James: Prayer & Faith

James: Where Faith and Life Meet

Prayer & Faith

6/3/12

Introduction:

        Last week I did finish the sermon on patience and suffering so as an introduction for today I would like to pick up with the concluding and practical application of last weeks sermon which transitions nicely into today’s text. 

        As you recall James spends verses 7 – 12 in chapter five talking about patience during times of suffering.  For most of us in this room those two words are not widely welcomed with open arms into our lives; especially when the two are connected.  Patiently enduring during times of suffering and difficulty is probably one of the hardest things for us to do.  As humans we all face trials, tribulations and difficulties.  They are a part of the fabric of life.  However as believers our response to trials must be different than that of the world.  Those in the world experience pain and cry out in hopelessness because they have no hope.  Christians respond differently because we know our difficulties in life are temporary even if they last a lifetime.  We live in the hope or the expectation that one day there will be relief from the distresses and hardships of life.  So we patiently endure, until we meet the Lord or He comes to us.  We wait in anticipation because our Lord has a perfect eternity waiting for us where there will be no more sorrow, no more pain, and no more suffering.  We have put all our faith into this truth and yet we do not know when our suffering will end.  Relief is an open ended promise.  It may come at the end of your life or it may end when the Lord returns.  We must live in expectation and anticipation everyday for Jesus as though it were our last day because, who knows, it may be. 

        We also know the return of Christ is imminent (could be any moment) and this should help us live victorious lives because we know how the story of history ends.  Our God is victorious over all evil and being his children we share in this victory as well.  We will triumph over pain, suffering and evil.  So let us start living in this expectation and in anticipation of his return.  Let us not waste our time here on earth grumbling against one and verbally abusing one another, oppressing the weaker in faith and finances, saying and not doing, living worldly lives instead of godly lives, and making selfish plans for the future because the coming of the Lord is near.  Knowing his coming is near should either scare you to death (because you have not put your faith in Christ) or make you shout out with joy (because all of your hope and faith is in knowing that one day you will be eternally in the presence of our Lord and King Jesus Christ).

        Know this… suffering is only for a moment.  May we be reminded of the words of the Apostle Paul who writes in Romans 8:18, “For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us.”

Prayer and Faith

          In the last paragraph James now begins his conclusion.  This transition seems abrupt and out of the blue but actually is a typical response for New Testament authors to end their letters this way by encouraging his readers to pray.  He spoke moments ago about patiently enduring in times of suffering and trials now he informs these readers of the importance of prayerfully enduring both individually and in the body of Christ.

Verse 13:  This letter was written to persecuted and oppressed Christians so James is well aware there are people suffering in the midst of this body of Christ.  What he tells them is not anything they didn’t already know nor is he informing them of something new formula for breaking free from pain and suffering.  He simply reminds them that in their suffering they should be covered in prayer.  Those suffering should pray for spiritual strength to endure these difficulties before them.  In their suffering they should certainly pray for relief but also knowing that they should find their comfort in trials through prayer.

        However prayer is not only for those suffering but also for those who are “cheerful”.  Douglas Moo writes, “A reminder to turn to God is needed even more in times of cheer than in times of suffering.”  How true this is.  I find personally I am less likely to be in a prayerful mindset when things are going great than I am in times of extreme darkness and pain.  This should not be the case for me nor any Christian.  This is why James exhorts the cheerful to sing praises.  Praise should be as much of a priority in our prayer lives as that of intercession, thanksgiving, confession, supplication etc.  When all is well we still need to be mindful of our desperate need for God.

Verse 14:  If there is any sick among the body then they are commanded to do the following.  Let’s pause here for a moment and look at what James is saying.  What are most of our natural responses when we are faced with sickness or health issues?  We tend to keep it to ourselves because we are stubborn like that.  We don’t want to be a burden, or we don’t want to seem like we can’t handle it, or maybe we are just private people and don’t want to broadcast to the world our health issues.  James specifically tells us that we are to call upon the elders to pray over us, and to anoint with oil in the name of the Lord. 

