Tiago 5
Charles Spurgeon · Citado em PreceptAustin
Tiago 5
Spurgeon writes "A short life should be wisely spent. We have not enough time at our disposal to justify us in misspending a single quarter of an hour. Neither are we sure of enough life to justify us in procrastinating for a moment. If we were wise in heart we should see this, but mere head wisdom will not guide us aright." See his full note on Ps 90:12-note) The great Puritan writer John Flavel wrote that "THE heart of man is his worst part before it is regenerated, and the best afterward; it is the seat of principles, and the fountain of actions. Gary Hill rightly reminds us that "Life is a continuous contest, waged and won in the heart. As the heart goes, so goes the rest of us. This is true in "both directions": negatively (Jn 14:1, 27; Acts 7:51, 8:21; Ro 1:21) and positively (Acts 16:14; Ro 2:29; Heb 10:22). The heart, as the seat of decision-making, also involves emotions (desires) that are key to making choices....Cognition (the use of the "mind") is vital, but the heart "steers our being" as the primary organ of decision-making." (Discovery Bible) This passage reminds me of Abigail and Nabal (Hebrew = fool) in the OT: Then Abigail came to Nabal, and behold, he was holding a feast in his house, like the feast of a king. And Nabal’s heart was merry within him, for he was very drunk; so she did not tell him anything at all until the morning light. But in the morning, when the wine had gone out of Nabal, his wife told him these things, and his heart died within him so that he became as a stone. (1Sa 25:36-37) Steven
Tiago 5
Spurgeon - “A man to whom it is given to wait for a reward keeps up his courage, and when he has to wait, he says, ‘It is no more than I expected. I never reckoned that I was to slay my enemy at the first blow. I never imagined that I was to capture the city as soon as ever I had digged the first trench; I reckoned upon waiting, and now that is come, I find that God gives me the grace to fight on and wrestle on, till the victory shall come.’ And patience saves a man from a great deal of haste and folly.” It gets the early and late rains - Early and late describe the expected pattern of the winter and spring rains that occurred in Israel. And it is clear from the uses of early and late rains in the Septuagint (Lxx) (see below), that these rains were a gift from "the Father of lights in Whom there is no variation or shifting of shadow." (James 1:17+) as described especially Dt 11:14 and Jer 5:24. The point is that just as God had faithfully sent the rains to refresh Israel, so too He would be faithful to send His Son, Who Malachi refers to as "the Sun of righteousness" Who will arise "with healing in His wings." (Malachi 4:2+). Hiebert - "The fall" rains, generally arriving in a series of thunderstorms, come in the latter part of October or in early November. They are anxiously awaited by the farmer since they are necessary to soften the hard-baked soil for plowing and sowing. A serious delay of these rains diminishes the prospects for a crop; if they fail entirely, a crop failure results. The bulk of the rains come during December through February. The "latter," or "spring" rains fall during late April or May. These late rains, accompanied by warmer temperatures than in winter, are important for the maturing of the crops. The longer they continue, the greater the potential yield. (James Commentary) Beware of making this text an allegory or spiritualizing the meaning - There is no allegorical picture here of an early and a latter outpouring of the Holy Spirit on the church. Late rains (3797)(opsimos from opse = late) refers literally to to a period of time that is relatively late. In context it describes the rain which falls in March through April, after the normal rains of the winter season have passed. These late rains occur just before the harvest, in contrast to the early rain which falls in October. Opsimos is used 7x in the Septuagint (Lxx) where it is translated late, late rain (Dt 11:4), latter rain (Joel 2:23) and most often spring rain (4x). Friberg on opsimos - "late in the season; as a substantive o` o;. the spring rain needed to swell out the grain before harvest, late rain, opposite pro,i?moj (early rain); in the Middle East, the November-to-April rainy season is threefold, marked by early rain (at planting time), (heavy) winter rain, and late rain." (Friberg) Gilbrant - The “rain” which James described as opsimos is the “latter” or “final showers” of the Palestinian farming season. Different from the early ground-softening rains (October–December), these showers prepared the maturing fruits for harvest (February–April). They provided a refreshing moisture