James 5:1-6 is like no other text in this short letter. Think I’m exaggerating? Go ahead and read it right now. I think you’ll be surprised by both the tone and the content. So, just who is James addressing in this passage? Surprisingly, it appears he is addressing non-Christians.
Why would James speak to non-Christians here? Why write this condemnation of certain non-Christians in a letter to the church? Craig Blomberg helpfully enlightens us why when he writes, “He speaks to the non-Christian for the benefit of the Christian.” Yep, you read that right. And this surprising passage is surprisingly relevant to all Christians.
This past Sunday, the sermon explored how these surprising and sobering words can have a surprising effect on our lives as we are surprised by the grace of God revealed in this most unusual text.
This post is adapted from a sermon entitled “A Sobering Surprise,” given at Sovereign Grace Church of Louisville.