Introduction:
1. Money clouds ones heart.
2. We live in the land of plenty.
3. James 5:1-6 deals with judgment that comes upon the rich and they are told not to do certain things.
I. Don’t hoard your riches (verses 2, 3).
A. The text. 1. In New Testament times riches were measured by what you possessed-clothes, food, money. 2. They had so much that it had rusted, rotted, and become moth eaten. 3. They were hoarding up to the day of judgment.
B. Today. 1. Things do not last (Mt. 6:19, 20; 2 Peter 3:10). Things will not get you into heaven. 2. Can work and save (1 Tim. 5:8; 2 Cor. 12:14). 3. Use what you have to advanced God and His kingdom (1 Chron. 29:1-5; 1 Cor.; 16:2-3; Lk. 6:38; Gal. 2:10). 4. Our responsibility (Dt. 8:18).
II. Don’t gain riches unjustly (verse 4).
A. The text. 1. Riches can become a problem (1 Tim. 6:10). 2. Some were defrauding the workers of their wages. 3. Such actions violated (Dt. 24:14, 15; Lev. 19:13). 4. They cried to the Lord of Saboath (Col. 4:1).
B. Today. 1. The laborer is worthy of his hire (Lk. 10:7; 1 Tim. 5:18). 2. God is concerned with how we make our money (Heb. 13:5). Others is the key (Phil. 2:4; Gal. 6:2).
III. Don’t use your riches for self indulgences (verse 5).
A. The text. 1. They lived in luxury. Even to extravagance. 2. They were living to get fat.
B. Today. 1. Self indulgences of the rich. 2. Ex. (Lk. 16:19; 1 Pet. 4:3; Ecc. 2:3-11). 2. We must deny self (Gal. 5:24; 1 Tim. 5:16)
IV. Don’t misuse the power of riches (verse 6).
A. The text. They were using the court system to get what belonged to others.
B. Today. 1. Don’t abuse what you have. 2. Be patient toward those that are against you (Mt 5:38, 39, 43-45).
Conclusion:
1. 1 Tim. 6:17-19.
Entered on 11/29/2009
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