Study 13: James 5: 1-6: Trent Evans

The study of James 5:1-6 challenges believers to examine their hearts regarding wealth and possessions, emphasizing that the issue is not money itself but the love of it. James warns against hoarding wealth, oppressing others for financial gain, and placing trust in material riches rather than God. The passage urges self-reflection, calling believers to generosity, justice, and responsible stewardship. The study highlights that wealth should be a tool for God's purposes rather than an idol that corrupts the heart. Ultimately, the message calls for aligning financial decisions with faith, ensuring that possessions do not possess us.

Sermon Outline

1. Introduction – God Sees Everything (00:06 - 01:11)

• Key Thought: While our physical vision is limited, God sees perfectly and knows the condition of our hearts.

• Scripture: James 5:1-6 (Primary Text)

2. The Unavoidable Message of Scripture (01:54 - 02:56)

• Key Thought: Teaching through the Bible means addressing all topics, even the uncomfortable ones.

• Scripture: James 5:1-6 (Text must be engaged, not avoided.)

3. Wealth and the Heart (03:07 - 05:21)

• Key Thought: This passage is not about having money but about the love of money controlling the heart.

• Scripture: 1 Timothy 6:10 – "For the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil."

• Application: The danger of money is when it possesses us rather than serving God's purpose.

4. Who Are the “Rich”? (15:01 - 16:36)

• Key Thought: Many assume this passage applies to others, but by global standards, most of us are wealthy.

• Statistics:

  • A household earning $10,000/year is wealthier than 84% of the world.

  • A household earning $50,000/year is wealthier than 90% of the world.

5. The Trap of Materialism (16:38 - 19:25)

• Key Thought: Society fuels discontentment, constantly telling us we need more.

• Example: Online tracking, advertising, and consumerism encourage constant desire.

• Application: Recognizing how the world manipulates our desires helps break free from its grip.

6. Generosity as an Antidote (20:28 - 22:36)

• Key Thought: God blesses us not to induce guilt, but to be a blessing to others.

• Example: Experience in Honduras—seeing contentment in those with little.

• Scripture: 2 Corinthians 9:7 – "God loves a cheerful giver."

• Application: Gratitude leads to generosity, breaking the hold of materialism.

7. The Temporary Nature of Wealth (23:34 - 26:56)

• Key Thought: Hoarded wealth is ultimately meaningless.

• Scripture: Matthew 6:21 – "For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also."

• Illustration: Wealth is like electricity—useful in its proper place, dangerous when uncontrolled.

8. The Social Cost of Greed (35:03 - 38:12)

• Key Thought: The pursuit of wealth at the expense of others leads to injustice.

• Scripture: Micah 6:8 – "Act justly, love mercy, walk humbly with your God."

• Application: Wealth should not come at the cost of others' well-being.

9. Breaking the Hold of Money (41:57 - 44:37)

• Key Thought: Regular giving helps break greed’s hold on the heart.

• Personal Example: Sponsoring children through Compassion International.

• Application: Intentional generosity keeps wealth from becoming an idol.

10. Closing Challenge – Choosing the Right Treasure (49:17 - 51:38)

• Key Thought: No one at the end of life regrets generosity.

• Scripture: 1 Timothy 6:17-19 – “Command those who are rich... to be generous and willing to share.”

• Application: Now is the time to choose generosity and live with an eternal perspective.

Scripture References

1. James 5:1-6 – Primary Text

(Timestamp: 03:07 - 05:21, 23:34 - 26:56, 35:03 - 38:12)

• James warns the rich who hoard wealth and exploit others, showing that their riches will ultimately decay and testify against them.

• Context in Study: The speaker emphasizes that the passage is not about condemning wealth but exposing how an unhealthy love of money corrupts the heart.

2. 1 Timothy 6:10 – "The love of money is the root of all kinds of evil."

(Timestamp: 14:09 - 15:01)

• Paul warns that an obsession with wealth can lead people away from faith and into destruction.

• Context in Study: Used to clarify that money itself is not the problem—it is the love of money that leads to harm.

3. Deuteronomy 8:17-18 – "It is God who gives you the ability to produce wealth."

(Timestamp: 12:10 - 13:11)

• This passage reminds believers that wealth is a gift from God, not something earned solely by human effort.

• Context in Study: Reinforces that wealth is not inherently bad, but its purpose is to serve God’s will rather than personal greed.

4. Matthew 6:21 – "For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also."

(Timestamp: 26:56 - 27:37)

• Jesus teaches that one's financial priorities reveal the true state of the heart.