        Now this church does not have “official” elders.  Our Deacons would be the closest thing to elders.  The prominent role and qualifications of an elder suggests that an elder be spiritually mature people (most probable men) who oversaw the spiritual progress of the body of Christ.  The elders (whether formal or informal) cannot pray and anoint if they are never called upon.  Prayer is one of the main purposes of the church body.  This is one of the reasons why we meet together.  Praying for one another is a privilege and a blessing so why would we want to hinder these prayers by not making our requests known to the body of Christ?  Laying hands and anointing with oil are two practices I would like to see happen more often in this church.  Whether you are a private, stubborn, or worrying person we are truly missing out on the blessings of God when we refuse to allow others to pray over us. 

        Anointing with oil is an ancient practice that has both medicinal and spiritual value to it.  Oil has been used in the ancient world as a skin conditioner and medicine.  It is also symbolic of the Holy Spirit.  When we anoint with oil we in essence are symbolically anointed in the Holy Spirit.  It is not the oil or the prayer that heals the sick person it is ultimately the Lord.  It is a symbolic act to show that we believe that through the Holy Spirit the Lord will heal whomever he chooses regardless of our prayers yet we fully believe he still uses our prayers as a means of healing. 

Verse 15: Here is a promise, “The prayer of faith will save the one who is sick…”  So often we look at this passage and think that if we can muster up enough faith then God will do the healing.  Yet we forget that faith is a gift from God.  When it comes to praying in faith we should understand that the faith we pray in is given to us by God.  I don’t really think God is up in heaven measuring our faith and saying, “Oh, if you just had a little bit more then I could heal you.  Sorry try again tomorrow.”  James tells us that our prayers in faith will save the sick yet God is the one who gives us the necessary faith we need to bring healing.  Isn’t God wonderful like that?  He gives us the necessary resources to accomplish what he sets out to do.  It’s amazing that he puts it on our hearts to pray for individuals and gives us the faith we need to believe so that He will heal.  It’s all about him!

        You may notice that James seems to be tying sin and sickness together.  Well, in the ancient world the two were often associated together.  The reality is that some sickness is a result of sin.  In Jesus’ encounter with a paralytic man in Mark 12 Jesus heals the man by declaring his sins are forgiven and I Cor. 11:27 – 30 implies that sin is the result of some sickness.  On the other hand all sickness is not a result of sin.

        Overall we can look at these verses and conclude that those who struggle with illness can take confidence in knowing that God will heal us in the end.  One of the main factors that we all must take into consideration is God’s will.  Moo writes, “A prayer for healing, then, must usually be qualified by a recognition that God’s will in the matter is supreme.  And it is clear in the NT that God does not always will to heal the believer… The faith with which we pray is always faith in the God whose will is supreme and best.”[1]       

Verse 16:  “Therefore…”  Since what has been stated is true then the logical conclusion is pray for one another and confess your sins.  Why should you confess?  Because there may be sins present in the body that are hindering the prayers for healing.  We see in this passage that when we confess and pray healing happens.

        “The prayer of a righteous person has great power…”  One who is in tune with God through prayer and is a spiritually submitted man or woman will pray according to God’s will because His will is what they seek.  Our goal and purpose as followers of Jesus is to be righteous men and women whose prayer has great power and we should seek out men and women who pray powerful prayers.  I have people in my life who I know are righteous men and women and I exclusively ask them to pray for me when I need wisdom, comfort, and guidance.  Yet I also desire to be a man who prays great prayers.  This is why I invest much of my time praying with other men.  In our weekly Monday morning men’s prayer time I feel as though we are praying powerful prayers and God is moving in this group of men as we pray for God’s Spirit to fall on this community.  I go to Minnesota twice a month to pray with other pastors and these guys have prayed me through the past few years and they continue to pray for God’s blessing.  I believe these prayers are powerful prayers and God will attend to them in his will and we will see healing in both this town and this church.

Conclusion

        Prayer is the heartbeat of the Christian life.  Without it we are dead.  With it we can accomplish amazing things according to God’s will.  As we conclude this chapter and hence this Epistle I want to encourage you to consider being a part of our last Sunday of the month prayer time.  I believe in the power of prayer and I believe that God answers our prayers because we are seeking his will thus praying in accordance to his will.  Many of us are faced with sickness, health issues or even in difficult circumstances, so we must be men and women of prayer.  May we commit today to becoming these righteous men and women who pray powerful prayers and ultimately bring healing and restoration to a town and church in desperate need of both?

