James 5:1-6

First Pass Observation

You Rich: which rich??

Weep and howl for the miseries: really harch language. Its emotional language, language of pain….but how often do I look at the rich today….many of them are not weeping and howling…as the saying goes…its hard to find someone who is miserable on a jetski…..or miserable experiencing luxury…..on their yacht….in their new expensive car…….

Miseries that are coming : future tense……

James is talking to the future yet he is saying they “Have”?? Past tense? or are they rotting currently? Is it symbolysm? It amay be literal….overconsumption and hoarding that has lead to the wealth you have in riches and materials is literally not even useful anymore because its been eaten by moths…corroded.

Gol;d and silver dont typically corrode on their own. But when they are combined with other metals they can….perhaps James is referring to the later type, and the riches they build up now don’t even hold up in this life.

Their wealth, gold corrosion will be evidence against you….as though its in a trial… and the prosecutor puts corroded gold before the jurer…”See!”. Maybe this is referring to Gold that is physical? Or God that is not being used for Gods Glory?

It will eat your flesh like fire….back to the future tense…….Fire = same fire for eternal fire.

You have laid up treasure in the last days - is that referring to the stuff prior…like your treasure is judgement?

Wages kept back - is this wages that were unpaid? Small wage for the type of labor? Abusing those who are desperate and paying them little because we can?

Crying out against you - perhaps those being taking advantage of or abused…are praying to the Lord, crying out in their anguish…. or also….the Lord doesnt need to hear their prayers to see the injustice taking place.

Just because no one is complaining…..just because someone isn’t speaking up, and crying out injustice…doesn’t make it right and pleasing to the Lord.

You have lived on the earth in luxury - what is luxury?? How does God define luxury??? It seems that its not really about whats the right amount of luxury as it is…how IM using that luxury…..is it completely for self indulgence?? Am i using it to abuse? etc.

Self Indulgence - my idol is self…..thats always the root….self pleasure…..

I agree that Focus on self leads to destruction….in this life….no one likes a self absorbed person….also i can never endulge myself enough so im left being a slave to more….and more… addicts to self are not free….and its not about no longer being confined at all…but rather confined to a greater thing….a slave to rigtheousnes….being a bond servant to christ Jesus.

“You have fattened your hearts” - reminds me of when i just practice gluttony, don’t exercise, or maybe get a cow good and fat….over indulgence…and no exercise…..Exercise is painful….but its good pain.

in a day of slaughter… ?? their own slaughter, like hell? Or is this the slaughter they are doing unjustly?

Condemned in what way? Actual murder? who are the righteous ?

Whats going on: it seems like these are people who idolize money and wealth….they have placed their faith in the Love of money and material possessions. They have abused people through their wealth (knowingly or unknowlingy)….and judgement is coming…and it will suck really bad.

Application: this passage is scary…..where do I self-indulge? When am I putting my hope and security in wealth and riches? Where have i take advantage of anyone.

Riches and wealth are a danger…….and riches, wealth and prosperity are a part of the fabric of our nation. If i were to sum up our culture in one word…..It would be this…”More”