BOOK OF JAMES

STUDY PART 4

Intro:  We live in a day when individual success is measured by personal wealth. Personal satisfaction and the good of our fellow man has been replaced by an insatiable appetite for material possession.

I.          James treats two opposite ends of the material ladder and there attitudes: 1) Those who are extremely poor and 2) Those who are extremely rich. Both are to rejoice in the position they find themselves. The poor in that they are exalted and the rich that they are made low. This is contrary to our natural mind and some may at the outset think it was wrong.

II.       The Bible records many such paradoxes

“As known, and yet unknown”, “As dying and, behold, we live”, “As sorrowful, yet always rejoicing”, As poor making many rich”, “As having nothing and yet possessing all things”, - II Cor 6. To the child of God who possesses a spiritual ear, there is real truth in this passage of James. Scripture states “He that hath an ear, let him hear.” As we study this passage of versus 9-12 in James 1, we can expect to learn lessons vital to each one of us.
 

A)      (9) The brother in humble circumstances ought to take pride( boast) in his high position;
 

1.       Remember as we have discussed before, the term Brother here means James is referring to those who were in Christ/Brethern. This “humble circumstances/low degree” is only mans estimation. In the eyes of God, all of His children are on the same level, one is not more saved than the other. In Christ, each one of us are richer than that of the wealthiest man on earth. In Christ, your position is higher than that of the highest dignitary. We that are in Christ, should never hang our heads. Our reward will be given on the bases of: 1) Faithfulness, not according to wealth. 2) Service- or on how we used our abilities and gifts. So, the question is, what are you doing with the abilities/gifts God has given you? It will be on this bases rewards are given out and rewards are taken back.

2.       “should take pride (boast) in his high position (exaltation)/rejoice in that he is exalted (vs. 9) 

Every Believer regardless of how low has a great reason to rejoice…why?  Other reasons to rejoice:

(Luke 10:20)- “Rejoice, because your names are written in heaven” –Saved and on our way to heaven.

(Philip 3:3)- “Rejoice, in Jesus Christ- relationship with Him who we can turn to.

(Rom 5:2) –“Rejoice, in hope of the glory of God”-and His love that gave us His only Son.

(I Peter 2:9) –“Rejoice in our exaltation” –We are born into a royal family and as a result of our royal birth through Christ who became lowly for us beyond what mortal tongue can express, when He returns and comes again we shall be exalted above the stars. 

B)      (10) But the one who is rich should take pride (boast) in his low position (humiliation), because he will pass away like a wild flower.

1.       A) The rich are made low. Why do you feel not many who are very rich are saved or have a personal relationship with Christ? Some are difficult to reach because they trust in their own riches. They don’t feel a need of a Savior, they fail to come to know Christ. Kind of like the child who saw a hearse of a rich man “ There he goes and not a cent in his pocket”, God takes riches from some in order to save them or rely on Him rather than in relying upon themselves. “Riches certainly make themselves wings, they fly away as an eagle toward heaven” Prov 23:5

2.       B) The rich are lowered. The Gospel has a “leveling” effect. A rich man is no higher in Christ then the poorest of men.

3.       C) The rich are to rejoice. There are not to rejoice in wealth but rather to rejoice in Christ as their Savior because only this type of hope stands.

4.       D) Riches pass away (latter part of vs 10) –When writing this passage, commentators believe James had in mind Is. 40: 6-8.  Flowers are beautiful things and yet behind each green house is a pit of dead one’s who did not make it to a wedding or a funeral. Just so a rich man’s riches pass away. As the sweetness and beauty go from a flower, so is the wretched end of  a rich man who forgot God. His plans, projects, hopes are gone and they perish. But for the Christian who’s trust is in Christ, eternity is just the beginning surrounded by the beauties of heaven. 

C)      (12) Blessed is the man who perseveres (endures) trial, because when he has stood (passed) the test he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love Him.

1.       “The Crown Of Life” refers to one of the rewards that will be given to the Christian who endures temptation. One who is not necessarily happy in the trial or test but happy because beyond the trial/test lies the glory of eternity. The real hero of the battle may not be the one who advances but who holds in a valiant stand. After all, Christ endured “For the joy that was set before Him endured the cross.” Hebrews 12:2. If we love Him, surely we ought to endure for His sake.

2.       Receiving the Crown of Life. Please do not confuse the crown of life and eternal life/salvation. Eternal life is a free gift of God-Eph 2:8,9. “All have eternal life who believe in the Lord Jesus Christ” Acts 16:31. The crown of life is a reward to the Christian for faithful endurance out of love for Christ. “Be thou faithful unto death and I will give thee a crown of life” Rev. 2:10. But this same crown is also given to those who remain faithful to God throughout their lifetime. Salvation cannot be lost but the crown of life can be lost.  “Hold that fast which thou hast, that no man take thy crown.” Rev 3:11

CONCLUSION: Remember, all that you have will one day fade away. Only one life will soon be passed, only what’s done for Christ will surely last.