which ultimately increased the yield (cf. Exodus 9:32; Deuteronomy 11:14; Hosea 6:3; Joel 2:23,24). Christ’s return, then, was likened by James to the “latter” (later) rains. Just as the farmer patiently waits for his harvest made possible by the early and later rains, so the Christian must wait patiently for the return of Christ and consequently His reward. Late rains in the Septuagint (Lxx) - Exodus 9:32 But the wheat and the spelt were not ruined, for they ripen late. Deuteronomy 11:14 that He will give the rain for your land in its season, the early and late rain, that you may gather in your grain and your new wine and your oil. Proverbs 16:15 In the light of a king’s face is life, And his favor is like a cloud with the spring rain. Jeremiah 5:24 ‘They do not say in their heart, “Let us now fear the LORD our God, Who gives rain in its season, Both the autumn rain (EARLY RAINS) and the spring rain (LATE RAINS), Who keeps for us The appointed weeks of the harvest.” Hosea 6:3+ “So let us know, let us press on to know the LORD. His going forth is as certain as the dawn; And He will come to us like the rain, Like the spring rain watering the earth.” Joel 2:23+ So rejoice, O sons of Zion, And be glad in the LORD your God; For He has given you the early rain for your vindication. And He has poured down for you the rain, The early and latter rain as before. Zechariah 10:1 Ask rain from the LORD at the time of the spring rain– The LORD who makes the storm clouds; And He will give them showers of rain, vegetation in the field to each man. Latter Rain is the rain of spring, מִלְקוֹש, malqowsh, Pr 16:15; Job 29:23; Jer 3:3; Hos 6:3; Joel 2:23; Zechariah 10:1; Latter rain in Septuagint = ὑετὸς ὄψιμος. [huetos opsimos] The early and latter rains are mentioned together Dt 11:14; Jer 5:24; Joel 2:23; Hos 6:3; Jas 5:7 Steven
Tiago 5
Spurgeon - When God shall give you a rich return for all you have done for him, you will blush to think you ever doubted; you will be ashamed to think you ever grew weary in his service. You shall have your reward. Not tomorrow, so wait: not the next day perhaps, so be patient. You may be full of doubts one day, your joys sink low. It may be rough windy weather with you in your spirit. You may even doubt whether you are the Lord’s, but if you have rested in the name of Jesus, if by the grace of God you are what you are, if he is all your salvation, and all your desire, — have patience; have patience, for the reward will surely come in God’s good time. Strengthen (stand firm)(4741)(sterizo from histemi = to stand) means to make firm or solid, to cause to be inwardly firm or committed. The basic idea is that of stabilizing something by providing a support or buttress (a projecting structure of masonry or wood for supporting or giving stability to a wall or building), so that it will not totter. Hiebert adds "The verb (sterizo) conveys the thought of strengthening and supporting something so that it will stand firm and immovable. Instead of feeling agitated and shaken up by their experiences of oppression, they must develop an inner sense of stability." (James Commentary) Sterizo - 14x in NT - Study some of these uses below to help understand how we can strengthen our hearts. Luke 22:32 but I have prayed for you (PETER), that your faith may not fail; and you, when once you have turned again, strengthen your brothers.” (AND JESUS IS PRAYING FOR US THAT WE MIGHT BE STRONG TO OTHERS) 2 Thessalonians 2:17 (Now may our Lord Jesus Christ Himself and God our Father, who has loved us and given us eternal comfort and good hope by grace,) comfort and strengthen your hearts in every good work and word. (A GOOD PRAYER TO PRAY FOR ONE ANOTHER) 2 Thessalonians 3:3 But the Lord is faithful, and He will strengthen and protect you from the evil one. (COULD IT BE ANY CLEARER WHERE OUR SPIRITUAL STRENGTH COMES FROM?) Romans 1:11 For I long to see you so that I may impart some spiritual gift to you, that you may be established (strengthened); Romans 16:25 Now to Him who is able (HAS THE INHERENT SUPERNATURAL POWER) to establish you according to my gospel and the preaching of Jesus Christ (WE ARE STRENGTHENED AS WE INTERNALIZE THE GOSPEL, "PREACH IT TO OURSELVES" DAILY, ALONG WITH PREACHING CHRIST TO OURSELVES!), according to the revelation of the mystery which has been kept secret for long ages past, 1 Thessalonians 3:2 and we sent Timothy, our brother and God’s fellow worker in the gospel of Christ, to strengthen and encourage you as to your faith (DO YOU HAVE AN ACCOUNTABILITY PARTNER GOD CAN USE TO STRENGTHEN YOU? THEN GET ONE!) 1 Peter 5:10 After you have suffered for a little while, the God of all grace, who called you to His eternal glory in Christ, will Himself perfect, confirm (STERIZO), strengthen and establish you. (SUFFERING IS THE REQUIRED COURSE IN WHICH WE ARE ALL ENROLLED, BUT THE "GRACE OF GOD" IS OUR TEACHER AND SUSTAINER.) 