We continue our series in James by looking at James 5:1-6, where James confronts the pitfall of being mastered by the wealth as a spiritual snare. When wealth possesses us and we have irresponsible attitudes toward stewardship, the sin that comes out of this snare becomes progressively more severe. These verses caution those tempt to imitate sinful stewardship and comfort those oppressed by such stewards.

Sinful stewardship hoards wealth, gains it deceitfully, is self-indulgent with it, and distorts our hearts. We need more than just new financial principles—we need new hearts. You will not be free from the mastery of wealth and be able to give generously until you truly understand and receive the One who willingly laid His life down and became poor to make you rich.

Sermon Notes