Use of Wealth

James 5

James 5:1–3 NASB95

Come now, you rich, weep and howl for your miseries which are coming upon you. Your riches have rotted and your garments have become moth-eaten. Your gold and your silver have rusted; and their rust will be a witness against you and will consume your flesh like fire. It is in the last days that you have stored up your treasure!

Is God against people who are rich?

1 Timothy 6:17 NASB95

Instruct those who are rich in this present world not to be conceited or to fix their hope on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who richly supplies us with all things to enjoy.

Do you have money or does money have you?

Do you have possessions or do you possession posses you?

Wealthy men in the Bible?

Solomon: Renowned for receiving immense wealth and wisdom from God, he amassed gold, silver, and trade resources.

Job: Described as the "richest man in the East" before and after his trials, owning thousands of livestock.

Abraham: A "mega-wealthy" patriarch described as very rich in livestock, silver, and gold.

Joseph (of Egypt): As the second most powerful man in Egypt, he managed the nation's vast resources during the famine.

David: Accumulated significant wealth as a warrior-king.

Isaac & Jacob: Wealthy patriarchs who prospered in land and cattle.

Joseph of Arimathea: A wealthy follower of Jesus who provided a tomb for his burial.

Matthew 27:57 “When it was evening, there came a rich man from Arimathea, named Joseph, who himself had also become a disciple of Jesus.”

Mark 15:46 “Joseph bought a linen cloth, took Him down, wrapped Him in the linen cloth and laid Him in a tomb which had been hewn out in the rock; and he rolled a stone against the entrance of the tomb.”

Lydia: A prosperous dealer in purple cloth and an early Christian convert.

Acts 16:14 “A woman named Lydia, from the city of Thyatira, a seller of purple fabrics, a worshiper of God, was listening; and the Lord opened her heart to respond to the things spoken by Paul.”

Zacchaeus: A wealthy tax collector who gave half his wealth to the poor.

Philemon: A wealthy slave owner and Christian leader.

 Philemon was a first-century Christian who owned slaves and provided hospitality by hosting a church gathering in his home, likely in Colossae1. His name, meaning “affectionate” in Greek, appears to have reflected his character1. Paul had converted him to Christianity during missionary work in Asia Minor and stayed as his guest1.

The biblical record of Philemon comes exclusively from the epistle bearing his name, a personal letter where Paul addresses him as a “dear friend and fellow worker”1. The letter’s occasion reveals much about Philemon’s standing: Paul writes to appeal on behalf of Onesimus, a runaway slave who had encountered Paul while he was imprisoned in Rome and subsequently became a Christian believer1.

Paul’s appeal illuminates Philemon’s character and circumstances. He held a prominent position in the Colossian church, which gathered in his home2, and Apphia and Archippus—likely his wife and son—were associated with this household church2. He maintained a prayer life centered on Paul’s ministry and demonstrated genuine affection for the church community1. His relationship with Paul was marked by warmth and respect, allowing Paul to invoke their personal bond by reminding Philemon that he owed Paul his spiritual life1.

The letter’s significance lies partly in what it suggests about Philemon’s conscience. Though Paul doesn’t condemn slavery itself, he appeals to Philemon to recognize Onesimus as a brother in Christ, and it appears probable that Philemon ultimately freed the slave in response to this spiritual reasoning1.

Boaz:

Ruth 2:1 “Now Naomi had a kinsman of her husband, a man of great wealth, of the family of Elimelech, whose name was Boaz.”

The wealth of Boaz was integral in the lineage of Jesus

Redeemed Ruth

1 Chronicles 2:12 “Boaz became the father of Obed, and Obed became the father of Jesse;”

Can you be a rich man and a disciple?

Joseph of Arimathea

Matthew 27:57 “When it was evening, there came a rich man from Arimathea, named Joseph, who himself had also become a disciple of Jesus.”

Mark 15:43 “Joseph of Arimathea came, a prominent member of the Council, who himself was waiting for the kingdom of God; and he gathered up courage and went in before Pilate, and asked for the body of Jesus.”

Most misquoted verse in the bible:

1 Timothy 6:10 “For the love of money is a root of all sorts of evil, and some by longing for it have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.”

Matthew 6:24 ““No one can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and wealth.”

Bible is against loving money, serving money, putting your hope in money

James 5:1 “Come now, you rich, weep and howl for your miseries which are coming upon you.”

Isaiah 1:18 ““Come now, and let us reason together,” Says the Lord, “Though your sins are as scarlet, They will be as white as snow; Though they are red like crimson, They will be like wool.”