Sermon Introduction
Money talks—but what it says depends on how you’ve used it.
- For some, wealth testifies to generosity, faithfulness, and stewardship.
- For others, James says, it will testify against them, like a witness in the courtroom of God’s judgment.
In James 5, the apostle isn’t condemning wealth itself, but warning of what happens when wealth becomes our master—when it’s hoarded, gained unjustly, or spent in self-indulgence. For the rich who oppress others, James calls them not to celebrate their success, but to weep and wail for the misery that is coming upon them.
This is a sobering word—not just for “the wealthy” out there, but for all of us. Because James isn’t really asking how much is in your account; he’s asking: What does your use of money say about your faith?
Note: James Uses Prophetic Language Regarding the Rich…
Sermon Hook
“If your bank account could take the witness stand before God, what story would it tell? Would it testify to generosity and justice—or to greed and self-indulgence? James warns us that wealth is never silent. It always speaks. And one day, it may speak against us.”
Series Title: Faith That Works
Week 8: Faith That Waits Patiently (Part 1)
Text: James 5:1–6 Big Idea:Faith that works trusts God’s justice and doesn’t put hope in wealth that corrupts and condemns.
I. The Futility of Hoarded Wealth
James 5:1–3 (NIV)
Now listen, you rich people, weep and wail because of the misery that is coming on you. Your wealth has rotted, and moths have eaten your clothes. Your gold and silver are corroded. Their corrosion will testify against you and eat your flesh like fire. You have hoarded wealth in the last days.
Cross References:
- Proverbs 11:28 – Those who trust in their riches will fall, but the righteous will thrive like a green leaf.
- Matthew 6:19–20 – Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven…
Note: Mention TransUnion Data Breach
Why We Struggle: We find security in wealth because it feels tangible, but James warns that wealth is fragile and fleeting.
Theological Summary: Wealth that is hoarded instead of stewarded will become evidence against us. Earthly riches are temporary; eternal riches endure.
Know This: The wealth you hoard today may be the very witness that condemns you tomorrow.
II. The Injustice of Exploiting Others
James 5:4 (NIV)
Look! The wages you failed to pay the workers who mowed your fields are crying out against you. The cries of the harvesters have reached the ears of the Lord Almighty.
Cross References:
- Leviticus 19:13 – Do not defraud or rob your neighbor. Do not hold back the wages of a hired worker overnight.
- Deuteronomy 24:14–15 – Do not take advantage of a hired worker who is poor and needy… Pay them their wages each day before sunset…
Note: A Denarius was considered a day’s wages.
Why We Struggle: We often prioritize profit or personal comfort over fairness and compassion. The temptation to use people instead of serving them is real.
- The server in a restaurant
- The laborers at the start of the Supply Chain
Theological Summary: God hears the cries of the oppressed. Exploiting others for gain is not only unjust but will bring divine judgment.
Know This: God is not deaf to the cries of the cheated—He is the Lord of justice.
III. The Warning Against Self-Indulgence
James 5:5–6 (NIV)
You have lived on earth in luxury and self-indulgence. You have fattened yourselves in the day of slaughter. You have condemned and murdered the innocent one, who was not opposing you.
Cross References:
- Amos 6:4–7 – You lie on beds adorned with ivory… You dine on choice lambs… You drink wine by the bowlful… But you do not grieve over the ruin of Joseph. Therefore you will be among the first to go into exile.
- Luke 16:19–21 – There was a rich man who was dressed in purple and fine linen… At his gate was laid a beggar named Lazarus…
Why We Struggle: We mistake indulgence for blessing. We assume ease and comfort mean God’s approval, when they may actually blind us to coming judgment.
Note: The Prosperity Gospel
Theological Summary: Self-indulgence without justice and mercy is fattening oneself for judgment. Wealth without righteousness becomes a trap.
Know This:Luxury without love is a setup for judgment.
APPLICATION
HEAD (What to Believe):
Wealth is not evil in itself, but trusting in it, hoarding it, or gaining it unjustly brings judgment.
HEART (What to Feel):
Convicted to view wealth as stewardship, not ownership. Compassion for those mistreated or overlooked.
HAND (What to Do):
- Review your use of wealth: are you hoarding or stewarding?
- Act justly in your financial dealings.
- Share generously with those in need.
Key Takeaways:
- Hoarded wealth will decay and testify against you.
- God hears the cries of the exploited—He will act in justice.
- Self-indulgence blinds us to the reality of judgment.
- Faith that works doesn’t store up riches selfishly—it lives generously and justly.