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GRUMBLINGS & GROANINGS. James 5:9-12. 11/17/2024. #19.
9 Do not grumble against one another, brethren, lest you be condemned. Behold, the Judge is standing at the door! 10 My brethren, take the prophets, who spoke in the name of the Lord, as an example of suffering and patience. 11 Indeed we count them blessed who endure. You have heard of the perseverance of Job and seen the end intended by the Lord—that the Lord is very compassionate and merciful. 12 But above all, my brethren, do not swear, either by heaven or by earth or with any other oath. But let your “Yes” be “Yes,” and your “No,” “No,” lest you fall into judgment.
1. Enduring each other
a. James enters a section on patience
a1. He gives the admonition to not to grumble against each other
a2. He uses the prophets and Job as examples of endurance during trials
a3. He expresses the hope of reward for enduring the irritations of life
b. The word grumble here means to groan or to sigh
a1. Unlike Php. 2:14, the word refers to an internal bitterness or impatience (Jn. 11)
a2. We often wear on each other’s nerves and so there is a tendency to become weary with each other and be indignant, even if we do not openly express it
c. The Lord knows our hearts = to be cordial openly while grousing internally is unacceptable
a1. The Lord knows and will judge the heart
a2. Eph. 4:32 the grace of the Lord to us is to be passed on to our brethren
a3. 1 Cor. 3:11-15 though a believer does not lose his salvation, he loses his reward
2. Endure like Job and Jeremiah
a. James uses the examples of the prophets and Job
b. JOB 1:13-22 Job lost all he had in one day
a1. Job lost his children, wealth, and most of his servants all at once
a2. Eventually, he lost his health and the respect of his wife
a3. His 3 neighbors falsely accused him
a4. God gave him no reason for his afflictions
c. Job still did not blame God or lose his faith
d. The prophets (Daniel, Ezekiel, Jeremiah, Elijah, Hosea, Isaiah…) suffered greatly for the Lord
e. The test of endurance was passed by God’s men
a1. They suffered (kakapathios, “bad passions or agony”) greatly for their faith
a2. They endured (hypomenos, “to remain under) the suffering
a3. They persevered, triumphing over the provocations and affliction (makrothymia, “to greatly heat up”)
a4. They trusted that the ends of God were for the best
b1. God is full of compassion and mercy
b2. God greatly rewards his saints when they endure suffering with faith and as a praise to God (Acts 5)
f. 1 Cor. 13:12 though Job did not know the reasons for his suffering, he trusted the God who allowed it
3. A clear testimony
a. Finally, James admonishes that not only are we not to complain, we are to show great integrity
a1. Not just enduring suffering, but giving a clear positive testimony through it all
a2. No oaths (Jews swore by the temple, altar, Jerusalem, their own heads…)
a3. Mt. 5 reputation of honesty requires just a yes or no (nothing else is needed)
b. Our testimonies should be so pure, that people see us suffer without complaint, gracious when provoked, and honest in all things (only by Holy Spirit)
c. Believers have a higher calling and responsibility, for we represent the Lord of the universe (expect more)
Key passage: Job 1:13-22
13 Now there was a day when his sons and daughters were eating and drinking wine in their oldest brother’s house; 14 and a messenger came to Job and said, “The oxen were plowing and the donkeys feeding beside them, 15 when the Sabeans raided them and took them away—indeed they have killed the servants with the edge of the sword; and I alone have escaped to tell you!”
16 While he was still speaking, another also came and said, “The fire of God fell from heaven and burned up the sheep and the servants, and consumed them; and I alone have escaped to tell you!”
17 While he was still speaking, another also came and said, “The Chaldeans formed three bands, raided the camels and took them away, yes, and killed the servants with the edge of the sword; and I alone have escaped to tell you!”
18 While he was still speaking, another also came and said, “Your sons and daughters were eating and drinking wine in their oldest brother’s house, 19 and suddenly a great wind came from across the wilderness and struck the four corners of the house, and it fell on the young people, and they are dead; and I alone have escaped to tell you!”
20 Then Job arose, tore his robe, and shaved his head; and he fell to the ground and worshiped. 21 And he said:
“Naked I came from my mother’s womb,
And naked shall I return there.
The Lord gave, and the Lord has taken away;
Blessed be the name of the Lord.”22 In all this Job did not sin nor charge God with wrong.