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[1] Moo, p. 244,45

James: Patience & Suffering

James: Where Faith and Life Meet

Patience & Suffering

5/27/12

Introduction:

    Evangelist John Wesley was riding along a road one day when it dawned on him that three whole days had passed in which he had suffered no persecution. Not a brick or an egg had been thrown at him for three days.

 Alarmed, he stopped his horse, and exclaimed, “Can it be that I have sinned, and am backslidden?”

 Slipping from his horse, Wesley went down on his knees and began interceding with God to show him where, if any, there had been a fault.

 A rough fellow, on the other side of the hedge, hearing the prayer, looked across and recognized the preacher. “I’ll fix that Methodist preacher,” he said, picking up a brick and tossing it over at him. It missed its mark, and fell harmlessly beside John. Whereupon Wesley leaped to his feet joyfully exclaiming, “Thank God, it’s all right. I still have His presence.”^[1]

        Not too many of us would respond the way Wesley did when we think our lives are too comfortable.  In fact many of us wouldn’t consider persecution or trials as being the sure sign that we are truly following God.  I would go even so far as to say many Christians in the United States believe just the opposite.  I have met many Christians in the U.S. who believe that if they are facing any sort of trial, tribulation or persecution that God is punishing or judging them for something or they are facing an attack by the enemy.  This may be the case sometimes but many often forget that God also allows difficulties or trials in our lives for good and his glory.  The problem is very few (if any) of us actually welcome and/or quietly endure suffering and trials in our lives.  Nobody I know personally (myself included) like trials or suffering but I do know many who do endure it and grow from them because their hope and faith lies in something far bigger than the temporal and fleeting pain they face here on earth. 

        In today’s passage James reminds his readers the importance of having patience during trials and suffering.  If you recall in the opening of this letter he tells his readers to “Count it all joy… when you meet various trials” (which is a strange and difficult request in the first place) and it was a direct response he tells the members of this congregation who were being oppressed by the rich both in and outside of the body of Christ to have.  Now five chapters later he begins his conclusion with yet another reminder of the necessity of enduring trials. 

Patience and Suffering

        As James concludes his letter are reminded about the oppression the Christian recipients are facing by the ungodly wealthy.  His letter has contained some very practical, godly and biblical advice (that we can still use today) as to how these men and women should respond in these difficult situations.  He mentions that retaliation in anger is not a solution as he states in 1:19 for it does not produce the righteousness of God; instead they are to endure. 

Verse 7:  James begins his concluding thoughts by admonishing his readers by using the dreaded “P” word.  This is the word so many of us dislike so much.  He says, “Be patient (or patiently endure), therefore brothers, until the coming of the Lord.”  The word “therefore” shows that he is directly responding to these people should respond to the way the rich are treating them as he spoke about in Chapter 5 verses 1 – 6.  He tells his readers to have the mindset of patiently enduring in their trials. 

        I am sure these were not the words they were hoping to hear from James.  They like most of us when wrongfully persecuted and oppressed wanted swift and immediate justice by God.  Nobody wants to be told, don’t retaliate; instead wait patiently.  The question then could have been how long are they supposed to patiently endure these trials?      

        James tells them even better news; they are to endure until “The coming of the Lord.”  What exactly did he mean by this?  The coming of the Lord is what the early Christians believed (and still do today) about Jesus’ physical return to judge (as judge) the wicked and deliver (Savior) the saints.  The early Christians lived with this hope and with this expectation and this is what helped most of them through their trials they had to endure.  The return of Jesus is not a secret thing, it is referred often in the Bible in both the Old and New Testament (One commentator says there are 300 references to Jesus’ return in the New Testament).  Jesus spoke often about his physical return in one of his famous talks called the Olivet Discourse (Matthew 24).

        James is encouraging the believers to wait patiently and in faith… just like a farmer patiently waits for his crop.  James uses the example of a farmer to show how they are to wait.  I think a farmer knows better than anyone about faith.  He works hard to till the ground, plant the crop and prepare it so he will get his crop for the year and have enough crops to get him through the year… Yet that is all you can do.  He cannot control the weather (amount of rain or sunshine), he can’t make a seed grow, and he can’t determine whether it will be a bountiful and healthy crop or not.  He realizes his livelihood depends on so many factors other than himself (namely God). R. Kent Hughes writes,

        “All farmers must patiently submit to this process (the growing process).  To fight against it, to bite their nails, to insist they must have fruit in the middle of the process is futile.

