Bob Utley You Can Understand the Bible - James 5

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Bob Utley You Can Understand the Bible - James 5


Verse Commentaries:



Chapter Level Commentary:
James 5

PARAGRAPH DIVISIONS OF MODERN TRANSLATIONS

UBS4 NKJV NRSV TEV NJB
Warning to the Rich Rich Oppressors Will be Judged The Contrast Between Godliness and Worldliness Warning to the Rich A Warning for the Rich and Self-confident Jas_4:1 to Jas_5:6 Jas_4:13 to Jas_5:6 Jas_5:1-6 Jas_5:1-6 Jas_5:1-6 Patience and Prayer Be Patient and Persevere Concluding Encouragement Patience and Prayer The Coming of the Lord Jas_5:7-11 Jas_5:7-12 Jas_5:7-11 Jas_5:7-8 Jas_5:7-11 Jas_5:9-11 Jas_5:12 Meeting Specific Needs Jas_5:12 Jas_5:12 Jas_5:12 Jas_5:13-18 Jas_5:13-18 Jas_5:13-18 Jas_5:13-18 Jas_5:13-18 Bring Back the Erring One Jas_5:19-20 Jas_5:19-20 Jas_5:19-20 Jas_5:19-20 Jas_5:19-20 READING CYCLE THREE (from "hyperlink")

FOLLOWING THE ORIGINAL AUTHOR'S INTENT AT THE PARAGRAPH LEVEL

This is a study guide commentary, which means that you are responsible for your own interpretation of the Bible. Each of us must walk in the light we have. You, the Bible, and the Holy Spirit are priority in interpretation. You must not relinquish this to a commentator.

Read the chapter in one sitting. Identify the subjects. Compare your subject divisions with the five translations above. Paragraphing is not inspired but it is the key to following the original author's intent which is the heart of interpretation. Every paragraph has one and only one subject.

1. First paragraph

2. Second paragraph

3. Third paragraph

4. Etc.



CONTEXTUAL INSIGHTS TO Jas_5:1-6

A. James' discussion of the inappropriate emphasis on wealth starts in Jas_4:13 and continues through Jas_5:6.



B. The topic of wealth issued from James' comparison of mankind's desires (yetzers) for things and self instead of God (cf. Jas_4:1 to Jas_5:6).



C. This paragraph has many terms and forms unique to this context. This causes one to wonder if it might be a quote or catechism possibly taken from unknown Jewish inter-biblical sources.



The context sounds so much like Amos. The illustration is obviously OT.

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

This is a study guide commentary, which means that you are responsible for your own interpretation of the Bible. Each of us must walk in the light we have. You, the Bible, and the Holy Spirit are priority in interpretation. You must not relinquish this to a commentator.

These discussion questions are provided to help you think through the major issues of this section of the book. They are meant to be thought-provoking, not definitive.

1. Did the NT writers expect an immediate Second Coming in their lifetime? If so, does that mean the Bible is in error?

2. Why is patience such an important aspect of the believer's character?

3. How does one take God's name in vain?

4. Does Jas_5:13-20 give us a procedure to follow for healing?

5. How is confession of sin related to healing?

6. How are local elders to be involved in healing? Who are these elders?

7. Does wandering from the truth result in physical or spiritual death?