James 5: 1-6
The Dangers of Wealth

Money can be dangerous, one writer says, “The heart is deceptive. A love of money is deadly, and it’s only the gospel that can deliver us from this.” The default position of our hearts is usually one that thinks we are doing well; James reminds us that we need to check our hearts (what we do with money in this case) to see what we truly love.

In James’ day, to be considered rich simply meant that you have significantly more than what you need to make it from one day to the next. Money can be dangerous because we can use our wealth (or what we have) to create our safety and shield us from life’s anxieties.

Danish philosopher Søren Kierkegaard said, “Riches and abundance come hypocritically clad in sheep’s clothing, pretending to be security against anxieties, and they become then the object of anxiety. They secure a man against anxieties just about as well as the wolf that is put to tending the sheep.”

Dietrich Bonhoeffer wrote, “Earthly goods deceive the human heart into believing that they give it security and freedom from worry, but in truth, they are what cause anxiety.”

The truth is that our ultimate future is secured by God Himself, not by us or our money. We have the responsibility to live as stewards of the good gifts of God’s grace in our lives. Our hope is that Christ will hold us and provide on the day of need. This is why the Gospel brings deliverance for us:

• The Gospel is rooted in the generosity of God. The Gospel shows the generosity of God as it grants us a new identity that serves as a buffer against the barrage of toxicity that our culture throws at us.
• The Gospel changes our identity from rebels, to being Children of God. We have been adopted by Christ according to the will of God, that is our identity.
• The Gospel invites us out of the mundane and into the greatest story ever told.

Mission is not purchased; it is bestowed upon us. We’ve been rescued from our sin, sealed with the Holy Spirit’s promise, and power, and sent out to push back what is dark in the world with victory guaranteed by our King

Community Discussion

Read James 5:1-6.
• If money were no object, what would you buy today? What would you do for other people?
• Do you think you use money or do you think money uses you?
• Have you ever seen wealth (or stuff) as dangerous?
• Are there any lessons God is currently trying to teach you about money?

• Do you tend to compare up or down? Why?
• What’s the difference between money being bad and money being dangerous?
• In what areas have you experienced anxiety about your stuff?

• Who do you know that lives out a generous life?
• In what ways does our view of money reflect our heart?
• How could God be asking you to view your heart?

• Explain how God is generous.
• Explain how we are invited into the Greatest Story Ever Told.
• How have you seen the Gospel deliver?

• Where, and in what ways, in your life might God be asking you to repent/return?
• Who might you be more generous to this week?