James 4:13-17

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Personal advancement without God (James 4:13-5:6)

Another sign of worldliness appears when Christians arrange their lives as if God does not exist, as if they control the future. Christians should view life differently from non-Christians. They should not live as if their lives on earth are going to last for ever, but should consider the eternal purposes of God and arrange their affairs accordingly.

Their chief consideration should be to do God’s will, not to look for personal gain and advancement (James 4:13-16).

If they know this is the way they should live, but do not put their knowledge into practice, they are guilty of sin (James 4:17).

Then follows a pronouncement of judgment on the greedy landowners. These people hoard wealth and goods that only perish with age and disuse, but show no interest in helping the poor and needy around them. They grow rich through oppressing and cheating their workers. But God takes notice of all this.

They are only building up evidence against themselves, which will bring for them a heavier punishment (James 5:1-4).

Like animals they are fattening themselves only to be slaughtered. Because of their wealth they have power to do as they wish, but all their achievements will not save them on the day of judgement (James 5:5-6).