Wednesday Evening Bible Study James 5 7-17-2024

Chapter 5 of James is divided into three sections. The first dealing with rich unbelievers oppressing poor believers. Money and goods are the subject matter. It is important to remember that the Bible does not teach that having money or being rich is a sin. the Bible teaches, especially from Paul's writings, that the "love of money" is the root of all evil. The takeaway is that how we get our money and what we do with it become great tests of our spiritual condition.
The second section of chapter 5 deals with having patience for the Lord's return. James uses the example of a farmer who patiently waits for the harvest to come after the early rains and the latter rains. The context of the chapter may indicate our being patient even in times of oppression for the Lord's return. He said that we are to "establish our hearts" which may indicate we are to commit ourselves not toe give up in times of persecution.
The third section deals with various needs and praying. The example given was for one who is sick to seek prayer from the elders of the church and be anointed with oil in the name of the Lord. Some people take this to mean the James was against going to the doctor. Dr. McGee said his opinion based upon the meaning of the word "anoint" could be interpreted as we are to go to the doctor. He pointed out that the Greek word for anoint, means to rub or apply oil, which could be interpreted as applying it for medicinal purposes. He then interpreted the passage to mean that it is okay and even advisable to see a doctor.
The last couple verses might also be considered a section in itself. They deal with restoring an errant brother from some sinful practice, which is very similar to what the Apostle Paul wrote in Galatians 6:1-2.