2 Peter 1:12 Therefore, I will always be ready to remind you of these things, even though you already know them, and have been established in the truth which is present with you. (WHERE IS THE SOURCE OF STRENGTH IN THIS VERSE? THE TRUTH. THE GOSPEL. THE TRUTHS WE HAVE HEARD AND STUDIED AND NEED TO BE REMINDED OF). Revelation 3:2+ ‘Wake up (present imperative) and strengthen (aorist imperative) the things that remain, which were about to die; for I have not found your deeds completed in the sight of My God. (JESUS COMMAND TO THE CHURCH. GOD'S COMMANDMENT ALWAYS IS ACCOMPANIED BY HIS ENABLEMENT! HIS SPIRIT'S SUPERNATURAL STRENGTHENING). As David says "Wait for the LORD; Be strong and let your heart take courage; Yes, wait for the LORD. (Ps 27:14) Hearts (2588) see discussion above on kardia. This strengthening is not by going to some self-improvement seminar, but by submitting to the Spirit's supernatural strengthening. Our responsibility is to read the Word of hope that Jesus' coming is imminent and the Spirit takes that truth and renews our mind (Eph 4:23+, Col 3:10+, 2 Cor 3:18+) and fortifies our heart with this sure truth. This Word increases our faith (Ro 10:17+) and then when the fiery arrows come flying into our mind we take up the shield of faith (Eph 6:16+) and extinguish them (all enabled by the Word and the Spirit Who gives life - Jn 6:63). Gregg Allen comments that we are to strengthen our hearts by fixing our thoughts on the fact that the return of Jesus is near adding that "We do this by accepting that we will suffer injustice in this world (2 Ti 3:12; 1 Peter 4:12-19). We also do this by deferring "vengeance" to God, and not seeking to take vengeance ourselves (Ro 12:17-21). We do this by submitting to God's sovereignty in the exercise of justice (2 Peter 3:3-9). And we do this by keeping our eyes fixed on Jesus as our great example of hopeful patience in suffering (Hebrews 12:1-3)."
Tiago 5
Spurgeon reminds us that "Behold is a word of wonder; it is intended to excite admiration. Wherever you see it hung out in Scripture, it is like an ancient sign-board, signifying that there are rich wares within, or like the hands which solid readers have observed in the margin of the older Puritanic books, drawing attention to something particularly worthy of observation." I would add, behold is like a divine highlighter, a divine underlining of an especially striking or important text. It says in effect "Listen up, all ye who would be wise in the ways of Jehovah!" HERE COMES THE JUDGE! The Judge is standing right at the door - Who is the Judge? The Lord Jesus Christ. James is not so much calling their attention to the location of the Judge as to figuratively depict the imminent return of the Judge! This truth should stir their consciences and motivate them to stop complaining. It is interesting that James had just alluded to the imminent return of Christ to comfort the church, but now uses the same truth to warn the church! This warning reminds me of the the description by John Now, little children, abide (present imperative only possible as we rely on the supernatural power of the Holy Spirit to obey) in Him, so that when He appears, we may have confidence and not shrink away from Him in shame at His coming (parousia). (1 John 2:28+) One is also reminded of Paul's exhortation to holy living in view of the imminence of Christ's return Do this, knowing the time, that it is already the hour for you to awaken from sleep; for now salvation is nearer to us than when we believed. 12 The night is almost gone, and the day is near (OF CHRIST' RETURN) Therefore let us lay aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light. 13 Let us behave properly as in the day, not in carousing and drunkenness, not in sexual promiscuity and sensuality, not in strife and jealousy. 14 But put on (aorist imperative) the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision (present imperative with a negative) for the flesh in regard to its lusts. (Ro 13:11-14+) There are several similar descriptions in the New Testament. Paul warns young Timothy writing "I solemnly charge you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, Who IS (MELLO) to judge the living and the dead, and by His appearing and His kingdom." (2 Ti 4:1+) Comment - Notice the little verb “IS” which in English does not convey that much meaning. But in the original Greek the little verb “IS” (mello) actually means something is at the point of occurring. We might say it is imminent. It is looming. The Latin