James Part 10: Reminders & Responsibilities

James Part 10: Reminders and Responsibilities

Read James 5:1-12

Watch “James 5:1-6” by Francis Chan on Rightnow Media.

Today’s passage has two distinct sections:
– the first is a prophetic challenge to the rich, particularly those who have exploited the poor,
– the second section is a challenge to the poor and the persecuted, that they patiently endure hardship.

What do you notice in the first section? (vv. 1-6)

What are the specific issues that James identifies in these verses?

What do you notice in the second section? (vv. 7-12)

James uses three examples of patient endurance in these verses:
1. A farmer waiting for a crop to grow
2. The Old Testament prophets
3. The Old Testament character Job

What can we learn from these examples?

In Francis’ video, he encourages us to slow down and carefully consider whether the challenges in verses 1-6 might apply to us. Although some Christians in New Zealand might experience a small amount of rejection or condemnation for their beliefs, many of us struggle with the issue of how to manage our money and our resources in a faithful way.

If you slow down and carefully consider James’ challenge here, what comes up for you?

How might God want you to manage your money differently?

What is something you can do this week with your money that will directly benefit somebody else?

Conclude in prayer. Pray that God will continue to speak to us about how we manage our money and our resources. Pray that we will live patiently and that our lives will be marked by a faithful expectation of God’s return.