JAMES 5

JAMES VALUES PRAYERFULNESS AND PATIENCE OVER RICHES

Providing a warning to the rich, James cautions against placing too much value in material possessions. In the end, riches will rot away, gold and silver will corrode, and garments will be eaten by moths. If the wealthy have committed fraudulent acts, God will hear the cries of their victims. More than wealth, God values righteousness, faithfulness, and fairness.

Just as a farmer waits for the harvest, James teaches believers to prepare and establish their hearts for the eventual return of Christ. Remembering the suffering of Job and the Old Testament prophets, James encourages believers to be patient in their suffering. James teaches remaining steadfast to commitments and instructs the believers to let their “yes” be a confident yes and their “no” be a confident no.

James advocates for prayer in all situations, for strength, healing, and forgiveness of sins. Using the example of the Prophet Elijah praying for rain in a drought, James teaches that the prayers of a powerful person have great power (1 Kings 18). James encourages prayer and confession of sins as a common practice, so that believers can live together in unity. For those who have wandered away from the faith, James instructs believers to seek after them in persistent pursuit.

James 5:16 - Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working.