James 4:13 – 5:20

In this concluding passage of Scripture, the author, James, addresses several areas that have a great impact upon the way we live.

• The will of God (James 4:13-17)
  • We can ignore God’s will
    • By planning our lives apart from considering what God’s plan for us may be
    • By failing to take into account life’s uncertainties
  • We can disobey God’s will
    • What causes us to choose to disobey God’s will?
      • Pride
      • Fear of what God will ask of me
  • We can obey God’s will
    • In doing so, we fulfill God’s plan
    • We are fulfillled by our obedience
• A warning to the rich (James 5:1-6)
  • There is nothing wrong with possessing riches
  • The problem is the misuse of riches
    • The wrong manner is which the riches were acquired (James 5:4-6)
    • The manner in which the riches are used (James 5:3-5)
      • Stockpile
      • Luxurious living
• A call to patience (James 5:7-12)
  • Examples of patience
    • The farmer (James 5:7-9)
    • The prophet (James 5:10)
      • Faithful even when their message was not received
    • Job (James 5:11)
      • He had much
      • He lost it all
      • He gained
  • Rewards are not instant
  • Patience is needed for God to work
  • Righteousness will be rewarded
• Prayer (James 5:13-20)
  • A High and Holy privilege
  • Prayer for the suffering
  • Prayer for the sick
  • Prayer for the nation
  • Prayer for the straying

Questions for self-examination:

Am I becoming more patient in the tests of life?

Do I play with temptation or resist it from the start?

Are there any prejudices that hinder me?

Do I find joy in obeying the Word of God?

Am I able to control my tongue?

Am I a peacemaker?

Am I a friend of God or a friend of the world?

Do I make plans without considering God’s will?

Am I selfish when it comes to money?

Do I naturally depend on prayer when I have special needs?

Am I the kind of person others seek out for prayer support?

What is my attitude toward a wayward person?