The Judgement of the Wicked and the Hope of the Faithful

James: Faith in Action

Four Dangers of Wealth ^{_{(vv. 1-8)}}
- James warns against hoarding
  - Instead of being conduit the rich become reservoirs
  - It’s wrong to hoard wealth for one’s own pleasure with no regard for God or others
- James warns against fraud
  - Wealth is not sinful, but when you defraud, lie or steal to get it then it becomes sinful
  - Lord of Sabaoth – Lord of Hosts- He is coming back to judge
- James warns against self-indulgence
  - James is condemning the hedonistic philosophy of our day
  - No amount of wealth can delay the coming judgment
- James warns against ruthlessly gaining wealth
Three Commands for Christians ^{_{(vv. 9-11)}}
- We are to be patient
  - The farmer is patient, the process is long but the fruit is precious
- We are not to be resentful
  - All who live Godly in Christ will suffer persecution
  - The will of God will never lead you where the grace of God cannot keep you
- We are to be steadfast