Faith Over Wealth: Embracing God's Mighty Purpose

Devotional

Day 1: Wealth Cannot Save Us

Wealth is a tool given by God, but it cannot provide salvation. Our security and salvation are found only in Christ. Relying on wealth for salvation is futile, as it will ultimately corrode and testify against us on the day of judgment. Wealth is temporary and will ultimately corrode, rot, and testify against those who hoard it. James emphasizes that wealth itself is not condemned, but the misuse and unethical acquisition of it are. Wealth cannot save us; only faith in Jesus Christ can. [48:26]

James 5:1-3 (ESV): "Come now, you rich, weep and howl for the miseries that are coming upon you. Your riches have rotted and your garments are moth-eaten. Your gold and silver have corroded, and their corrosion will be evidence against you and will eat your flesh like fire. You have laid up treasure in the last days."

Reflection: What are some ways you might be relying on material wealth for security? How can you shift your trust to Christ today?

Day 2: God Cares About How We Obtain and Use Wealth

God is not against wealth but is concerned with how we acquire and use it. Wealth should be used to bless others and not be hoarded. Unethical means of obtaining wealth, such as defrauding workers, are condemned by God. James warns that wealth is temporary and will ultimately corrode, rot, and testify against those who hoard it. He highlights that wealth cannot save us; only faith in Jesus Christ can. [53:34]

Proverbs 11:28 (ESV): "Whoever trusts in his riches will fall, but the righteous will flourish like a green leaf."

Reflection: Reflect on your financial practices. Are there any changes you need to make to ensure you are acquiring and using wealth ethically and generously?

Day 3: Patience and Perseverance in Faith

Believers are encouraged to wait patiently for the Lord's return, much like a farmer waits for the harvest. This patience is rooted in the assurance that God will fulfill His promises. The example of Job teaches us to trust God in both good and bad times. James encourages patience and perseverance, using the analogy of a farmer waiting for the harvest and the example of Job's endurance. [55:58]

James 5:7-8 (ESV): "Be patient, therefore, brothers, until the coming of the Lord. See how the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth, being patient about it, until it receives the early and the late rains. You also, be patient. Establish your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is at hand."

Reflection: In what areas of your life do you need to practice more patience and perseverance? How can you remind yourself of God's promises during these times?

Day 4: Unity in the Body of Christ

Internal grumbling and complaints against fellow believers create disunity. We are called to address disputes directly and seek reconciliation. Our focus should be on reaching the lost rather than fighting among ourselves. James advises against grumbling and internal complaints against one another, urging unity within the body of Christ. [59:19]

Ephesians 4:2-3 (ESV): "With all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace."

Reflection: Is there someone in your church community with whom you have unresolved conflict? How can you take steps toward reconciliation and unity today?

Day 5: Integrity in Our Words

Our words should reflect our integrity. We should avoid making non-binding oaths and instead let our "yes" be yes and our "no" be no. This honesty reflects the character of Christ and builds trust within the community. James concludes by stressing the importance of integrity in our words. [01:08:21]

Matthew 5:37 (ESV): "Let what you say be simply ‘Yes’ or ‘No’; anything more than this comes from evil."

Reflection: Reflect on your recent conversations. Are there any instances where you failed to keep your word? How can you practice greater integrity in your speech moving forward?

Sermon Summary

### Summary

Good morning, everyone. Today is a significant day as we prepare for our Vacation Bible School (VBS), which has been in the works for two years. This year, we have nearly 300 pre-registered kids and about 175 volunteers. The theme is "Mighty," focusing on how God can use even the smallest among us for great things, inspired by the stories of Gideon and David. We aim to teach the children Philippians 4:13, "I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength," and to clearly present the gospel to them.

Transitioning to our ongoing series in the book of James, we delve into James 5:1-12. This passage addresses the rich, particularly rich unbelievers, condemning their reliance on wealth and the injustices they commit to obtain it. James uses Old Testament prophetic style to call out these rich unbelievers for the benefit of the believers listening. He emphasizes that wealth itself is not condemned, but the misuse and unethical acquisition of it are.

James warns that wealth is temporary and will ultimately corrode, rot, and testify against those who hoard it. He highlights that wealth cannot save us; only faith in Jesus Christ can. James also addresses the injustices committed by the rich, such as defrauding workers, and assures that God hears the cries of the oppressed. He reminds us that God will ultimately bring justice.

For believers, James encourages patience and perseverance, using the analogy of a farmer waiting for the harvest and the example of Job's endurance. He advises against grumbling and internal complaints against one another, urging unity within the body of Christ. James concludes by stressing the importance of integrity in our words, advising us to let our "yes" be yes and our "no" be no.

###

Key Takeaways

1. 5Pe5kovU&t=2906s'>[48:26]
2. God Cares About How We Obtain and Use Wealth: God is not against wealth but is concerned with how we acquire and use it. Wealth should be used to bless others and not be hoarded. Unethical means of obtaining wealth, such as defrauding workers, are condemned by God.

3. Patience and Perseverance in Faith: Believers are encouraged to wait patiently for the Lord's return, much like a farmer waits for the harvest. This patience is rooted in the assurance that God will fulfill His promises. The example of Job teaches us to trust God in both good and bad times.

4. Unity in the Body of Christ: Internal grumbling and complaints against fellow believers create disunity. We are called to address disputes directly and seek reconciliation. Our focus should be on reaching the lost rather than fighting among ourselves.

