Look here, you rich people: Weep and groan with anguish because of all the terrible troubles ahead of you. Your wealth is rotting away, and your fine clothes are moth-eaten rags. Your gold and silver are corroded. The very wealth you were counting on will eat away your flesh like fire. This corroded treasure you have hoarded will testify against you on the day of judgment. For listen! Hear the cries of the field workers whom you have cheated of their pay. The cries of those who harvest your fields have reached the ears of the Lord of Heaven’s Armies. You have spent your years on earth in luxury, satisfying your every desire. You have fattened yourselves for the day of slaughter. You have condemned and killed innocent people, who do not resist you.
James 1:1-6

This Sunday we delved a little deeper into the topic of wealth, looking at James 1:1-6 for context.  

Discussion Questions for Small Groups

  1. How do you react to this week’s text? How does it make you feel? Guilty? Angry? Judgy? How did your reaction compare to others in the group? 

  2. In James’ situation, the powerful rich (“plutocrats”– J.B. Phillips Version) who were exploiting the working-class Christians were the target of this harsh warning about God’s judgement.  

    1. What are the specifics of James’ warning to the rich? What does he say to persuade them to change? 

    2. Do you agree with Pastor J-M that in the current global situation, North Americans are the powerful rich? Why or why not? 

  3. Many commentators believe James is adapting the teaching of Jesus in places like Luke 12:13-21 (also 22-33) in his condemnation of the rich (James 5:1-6). 

    1. The label “hoarder” entered our vocabulary in recent years because of the reality TV program of the same name. Why is hoarding riches (Luke 12:18, 21; James 5:3) a violation of God’s idea of kingdom equality?  

    2. Are Jesus’ commands about Kingdom equality valid for us today (e.g., “Sell your possessions and give to those in need. This will store up treasure for you in heaven!” Luke 12:33)? Why or why not? 

    3. What might faithful obedience to Jesus’ command (Luke 12:33) look like in our 21st Century situation in Canada?

  4. How does living in a wealthy society warp our views of rich and poor? How can we free ourselves from the kind of greed which our culture continually promotes? 

  5. Pastor J-M suggested we can be transformed by James by having a new perspective on our wealth as North American Christians. 

    1. What might a step toward “radical generosity” look like in your life? What is God calling you to try? 

    2. What are some “small actions” (rather than big ideas) we can take that affect the larger inequitable global economic system? 

    3. How can Canadian Christians be faithful to the message of Jesus in using our wealth? 

 

Missed this week's sermon? Watch it here!

 

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