        In submitting to God’s process, they will inevitably undergo stressful times when it appears the rains will never come.  But these times can be spiritually beneficial to them as they call upon their faithful God.” [2]

Verse 8:   Once again James reminds his readers about the coming of the Lord, but now he let’s them know this event is not far away (or so it seems), yet he does not say when the coming of the Lord will happen.  As I stated earlier believers lived with the expectation his return would happen in their lifetime but they didn’t know when, in fact Jesus himself does not know when this will happen, only the Father does.  When we read throughout the New Testament from those who wrote about the coming of Christ they all believed it was going to happen soon and swiftly.  We still today live in expectation and in anticipation for the return of Christ.  We also know that his return can happen at any moment (imminent).  We do not know the day, hour, or time so we are to constantly be ready for when Jesus does come for when he does he will come to judge the wicked and set up his kingdom here on earth.  Jesus tells us three times in Revelation 22 that he is coming soon… verses 7, 12, 20 - 21.  The Christians didn’t need to be convinced Jesus was coming back, they already believed that.  They just needed to learn to patiently endure and stand firm in their faith.

Verse 9:  As the oppression was heating up it is probable so were tempers and patience with one another in the church.  I think we can all relate whenever we are stressed, in turmoil or in a difficult situation it is easy for us to lose our cool or turn against those who care and love us most.  James reminds his readers to not do this and to patiently endure and not grumble against each other.  As you recall he spent a good deal of time in chapter 3 talking about the dangers of the words we speak and this applies in the times of trouble and difficulty.

Verse 10 – 11:  James sites the Old Testament prophets as being true examples of patience and suffering.  He pinpoints Job in his steadfastness and God’s true compassion and mercy in times of trials and persecutions.  After all Job went through and all he had lost he was able to endure (not without complaining) and come out of his funk so to speak with a deeper faith in God and truly knowing he is compassionate and merciful.

Verse 12:  This verse is not necessarily connected to verses 7 – 11 but also very well may be.  We do know that James is making reference to a statement about oaths that Jesus made in Matthew 5:34 – 37.  This is simply a statement regarding oaths and more importantly integrity.  At the beginning James does come across as prohibiting oaths but it does not necessarily mean this at all.  Instead it more likely refers to our integrity in speech.  Above all we should be men and women of integrity in our words.  We must speak truth, be men and women of our word, and be aware that every word we speak will be judged (Matt. 12:36).  As believers we should not have to take oaths to promise to fulfill what is to be done.  Our words should be enough to ensure that we will do exactly what we say we are going to do.

Practical Application

            Patience and suffering are not two words we welcome with open arms into our lives; especially when the two are connected.  Patiently enduring during times of suffering and difficulty is probably one of the hardest things for humans to do.  As humans we all face trials, tribulations and difficulties.  It is part of the fabric of life.  However as believers our response to trials must be different than that of the world.  The world only sees the pain and cries out because they have no hope.  We know our difficulties in life are temporary even if they last a lifetime.  As believer’s we live in the hope or the expectation that one day there will be relief from the distresses of life.  So we must patiently endure, until we meet the Lord or He comes to us.  Our Lord has an eternity waiting for us where there will be no more sorrow, no more pain, and no more suffering.  We have put all our stock into this truth.  Yet, we do not know when our suffering will end.  It is an open ended promise.  It may come at the end of your life or it may end when the Lord returns.  This must always be in the front of our minds as Christians.  We must live everyday for Jesus as though it were our last day because, who knows, it may be your last day.  Also knowing the return of Christ is imminent (could be any moment) should help us live victorious lives because we know how the story of history ends.  Our God is victorious over all evil and because we are his children we are victorious as well.  So let us start living in this expectation and in anticipation of his return.  Let us not waste our time hear on earth grumbling against one another, verbally abusing one another, oppressing the weaker in faith and finances, saying and not doing, living worldly lives, and making selfish plans for the future because the coming of the Lord is near.  Knowing his coming is near should either scare you to death (because you have not put your faith in Christ) or make you shout out with joy (because all of your hope and faith is in knowing that one day you will be eternally in the presence of our Lord and King Jesus Christ).

