Bible Study on James Tuesdays 7:00—8:15 pm A-3

James 1:9-18

Have you ever felt like you were on the outside looking in… …because you were poor?

How “other people” live

Not a New Problem James 2:2-5 NLT Suppose someone comes into your meeting dressed in fancy clothes and expensive jewelry, and another comes in who is poor and dressed in dirty clothes. 3 If you give special attention and a good seat to the rich person, but you say to the poor one, “You can stand over there, or else sit on the floor”—well, 4 doesn’t this discrimination show that your judgments are guided by evil motives? James 2:2-5 NLT

The World’s Take Rich Poor

James’ surprising take on wealth and poverty “Believers in humble circumstances ought to take pride in their high position. But the rich should take pride in their humiliation.” --James 1:9-10 NIV

Though our circumstances are humble, our position is high 5 Listen, my dear brothers and sisters: Has not God chosen those who are poor in the eyes of the world to be rich in faith and to inherit the kingdom he promised those who love him? (James 2:5 NIV). “Blessed are you who are poor, for the kingdom of God belongs to you” (Luke 6:20 NET). “Blessed is the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing” (Eph. 1:3 NET). “God wanted to make known to them the glorious riches of this mystery among the Gentiles, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory” (Col. 1:27 NET).

James 1:9-11 NIV 9 Believers in humble circumstances ought to take pride in their high position. 10 But the rich should take pride in their humiliation— since they will pass away like a wild flower. 11 For the sun rises with scorching heat and withers the plant; its blossom falls and its beauty is destroyed. In the same way, the rich will fade away even while they go about their business. Riches that last vs. riches that don’t

Who looks greedy?? Interviews with children in DC and Pennsylvania showed that poor teenagers are more materialistic than their more affluent peers. This is connected to low self-esteem.

What does greed look like?

What drives materialism? Emotional Shopping The temporary high of buying something new Fear of not having enough The Myth that $ = success Low Self-esteem “Having nice things makes me feel more important.” The Lie that things bring happiness.

The Bible’s secret to “great profit” “Godliness combined with contentment brings great profit.” (1 Timothy 6:6 NET)

This does not mean… It does mean… Our material needs are unimportant. The material needs of others are unimportant. It does mean… Our needs are opportunities to grow in our trust in God. Others’ needs are an opportunity to share God’s love.

Table Sharing How is the way God looks at wealth and poverty different from how most people look at it? Can we learn to focus on and be grateful for our wealth even when money is tight?  If so, how?