Lesson 28: True Wealth (part 1)
 Read James 5:1-6 - www.bible.com/bible/59/jas.5.esv 

It is part of human nature to feel that the person who has more (wealth, talent, looks, power) is better off than the person who has less. We feel like they are blessed more of God, or they are to be imitated. It is therefore also human nature for the person with these kinds of riches to take advantage of the one who has less, usually simply because they can. Unfortunately, this is as true of Christians as it is of unbelievers, and James reminds us all, in the beginning of this chapter, that there are consequences to our actions.

The lessons to learn:
1. Riches do not provide ultimate happiness.
2. Riches are no substitute for the spiritual things of life.
3. Riches are not enduring. Even our finest clothes deteriorate. Our earthly gold and silver will corrode and will one day disappear and become meaningless. Looks and talents fade, and power is soon usurped by others. Of course when we die we will leave it all behind.

This rust is proof of impermanence and ultimate valuelessness of all worldly things. It is also a warning; James then goes on to warn that our “desire” for such riches will eventually eat away into our body and soul. James uses vivid imagery to bring that point home when he says "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." (James 5:3)


Why is it that so many who gain wealth suddenly lose it almost as rapidly? Because they valued their wealth more than a relationship with Jesus Christ. When the rich, young ruler came to Jesus, Jesus told him he needed to do only one thing to inherit the kingdom and have treasure in heaven, ‘give away all your possessions to the poor and follow me.’ That rich young man, turned around and walked away sad (Matthew 19:22).

*What does Deuteronomy 24:14-15 say about valuing money more than others? _____

James 5:5-6 - God will bless you as you give. Listen to what it says in Proverbs 11:24-25 “One gives freely, yet grows all the richer; another withholds what he should give, and only suffers want. Whoever brings blessing will be enriched, and one who waters will himself be watered.” Jesus said in Matthew 6:19-21 "Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” Jesus did not say that where our heart is we would put our treasure. He said the opposite. Where we put our treasure is where our heart will be.