        For all of you in a difficult position today take comfort in this passage.  Know that this suffering is only for a moment.  May you also be reminded of the words of the Apostle Paul who writes in Romans 8:18, “For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us.” 

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^[1] Tan, P. L. (1996). Encyclopedia of 7700 Illustrations: Signs of the Times. Garland, TX: Bible Communications, Inc.

[2] Hughes – p. 223

James: Rich & Misery

James: Where Faith and Life Meet

Rich & Misery

5/20/12

Introduction:

        Warren Sap was possibly one of the best defensive tackles in the NFL back in the mid to late 90s to the early 2000’s.  He was drafted in 1995 by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers from the Miami Hurricanes for $36 million for six years.  In 2004 he signed a seven year contract with the Oakland Raiders for $36.6 million.  He played for 13 seasons in the NFL.  In his career he made seven Pro Bowl appearances and has one Super Bowl win with the Buccaneers in 2002.  It is almost a certainty he will one day be inducted into the National Football League Hall of Fame. Currently he is a Football commentator for the NFL Network.

        In April 2012 TMZ.com reports Sapp has filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy in Florida.  They report Sapp owes more than $6.7 million, including nearly $1 million to the IRS and hundreds of thousands of dollars in “support payments and alimony to at least 4 different baby mamas.”  Sapp claims $6.45 million in assets, which includes 240 pairs of Jordan sneakers and sandals, a Lion skin rug and a large nude women painting. He also has a De Grisogono watch (starting prices around $3000 upwards to $120,000) but notes it has scratches on the crystal and band.

        Sapp currently earns $540,000 per year working for NFL Network -- $45,000 per month – but according to the report his contract expires in August and he does not know if he will be renewed.

        What’s interesting here is he claims to have lost the championship rings. Sapp’s Super Bowl ring from the Tampa Bay Buccaneers would have considerable value (A Super Bowl ring is valued at $30,000 – $70,000) as would his ring from the Miami Hurricanes (NCAA Championship Ring is valued at $3,000 - $7,000).  He told TMZ he’s not too broken up about missing the Super Bowl ring.[1]

        Stories like these are unfortunate but all too common for young athletes and people who acquire a lot of money in a short period of time in general.  Squandering wealth for selfish gain is apparently a problem for many today and as we will see it was a problem back in the early Christian Church as well.  According to one report it’s estimated that within five years after retirement, 60% of NBA players are broke. And within two years after retirement, 78% of NFL players are either bankrupt or under financial stress. They earn a lot of money in a short time, and they’re usually young and have no idea what to do with it.  Then, after retirement, the money stops pouring in. So if they don’t plan, they become broke before they know it.[2]  

Warning to the Rich (A deeper look into the passage)

        Today’s text is James 5:1-6 and it deals primarily with the issues of riches and wealth.  It us often read or preached with a theme that generally comes across as a rebuke to wealthy people because they are rich.  As a result many people who are wealthy person often feel guilty for being rich and having much.  This is a common mistake made by many.  The theme of this passage is not so much about having lots of money but more primarily with having a lot of money and using it unwisely by squandering it away for selfish gain or using your wealth to oppress and cheat those less fortunate.  It is believed by many James now turns his discussion from believers (remember he was talking specifically to wealthy Christian business men who were ignoring God’s will and setting up business plans to go out and make a lot of money) to now addressing the unbelieving wealthy.  However the message he does give certainly applies to believers as well and can benefit the church as well. 

        James now targets the unrighteous wealthy land owners who are abusing or cheating their workers.  The structure and manner in which James writes is very similar to the way an Old Testament prophet would write to a someone who was about to receive judgments for their unrighteous acts.  According to Douglas Moo, “The term ‘rich’ can occasionally be used as a synonym for the unrighteous (he cites Proverbs 10:16 – 16; 14:20).  The prophets take up the theme, frequently denouncing the socioeconomic oppression being practiced by the wealthy.”[3] So we can conclude that the manner and style in which he is writing is aimed at unbelieving unrighteous people.

 

Verse 1:  James proclaims a warning to the unrighteous rich about the coming judgment that is upon them because of their selfish and oppressive use of wealth.  He tells them of the misery that is coming upon them.  Most probably James is not talking about a physical judgment or misery that is going to occur immediately but most likely is referring to the judgment they will receive after they have lived their lives in selfish and oppressive ways. 