5. Integrity in Our Words: Our words should reflect our integrity. We should avoid making non-binding oaths and instead let our "yes" be yes and our "no" be no. This honesty reflects the character of Christ and builds trust within the community.

### [48:26]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[29:53] - VBS Excitement and Preparation
[34:06] - Introduction to James 5:1-12
[35:59] - Prayer and Start of the Sermon
[37:19] - Addressing Rich Unbelievers
[38:30] - Wealth is Not Condemned, Misuse Is
[40:15] - Examples of Wealth Corroding
[42:43] - Wealth Cannot Save Us
[45:23] - Interpretations of the Camel and Needle
[49:01] - Injustice and Defrauding Workers
[52:27] - Consequences of Unethical Wealth
[55:23] - Patience and Perseverance
[57:53] - Avoiding Grumbling and Internal Complaints
[61:10] - Example of Job's Endurance
[67:07] - Trials and Sanctification
[68:21] - Integrity in Our Words
[70:20] - Self-Reflection: Why Do You Worship God?
[74:27] - Invitation to Accept Christ

Bible Study Guide

Observation Questions

What does James 5:1-3 say about the fate of wealth and the rich who misuse it? ([34:37])
How does James describe the treatment of workers by the rich in James 5:4? ([49:01])
What analogy does James use to encourage believers to be patient in James 5:7-8? ([55:23])
According to Philippians 4:13, what can believers do through Christ? ([31:50])

Interpretation Questions

Why does James condemn the rich unbelievers in James 5:1-3, and what lesson is he trying to impart to the believers? ([34:37])
How does the misuse of wealth lead to injustice, as described in James 5:4-6? ([49:01])
What does the analogy of the farmer in James 5:7-8 teach us about patience and faith? ([55:23])
How does Philippians 4:13 relate to the theme of God using the small and seemingly insignificant for mighty purposes? ([31:50])

Application Questions

Reflect on your own life: Are there ways in which you might be relying on wealth for security rather than on Christ? How can you shift your focus to trust more in God? ([34:37])
Have you ever witnessed or experienced injustice in the workplace or community? How did you respond, and how might you respond differently in light of James 5:4-6? ([49:01])
Think about a time when you had to wait patiently for something important. How did your faith play a role in that waiting period? How can the analogy of the farmer help you in future situations? ([55:23])
Internal grumbling and complaints can create disunity. Is there someone in your church or community with whom you have unresolved issues? What steps can you take to address and reconcile these issues? ([57:53])
Integrity in our words is crucial. Reflect on a recent promise or commitment you made. Did you follow through? How can you ensure that your "yes" is yes and your "no" is no in future commitments? ([01:08:21])
How can you apply Philippians 4:13 in your daily life to overcome challenges and accomplish tasks that seem daunting? ([31:50])
The sermon emphasized the importance of seeking unity within the body of Christ. What practical steps can you take this week to promote unity and avoid internal complaints within your church or small group? ([57:53])

Sermon Clips

### Quotes for Outreach

1. "Guys, these are 300 little missionaries that are going to hear the gospel and take it back into their communities, back into their homes. It's an amazing thing. We have almost 200, 175 or so of you who have volunteered to help run crafts and run groups of kids through the stations. And it's going to be amazing. So thank you for all of that work." [29:53] (19 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

2. "The idea is that when we're small, kids feel like they're insignificant. And they can't be used for God in big ways until they're big. And so they think, well, I don't even get to pick the meals that we eat at dinnertime, or my older sibling gets to pick what room they're in, and so I can't be used by God. And we want to show them through the story of little Gideon and David that God wants to use us now to do big things for the kingdom." [31:06] (22 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

3. "We are confident that God is going to get a hold of some little hearts and change the trajectory of their lives forever because of this week. We are super excited. And I can't wait to show you all the things that's going to happen at VBS." [31:50] (12 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

4. "Aren't you glad we worship at a church that preaches the entire Bible? Not just the easy, fluffy stuff, right? That stuff is easy to draw crowds. That stuff is easy to bring people. But there's so much truth hidden in some of these more difficult passages that we need to sit down and unpack." [35:16] (16 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

5. "The breath that we breathe, the wealth that we can accumulate, the fact that we can even put our faith in Christ and find redemption through His Son, it's all based on the fact that we have a good God that loves us very much." [38:30] (11 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

### Quotes for Members

1. "James has a beautiful argument and a case that he's building. And when we walk through this, when you get to the other end of it, it makes total sense. And I think it's going to be great." [35:59] (9 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

2. "God is not condemning wealth here. So I don't want you to hear that. Like, when we hear passages like this, we hear, you know, you rich people. I'm like, oh, I've got to sell everything I have and go live in a paper bag. Like, that's not what God's saying at all." [38:30] (14 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

3. "We need to be really careful that we don't lower our integrity to gain wealth. And we've all known people and maybe we have ourselves, we've like bent the truth or we've straight lied or we've cheated to gain wealth. We need to be careful that we realize we represent Christ and he cares very much how we get our wealth and how we use it." [53:34] (21 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

4. "Dear brothers and sisters, be patient and wait for the Lord's return. Consider the farmers who patiently wait for the rains in the fall and in the spring. They eagerly look for the valuable harvest to ripen. You too must be patient. Take courage for the coming of the Lord is near." [55:23] (19 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

5. "We need to be reaching the lost instead of fighting against the saved. I'm gonna say it again because this is really important. We need to be reaching the lost instead of fighting against the saved. We won't always get along. We're a family. And if your family's anything like my family, we don't always get along. But we love each other, we work through problems, and we move on together, right?" [01:00:48] (16 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

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