• Context in Study: Illustrates that money and the heart are interconnected—if wealth controls a person, their spiritual health is at risk.

5. 2 Corinthians 9:7 – "God loves a cheerful giver."

(Timestamp: 20:28 - 22:36)

• Paul encourages generosity rooted in gratitude rather than obligation.

• Context in Study: Used to challenge believers to develop a heart of generosity, seeing giving as an opportunity rather than a burden.

6. Micah 6:8 – "Act justly, love mercy, walk humbly with your God."

(Timestamp: 38:12 - 38:55)

• God calls His people to live with justice and compassion.

• Context in Study: Used to highlight how greed and financial oppression contradict God's call for justice and mercy.

7. 1 Timothy 6:17-19 – "Command those who are rich... to be generous and willing to share."

(Timestamp: 49:17 - 51:38)

• Paul instructs wealthy believers to trust in God rather than riches and to use their wealth for good.

• Context in Study: The final challenge to live with generosity and invest in eternal treasures rather than earthly wealth.

Word Study

1. Σήπω (Sēpō) – "To Rot, Decay, Corrupt"

• Scripture Reference: James 5:2-3 – "Your wealth has rotted, and moths have eaten your clothes. Your gold and silver are corroded."

• Timestamp in Study: 23:34 - 24:45

• Meaning: This verb means to become corrupt or spoiled, often implying something that was once valuable but has been ruined over time.

• Context in Study: The speaker explains that the wealth of these individuals has not only lost its usefulness but has become a testimony against them. This reflects the fleeting nature of material riches and the danger of hoarding wealth without using it for God's purposes.

2. Πλεονεξία (Pleonexia) – "Greed, Covetousness, Insatiable Desire for More"

• Scripture Reference: Implicit in James 5:1-6 and explicitly referenced in 1 Timothy 6:10 – "For the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil."

• Timestamp in Study: 14:09 - 15:01

• Meaning: Pleonexia conveys the idea of an uncontrolled craving for more—whether wealth, power, or possessions. It is often linked to idolatry, as it replaces trust in God with dependence on material gain.

• Context in Study: The sermon emphasizes how the love of money can lead people away from faith and cause harm to themselves and others. The pursuit of wealth for its own sake leads to exploitation, injustice, and spiritual decay.

3.  Μαρτύριον (Martyrion) – "Testimony, Witness, Evidence"

   • Scripture Reference: James 5:3 – "Their corrosion will testify against you and eat your flesh like fire."

   • Timestamp in Study: 35:03 - 35:23

   • Meaning: Martyrion means testimony or witness, often in a legal or judgmental sense. It implies that something serves as proof in a case against someone.

   • Context in Study: The sermon discusses how hoarded wealth will stand as a witness against the rich who misuse it. Instead of serving as a blessing, their wealth will serve as condemning evidence before God. This legal imagery emphasizes accountability in how we handle money and possessions.

1. Hupsos (ὕψος) – "High Position"

Scripture Reference: James 1:9 – “Believers in humble circumstances ought to take pride in their high position.”

• Definition: Hupsos refers to elevation, height, or exaltation. In this context, it symbolizes a spiritual elevation that comes from being in Christ, regardless of earthly circumstances.

• Sermon Context: The sermon contrasts the "high position" of believers with their humble circumstances, emphasizing that their identity and value are rooted in their relationship with Christ, not in worldly wealth or status.

• Application: Believers are called to rejoice in their spiritual status in Christ, which is unshaken by external trials or material losses.

2. Tapinosis (ταπείνωσις) – "Humiliation" or "Low Condition"

Scripture Reference: James 1:10 – “But the rich should take pride in their humiliation…”

• Definition: Tapinosis refers to being brought low, humility, or a state of abasement. In the sermon, it is tied to the temporary and fleeting nature of worldly riches.

• Sermon Context: The rich are reminded to find humility in the reality that material wealth fades, and only a relationship with Christ offers eternal significance.

• Application: This word underscores the importance of spiritual humility, urging believers to shift their focus from temporary wealth to eternal treasures in Christ.

3. Peirasmos (πειρασμός) – "Trial" or "Temptation"

Scripture Reference: James 1:2-3, 1:13 – “Consider it pure joy... when you face trials...” / “When tempted, no one should say, ‘God is tempting me.’”

• Definition: Peirasmos can mean either a trial (testing of faith) or a temptation (enticement to sin), depending on the context.

• Sermon Context: The sermon differentiates between trials, which God allows to refine and strengthen faith, and temptations, which arise from personal desires and lead to sin.

• Application: Believers are encouraged to endure trials with joy and to resist temptation by seeking wisdom and strength from God.