James 1:9-11 - The Poor Paradox
Notes
Transcript
Handout
Introduction:
Listen to some of these paradoxical statements…
I need to have experience to get a job, but I need a job to get experience.
The only constant is change.
You must spend money to save money.
Nobody goes to that restaurant anymore because it is so crowded.
Less is more.
Giving is receiving.
Is your brain hurting yet?
A paradox is something that seems contradictory, but upon deeper examination, it is revealed to be true and logical.
Paradoxes are things that seem to not make any sense at first glance. Yet, after some time of reflection, we see that there really is truth built into the statement.
Today we will see an important paradox taught by James. We are told that the poor should boast in his exaltation and that the rich should boast in his humiliation. This seems contradictory in our world. Doesn’t it seem like our world exalts the rich and looks down upon the poor? What is James trying to say here? Let’s dive into our Scripture for today and learn about the upside down way that the Kingdom of God works…
Read Full Scripture:
Let the lowly brother boast in his exaltation, and the rich in his humiliation, because like a flower of the grass he will pass away. For the sun rises with its scorching heat and withers the grass; its flower falls, and its beauty perishes. So also will the rich man fade away in the midst of his pursuits.
Prayer
Today we are going to see three important truths that we need to understand in the midst of trials. First…
I. During Trials, We Must Remember God’s Promise in the Face of Poverty (9)
I. During Trials, We Must Remember God’s Promise in the Face of Poverty (9)
Let the lowly brother boast in his exaltation,
James makes it clear that he speaks of fellow believers here by using the word brother. As a pastor of the church in Jerusalem, he has been addressing those that he was shepherding before they were scattered.
If we recall from our previous sermons, James is writing to the dispersed Jewish believers that had been scattered as seen in Acts 8:1-3. Persecution had heated up, and many of the Jewish converts from the church in Jerusalem had been forced to flee for their lives.
This caused many of these believers to have to give up their homes, their jobs, and some even had to leave unconverted family members behind who refused to flee with them.
Can you imagine the lowliness and poverty that these brothers and sisters in Christ were experiencing? Their whole worlds had been turned upside down.
Many were struggling just to make ends meet.
What is his encouragement to these dispersed believers who were struggling?
He tells them to boast in their exaltation.
What exactly does that mean? It sure seemed like these lowly brothers didn’t have much to boast about! They were hungry - impoverished - many without a job - many struggling to grasp for hope in the midst of their persecution.
Those receiving this letter may have been struggling to see where exactly James was coming from. He had started off his letter telling them to seek joy in the midst of their trials. He then told them to seek wisdom in the midst of their trials. And now he tells them to boast in the midst of their poverty.
When one goes through a trial, he or she may often feel beat down. They may feel humble and weak.
James encourages us when we are at our weakest - after times of trial and difficulty - to boast. Again what are we to boast in?
We are to boast in what Christ has done for us.
We are to boast in our eternal standing with God because of Christ’s sacrificial death on the cross.
James will expound upon eternal life in verse 12 which we will hit next week.
But we know what Jesus did for us. He came as truly God and truly man - born of the virgin Mary - He lived the sinless life we could not live. He died on the cross for the sins of the world - namely those who would repent and place his or her faith in Jesus alone for salvation. He rose three days later and is now at the right hand of the Father - interceding for His adopted children - those who have repented and become faithful disciples of His.
Friends, we can rejoice in the midst of any situation - poverty or not - because of our position in Christ.
We do not boast in our own works. We do not boast in any righteousness of our own. Romans 3 reminds us that no one is good! Our boasting must only be in Christ, and His finished work on the cross. It must not be found anywhere else.
Listen to Jeremiah 9:23-24:
Thus says the Lord: “Let not the wise man boast in his wisdom, let not the mighty man boast in his might, let not the rich man boast in his riches, but let him who boasts boast in this, that he understands and knows me, that I am the Lord who practices steadfast love, justice, and righteousness in the earth. For in these things I delight, declares the Lord.”
Even under the Old Covenant, there was only one thing to boast about - it was about one’s relationship with God. The Lord encourages us not to boast in any earthly wealth or strength. Instead, we are to boast that we know the Lord! We are to boast that we understand salvation because of His gracious kindness.
When teaching His disciples, listen to what Jesus states…
Nevertheless, do not rejoice in this, that the spirits are subject to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven.”
