James 5:1-6 “Rich in Stuff, Poor in Spirit”

March 22, 2026

James 5:1-6

“Rich in Stuff, Poor in Spirit”

 

Service Overview: James delivers a prophetic rebuke to the wealthy who oppress others, hoard resources, and indulge themselves. Their riches decay, their garments rot, and their wages cry out against them. Real faith uses earthly resources for Kingdom purposes, not merely for comfort, excess, or exploitation. This passage calls us to seriously examine how we steward what God has entrusted to us.

 

Memory Verse for the Week:

Proverbs 19:17 – Whoever is kind to the poor lends to the Lord, and he will reward them for what they have done.

 

Background & Miscellaneous Insights:

• The fifth chapter continues the discussion of arrogance and self-centeredness begun at 4:13. Having mentioned the haughty self-confidence of the traveling merchant (4:13-17), our author now sharply condemns wealthy landowners for their abuse of wealth and their oppression of the poor (5:1-6). (Curtis Vaughan, James, 98)
• To whom is James addressing these severe words? To Christian congregations? Or to the world at large? The answer is that he is probably addressing both, and for different reasons. His warning to rich oppressors provides an indirect encouragement to Christians who find themselves dismayed by the injustices of contemporary society. (Derek Prime, James, 136)
• The “rich” who are condemned are probably not members of the Christian community. There were some who were members who could be described as “rich”, since they are referred to in 1:9-11. Here, however, as at 2:2-6, the rich are not those within the church, and the words addressed to them are not primarily intended for their good, but rather for the benefit of the Christians who read them. (C. Leslie Mitton, The Epistle of James, 175)
• Though gold does not actually rust, this is probably James’ way of saying that those things which normally keep their value under all circumstances have, like all other possessions, become worthless. (Curtis Vaughan, James, 101)
• The day labourer in Palestine lived on the very verge of starvation. His wage was small; it was impossible for him to save anything; and if the wage was withheld from him, even for a day, he and his family simply could not eat. That is why the merciful laws of Scripture again and again insist on the prompt payment of his wages to the hired labourer. (William Barclay, The Daily Study Bible: James and Peter, 118)
• Riches in the ancient world fell mainly into three groups: foodstuffs (cf. the Rich Fool, Luke 12:18), costly garments (cf. apparel in Acts 20:33), and precious metals. James has these three groups in mind. He does not specifically mention them, but the three different kinds of destruction which he mentions as overtaking gathered wealth apply to these categories. (Mitton, James, 176)
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What warnings does James give about the spiritual dangers of wealth, and why should they matter to us?

 

1. Wealth becomes dangerous when we forget how temporary it is.

(vv. 1–3 cf. Gen 3:19; Ps 39:5–6; Prov 23:4–5; Eccl 5:10; Isa 40:6–8; 1 Tim 6:7)

James has condemned the rich for their folly in putting their trust in material wealth, which is insecure even here on earth, and is worthless in the Day of Judgement. (C. Leslie Mitton, The Epistle of James, 179)

When Jesus warns us not to store up treasures on earth, it’s not just because wealth might be lost; it’s because wealth will always be lost. Either it leaves us while we live, or we leave it when we die. No exceptions… Realizing its value is temporary should radically affect our investment strategy… According to Jesus, storing up earthly treasures isn’t simply wrong. It’s just plain stupid. (Randy Alcorn, The Treasure Principle, 13)

 

2. Wealth becomes sinful when it is hoarded instead of stewarded.

(v. 3 cf. Mal 3:8–10; Matt 25:14–30; Luke 16:10–11; 2 Cor 9:6–8; 1 Tim 6:17–19)

This passage points out that whatever we possess, we are to possess as stewards. They are not to be abused or misused, but are to be used in a positive way. (James T. Draper Jr., James – Faith and Works in Balance, 142)

James’ overall concern is with the relationship of faith to works. If a man possesses living faith in the Lord Jesus Christ and is materially wealthy, his faith will be seen in the worthwhile manner in which he uses his wealth. (Derek Prime, James, 136)

 

3. Wealth becomes wicked when it is gained by exploiting others.

(v. 4 cf. Lev 19:13; Deut 24:14–15; Prov 14:31; Jer 22:13; Amos 5:11–12; Col 4:1)

James does not condemn riches, nor does the Bible anywhere condemn those who have material possessions. Rather, the Bible condemns the ungodly way that people gain their possessions and use them. (Draper, James, 142)

 

4. Wealth becomes destructive when it is used for mere self-indulgence.

(vv. 5-6 cf. Deut 8:12–14; Prov 21:17; Eccl 2:10–11; Luke 8:14; 16:19–25; Phil 3:18–19; 1 John 2:15–17)

Nothing more clearly reveals the state of a person’s heart than his view of money and material possessions. Many who profess faith in Christ invalidate their claim to genuine saving faith through their opulent, indulgent, materialistic lifestyles—a clear indication that they serve wealth, not God (Matt. 6:24). (John F. MacArthur, James, 240)

 

Conclusion: If these are the dangers of wealth, how should disciples of Jesus handle it?

