Solemn Warning to the Unrighteous Rich

It is easy to see people living in ease and self-indulgence and to begin to wish we had their lives. But in this passage, James makes it clear that judgment is coming on the unrighteous rich and we should neither envy them nor emulate them. What is it that the unrighteous rich do that warrant God’s judgment?

Sermon Outline:

I. The Unrighteous Rich Hoard and Accumulate.

II. The Unrighteous Rich Use Power to Abuse.

III. The Unrighteous Rich Live in Luxury and Self-Indulgence.

IV. How Then Should We Live? 

Sermon Discussion Questions:

1. James condemns the unrighteous rich for hoarding their wealth. In what ways are you tempted to hoard or accumulate more than you need? How can you be more generous with what God has given you?

2. James says the unrighteous rich use their power to abuse others, like withholding wages from workers. How should followers of Jesus ensure they are treating employees, contractors, etc. fairly and justly?

3. The unrighteous rich live in luxury and self-indulgence. How can we evaluate whether our own lifestyle trends in this direction? What are some practical ways to limit self-indulgence?

4. What stood out to you most from the positive instructions Paul gives in 1 Timothy 6:17-19 for how the rich should live? How can you apply one of those principles this week? 

5. Do you find it difficult to trust God's promise that releasing our riches to generously meet needs will actually increase our joy more than hoarding those riches for ourselves? What is one step of faith you can take this week to test God's promise?