Lesson 70, January 12
Summary 5:4
1. Having described the judgment of these men
James cites here one of the charges against them, they defrauded their
employees.
2. The description of the judgment of the evil
rich is put in terms that those of James' day would understand and yet be
pointing prophetically to the un-principled super-rich of last days.
3. The means and methods of the fraud will
differ.
4. In James' day the fraud was quite simple - it
involved withholding the wages of tenant farmers on some technicality.
5. Such activity was prohibited by the Mosaic
Law (Lev
6. These evil rich are a specific group from a
specific area and we need to keep in mind several things to help identify these
powerful and manipulative rich and distinguish them from other evil types.
a. they exist and
flourish at the time of Christ's return.
b. they are slaughtered
in a nuclear war. (all that fits description)
c. they are responsible
for the economic woes of an extensive agricultural community.
7. So based on the nature of their judgment and
the timeframe are identified with the unscrupulous rich of the time of the
return of Christ at the end of the Tribulation.
8. James very emphatically calls them to task
for their crime with the "Behold"
- pay attention.
*** Those who ignore scripture now will face the consequences of their
action at some point - God is very patient - KNOW that no one escapes.
9. The fraud of these last day rich elitists who
direct the domestic and foreign economic policies is far more sophisticated
than that of James' day.
10.
An easy way to carry out the extensive fraud with its wide ranging impact
(domestic and foreign trade) is through a central banking system.
11. James says that the fraud against this class is said to cry out
against those responsible, that is demanding judgment.
12. Also the victims of this crass and callous
behavior also cry out.
13. Those who are poor - or oppressed have the Lord to champion their
cause.
14. He will break their
tyranny and punish their injustices. (in His timing)
5:5 Lifestyle of the rich and the ruthless
You have lived luxuriously
on the earth
-
lived luxuriously indicates a life of
self indulgence - self-centered lifestyle; one which stands out in sharp
contrast with the lives of those whom they defrauded to obtain their wealth.
and led a life of wanton pleasure
you have fattened your hearts in a day of slaughter.
The rest of the verse
gives us the significance of their life of luxury and wantonness.
you have fattened your hearts in a day of slaughter.
Summary 5:5
1. This verse contrasts the luxurious self-indulgent
living of these rich with the hardships of those they have oppressed.
2. They are pursuing self-gratification
(fulfilling the desires of sin nature) with absolutely no regard for the life
to come. (oblivious
to the consequences)
3. They are likened to calves being pampered and
fed only the best feeds (molasses and various grains) only to be
slaughtered.
4.
They continue this lifestyle right up to the day of judgment
which takes them by surprise.
5. They will enjoy themselves right up to the day they die the sin unto
death when the judgment comes.
6. In the prophecy:
"the day of slaughter" coupled with "in the last days"
refers to the day that Christ returns.
7. Like dumb cattle they are oblivious to the reality understanding that their present enjoyment bears no resemblance to their ultimate end.