Verse 2:  This certainly is a reflection or reminder of the words of Jesus in Matthew 16:19 - 21

Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, ²⁰ but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. ²¹ For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

  Jesus tells his listeners not to store up wealth where moth and rust can destroy but rather lay up your treasure in heaven.  Matthew 6:19 - 21 is a symbolic way of saying that material wealth and earthly treasures are unreliable and of little value in regards to the eternal Kingdom.  

Verse 3:  James reminds us that not only are their treasures useless, but they will also be used against them in the last day as evidence of corruption.  The wealth they were so dependant on for their security in the last days will be of no use whatsoever and their unrelenting greed and selfish accumulation will in fact be the one thing that has assured them a place in an eternal separation from God.    

Verse 4:  Apparently the workers (maybe some of the people in the church) were not paid for or were cheated for the work they had done.  These workers most likely appealed to the earthly courts but to no avail so they made their cry to heaven.  The cries of injustice by these workers who have been defrauded by the wealthy unrighteous have captured the ears of God the Father and James ultimately says this injustice will not go unpunished. 

Verse 5:  The word indulgent also means a life of luxury, delicate or soft living… a pampered life.  It’s not that the unrighteous wealthy couldn’t afford to pay their workers they just flat out refused to pay.  As their workers were living in destitute or going without food the rich were living lives of luxury.  They spent ridiculous amounts of money on themselves on things they did not need all the while refusing to pay their workers.  By this neglect and downright fraudulent action the wealthy were just preparing themselves all the more for judgment. 

Verse 6:  The wealthy persecuted and took advantage of the poor (probably Christian) so they could gain more for their selfish lifestyle.  “The righteous person” refers to believers.  Although the rich may have defrauded them and even had them killed their cries are still brought before God and God is going to deal with the unrighteous wealthy in due time.

Does This Apply To Me?

          As we read through this passage you may be thinking in your heart, “Yeah, you go get those rich scumbags God!”  Or maybe you can actually say something happened in your life where you felt cheated or defrauded so you can relate with the righteous worker who was is treated poorly.  Maybe some of you are thinking, “I am not rich and I haven’t been treated poorly by a rich person so none of this applies to me.”  My response is this passage is just as relevant to us as believers today as it is to unbelievers.  In North America God has certainly blessed each and every one of us with the necessary means to live our lives in relative prosperity.  Now, you may not think you are rich, in fact you may actually think you are poor but the fact that we can live at the standard of living that we do should in fact be an indicator that we have some wealth.  If you are a believer you are doubly rich because you have eternal treasure that you can share as well.

        I think the main point we should all consider in this passage is what are we doing with the resources God has so generously blessed us with?  I have often heard people say, “Money is a curse.”  I would agree with this only if what you mean is “I need to make money so I can have more and hoard it to myself all the while neglecting the needy” then yes it is a curse.  If you and I are in bondage to accumulating wealth then it most certainly is a curse.  However as Christians we are called view and use our money differently than the world.  Our children (and even adults) are bombarded daily with the idea that in order to be completely happy we need more for ourselves.  We need bigger homes that we cannot afford, more cars than we actually need, the most up to date technological device to keep us connected to the world, more clothes, and more luxury items.  You cannot be happy if you do not have.  I Timothy 6:17 – 19 is a good reminder,

        “As for the rich in this present age, charge them not to be haughty, nor to set their hopes on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who richly provides us with everything to enjoy. ¹⁸ They are to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share, ¹⁹ thus storing up treasure for themselves as a good foundation for the future, so that they may take hold of that which is truly life.”

        James has accused and warned those of us who have this mindset.  He warns the rich of hoarding, cheating, and devoting their lives to living in luxury all the while neglecting to use our resources for the Kingdom of God.  This is a warning we should all take heed.  You see the Bible doesn’t necessarily condemn people of wealth because of their wealth.  He condemns and judges the wealthy who allow their riches to become their god and hoarding, accumulating and squandering it all.  No matter where you or I are individually today as in all things we need to check our hearts when it comes to the resources God has entrusted to us.  We also need to check our hearts and attitudes in regards to how we treat those less fortunate or in difficult financial positions.  Most of all we need to understand and come to terms with the vast wealth we have spiritually.  We possess the greatest treasure of all; the Holy Spirit which is Jesus Christ in us and we must be willing to share him with others. As his children and servants we must allow him to have complete control in all aspects of our lives (for everything we have is given to us by Him) so we can in turn live as righteous men and women before God Almighty.