We must not even boast in what we do for Christ. Here we see Jesus discussing the supernatural abilities to perform miracles and cast out demons that had been imparted by Jesus to His disciples. Yet, He told them not to rejoice in this - but instead to rejoice in their salvation. We can learn from this as well. Though we don’t have the same types of supernatural gifts the disciples were given, we all are given spiritual gifts as well as earthly talents by the Lord. We should not boast in our abilities or gifts - instead we are to boast in our position with God through Christ Jesus. We are to boast that because of what Jesus did for us - we have eternal life - our names are written in the Lambs Book of Life! We boast in His saving work and no work of our own.
How do we boast in this way? By telling others about the wonderful grace of God. Preach the Gospel to the lost, Church. Boast about the kindness of Christ, and His saving power to save a wretch like us!
Not only are we blessed to experience this exaltation with Christ while struggling on earth - Jesus has also promised that we will be exalted with Christ in eternity. Listen to these Scriptures:
Ephesians 2:5-6:
even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ—by grace you have been saved— and raised us up with him and seated us with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus,
Note that Paul speaks of this event as having already happened. We are seated with Him in the heavenly places. Paul speaks this way because our salvation is sealed and guaranteed by the blood of the Righteous Lamb of God - namely Jesus Christ.
And Paul expounds upon this in 1 Corinthians 6:14 as well:
And God raised the Lord and will also raise us up by his power.
Since Jesus was raised, we can hold fast to the promise that we will be raised with Him as well!
It is unfortunate that many today do boast in their earthly abilities instead of in the finished work of Christ. Many do find their source of identity from the things of this world. Instead of exalting their eternal identity, they exalt their earthly identity.
Brothers and sisters, where do you find your identity?
Is it in Christ or do you find it from those within this world?
Unfortunately, many in our world find their identity from their status in this world. They find their worth in their job, respect within the community, financial stability, gifts or skills.
Yet, we are told that our identity is not to be rooted in any of this. Instead, it is to be rooted in Jesus Christ.
so that, as it is written, “Let the one who boasts, boast in the Lord.”
May any boasting that we do be in Christ alone. And it is only in Christ that we may boast.
Ephesians 2:8-9 reminds us that we are saved by grace through faith and not by works - so that no man can boast. We can’t save ourselves, and we can’t maintain our salvation by our works. Salvation and preservation are both works of God in Jesus Christ and continually worked by the power of the Holy Spirit.
Church, may you always remember that your true identity must always be found in Christ. These dispersed and impoverished Jewish believers were able to boast in their exaltation despite their humble circumstances because they understood the truth of the Gospel.
In fact, this poverty and persecution had put them in the place in which they could exercise complete dependence on God and exercise the faith and humility that God desires.
May we also boast in the Lord alone - even in the midst of our trials and struggles.
Next we see that…
Scripture References: Acts 8:1-3, Romans 3, Jeremiah 9:23-24, Luke 10:20, Ephesians 2:5-6, 1 Corinthians 6:14, 1 Corinthians 1:31, Ephesians 2:8-9
II. During Trials, We Must Understand the Pitfall of Prosperity (10)
II. During Trials, We Must Understand the Pitfall of Prosperity (10)
and the rich in his humiliation, because like a flower of the grass he will pass away.
It seems that there were some believers who remained wealthy despite the persecution. James wants to make sure that they don’t trust in their riches because their life does not depend on things or possessions - instead it depends on God.
Thus, James encourages those who are rich to actually boast in their humiliation.
What does he mean here?
He means that the rich should not boast in their finances or power. They shouldn’t lord it over others or look down on others. Instead, they should be humbled before God and others. They should view themselves as the Scriptures describe them.
We learn later in the book of James about the temporary and fleeting nature of our lives on earth…
yet you do not know what tomorrow will bring. What is your life? For you are a mist that appears for a little time and then vanishes.
Friends…
Death is the great equalizer. It is no respecter of wealth or power.
In a similar way, James tells us that the rich are like the flower of the grass - here today and gone tomorrow. Like everyone else, the rich man will also pass away.
The author of Ecclesiastes - namely Solomon - spent a great deal of time discussing the meaningless of life. We are born and then we eventually die. He found many things bothersome as he sought wisdom. One of these thoughts was that those who acquire great wealth die and have to leave it to another who didn’t work for it. After much struggle seeking the meaning of life, Solomon came to the following conclusion at the end of his book
The end of the matter; all has been heard. Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man. For God will bring every deed into judgment, with every secret thing, whether good or evil.
Only fearing God and obeying his commandments was worth anything. None of the pleasures of this world satisfied him. No exaltation by man gave him fulfillment. No riches gave him lasting joy or peace.
Unfortunately, Jews living in the time period of James often viewed the rich among them as more righteousness than the poor among them. They felt that God was blessing these people because of their righteousness while cursing those who were poor.
