The Misuse Of Wealth
Notes
Transcript
Introduction
Today, we’re going to talk about wealth, money, and being rich.
If you are living in any of the western world, such as Canada, America, you’re actually living in one of the richest nations in the world.
Of course, I recognize that the Western World is not always the wealthiest nation. Some countries in Asia,such as Singapore and China, are climbing up the ladder to be the richest countries in the world.
DISCUSSION: Why do you think rich countries become richer and poor countries remain poor(er)?
The question is extremely difficult to answer. Economists work tirelessly to come up with reasons and theories, but don’t necessarily meet the satisfying answer. We can talk about exploitation. We can talk about exporting dumps and wastes the poor countries. We can talk about sending unethical workers. However, as Christians, I think we can all agree that sin plays a big role in this.
Big Idea: Sin Causes People to Misuse Wealth.
Please turn to . We are finally in our final chapter of James. READ.
James gives a strong and harsh warning to the rich about their usage of wealth. He does not pause to give them positive affirmation. No, he jumps immediately straight to condemnation and indictment.
Knowing exactly the identity of the rich is debated among scholars. The rich would either be Christians or non-Christians who were unrighteous and unjust.
I don’t think it’s important to know whether if the rich is a Christian or not because the big idea is clear in this passage. If the rich are Christians, then James is giving a wake up call of the danger that is coming for them. But, I would personally lean more towards the idea that the rich are non-believers whom James talked about in chapter 2. The rich were the people whom the Christians were favouring towards and neglecting the poor. James uses some very strong languages that are usually reserved for unjust people.
Just before I get into the James’ condemnation on the rich, I need to make a note that the Bible has a lot to say about the rich. In fact, there are some Christians who are wealthy. In the Old Testament, Abraham, Jacob, David, Solomon were rich. In the New Testament, Zacheus, Lydia and Joseph (who bought Jesus’ tomb) were rich.
17 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.
However, athough there are some Christians who were rich, Jesus made is very clear that it is hard for the rich to enter the kingdom of God or be a Christian.
23 And Jesus said to his disciples, “Truly, I say to you, only with difficulty will a rich person enter the kingdom of heaven.
It is very difficult for the rich to be saved, but it’s not impossible because all things are possible with God. Often, wealth is a huge hindrance for people to come to follow Jesus because of their greed and what money can do for you. Scripture tells us that greed is a sin.
Being rich and having wealth aren’t necessarily a sin. In this passage, the rich is condemned not because of their wealth, but because of their sinful use of wealth. So, I have five points that I want to talk about.
1. Misusing Wealth Could Cultivate Selfishness (v.5)
Misusing Wealth Could Cultivate Selfishness
One of the biggest problems in USA is obesity.
2. Misusing Wealth Could Cultivate The Habit of Hoarding (v. 2, 3, 5)
3. Misusing Wealth Could Cultivate Unethical Conducts (v. 4, 6)
4. Misusing Wealth Brings God’s Judgment (v. 3-5)
5. Ultimately, Wealth Is Fleeting (v. 2-3)