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[1] http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/04/07/warren-sapp-bankruptcy-super-bowl-ncaa-report_n_1409834.html

[2] http://www.chicagonow.com/chicagos-real-law-blog/2012/04/another-broke-athlete/

[3] Moo – p. 211

James: Today & Tomorrow

James: Where Faith and Life Meet

Today and Tomorrow

5/13/12

Introduction:

          Benjamin Franklin wrote in a letter to Jean-Baptiste Leroy in 1789, which was re-printed in The Works of Benjamin Franklin, 1817, “In this world nothing can be said to be certain, except death and taxes."  Is Margaret Mitchell book “Gone With the Wind”, 1936: she writes, "Death, taxes and childbirth! There's never any convenient time for any of them."[1]  If you are a mother then I would think you agree with the last statement and as mortal human beings who pays taxes we all agree with Benjamin Franklin’s quote. 

        The frailty and the shortness of life are or should be sobering and humble thoughts to us all.  So many spend our lives working and preparing for the future; whether we are saving for retirement, a vacation or socking money away in case of an emergency we want to be assured that we have enough resources to help us get by in the future.  A Pastor I worked with used to say, “Jesus saves and so do I” when talking about saving for the future.  As Christians what should our mindset be when it comes to preparing for the future?  There are so many people in the world who prepare for a future that they believe is certain and deserved.  Is this wrong?  Are we lacking faith when we save for days that aren’t certain?  I intend to talk a little about this today.

        A key phrase I will continue come back to is, “Life is a vapor.”  Keep that in your mind as we talk about the passage today in James 4:13 – 17.  Before I begin I want to share a short and tragic story of a man whose life preparations didn’t go as planned.

        I knew of a man (but did not know him personally) who desired to retire life at the age of fifty.  This was something he worked hard to attain.  For many years of his life he worked two or three jobs with the hopes of gaining enough money to retire at this age so he could spend it with his family.  He didn’t neglect his family as he worked, he was a father who was present when he was at home yet, he wasn’t home as much as he would have liked.  At around the age of 47 he was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer.  He fought a good battle and lived a little longer than many because he was in great physical shape but unfortunately and ironically at age 50 the cancer got the best of him and he passed away.  When I think of this man and the pain his family went through I am saddened because he spent his whole life preparing for a future that he was never going to have.  Do I fault this man for the preparations he was making?  Not at all; I believe he would have enjoyed his latter years more than anything had he lived.  Now I know many people who have lived a similar life and their story did not end tragically like this man and are enjoying the future.  I think this helps me to know that there truly is a healthy balance between preparing for the future and having faith that God will provide.  However his story also gives me perspective about what is important in life and also shows that none of us are guaranteed another day here on earth.  It helps me to understand that life (and everyday for that matter) is indeed a gift from God and His will is what I should and need to concern my life with so as not to waste it away.

The Business Model

        In today’s passage, James 4:13 -17, the author speaks directly about the frailty of life and the lack in wisdom in preparing for the future without first seeking the will of God.   I do not think in this passage James is even implying that Christians do not make preparations for the future (i.e. 401K’s, saving money) as some have preached; instead I believe he is talking about the ludicrous idea that we make our own selfish preparations for the future and depend on them to sustain us throughout life.    

        In this passage it is believed James is speaking to merchants (probably wealthier Christian businessmen) who were arrogantly making preparations to go out to certain cities trade, sell and accumulate wealth.  They were planning on conducting business in the way that the rest of the world did and were depending on getting wealthy in the process.  In short they were making plans for themselves and not inquiring of God in how or where they should conduct their business.  Their business plan was to go out sell, trade and accumulate but failed to include two major factors…

1)      God… They were looking to succeed and accumulate in their own selfish and self confident ways.  They decided where they will go, how long they will be there, when they will go and how much money they will make.  All of this is done while neglecting the wisdom in seeking God in their endeavors to see where He may be leading them.