However, Jesus turned this teaching on its head. He said blessed are the poor in Luke 6:20 - for theirs is the kingdom of God.
When the rich young ruler comes to Jesus in Matthew 19:21 - we see Jesus tell him to go and sell his possessions and give all he makes from them to the poor.
Jesus exalts the poor widow who gave all she had to live on in Luke 21:2-4.
The economy of God is not like the economy of our world. God is no respecter of persons. He calls the rich to humble themselves. He calls the poor to boast in the cross.
In fact, James seems to insinuate that riches may actually be a trial in disguise here.
He is warning them to guard themselves against the deception of riches.
Many people who are well-off financially have a false belief that they are self-sufficient. Because they are able to buy whatever they need and much of what they want, they can begin to forget that their entire lives are dependent on God. They may easily forget to pray for their daily bread from the Lord. They may even start to believe that they are more righteous than they really are - maybe they have earned these blessings?
Having an abundance can even lead one to becoming prideful and conceited. Money can be used for good, but it can also be used for evil.
Riches for some may actually be a trial.
I am pretty sure that almost no one considers a financial increase as a trial, though. Should someone receive a large inheritance or some other sort of financial windfall - it is unlikely that many people within their lives would tell them that they are sorry that this great trial has come upon them! No one usually calls someone who has just come into a large sum of money and expresses their condolences and that they will be praying for them during this difficult time.
Instead, most people will speak of the abundant blessing that the Lord had bestowed upon them.
Yet, the Scriptures give us countless warnings about the riches in this world.
I do not mean to rain on someone’s parade here should you have just been financially blessed, but the Scriptures show us that if we are not careful…
A financial blessing can actually distract us from our dependence on God.
Many Americans speak of wanting financial independence. And if we are discussing being free of debt, there are certainly Biblical teachings supporting that. But I am afraid that by financial independence - most people believe that this means that they have all that they will ever need. For most, financial independence means their storehouse is quite full.
Yet, the Bible never teaches such a concept of this type of financial independence. Instead, we are to pray for our daily bread. We are to fully rely on God for everything.
At the risk of overcorrecting, I do want to make it clear that the Scriptures certainly speak about the wisdom of saving. We should have wisdom in how we manage our finances.
However, we must also realize the great temptation that our money and possessions can bring. Perhaps your greatest trial in your life is not your health or your persecution from those around you. Perhaps it is your money.
I am afraid that some who hear this message may see themselves identifying with the first group - the poor. And spiritually-speaking - we all were poor and in need of a Savior. We needed salvation. But financially-speaking, all of us are likely among some of the richest on this planet.
In America, most people don’t clearly see their affluence because there is always someone who has more to compare yourself to.
However, if you have running water, food to eat each day, and possibly even a vehicle - you are among the richest persons on this planet.
And we must also remember that money can be our idol even if we don’t have very much of it!
In fact, statistically-speaking, most chronic gamblers in our nation are in the lowest socioeconomic statuses. You don’t have to have much money to worship it.
As we consider this difficult teaching from James, may we realize the pitfall of prosperity. May we remember that we are not to be self-reliant - but instead reliant on God alone.
We do not take pride in what we have - but instead - we take pride in Who has us!
And finally…
Scripture References: James 4:14, Ecclesiastes 12:13-14, Luke 6:20, Matthew 19:21, Luke 21:2-4
III. During Trials, We Must Understand the Passing Nature of Possessions (11)
III. During Trials, We Must Understand the Passing Nature of Possessions (11)
For the sun rises with its scorching heat and withers the grass; its flower falls, and its beauty perishes. So also will the rich man fade away in the midst of his pursuits.
Have you ever been working midday and felt the scorching sun on the back of your neck? You can feel your skin burning minute by minute. The oppressive heat zaps you of your energy. You quickly feel dehydrated and weak. Your effort begins to struggle, and you have a hard time focusing on your task at hand.
If you did any outside work this past week - I’m sure you can relate as we have had quite a heat wave!
The scorching sun withers the grass, causes the flower to wilt and fall away, and makes the beauty of the grass perish.
These Jewish converts would have understood such language provided by James here as well.
They understood the scorching heat of the Palestinian summer sun. They also recalled the sudden coming of a searing hot wind called a sirocco (sir-rock-oh) that burned up vegetation quickly.
This imagery is almost identical to that found in Isaiah 40:7-8:
The grass withers, the flower fades when the breath of the Lord blows on it; surely the people are grass. The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God will stand forever.
