The Book of James Week Five Lesson Five

“The Grumble Rumble”

“Don’t grumble about each other, brothers and sisters, or you will be judged. For look—the Judge is standing at the door!”

 James 5:9

You can ask my kids what I would tell them when they would whine and complain. Even though they are grown and married, they can recite what I taught them about grumbling. 

Mom: “What does whining and complaining get you?”

Kids: “NOTHING except a spanking.”

They knew the best way to tell me something that was bothering them was to tell me without complaining or whining. It didn’t always work that way but they learned what the results were when they did.

Read James 5:9. What does James tell his reader NOT to do? Why?

Who is the Judge that stands at the door?

We’ve learned about patience in our study of James. Grumbling is a symptom of being impatient. It indicates a lack of faith and obedience to God. We may not believe it, but our grumbles can be heard and often times felt by those around us. It is even felt by those who are not believers who are watching those who profess to believe in Jesus.

The definition of “grumble” means, “to murmur or mutter in discontent; to complain sullenly; to utter low, indistinct sounds; to growl.” Grumbling is described as discontentment vocalized in a guttural sound. You can almost hear it can’t you?

What do you feel like when you hear someone mutter under their breath?

How do you think God feels when He hears us do the same thing?

The Book of James was originally written to Messianic Jews. Those who had been scattered because of their faith in Jesus as Messiah. The stress of this would push anyone to the limit, but James was reminding them to not allow the persecution of their faith to cause them to grumble and complain.

Think about it. The devil couldn’t get them in their faith, so he hit them in their attitudes. He would push and push on their self-centeredness to get them to fight. Complaining is a damaging as a fire in a barn. The grumbling tongue can and does destroy so many things in its way.

If the evil one can distract us from the strength we find in Jesus, then he can worm his way into our churches and families. We must be very aware of this and keep our eyes on Jesus. James knew every Christ follower will suffer, so James taught perseverance. There is always blessing found because we remain faithful through times of struggle. If we forget these lessons and grumble, satan has a foothold and can cause great damage to believers and the church as a whole.

How should we live then? How do we keep from complaining against God and each other? Write out your thoughts.

Read Philippians 2:12-15. What does it mean to “work out your salvation in fear and trembling”?

Why should a Christian do everything without complaining or arguing?

We must walk in a manner worthy of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Our lives should reflect the glory of God, causing us to shine like stars. Grumbling and complaining puts a tarnish on our shine. 

Paul says to “work out your salvation in fear and trembling.” This doesn’t translate well into the English from the Greek. The IVP Commentary says this about it, “"in your relationships with one another live out the salvation Christ has brought you."

 This is not confuse the reader by saying we work and earn our salvation, rather, Paul adds “for it is God who works in you...” He gives each believer the ability to grow and live out their faith.

Each believer not only lives our their faith, but also works within the church, unified with other believers. Grumbling, complaining and self-centeredness destroys unity. However, calling someone out for ungodly behavior is not wrong if it is done as Christ teaches us. 

It isn’t right to allow unchecked behavior among the Church and its leadership. We have to hold one another accountable. We are also responsible to not allow false teachers into our midst. This is not judging, this is discernment. Too many churches allow false theology into their lives because they are afraid of confronting issues and think they are grumbling or being judgmental. Granted there is a fine line, but if correction is done according to Scripture, then it isn’t grumbling rather, church discipline.

Read Matthew 18:15-17. What does Jesus say about a “brother” (or sister) sinning against you? What are the three steps a believer should take in this regard?

1.

2.

3.

What are we to do if the first three steps are not heeded by the offender?

If we go about resolving disputes the way Christ Jesus teaches, then we are not grumbling. It becomes grumbling when the dispute begins to find its way into our conversations without regard to the ears that hear it. We must be obedient to Christ’s instruction on this matter. Grumbling is wrong. Getting to the heart of the sin in our midst as a Church Body is right as long as it is done according to God’s will.

Read Exodus 16:6-8. What did Moses say about the Israelites grumbling?

We must be careful not to grumble about what God has provided for us. The Israelites grumbled about being hungry. God gave them manna. They in turn grumbled about the manna, wanting meat too. God gave them meat. They continued to grumble against God and were met with His wrath. We are no different when we grumble against all the blessings God has bestowed on us. We want what others have. We want more and better. Our grumbling is offense against the Giver of all good things.

So now, let us throw off the grumbling attitude and instead with thankful hearts glorify God in our lives. Let’s shine like stars, showing the world that God is great and greatly to be praised. Instead of grumbling, praise His Name. Stop the grumble rumble and see what He has in store for you.