A Few Thoughts on James—James 1:9-11

D2 Believers Should Be Content in Life’s Status James 1:9-11

James 1:9-11 WEL Let the brother of humble circumstances rejoice in that he is exalted, 10 but the rich in that he is made low, because like the flower of the grass, he will perish. 11 For the sun is no sooner risen with its burning heat, and it withers the grass, its flower falls, and its beauty perishes, so also will the rich man fade away.

Humble circumstances=

• The Greek word is ταπεινός tapeinós. It means low. It is applied in a number of different ways as in grief (Luke 1:52), humbleness (James 4:6), an ordinary person as opposed to a person of status and financial means (Romans 12:16), depressed (2 Corinthians 7:6), poor (James 1:9).
• Even if we are poor, depressed, in grief, or ordinary, we are to rejoice. We have a hope that is guaranteed by God Himself (Hebrews 6:18). We have our hope in Christ (2 Thessalonians 2:16, 1 Timothy 1:1), His resurrection (1 Peter 1:3), through the Gospel (Colossians 1:23), reserved in heaven (Colossians 1:5), promised deliverance (1 Thessalonians 5:8, Titus 2:13), eternal life, instead of eternal death (Titus 1:2). We are to tell others about our hope (1 Peter 3:15). We are to be steadfast in our hope (Colossians 1:23).

Rich= materially rich. God has no bias or shows favor to them. God owns everything anyway.

Flower, etc.= an example that being beautiful, rich, high socioeconomic class, privileged, etc. has no bearing on God’s blessings or punishment.

Questions

• How do you feel about your status in society regarding financially, power, chance for advancement, etc.?
• How would you encourage another believer who is facing discouragement?
• Why should we be thankful every day?