Memory Verse: “Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin.” (James 4:17)
Scripture Reading: James 4:6-17 / Psalm 32:1-11
Introduction: It is unlikely that anyone has ever seen a humble dictator. Somehow it isn’t compatible with dictators, they usually rise to power with crushing force, and anyone or anything that stands in their way must yield or be destroyed. There have been humble kings but they inherited the throne and did not acquire it by conquest.
The life of Nebuchadnezzar, King of Babylon, is fascinating in this respect. The characteristics he exhibited were those of the cruelest dictator imaginable. When all the wise men and soothsayers and magicians could not interpret his dream he was going to put them to death. When Daniel revealed the dream, the King bowed before Daniel—but it represented no flood of humility or real change of heart. It wasn’t long until King Nebuchadnezzar had this great image made. And through the miracle of the three Hebrew children passing through the fire, Nebuchadnezzar was once again brought to realize that God was the only one to worship.
Even with these two mighty demonstrations of God’s power Nebuchadnezzar would not humble himself and rule with righteousness. Accordingly, he had another dream which Daniel interpreted, and along with the explanation Daniel gave sound advice to the king as follows: Daniel 4:27, “Wherefore, O king, let my counsel be acceptable unto thee, and break off thy sins by righteousness, and thine iniquities by shewing mercy to the poor.”
The Lord gave the king 12 months to repent—he didn’t, but claimed the glory of his kingdom for himself, and even as he spoke, a voice fell from Heaven saying, “The kingdom is departed from thee” (Daniel 4:31). The same hour he became insane and was driven out to eat grass with the oxen where he remained for seven years.
If Nebuchadnezzar died as he was in the last verses of Daniel Chapter Four, we may assume he will be in the Kingdom. May we learn from this once despotic King and know that we may clothe ourselves with God’s righteousness and His humility.
Lesson Questions:
- What do you feel James meant in James 4:8-9? Do you think he takes the matter too seriously? Psalm 32:1. Note: The principle offense of any sin is always against the Lord.
- After we have truly humbled ourselves before the Lord, what will He do for us? James 4:10; Psalm 32:5; Colossians 3:8-17; Philippians 2:8-11.
- What are we warned against speaking and why? Should we desire to be a judge of the law instead of being content as a doer? James 4:11; Psalm 32:9; 1 Peter 2:1.
- What is the One lawgiver able to do? Have we the authority to judge another? James 4:12; Hebrews 12:23; Matthew 7:1-5.
- Can we be positive concerning our plans for the future? James 4:13; Psalm 32:10. To whom only is the future known? Job 23:10; Luke 12:13-21.
- What does James say concerning the transitory nature of life? James 4:14; Job 7:7-10.
- What should we say and believe concerning our future plans? James 4:15; Luke 22:40-43; Hebrews 10:9; Romans 14:7-9; 1 Corinthians 5:2, 6-7.
- What does James mean in vs. 16, are some taking pride in their plans for the future and boasting and rejoicing? James 4:16; Luke 12:30-32; Matthew 6:31-34.
- What is one form of sin? James 4:17; John 15:21-22; Luke 16:19-31. Note: This is a stern warning against sins of omission, which is neglecting to do what is right.