James 5:1-6

Scripture: Bill

Intro: A Word on Charlie Kirk

We yet again had our world rocked this week

The assassination of Charlie Kirk has shocked and saddened our country

He was a public figure that young people, especially young men looked up to

He gave clear leadership in culture polluted

As details emerge we are discovering a lot about ourselves as a country

It has been a wake up call

It has shown how wicked our nation has become

We see people who are willing to laugh at someone’s murder

At the same time we see people who are waking up and determining they are not going to be quiet any more

We have been silenced by many factions for what we believe

We’ve been called hateful, racists, and hitler because we won’t accept people’s sinful lifestyles

It has galvanized many people to stand up and take the mantle

The text we are looking at today addresses these issues

People in the church were being oppressed by the wicked wealthy

James rebukes Them like an Old Testament prophet.

Isaiah repeatedly denounced those rich people who misused their wealth or abused the poor.

At the same time he gives us guidance on how to navigate a world gone wrong

Judgment on the Wicked Rich Vs. 1-6

James delivers a harsh rebuke to the wicked of the world

The wicked of his day were the rich, who lived opulently and mistreated the poor

In very much an OT prophet way he calls out judgment on the wicked

vs. 1 Judgment Coming

God sees and He deals with the wicked wealthy

James calls them to repentance

He tells them to weep and howl for the miseries that are coming on them

Of course, the wealthy would never lower themselves to do this

But James tells them judgment is coming

Proverbs 11:28 ESV

Whoever trusts in his riches will fall, but the righteous will flourish like a green leaf.

vs. 2-3 Uselessly Hoarded

The rich are guilty of hoarding their riches

Wealth was measured in three ways: Food, Clothes, and Gold

James says its a useless pursuit because food rots, clothes are eaten by moths, and precious metals rust

Hoarding, tragically, is one of the most widespread sins of our time.

God entrusts believers with material goods so they may use them for His glory.

Obviously, Christians are to provide for their families. But beyond that, Christians’ resources are to be used to advance God’s kingdom

Not only does James portray rust as witness, but also as executioner; it will consume the flesh of the wicked rich like fire.

Fire symbolizes fast, inescapable, fatal, and final judgment. That is a vivid picture of hell.

That the fire will consume the flesh of the wicked rich reveals hell to be a place of physical torment.

Matthew 6:19–21 ESV

“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 your heart will be also.

Christians Give

Proverbs 11:24–25 ESV

One gives freely, yet grows all the richer; another withholds what he should give, and only suffers want. Whoever brings blessing will be enriched, and one who waters will himself be watered.

vs. 4 Unjustly Gained

The rich are guilty of fraud by keeping back wages

Day laborers were an essential part of Israel’s agrarian economy, and withholding their wages was strictly prohibited by the Old Testament.

The phrase the Lord of Sabaoth describes God as Commander of the armies of heaven

He is the One who hears the cries of the defrauded poor and will call His angelic armies to act in judgment

Matthew 16:27 ESV

For the Son of Man is going to come with his angels in the glory of his Father, and then he will repay each person according to what he has done.

A frightening judgment awaits those who unjustly hoard the wealth they rob from the poor.

Their victims will cry out for justice to the Righteous Judge and He will not disappoint them.

Christians guided by Integrity

Matthew 10:8 NKJV

Freely you have received, freely give.

Working for In-n-Out

vs. 5 Self-Indulgently Spent

The rich are guilty of living for pleasure and luxury

Having increased their wealth by robbery and hoarding, the wicked rich added to their sin by using their wealth for their own selfish indulgence.

Those who pursue pleasure and luxury often descend into vice in a vain attempt to satisfy their insatiable desires.

A life without self-denial soon goes out of control in every area.

Those with money frequently close their eyes to the needs of others and the work of God, living solely to gratify their selfish, sinful desires.

Christians look to Bless

Luke 6:38 ESV

give, and it will be given to you. Good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap. For with the measure you use it will be measured back to you.”

Facing Trials Patiently vs. 7-12

James turns his OT prophet condemnation from the worldly to his congregation who are struggling under their wrath

He shows them how to face trials patiently

vs. 7 Be Patient

Hebrews 11:36 ESV

Others suffered mocking and flogging, and even chains and imprisonment.

vs. 8 Establish Your Hearts

vs. 9 Do Not Grumble

vs. 10-11 Be Steadfast

vs. 12 Be Honest