2)      Tomorrow is not guaranteed.  You may come down with a serious illness or health issue or worse you could be dead tomorrow.  James reminds them by asking, “What is your life?”  The answer is found throughout the Old and New Testaments.  Jesus speaks in Luke 12:16 – 21 about the foolish man who acquires wealth for the future and unexpectedly dies.  David speaks of the shortness of life in Psalm 39:5.  Even Job knew that life is short and tomorrow holds no guarantee (Job 7:7).

        He answers the question, “What is your life?”  Essentially it is this, “Life is a vapor.”  Living in the Upper Midwest we know and understand vapors.  In the winter months when the temperature goes to a mild 5 to 15 below we go outside and as we breathe we can see our breath for only a moment.  This is what James says about our life on earth.  It is here one moment and gone the next.

The Right Perspective

        So as Christians what should our perspective for the future be?  Should we live day by day with no regards for tomorrow?  Do we even make plans for the future? These are questions James answers by telling them not to forget about God in this equation.  We are not to make plans willy nilly for the future.  Yet he also does not discourage us from actually making preparations for the future.  The answer is found in verse 15… Key words, “If the Lord wills”.  This is the proper perspective, in everything and in anything in making plans for the future.  All we plan for should be sought out in accordance to God’s will.  This involves prayer, scripture reading, counsel from godly men and women, and listening to the Spirit.  We have to be good with the fact that whatever our plans may be, they are all ultimately subject to God’s will.  This simply means we must be an open and willing vessel to be used by God no matter where we are in life.  We need to come humbly before God and seek his counsel in life’s decisions and plans. 

        I look back on my life and reflect on the fact that I am in a place where I would have never thought I would be even twenty years ago.  First I never would have thought I would become a senior pastor and secondly, I never thought it would be in Western Wisconsin.  But I am glad I am.  I don’t know where I would be if I chose to go my way instead of Gods.  He has a way of changing our plans or better yet letting us know that our plans are not his plans and we need to be ok with this.

        In verse 16 James rebukes these arrogant business people because they are bragging about their plans and all the money they are going to make.  In fact some of them may even be pursuing these selfish ambitions and telling others that God told them to do what they are doing when in fact He is not.  James says that this kind of boasting is plain evil.

        In verse 17 he takes it one step further by rebuking those who know that what they are doing is not from God and yet they choose to ignore his guidance and will.  James says to these individuals, “If God has revealed to you the right thing to do and yet you willfully ignore or don’t do it then this is a blatant sin.”  Oh the stories I could tell you in regards to this.

        Certainly verse 17 is not only applied to those wealthy merchants but also applied to the church as a whole.  Whether they were neglecting the poor when they knew they should be helping them, talking badly about someone when they knew they should be speaking kind words or no words for that matter, pursuing the world’s ways and wisdom instead of God’s ways, or merely saying they have faith with no evidence through their words, works and deeds this was in fact sin.  This also applies to us today.  Having the words of Scripture before us we are in fact instructed how we should live as to glorify God, whether in our business practices, moral living, spiritual lives, social lives and personal lives.  All we do should be done for the glory of God and according to his will.

Conclusion

        Life is a vapor… Here today gone tomorrow.  There is so much freedom in life when you can accept the fact that we are not in control.  My tomorrow is not guaranteed.  I am hopeful that God will’s that I live yet another day so I may enjoy the blessings he has given me.  Do I have plans for tomorrow?  Yes.  Do I have a three year plan?  Yes.  Do I have a five year plan?  Yes.  However it is all subject to God’s will and I am ok with that.  Ask yourself this question… Are you ok with the fact that tomorrow is no guarantee?  Are you ok if what you have planned does not actually happen?  Are you ok if God decides that where you are, what you are doing and how you should do it may change tomorrow?  I am not just talking about death or sickness.  I am talking about daily routine, profession, and relationships.  We would do well to remember that not only is life a vapor, but if we know that God is telling us the right thing to do and we ignore it or don’t do it.  This is sin and God cannot bless sin.

        In the meantime enjoy today for it is a gift from God.  Make preparations for the future all in accordance to God’s will.  Do what is right and pleasing before God in everything; in relationships, our spiritual lives, our families, our workplaces, our leisure time, our businesses, our schools and our church.   

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[1] http://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/death-and-taxes.html