James Bible StudyНамуна

James 4:13-5:20 Growing in patience and trust

“Be patient, then, brothers and sisters, until the Lord’s coming.” James 5:7a (NIV)

Background

Today’s video, “Is it wrong to be rich?”, identifies wealthy unbelievers as the source of much of the trouble faced by James’ readers (2:1-7; 5:1-6). Despite this, some readers have been showing favoritism to the rich. They hoped to earn their favor, finding it easier to look to powerful people with material resources for help instead of looking to God.

Observation

In today’s reading, James calls the readers to have patience and look to God. They must not get ahead of themselves in their plans to make money without first submitting those plans to the Lord (4:13-16). They must wait, in patience, for the Lord to judge their wealthy oppressors when he returns (5:1-11). As they wait, they look to the Lord through prayer, praise, and confession of sin (5:13-18), supporting one another when facing temptation to wander from the truth (5:19-20)

Interpretation

As you read James 4:13-5:20, keep in mind the readers’ temptation to look to people with wealth—or to wealth itself—for their help, rather than looking to God. Material resources appear to be a much quicker fix. While trusting in God requires…well…a whole lot of patience. Plus, it requires vulnerability with other believers, which is not at all easy. However, choosing to trust in the Lord and pursuing close relationships with his people is the path that would lead James' readers to maturity and, ultimately, the crown of life.

Application

When you are in a season of waiting, what do you tend to rely on rather than relying on God? How could pursuing vulnerability with another believer help you to grow in placing your trust in God instead? Does someone come to mind with whom you could develop this kind of relationship? This week, what step could you take towards this?