in juxtaposition to the end of verse five which essentially finished by asking a rhetorical question,

“…does the Spirit which dwells in us long unto envying?” James 4:5 ASV

more grace – God gives grace which is greater, stronger that all our sin. Grace was greater than our sin for  justification.

Now the law came in to increase the trespass, but where sin increased, grace abounded all the more, Romans 5:20 ESV

Not only was grace greater for our justification but also for our sanctification in our present walk being saved from the power of sin.

Little children, you are from God and have overcome them, for he who is in you is greater than he who is in the world. 1 John 4:4 ESV

Wherefore…(consequently, for this reason). James quotes the Scriptures here to press his point. Grace vs flesh, faith vs works.

Toward the scorners he is scornful,
    but to the humble he gives favor. Proverbs 3:34 ESV

Pride is directly connected with a scornful attitude. Humility is essentially lowliness of mind, by implication an attitude of faith and trust in another. In this case, believing God.

Resisteth…(to range in battle against, to oppose one’s self). God wants to you live free of your sinful passions and desires. He certainly wants the church to reflect Him so it is essential as a body we align, fall into position with God on this otherwise we could find ourself with God ranged in battle against us. Pride is the haughty attitude that does not seek God but self. True humility is not self-effort of putting one’s self down, it is the walk of faith, in dependence of the Holy Spirit for a grace empowered life.

Three times I pleaded with the Lord about this, that it should leave me. But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. 2 Corinthians 12:8-9 ESV

The Spirit empowered life is not one of you doing your best for Jesus. There is a difference in mindset between he who says, “I have done this with God’s help” and what Paul stated:

But whatever I am now, it is all because God poured out his special favor on me–and not without results. For I have worked harder than any of the other apostles; yet it was not I but God who was working through me by his grace. 1 Corinthians 15:10 NLT

James 4:5

There are two main difficulties regarding this verse. First, James says Scriptures which usually referred to the Old Testament. Secondly, know that the Spirit did not dwell in all believers as He does today since the prophets prophesied it would happen in yet in the future in regards to ethnic Israel:

And I will put my Spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my statutes and be careful to obey my rules. You shall dwell in the land that I gave to your fathers, and you shall be my people, and I will be your God. Ezekiel 36:27 ESV

This was not a prophecy regarding the church, neither did it mention the Spirit jealously desiring us. No Old Testament verse resembles this. Could James have been referring to the teachings of Paul? We know that Peter quoted from Paul. However he also distinguished the Scriptures to mean the Old Testament. Remember that the New Testament had not all been written and compiled by this point, so only loose epistles were available.

Perhaps the best explanation can be given in how the verse is written. Remember, punctuation was added later to help in our comprehension of the Text.

Or think ye that the scripture speaketh in vain? Doth the spirit which he made to dwell in us long unto envying? James 4:5 ASV

Now according to this translation, the Scriptures as a whole teach against our friendship with the world, fleshly indulgence and carnality in general. The logical answer to the second hypothetical question is, may it never be!

Jesus taught his disciples that it was to their advantage that He go to allow the Holy Spirit to return.  As a matter of fact, before he ascended to heaven he told the disciples specifically not to do anything until the Holy Spirit came to empower them.

Nevertheless, I tell you the truth: it is to your advantage that I go away, for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you. But if I go, I will send him to you. John 16:7 ESV

At the beginning of the church age, the Holy Spirit descended in a visible form, first to the Jews then to the Gentiles. It was to prove that God was working in a different way as He had done in the past but also to show the Jews that God was working among the Gentiles in the same way. This did not continue though. The Holy Spirit does not descend like a dove (as He did specifically with Jesus) or with flames of fire (as He did initially to the early church). Today when a person hears the Gospel and believes it, he immediately receives the Holy Spirit because God made Him to dwell in us! 

In him you also, when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and believed in him, were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit, Ephesians 1:13 ESV

Not only do we receive the Holy Spirit at salvation, we are sealed with the Holy Spirit until the day of redemption. No believer is unsealed by the Holy Spirit.

who is the guarantee of our inheritance until we acquire possession of it, to the praise of his glory. Ephesians 1:14 ESV

This is why a believer who walks in sin experiences an absence of peace and joy. A believer who lives a life empowered by the sin nature will not bear the fruit of the Holy Spirit. He will bear the works of the flesh (which is evidenced  as friendship with the world and enmity with God). The Scriptures always teach and caution against our friendship with the world.

Now that God has gifted us (believers in Jesus Christ) the Holy Spirit, we should realize that a walk according to the Spirit always results in the fruit of the Spirit.

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,  gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. Galatians 5:22-23 ESV