James Chapter 5: 7-11

We have been in the book of James for about 8 weeks now, and we are heading for the end. Throughout the book, James has had the same style . . . as a preacher and writer, he is a classic “deductive reasoner.” Here is what he normally does:

A. He states the truth. He is clear in what he is trying to say. He states what he wants you to know right up front.
B. He illustrates it in a manner that is understandable to the reader. (Even if we are 2000 years removed.)
C. He then explains the details . . . usually by defining terms or tying up loose ends.
D. Finally, he applies it to real life.

We mentioned this a few weeks ago, and this week, verses 7-11 are great examples of this again:

~5: 7a “Be patient, therefore, brethren, until the coming of the Lord . . .“
James states a command, clear and simple.
~5: 7b “Behold, the farmer waits for the precious produce of the soil, being patient about it, until it gets the early and late rains.”
He illustrates it for an agrarian society . . . they are intimately familiar with farming, so he makes it simple.
~5: 8 “You too be patient; strengthen your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is at hand.”
Now he gives them more details . . . the NIV says, “brace yourself.”
~5:9 “Do not complain, brethren, against one another, that you yourselves may not be judged; behold, the Judge is standing right at the door.”
He applies it to real life, showing them that his command to be patient can be applied in their lives by not complaining against one another.

This week we will look at James again and attempt to apply his simple, straightforward (sometimes difficult to hear) teaching to real life. In the final three weeks of James, may we concentrate more and more on making sure James’ messages jump off the page and take action in our everyday interactions with each other.

Mark