James 1:9-11
Introduction:
1. Our current culture has a great divide between the rich and the poor.
2. This divide prompts envy, exploitation, and a host of other problems.
3. In Christ, the equality sought by so many is the reality.
Discussion:
I. The Trials of Poverty and Riches
A. The Bible is clear that material wealth may hinder spiritual welfare.
1. Improper affection for wealth poses many dangers (1 Timothy 6:6-11).
2. Comfort can cause us to forget God (Deuteronomy 8:11-17; James 4:13-17).
3. Self-sufficiency was the rich fool’s undoing (Luke 12:16-21).
4. Wealth-attachment kept the rich young rule from following the Lord into eternal life (Matthew 19:16-26).
5. Wealth may harden people to the poor (Luke 16:19-31; James 5:1-6).
B. Poverty may also cause spiritual sickness.
1. The poor may envy the rich and become covetous which is a dangerous sin (Exodus 20:17)
2. This covetousness may lead to theft and other practices.
C. Therefore, we ought to seek to have enough (Proverbs 30:7-9).
II. The Great Equalizer
A. In Christ, socio-economic standing is meaningless.
B. The poor in Christ rejoice in that they are exalted (James 2:5; 4:6, 10; Matthew 20:20-28; 1 Corinthians 1:25-27).
C. The rich in Christ rejoice in that they are spared from the blindness of riches (Matthew 6:19-21; 1 Timothy 6:17-19).
III. Godliness With Contentment Is Great Gain
A. Neither wealth nor poverty are inherently good or bad.
B. Each presents its unique challenges to faithfulness.
C. Godliness with contentment is always the remedy (1 Timothy 6:6-8).
Conclusion:
1. As the world spins its wheels in search of contentment and equality, the Bible holds the keys to contentment.
This contentment is found only in Christ Jesus, so rejoice in Him always!