Preached by Pastor Mike Hess Sunday morning 04/25/2010.
Abuse of Wealth
James 5:1-6
Introduction:
“A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” John 13:34-35
“By this we know love, that he laid down his life for us, and we ought to lay down our lives for the brothers.” 1 John 3:16
I. Sinful Hoarding (James 5:1-3)
“Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there you heart will be also.” Matthew 6:19-21
“Grain will rot; gold will rust; garments will become moth - eaten. Nothing material in this world will last forever. The seeds of death and decay are found in all creation.” Warren Wiersbe
“As for the rich in this present age, charge them not to be haughty, nor to set their hopes on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who richly provides us with everything to enjoy.” 1 Timothy 6:17
II. Unjust Wealth(James 5:4)
“You shall not oppress a hired servant who is poor and needy, whether he is one of your brothers or one of the sojourners who are in your land within your towns. You shall give him his wages on the same day, before the sun sets (for he is poor and counts on it), lest he sets cry against you to the LORD, and you be guilty of sin.” Deuteronomy 24:14-15
“But if anyone has the world’s goods and sees his brother in need, yet closes his heart against him, how does God’s love abide in him? Little children, let us not love in word or talk but in deed and in truth.” 1 John 3:17-18
III. Self-Indulgent Wealth (James 5:5)
“for you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that by his poverty might become rich.” 2 Corinthians 8:9
True Wealth:Eternal life --- Forgiveness of sins --- Redemption --- Truth --- Eternal Joy --- Heaven --- A resurrected body --- Inheritance from God --- God’s eternal presence and grace
IV. Ruthless Wealth (James 5:6)
Wealth can only be used rightly when:
1. We are “rich” in faith (James 2:5)
2. We are “rich” towards God (Luke 12:21)
Practical Application:
1. Be certain that you do not rejoice more about your possessions than you do about your name being written in heaven (Luke 10:20).
2. Enjoy the comforts that wealth may bring and use them for God’s glory as a faithful steward; just be sure not to trust or treasure them.
3. Only through the lense of the gospel of Jesus Christ can we truly see what is of surpassing value and worth.
