James 4:13-17.James 5:1-6
Q.1. How should a true follower of Christ plan his future? How did James define the essence of sin? – (Jms.4:13-17)
A distinguishing feature of believers is their dependence on God in everything they plan. Job opportunities, locations, relationships etc. should not be considered without seeking God’s guidance and over-ruling (see Jms.4:13-15). James argued that since life is brief followed by an eternity with God, we should hand over control to Him in everything (see Jms.4:15-16). He identified that all planning without God is arrogance and willfulness, since – … to one who knows the right thing to do and does not do it, to him it is sin (Jms.4:17). James exposes a faulty approach to God – therefore, to the one who knows the right thing to do and does not do it, to him it is sin (Jms.4:17). To plan without reference to God is sin … and to reject God’s guidance is sin (s.
Q.2. What is wrong with storing up riches upon earth? How did James describe the actions of the rich that he challenged? Who will avenge the oppressed? – (Jms.5:1-6 c.f. Mt.6:19-21)
Jesus advised His followers to – store up treasure in heaven (Mt.6:20) because there it will never be lost. James was not addressing all the rich e.g. Joseph of Arimathea who buried Jesus was described as a rich man (see Mt.27:57 c.f. Is.53:9). Christian ministry and missions owe much to the generosity of rich Christians. Rather, James warned his readers about the terrible judgment that the Lord of hosts will deal out to the rich … that have made themselves rich at the expense of the defenseless – 4 Behold, the pay of the labourers who mowed your fields, and which has been withheld by you, cries out against you; and the outcry of those who did the harvesting has reached the ears of the Lord of Sabaoth. 5 You have lived luxuriously on the earth and led a life of wanton pleasure; you have fattened your hearts in a day of slaughter. 6 You have condemned and put to death the righteous man; he does not resist you (Jms.5:4-6). Those in authority have a God-given responsibility to see that their workers are adequately reimbursed. Sadly, the world abounds with selfish bosses whose main focus is on themselves and their own reward and comfort. God through James denounces such a lack of regard for their neighbours (see Lk.10:25-37). A workman is worthy of his hire for wages (see Lev.19:13; Mt.10:10; Lk.10:7; Col.4:1; 1 Tim.5:17-18; 6:9-11).