7/20/09 Leader's Guide

Uncertainty

Text: James 5:1-6
The Week of July 20th, 2009

Getting Started

Martin Luther once said, “I have held many things in my hands, and have lost them all, but whatever I have placed in God’s hands, I still possess.”

Share with the group those things that you lost because you never gave them to God. Share with the group those things you gained and/or kept because you gave them to God?

Into the Bible

In verse 1, how is James’ stance on the wealth quite different from most people?

We tend to think that wealth liberates and poverty binds. In reality, for every nine people that can stand firm in the face of affliction, you might find one that can stand firm in affluence. Jesus said it was easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than a rich man to heaven (Luke 18:25). The rich young ruler opts not to follow Jesus because of his wealth (Matthew 19:22). Many of those who receive the gospel turn away due to the deceitfulness of riches (Matt. 13:22).

In verse 1 and 2 James urges the rich to lament their position in life. Why? What are some of the downsides of wealth that should move someone to “weep and howl?” What is an area in your life in which comfort and privilege have become more harmful than helpful.

With greater wealth, there is greater responsibility and greater judgment (vss.1, 3, 5).
With great wealth, there is greater opportunity to give vent to sinful desires (vs. 5; 4:3).
With great wealth, there is great opportunity to grow callous of the poor (vs. 4, 6).

“Money talks, we have been told since childhood. Listen to this dollar speak: “You hold me in your hand and call me yours. Yet may I not as well call you mine. See how easily I rule you? To gain me, you would all but die. I am invaluable as rain, essential as water. Without me, men and institutions would die. Yet I do not hold the power of life for them; I am futile without the stamp of your desire. I go nowhere unless you send me. I keep strange company. For me, men mock, love, and scorn character. Yet, I am appointed to the service of saints, to give education to the growing mind and food to the starving bodies of the poor. My power is terrific. Handle me carefully and wisely, lest you become my servant, rather than I yours.” - Ray O Jones:

Is James condemning everyone who has wealth or those who view it and use wealth in a certain way (cf. 4-6)?

It may be fruitful to discuss the difference between being wealthy and worldly. To be “worldly” means roughly that one is in love with, and therefore dedicated to this world that is opposed to God. As such, we can see that a person can be wealthy, but not worldly, just as a person can be worldly and not wealthy. The question is not whether you have wealth, but whether wealth has you.

The end of verse 3 reminds us that God was not pleased that they “hoarded wealth in the Last Days.” If a person really believed that Christ was returning soon, how might that change their view of money and material possessions? On a personal level, how does your relationship with Christ affect your finances?

Verse 4 shows that God cares for people who are treated unjustly (the workmen and harvesters). In what subtle ways can we treat people as a means to an end rather than an end in and of themselves?

This has been called “altruistic egoism,” treating people well only for personal benefit. Discuss how this can creep in within every relationship.

If James is censuring these particular people for not helping the poor with what they have (vss. 2 & 3) and harming the poor to get more (vs. 4), could this principle be expanded to cover how wealthy nations treat poorer nations? What is our responsibility as Christian citizens of a wealthy nation towards those who are live poorer countries.

You might want to look at the following article at Christianity Today: Hunger Isn't History: The world produces more food than ever. So why do nearly a billion people still not have enough to eat? By Timothy C. Morgan and Isaac Phiri - HERE.

Compare and contrast verses 1-3 with Matthew 6:19-25. Discuss how the following elements relate to these two passage: (1) Worship & Greed (2) Faith & Anxiety.

If you worship money (if mammon is your god and treasure), the by-product is greed. If you worship God, the by-product is contentment.

If you place your trust in money (as the source of provision), the by-product is anxiety. If you place your trust in God, the by-product is confidence.

You might want to discuss how levels of greed and anxiety might be indicators of who and what one is trusting.

Verse five points out that these rich people had fallen into “luxury and self-indulgence”. How can a person tell if they have too much? What are the symptoms to watch for in our lives? As people who live in a relatively affluent country, how do we find the right balance?

In verse 6 we see an example of people who are willing to run over others for the sake of money. Have you experienced (either personally or someone you know) a time when someone treated others bad for the sake of money? In your life and/or job, when do you experience the greatest pressure to compromise for the sake of money? What have you done to help stand strong?

Into Our Lives

Read 1 Timothy 6:17-19. What are some concrete ways for us to (1) sharpen our vision of heaven and (2) increase in good works and generosity this week?