Idollartry: Malice and Materialism
James 5:1-6
March 2, 2008
Can you serve two masters?
To whom is James speaking in our passage?
What is the benefit for James’ Christian audience?
What is idollartry? (Col 3:5) How much wealth is necessary for idollartry?
God condemns the sins of the wealthy
Covetousness (v 2)
Hoarded wealth is wasted. (Luke 12:15; 20-21)
Corruption (v 4)
Honestly and equity in the workplace is demanded of Christians.
Allusion to Isa 5:9
Carelessness (v 5)
How do you define extravagant living? (Luke 16:19)
If we live indulgently, who are we living for? (1 Tim 5:6)
I love a finely grilled steak.
Cruelty (v 6)
Wealthy oppress with the force of law.
God warns the wicked wealthy of His coming wrath
(Matthew 6:19-21)
Three questions for the wealthy.
How did you acquire it? How has it changed you? How do you use it?
Three general lessons
Wealth is not wrong. (Prov 10:22)
Wealth, legitimately gained and wisely used, is a great blessing. (Luke 12:32-34)
Gaining wealth must not be your # 1 priority. (1 Tim 6:9; 17-19)
He who dies with the most toys does not win