The Pressure

of Wealth

James 5:1-6

• James 5:1 Now listen, you rich people, weep and wail because of the misery that is coming upon you.

We Are All Wealthy

We Are All Wealthy

• http://www.globalrichlist.com

• Matthew 19:24-26 Again I tell you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God." 25 When the disciples heard this, they were greatly astonished and asked, "Who then can be saved?" 26 Jesus looked at them and said, "With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible."

We Are All Wealthy

• James 5:2-3 Your wealth has rotted, and moths have eaten your clothes. 3 Your gold and silver are corroded. Their corrosion will testify against you and eat your flesh like fire. You have hoarded wealth in the last days.

• “Earthly goods are given to be used, not to be collected…. Hoarding is idolatry.”—Dietrich Bonhoeffer

I. The Pressure to Hoard (5:2-3)

• Matthew 6:19-21 19 "Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. 20 But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. 21 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

• Matthew 6:24 24 “No one can serve two masters. Either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and Money.

I. The Pressure to Hoard (5:2-3)

The Pressure

of Wealth

James 5:1-6

II. The Pressure to be Dishonest (5:4)

• James 5:4 Look! The wages you failed to pay the workmen who mowed your fields are crying out against you. The cries of the harvesters have reached the ears of the Lord Almighty.

III. The Pressure to Self-Indulge

(5:5)

• James 5:5 You have lived on earth in luxury and self-indulgence. You have fattened yourselves in the day of slaughter.

• "God gave us wealth for another purpose than to spend it in pleasure." - Thomas Manton

IV. The Pressure to Put Wealth Above All Else (5:6)

• James 5:6 You have condemned and murdered innocent men, who were not opposing you.

• 1 Timothy 6:10-11 For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs. 11 But you, man of God, flee from all this, and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance and gentleness.

Personal Application• Be Satisfied in God Alone• Keep Your Eyes Open for the Needs• Keep an Eternal Perspective on Priorities

1 Timothy 6:17-19 Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share. In this way they will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life.