Things to Avoid
Pride and Humility - James 4:1-6
Prescription for Worldliness (James 4) | Mike Mazzalongo
In this section of this epistle, James performs a spiritual check-up on his readers. (James 4:1-10)
Submit to God - James 4:7-10
Why Weep, Christian?
When James wrote these words in James 4, "Be wretched and mourn and weep. Let your laughter be turned to mourning and your joy to dejection," he was echoing the words of Jesus that He taught in Matthew 5:4. The weeping and wretchedness of those following Christ were caused by the knowledge and understanding of their own sinfulness. They were, in fact, expressing pain because of how they had lived before the Lord and the betrayal of their ideals and goals to follow Him in denying self, picking up their cross daily and following. The weeping was for their sins after accepting the challenge of walking with Jesus. It was because we are 'men of double mind* that calls form tears of disappointment when we face our lives with truth.
When the Bible uses the word "weep" it normally means to cry aloud. It expresses profound grief and deep sorrow as in mourning for the dead, as did Joseph when he wept for his father Jacob at his death (Genesis 50:1). However, it may equally express supreme joy. as at the meeting of Jacob and Joseph (46:29). Especially in the Old Testament, the thought is mainly the outpouring of the heart of one who calls out to God, depending upon Him for help through prayer. Samson "called on the Lord" for water as he felt that he was dying from thirst (Judges 15:18).
In the New Testament, we see some of the same usages of the term "weeping." It was used to express strong emotion at parting (Acts 21:13), or when thinking about the enemies of Christ (Philippians 3:18) or facing affliction (Romans 12:15), and one knowing that death was near (Mark 5:38).
Our Lord used this word to express a wonderful idea to those who chose to follow Him in life and yet found that life was hard and difficult He spoke to both those who wept now and those who laughed now. He suggested that these would be re-versed in the Day of Judgment To men who felt self-righteous, "who need no repentance* (Luke 15:17), who were going through life full of self-assurance, that day would come when their laughter would turn to weeping. On the other hand those who relied on God and His grace and Spirit, weeping over their sins and failures, would one day laugh with pure and holy delight for they would be found righteous before the Almighty.
The Lord justified the wretched sinner who smote his breast confessing his sins, while the self-righteous Pharisee found himself condemned. So it will be at the last day!
— A.M. Burton
Proverbs 14:13 (NIV) Even in laughter the heart may ache, and joy may end in grief.
When James wrote these words in James 4, "Be wretched and mourn and weep. Let your laughter be turned to mourning and your joy to dejection," he was echoing the words of Jesus that He taught in Matthew 5:4. The weeping and wretchedness of those following Christ were caused by the knowledge and understanding of their own sinfulness. They were, in fact, expressing pain because of how they had lived before the Lord and the betrayal of their ideals and goals to follow Him in denying self, picking up their cross daily and following. The weeping was for their sins after accepting the challenge of walking with Jesus. It was because we are 'men of double mind* that calls form tears of disappointment when we face our lives with truth.
When the Bible uses the word "weep" it normally means to cry aloud. It expresses profound grief and deep sorrow as in mourning for the dead, as did Joseph when he wept for his father Jacob at his death (Genesis 50:1). However, it may equally express supreme joy. as at the meeting of Jacob and Joseph (46:29). Especially in the Old Testament, the thought is mainly the outpouring of the heart of one who calls out to God, depending upon Him for help through prayer. Samson "called on the Lord" for water as he felt that he was dying from thirst (Judges 15:18).
In the New Testament, we see some of the same usages of the term "weeping." It was used to express strong emotion at parting (Acts 21:13), or when thinking about the enemies of Christ (Philippians 3:18) or facing affliction (Romans 12:15), and one knowing that death was near (Mark 5:38).
Our Lord used this word to express a wonderful idea to those who chose to follow Him in life and yet found that life was hard and difficult He spoke to both those who wept now and those who laughed now. He suggested that these would be re-versed in the Day of Judgment To men who felt self-righteous, "who need no repentance* (Luke 15:17), who were going through life full of self-assurance, that day would come when their laughter would turn to weeping. On the other hand those who relied on God and His grace and Spirit, weeping over their sins and failures, would one day laugh with pure and holy delight for they would be found righteous before the Almighty.
The Lord justified the wretched sinner who smote his breast confessing his sins, while the self-righteous Pharisee found himself condemned. So it will be at the last day!
— A.M. Burton
Proverbs 14:13 (NIV) Even in laughter the heart may ache, and joy may end in grief.
Warning against Judging Others - James 4:11-12
Who Do You Think You Are? (James 4:11-12) | Mike Mazzalongo
https://youtu.be/HEpgnKDd_uI
James addresses the causes and cures for the destructive sins of harsh criticism and gossip. (James 4:11-12)
Arrogant Boasting About the Future - James 4:13-17
Handling Life's Trials With Heavenly Wisdom - James 4:13-17
Who's the Boss? (James 4-5)
James outlines the basic rules for success that Christian business people should follow. (James 4:13-5:6)
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