Oppression!  What to do

TEXTJames 5:7-13

INTRODUCTION:

A.      SO MUCH OF JAMES DEALS WITH SUFFERING.

          1.       As a temptation or trial (ch. 1).

          2.       As a result of discrimination (ch. 2).

          3.       As a result of worldly wranglings (ch. 3-4).

B.      FAITHFUL BRETHREN ARE OFTEN THE OBJECTS OF OPPRESSION (vs 6).

          1.       We have here a warning to the oppressor (5:1-6).

          2.       And we have encouragement and instruction for the oppressed (vs. 7-13).

I.      CONDEMNATION OF THE RICH OPPRESSOR (vs. 1-6).

A.      THE RICH HERE ARE PROBABLY NOT CHRISTIANS, AT LEAST NOT FAITHFUL.

          1.       They aren’t called "brethren" as in other verses (1:2, 19;  2:1, 14;  3:1, 10;  4:11).

          2.       There is no call to repentance in this passage, only condemnation!

          3.       The brethren are not addressed until vs. 7, in which THEY are told to be patient.

B.      WHAT WAS THE OPPRESSOR GUILTY OF?

          1.       vs. 3.  “Ye have laid up your treasure in the last days” (Luke 12:16-21).

          2.       vs. 4.  “… the hire of laborers … you kept back by fraud …” (Col. 4:1).

          3.       vs. 5.  “Ye have lived delicately … taken your pleasure” (2 Tim. 3:4; 1 John 3:17).

          4.       vs. 6.  “Ye have killed the righteous one”  Jesus or one of his (Matt. 25:40;  Acts 9:4).

C.      THIS TIRADE OF JUDGMENT HAS PURPOSE.

          1.       Christians may take comfort in God’s justice (vs. 7).

          2.       The Lord has heard their cries (vs. 4;  Matt. 10:29-31).

          3.       Paul gives a similar promise (2 Thess. 1:4-10).

D.      WHAT IS IN STORE FOR THESE RICH OPPRESSORS?

          1.       Miseries that will cause them to “weep and howl” (vs. 1-3).

          2.       The inevitable loss of wealth (Matt. 6:19-21).

          3.       It will serve as a witness against them (vs. 3), and it will eat their flesh like fire.

II.     INSTRUCTIONS FOR THE OPPRESSED (vs. 7-13).

A.      DON'T RESIST (James 5:6).

          1.       Those of James’ day were like Jesus , they did not resist (Isa. 53:7;  1 Pet. 2:21-23).

          2.       What does the Bible teach (Rom. 12:19-21;  Luke 6:27-30).

          3.       Human nature moves one to react in "justifiable anger" to "stand up for one's rights."

          4.       Not resisting is based on two things:

                   a.       Our suffering will be over soon (James 5:7-8).

                   b.       The Lord will be both judge and avenger (vs. 9).

B.      BE PATIENT (James 5:7).

          1.       makrothumia “It is a patient holding out under trial; a long-protracted restraint of the

                   soul from yielding to passion, especially the passion of ‘anger.’" (Vincent)

                   “to be of a long spirit, not to lose heart … to persevere patiently and bravely.” (Thayer)

          2.       Three Examples (vs. 7, 10, 11).  The FARMER,  The PROPHETS,  JOB.

C.      ESTABLISH YOUR HEARTS (James 5:8).

          1.       sterizo "’to fix, make fast, to set’ – its use in Luke 9:51, ‘steadfastly set.’" (Vine)

          2.       Here, it means to resolve to be patient and not resist the evil being done.

          3.       Other passages (1 Pet. 1:13;  3:15;  4:19;  Col. 3:1-2).

          4.       The foundation of that resolve – TRUTH (2 Pet. 1:12;  John 17:17).

          5.       Through constant and careful study of God's Word...

                   a.       Our faith in God and His eventual justice is made stronger (Rom. 10:17).

                   b.       Patience and strength to not resist is developed (Rom. 15:4).

D.      MURMUR NOT (James 5:9).

          1.       Suffering makes us grumpy, and we vent on one another.

          2.       “Do not grumble against one another, brethren, lest you be condemned.” (NKJV)

          3.       1 Cor. 10:10.  Jesus will judge those who murmur as well as the oppressor!

E.      DON'T SWEAR (James 5:12).  Likely to do when in trouble.

          1.       God will hold you to your word (Ecc. 5:1-7;  Psa. 15:4).

          2.       You are no better than your word! (Col. 3:8-9).  Tell the truth, Keep commitments!

F.      PRAY (James 5:13).

          1.       When we pray, God hears (1 Pet. 3:12)

          2.       God cares (1 Pet. 5:7;  Phil. 4:4-7).

CONCLUSION:

A.      FAITH IS THE KEY TO OVERCOMING.

B.      FAITH WILL LEAD TO COMPLETE OBEDIENCE.