In the same way, the rich, who put all of their energy into acquiring more and more wealth, will find themselves and their riches fading away in the midst of their pursuits.
This is a warning to those who love money and things.
This world teaches that things and wealth will bring you joy and happiness. Advertisements scream that you will be content if only you get one more thing - especially the thing they want you to buy - namely what they are selling!
However, James reminds us quickly that riches will not last. We can take nothing with us when we die.
As Isaiah reminds us - only the word of the Lord stands forever.
Many of you have likely heard of the financial guru named Dave Ramsey. His financial teachings have been taught in many churches, and his current podcast show attracts 18-20 million weekly listeners across his digital releases.
What many of you might not know is that his passion for teaching people how to manage money comes from his own failure.
In his twenties, Ramsey had built a real estate portfolio worth millions of dollars. However, there were regulatory changes within the banking system that led to all of his loans being called due. He ended up filing for bankruptcy and lost virtually all he had financially.
Instead of lamenting this experience, he teaches others that this experience taught him the importance of good stewardship, humility, and dependence on God that he never would have learned had he not lost everything.
He later rebuilt his finances and teaches others how to manage money with responsibility.
Friends, Ramsey’s story reminds us of the fleeting nature of riches.
It was also not until Ramsey lost everything that he realized his need to fully depend on the Lord.
No matter how much money one acquires, peace and joy cannot be bought. They only come from one place - and that is from Jesus Christ.
The Greek word translated pursuits here in verse 11 means way of life or journey. It carries the idea of being the main purpose or goal of one’s life.
Brothers and sisters…
What is it that you are pursuing?
What are you journeying towards?
Is it money? Pleasure? Stuff?
Or is it Christ?
Those who pursue the things of this world will find themselves miserable and empty. The things of this world cannot bring true lasting joy and peace.
Have you ever visited the beach the year after a large hurricane? Or have you seen pictures after a hurricane devastated the coastland of a beautiful beach?
Look at this picture… All of those beautiful homes and condos are left in rubbles.
These homeowners had invested millions of dollars into these beautiful homes only to see them washed away and destroyed by a storm within hours or days.
Brothers and sisters, everything on this earth will eventually pass away. Take a hard look at your life. Make sure that the main purpose or goal of your life is to please the Lord Jesus Christ. Be sure that your identity is found in Him alone. Be sure that your priorities are eternally set and not temporarily set.
Paul says in 1 Corinthians 3:12-15 the following:
Now if anyone builds on the foundation with gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, straw— each one’s work will become manifest, for the Day will disclose it, because it will be revealed by fire, and the fire will test what sort of work each one has done. If the work that anyone has built on the foundation survives, he will receive a reward. If anyone’s work is burned up, he will suffer loss, though he himself will be saved, but only as through fire.
How will your work hold up when God’s scorching heat of testing comes your way?
Will your treasure be enduring until the end? Will you have your treasure stored up in heaven and not on earth?
Or will your earthly treasure be burned up like wood, hay, or straw?
What kind of work is it that will last? It is only what is done for the glory of Christ alone. If we want our treasures to be stored in eternity as gold, silver, or precious stones - we need to do everything with one purpose - namely to exalt and magnify our Savior.
We can even do good things (by worldly standards) and find that they burn like wood or straw in the end if they are done in order to bring glory to ourselves.
Be sure that your treasures are being stored in heaven and not on earth (Matthew 6:19-21).
Don’t put your faith and effort into possessions that are certain to pass away.
Instead, be sure that your faith is placed in Christ alone.
Scripture References: Isaiah 40:7-8, 1 Corinthians 3:12-15, Matthew 6:19-21, Romans 8:28
Conclusion:
As we come to a close we have learned some important lessons from James today.
We have learned that as we face trials, we must remember God’s promise in the face of poverty. Despite the struggles that we might be going through - despite persecution or trial - we know that God promises us eternal life. We can boast in Christ despite the trials that are coming our way.
We also have been reminded of the pitfall of prosperity as well as passing nature of possessions. We are not to trust in worldly riches. We are not to boast in our earthly wealth or status. We are not to boast in what we have financially or materially. Instead, our boast should always be in the Lord.
So how do we apply these blessed truths today?
1 - Evaluate your priorities. Be sure that you are finding your identity in Christ alone - not in what you have or don’t have.
2 - Store up treasures in heaven. Invest with a kingdom mindset - not to amass an earthly storehouse.
3 - Let trials remind you of what is most important - salvation and your relationship with your Savior.
And remember that no matter what happens, if you are a believer - God is using everything for His glory and your good (Romans 8:28).
