Off the Shelf Sunday School--James

Warnings to the Wealthy (5:1-6)

Now listen, you rich people, weep and wail because of the misery that is coming upon you. Your wealth has rotted, and moths have eaten your clothes. Your gold and silver are corroded. Their corrosion will testify against you and eat your flesh like fire. You have hoarded wealth in the last days. Look! The wages you failed to pay the workmen who mowed your fields are crying out against you. The cries of the harvesters have reached the ears of the Lord Almighty. You have lived on earth in luxury and self-indulgence. You have fattened yourselves in the day of slaughter. You have condemned and murdered innocent men, who were not opposing you.

1.????There is a fundamental problem with the management of wealth. Those who are rich tend not to give more than small percentages of their money to help the poor. Therefore, government has stepped into areas that should be managed by churches and private organizations. If those who are rich would be more charitable, many government welfare and social programs could be eliminated.

2.????James condemns wealthy people who are obsessed with amassing wealth. This is caused by selfish ambitions and pride. Jesus said that more is expected of those who are given more. (Lk 19:12-26)?

3.????When death happens, there will be people who will be punished for hording their wealth. They had great opportunities to do good with it but instead chose to waste it on themselves or just accumulated it without doing anything with it. Jesus called such people fools. (Lk 12:16-21)

4.????James warns that the riches that are hoarded will fill their owners with remorse when they die and are judged by God. These rich people will see the error of their ways. The riches of the world decay and are temporary. (Mt 6:19-21)

5.????How much money should a person give to avoid punishment? There is no absolute rule. The idea is to be loving towards those in need and give generously and consistently to advance the kingdom of God. (Mk 12:41-43) Many Christians target ten percent based on tithing. (Gen 14:20; 28:20-22; Lev 27:30; Mal 3:10; Mt 23:23) I believe this should be a minimum not a maximum amount.

6.????Rich people have power and influence over others. They may be business owners or corporate officers. James says that severe punishment will come to rich people who cheat and abuse others.?Living for money, power, pleasure and self-indulgence are symptoms of selfishness. Do you have an eternal view of the use of money? Are there needs in your community that you are ignoring? Do you trust in God or your money for future security? (Mt 16:26)?