Read James 5:1. In verse 1, James declares the coming judgment of God upon "you rich people." Why will these "rich people" suffer judgment? Read James 5:2-6, and consider the following discussion questions.

1. Read James 5:2-3. What are they doing with their wealth? They are _________________ their wealth (v. 3). What is wrong with storing up wealth? What attitudes are wrong? What happens to earthly wealth?

"hoard" - "lay up" or "store up"

† Jesus said, "Do not store up for yourselves treasure on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also" (Matthew 6:19-21, NIV).

† Jesus said, "Sell your possessions and give to the poor. Provide purses for yourselves that will not wear out, a treasure in heaven that will not be exhausted, where no thief comes near and no moth destroys" (Luke 12:33, NIV).

2. Is it always wrong to store up wealth (including saving money)? If not, what is the difference between "wrong storing up" and "right storing up?" What is the proper attitude for the Christian?

Personal Reflection: What can make you feel secure about the future? Does the idea of wealth help you feel secure? Do you trust more in 1) wealth, power and influence, or 2) God? Do you think that wealth will make you happy or fulfilled?

3. Read James 5:4. What else are they doing wrong? How would you describe the attitude behind these actions?

† "Do not defraud your neighbor or rob him. Do not hold back wages of a hired man overnight" (Leviticus 19:13, NIV).

† "Do not take advantage of a hired man who is poor and needy, whether he is a brother Israelite or an alien living in one of your towns. Pay him his wages each day before sunset, because he is poor and is counting on it. Otherwise he may cry to the Lord against you, and you will be guilty of sin" (Deuteronomy 24:14-15, NIV).

4. These rich people were cheating their workers, thus demonstrating a lack of integrity (moral character). What are some practical ways that we (as employers, employees, customers, and citizens) can demonstrate integrity in our earning and handling of money?

"Better a little with righteousness than much gain with injustice" (Proverb 16:8).

5. Read James 5:5. What does their lifestyle indicate about their attitude? What is wrong with this attitude? How common is this attitude in your experience and culture? Explain.

6. Is it wrong to enjoy the abundance of our possessions? Why or why not? What is the proper attitude for the wealthy Christian?

† "If riches increase, do not set your heart upon them" (Psalm 62:10b, NASB).

† "Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. Command them to do good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share. In this way they will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life" (1 Timothy 6:17-19, NIV).

† Jesus said, "You cannot serve both God and money" (Matthew 6:24b, NIV).

Personal Reflection: What is your attitude toward wealth? Who is the owner of your money and possessions? How do you decide how your money and possessions are used? What is the purpose of your money and possessions?

Read James 5:6. In summary, the rich people will be judged because they have…

* Selfishly and foolishly stored up wealth, which is only temporal (v. 2-3);

* Defrauded/cheated their workers (v. 4);

* Lived in self-indulgence (v. 5);

* Oppressed the innocent (v. 6).

7. Based on the Bible passages in this handout (including the verses below), what are some of the dangers associated with money and riches? How do we guard against these dangers?

† Jesus said, "I tell you the truth, it is hard for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven" (Matthew 19:23, NIV).

† "For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil" (1 Timothy 6:10a, NIV).

Application
> Review the above passages of Scripture, and compare your view of riches to the Bible's view of riches. Identify specific changes needed in your life to conform to the Bible's view of riches. Commit to make those specific changes, relying on God's grace in Christ.

> What warnings apply to you? Is your love of money and possessions (or anything else!) greater than your love for God? If you believe in God, transfer your devotion from these things to God, through faith in Jesus Christ. If you do not believe in God, consider the wisdom of the above Scriptures, and keep seeking truth with all your heart.