God is not opposed to wealth. Many of the greatest believers in the Bible were wealthy. But God is opposed to the misuse and abuse of wealth. James deals with the four key aspects of wealth.

I. THE WRONG USES OF WEALTH—AVOID THESE!

ISSUE #1: The Accumulation Of Wealth:

* Don’t Hoard It

“You have hoarded wealth in the last days…” (vs. 3)

Results:

“Your wealth has rotted…moths have eaten your clothes…your gold and silver are corroded…” (vs. 2-3)

* Whatever I accumulate will deteriorate.

ISSUE #2: The Appropriation Of Wealth:

* Don’t Steal It

“The wages you have failed to pay the workmen who mowed your fields are crying out against you.” (vs. 4)

ISSUE #3: The Allocation Of Wealth:

* Don’t Waste It

“You have lived on earth in luxury and self-indulgence” (vs. 5)

ISSUE #4: The Application Of Wealth:

* Don’t Abuse It

“You have condemned and ruined innocent men, and they are powerless to stop you.” (vs.6 Phillips Translation)

II. THE RIGHT USES OF WEALTH—PRACTICE THESE!

1. Right Accumulation: Save Money Faithfully

“The wise man saves for the future, but the foolish man spends whatever he gets.” Proverbs 21:20 (LB)

* Live On Less Than You Make
* Learn To Be Content

2. Right Appropriation: Work Hard

“Wealth from gambling quickly disappears; wealth from hard work grows.” Proverbs 13:11 (LB)

“Hard work brings a profit; mere talk leads to poverty.” Pr 14:23

How much money can I make? There’s no set limit. As long as it doesn't hurt my health, my family, others, or my spiritual growth.

3. Right Allocation: Spend Money Wisely

“The plans of the diligent lead to profit as surely as haste leads to poverty.” Proverbs 21:5

The key: Have A Budget (planned spending)

4. Right Application: Give Money Generously

“It is possible to give away and become richer! It is also possible to hold on too tightly and lose everything. Yes the generous man shall be rich. By watering others, he waters himself.” Proverbs 11:24-25 (LB)

"Store up for yourselves treasure in heaven ..." Matt 6:20

How? - Luke 16:9

“On every Sunday, put aside something from what you have earned during the week, and use it for the offering. The amount depends on how much the Lord has helped you to earn.” I Corinthians 16:2 (LB)

West Phoenix Baptist Church

4449 W. Indian School Road
Phoenix, AZ 85031
Phone: 602-278-4012
Fax: 602-272-4672
E-mail: information@westphoenix.org