Lesson 68
Therefore these boasters should recognize themselves and
their failure.
Therefore, to one who knows the right thing to do and does not do
it, to him it is sin.
knows (perfect ptc - oi=da)
=
indicates they really knew what they were supposed to do
- he's
not talking to someone who sins ignorantly
Summary 4:16-17
1. James
concludes this section with a maxim - a fundamental principle of BD that
is always true. We are culpable for our
actions before the Lord.
2. It
covers all expressions of sin and evil not just the ones dealt with here in
this context.
3.
Failure to incorporate known BD (oi=da) is sin.
4. The
more you know the more accountable you are before God.
5.
Knowledge of the word produces obligations to apply it.
JAMES
CHAPTER FIVE
Introduction:
This first paragraph
breaks down into two sections.
- 5:1-6 very strong
polemic directed to a group of unbelievers.
These verses have a very
strong link to the denunciations of the prophets in the OT directed toward
social injustices that resulted from lack of application of truth by the
people.
Examples: Isa 10:1-4; Mic.
2:1-5; Mal 3:1-5;
-
5:7-12 He turns
back to the believers to encourage them in the direction they should be going
as they apply the implanted word.
In vs's
1-6 James is addressing a distinct, separate class of people from the believers
he has been addressing - whom he goes back to in vs:7.
In these 6 verses James
is addressing the unprincipled rich - would take it that these are un-Believers
who are outside the church.
What James does here is
employ a rhetorical device known as an apostrophe: which is a turning away from
his real - intended audience - to address another group.
His address is for the
benefit of his Christian readers - help them orient correctly in two
areas: first not to be tempted to fall
into the trap of materialism lust as these have, which is one aspect of
worldliness that he dealt with in ch:4
Secondly he's offering
encouragement for those believers who are applying truth who are under pressure
and tests.
The prophecy here is
meant for encouragement of these 1st Century believers that God will indeed
deal with and judge the richest and most evil generation - in that final stage
of evil before the 2nd advent.
Evidence that we are indeed dealing with
prophesy - a glimpse into what it will be like in the future.
1. Weeping and wailing
at the time of judgment (Isa 13:6; 15:3; 23:1)
2. Mention of the
"Lord of Sabaoth" (the Armies) vs:4 (not a title for use in C/A)
3. "A day of
slaughter" vs:5
4. "in the last days" vs:3
5:1 Come now, you rich
oi` plou,sioi = definite class in view
-
One of the Major interpretive questions that must be answered is:
Who are the rich that
James is denouncing here?
weep and howl
together expresses great distress
of soul - it expresses violent grief
-
This is not a call for an emotional response of repentance as in 4:9 but refers
to their total despair when their judgment comes.
-
These terms are seen in the wailing - the howling of the nations under the 5th
cycle of discipline.
Isa 13:6 of
for your miseries which are coming upon you.
-
this judgment will come on them personally - its real
they will pay for their evil.
- This stands in contrast to what is reserved for
YOU as a believer (1 Pet 1:4) your inheritance in Christ.
Summary
5:1
1. This paragraph is
addressed to the super-rich of the last days.
2. Need to recognize
that evil will escalate until the 2nd advent.
3. No matter how unjust or unfair our niche might appear to be, there
will be a time when it will be far worse for believers - in the last days.
4. James's focus on these "end
time events" is designed to get the believers in the wider context to
orient to the UNDSF suffering that they were undergoing.
5. The response of these rich as they are judged is great weeping and
wailing, not in regret for actions but because of their losses.