James 4:13-5:6

To begin our lesson we need to be reminded of the general theme that James introduced in James 4:1

James 4:1 NIV

1 What causes fights and quarrels among you? Don’t they come from your desires that battle within you?

We looked at several of these desires and have two more areas to examine in today’s lesson.

James 4:13–14 NIV

13 Now listen, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business and make money.” 14 Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes.

What do you think James is trying to point out is a desire that produces conflict?

How is James’ view of our plans or agendas clarified in the following passage?

James 4:15–17 NIV

15 Instead, you ought to say, “If it is the Lord’s will, we will live and do this or that.” 16 As it is, you boast in your arrogant schemes. All such boasting is evil. 17 If anyone, then, knows the good they ought to do and doesn’t do it, it is sin for them.

How does verse 17 relate to Ephesians 2:10?

Ephesians 2:10 NIV

10 For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.

How would you summarize James’ teaching on our plans?

James’ second warning addresses a group he has previously mentioned.

James 5:1 NIV

1 Now listen, you rich people, weep and wail because of the misery that is coming on you.

What would be some reasons the wealthy might be driven to weeping?

James 5:2–3 NIV

2 Your wealth has rotted, and moths have eaten your clothes. 3 Your gold and silver are corroded. Their corrosion will testify against you and eat your flesh like fire. You have hoarded wealth in the last days.

What problems for the wealthy are implied in these verses?

James concludes this section with an indictment of the actions of the wealthy. What are the accusations against the wealthy?

James 5:4–6 NIV

4 Look! The wages you failed to pay the workers who mowed your fields are crying out against you. The cries of the harvesters have reached the ears of the Lord Almighty. 5 You have lived on earth in luxury and self-indulgence. You have fattened yourselves in the day of slaughter. 6 You have condemned and murdered the innocent one, who was not opposing you.

Not all wealthy are guilty of these indictments. What do you think James’ motivation was in making these broad statements?

How does this problem contribute to conflict?