word that gives rise to "imminent" is imminere which means "overhanging." Do you get a sense of the picture Paul is painting? Paul as saying “Jesus is about to come to Judge everyone and this judgement is imminent.” If we really believe that Jesus’ return to Judge the living and the dead is imminent ("right at the door") and could occur at any time, it would stir in our hearts a sense of URGENCY and NECESSITY TO PROCLAIM, TEACH AND LIVE OUT THE WORD (cf Paul's charge to Timothy and all preachers in 2 Ti 4:2+ in light of the truths of 2 Ti 4:1+) while there is still time. Even Jesus alluded to this sense of urgency when He declared “We must work the works of Him who sent Me as long as it is day; night is coming when no one can work.” (John 9:4) S Lewis
Tiago 5
Spurgeon adds "As an encouragement cheerfully to offer intercessory prayer, remember that such prayer is the sweetest God ever hears, for the prayer of Christ is of this character." As E M Bounds once said "Prayer can do anything that God can do!" Charles H. Spurgeon explains, “Elijah failed in the very point at which he was strongest, and that is where most men fail. In Scripture, it is the wisest man [,Solomon,] who proves himself to be the greatest fool; just as the meekest man, Moses, spoke hasty and bitter words. Abraham [the father of the faithful] failed in his faith, and Job [synonymous with patience,] in his patience; so, he who was the most courageous of all men, fled from an angry woman. He could stand face to face with that woman’s husband, and say to him, in answer to his false accusation, ‘I have not troubled Israel; but thou, and thy father's house, in that ye have forsaken the commandments of the Lord, and thou hast followed Baalim;’ yet he was afraid of Jezebel, and he fled from her, and suffered such faintness of heart that he even ‘requested for himself that he might die.’ This was, I suppose, to show us that Elijah was not strong by nature, but only in the strength imparted to him by God; so that, when the divine strength was gone, he was of no more account them anybody else. When grace is for a time withdrawn, the natural Elijah is as weak as any other natural man; it is only when supernatural power is working through him that he rises out of himself, and so the grace of God is glorified in him.”[Elijah Fainting] Spurgeon shares the following in his Lectures to My Students: “The times most favorable to fits of depression, so far as I have experienced, may be summed up in the a brief catalogue. First among them, I must mention the hour of great success. When at last a long-cherished desire is fulfilled, when God has been glorified greatly by our means, and a great triumph achieved, then we are apt to faint.” A nature like ours (3663)(homoiopathes from homoios = similar + pathos = passion) literally means similar passion and so describes one who is liable to be affected in the same way. Stated another way it describes those having the same kinds of feelings or desires. Only in Acts 14:15+ ("We are also men of the same nature as you") and James 5:17. This word emphasizes common humanity. Steven
Tiago 5
Spurgeon - Read the verse and you will see that it was that of a backslider from the visible church of God. The words, ‘If any of you,’ must refer to a professed Christian. If any among you strays from the truth - The phrase among you would identify them as those who were in the church body, in among the ones he identifies as genuine believers ("My brethren"). These would be tantamount to professors (of Christ) but not possessors (of Christ). In other words, they are not truly born again, regenerate, new creatures in Christ! This reminds us even of Jesus' 12 disciples, one of whom, Judas, did not believe in Him. The truth is most likely the Word of Truth (the Gospel) for in James' first use of "truth" he wrote In the exercise of His will He brought us forth (BORN AGAIN) by the word of truth, so that we would be a kind of first fruits among His creatures. (James 1:18+) The other use of truth by James is in James 3 But if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your heart, do not be arrogant and so lie against the truth. (James 3:14+) Comment - While there is some disagreement on the interpretation of the truth in James 3:14, most agree that it is the truth of the Gospel. (Hiebert) If...strays from the truth - The Greek construction is a third class conditional statement which means that straying from the truth is a possibility that is likely to occur. Truth is not relative as many in our culture have been deceived to believe (including many in church). So when one strays from truth they are straying from objective truth, and I believe primarily the truth of the Gospel.