James 5:1-9 For our ministry of the word this morning I want to direct your attention to the opening verses of James chapter 5. Th is is where the main body of the letter comes to a conclusion, and the rest of chapter 5 is really a collection of parting shots that James gives to address issues that may have been directed to him by these Judean churches that he is writing. But here at the opening of chapter 5 he goes out with a bang, aiming some very severe language at people he identifies as the rich who have made the mistake of abusing the poor to acquire their wealth.