James 5:1-6 | The Poverty of Prosperity Without Purpose

“The Poverty of Prosperity Without Purpose” James 5:1-6

V.1-3 The Peril of Prosperity Without Purpose

James’ emphasis is full dependence on God as the way to bring true life and abundance. In Ch.5, He now turns his attention to the most likely to live this way: The wealthy.

V.3 The idea behind v.3 is not about having wealth but Hoarding vs. Generosity.

V. 4 The Peril of Prosperity without Justice

Injustice and greed reveal our heart. 1 Tim. 6:10 says there are consequences.

V. 5-6 The problem is not having wealth, it’s how we use wealth. Are we hoarding it and consumed by comfort while ignoring the suffering around us? Or worse, actively causing the suffering?

5:4-6 tell us that we can commit sins of commission when it comes to money that we will answer for. However, we can commit a sin of omission too. 4:17 If you know what is right yet fail to act, you are guilty of sin. This principle is in the context of how one uses wealth.

A basic theology of wealth:

1. Our mistaken views on wealth: James 5:3
   1. Hoarding as ownership. We are stewards, not owners of anything. Gen. 12 says we are blessed to be a blessing: Galatians says we are co-heirs of that promise. Proverbs 3:27 – “Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due, when it is in your power to act.” Deut. 8:18 says remember, it is He who gives you power to get wealth.
   2. The purpose of wealth. The problem is when money is confused with the source or driver of life. It’s idolatry to say: this is where I will find my life. Ecclesiastes 5:10 – “Whoever loves money never has enough; whoever loves wealth is never satisfied with their income.
   3. Temporal Focus – not having an eternal view of wealth as an eternal investment. James 5:3-Stored up treasures in the last days. Jesus: (Matt. 6:19-21)- Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth… where the thief steals, moth and rust destroy…. To store up treasures in heaven is our best ROI.
2. Jesus’ Views on Wealth:
3. Wealth is a heart issue: Hoarding is a clear indicator of where your heart and trust is. Mt.6: 21. As what you value most is what you will focus on and care about the most. 24-32 No one can serve two masters… Idols reveal themselves by how we react when it is taken away or threated by its loss (worry). Luke 12:15-21 a man’s life consists not in his possession.
4. Seek First God’s kingdom, not wealth. Mt. 6:33; Mt. 6:24 indicates we must choose where our hearts will rest. My will or God’s will?

Grow Group Questions:

1. Heart Check: “Jesus says where your treasure is, your heart will be also. What does your spending/saving pattern over the last three months reveal about where your heart truly is?
2. If you were to write your Last Will and Testament today, what would it say about your priorities (does it include the kingdom)? What would you want it to say instead? What needs to change to align these?
3. In what ways might we be unknowingly participating in unjust economic practices? How can we use our resources to promote justice?
4. What’s your ‘golden pool’—the thing you seek that promises life but delivers emptiness?
5. What are the reasons that the average Christian gives only 2% of their income to God (instead of a 10% tithe as a beginning guideline)? *Note: Don’t ever give out of manipulation. The Bible teaches to give generously and joyfully as conditions on giving, but the biblical pattern indicates 10% as a starting point.

Extras:

Quick checklist for extra credit

Practical Steps for Stewardship:

Create a “Kingdom Budget” that prioritizes giving

Set specific giving goals for local and global impact

Regular financial audits asking “What am I hoarding?”

Practical Steps for Heart Change:

Daily gratitude practice for God’s provision (gratitude is unique in that it acknowledges that I am not the source of my blessings, but God is.

Monthly reflection on spending patterns

Intentional relationships with those in different economic circumstances

Regular exposure to global needs

Practical Steps for Kingdom Focus:

Research kingdom investment opportunities

Develop skills/business for kingdom impact (google search- Business as Missions)

Create legacy planning with an eternal perspective (Joel Martin at Mangrove financial can help with that. Joel is teaching our finances basics class starting Thursday at 6pm at our St. Pete location).

Extra, Extra credit:

Summary of Randy Alcorn’s 6 Treasure Principles from The Treasure Principle:

1. God owns everything; I’m His money manager. We are not owners but stewards of everything God entrusts to us. Our responsibility is to manage His resources faithfully.
2. My heart always goes where I put God’s money. Where we invest our money reflects where our heart truly resides. By prioritizing eternal investments, we align our hearts with God’s Kingdom.
3. Heaven—not earth—is my home. Our ultimate destination is an eternal home with God, and earthly possessions are temporary. We should live with Heaven in mind.
4. I should live not for the dot but for the line. The dot represents our short life on earth, while the line symbolizes eternity. Living for the line means focusing on what has eternal value.
5. Giving is the antidote to materialism. Generosity frees us from the grip of greed and materialism, aligning us with God’s selfless character.
6. God prospers me not to raise my standard of living, but to raise my standard of giving. God provides for us so we can meet our needs and generously give to others, advancing His Kingdom.

Each principle challenges us to shift our perspective from earthly treasure to eternal purpose, turning wealth into a servant for God rather than a master over us.

If you have the digital notes, get inspired by clicking on David Green, of Hobby Lobby’s story.  Or check out LeTourneau corporation or Barnhart Crane and Rigging.  Fascinating stories of reverse tithing (giving 90% and still having the socks blessed off of them).  Inspiring.  I promise you, each of these links is worth 1000x more than watching another cat video on Instagram.