 

1. View our resources as a trust, not a treasure.

(Gen 1:28; 1 Chron 29:11–14; Ps 24:1; Matt 25:21; Luke 12:42–44; 1 Cor 4:2; 1 Pet 4:10)

Wealth is neither a sin nor a gift to be avoided. The key factor is our use or attitude to it. (Derek Prime, James, 137)

Stewardship and faithful sharing of possessions is not a scheme to raise money. It is God’s method to raise people and to build character into our lives. (James T. Draper Jr., James – Faith and Works in Balance, 143)

Hoarding, tragically, is one of the most widespread sins of our time. God entrusts believers with material goods so they may use them for His glory. Obviously, Christians are to provide for their families (1 Tim. 5:8). But beyond that, Christians’ resources are to be used to advance God’s kingdom (cf. 1 Chron. 29:3; Mark 12:42—44; Luke 6:38; 1 Cor. 16:2- 3; 2 Cor. 8:2; 9:6-7). (John F. MacArthur, James, 244)

 

2. Invest our resources in what will outlast us.

(Ps 112:5–6; Prov 19:17; Matt 6:19–21; Luke 12:33–34; 2 Cor 4:18; Heb 13:16)

When…people begin to give generously, they will enter into intense spiritual warfare. Satan knows how life transforming it is for believers to give obediently. He also knows how God uses the financial resources we give to further His work on Earth. So, using fear and covetousness, our adversary fights ferociously to cripple our giving. That is why, in the context of spiritual warfare and the armor of God, we are commanded to pray for each other (Eph. 6:18). (Rod Rogers, Pastor Driven Stewardship, 135)

He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain what he cannot lose. (Jim Elliot, journal entry, October 28, 1949)

God increases our yield so that by giving we can prove our yield is not our god. (John Piper, Desiring God, 169)

 

3. Ask ourselves, am I living for comfort or for Christ?

(Josh 24:15; Prov 21:17; Eccl 2:1–11; Matt 6:24; Luke 9:23–25; Rom 12:1–2; 2 Tim 3:1–4)

While the Bible does not discourage saving and prudential provision for one’s needs, it is dead set against the vast accumulation of self-directed wealth focused solely on perpetuating one’s own comforts and pleasures (R. Kent Hughes, James: Faith that Works, 215)

When you leave this world, will you be known as one who accumulated treasures on earth that you couldn’t keep? Or will you be recognized as one who invested treasures in heaven that you couldn’t lose? (Randy Alcorn, The Treasure Principle, 49)

 

Gospel Connection:

Jesus gave up the riches of heaven to rescue us from our poverty of sin, so that we might become truly rich in Him.

(Matt 20:28; Luke 19:10; John 3:16; 2 Cor 8:9; Phil 2:6–8; Col 1:13–14; 1 Pet 1:18–19)

After we die, God will never ask to look at the balance in our bank account. The only balance that will matter then is whether the righteousness of Christ has been credited to our account through faith in Him. (Charles R. Swindoll, James: Practical and Authentic Living, 164)

 

Spiritual Challenge Questions…

Reflect on these questions during your time with the Lord this week, or discuss with your friends, family, or Life Group.

• Why do you think James uses such strong language when talking about wealth in today’s passage?
• Have you ever been tempted to find security in money, possessions, or financial stability? What did that look like?
• What’s the difference between wisely saving and sinfully hoarding?
• How does the way we earn and use money reflect our relationship with God?
• What does it practically look like to view our resources as a trust rather than a treasure?
• In what ways can we invest our resources in things that will outlast us?

 

 

HFM @ Home

Discipleship resources from the Free Methodist and Heidelberg Catechisms, offering historic, Scripture-based teaching to help us grow in our shared faith.

 

FROM THE FREE METHODIST CATECHISM

THE NINTH AFFIRMATION: THE HOLY CATHOLIC CHURCH, THE COMMUNION OF SAINTS

When Christ was upon this earth, He called disciples to follow Him.¹⁶¹ Through these followers, whom He trained and then sent out as His apostles,¹⁶² the Lord has built His church.¹⁶³

 

One, Holy, Catholic and Apostolic

The church of Christ is divided into many denominations, and these divisions have at times caused great bitterness. But there is a unity in the church that is greater than the divisions. The church is:

• one – because the church is built on the one gospel, that of Jesus Christ¹⁶⁴
• holy – because by the merits of His blood and through His Spirit, Christ is constantly sanctifying the church to present it as a bride without blemish or stain ¹⁶⁵
• catholic – because the church catholic (meaning universal) is made up of all Christians throughout all the world and over all history.¹⁶⁶ It includes the church triumphant – the faithful who have finished their course and are now with the Lord.¹⁶⁷ It includes also the church militant –  those who continue to struggle with the powers of darkness in this present evil age¹⁶⁸
• apostolic – because the church is founded upon the teachings and work of the apostles whom the Lord commissioned and empowered to declare His gospel.¹⁶⁹

¹⁶¹ Matthew 4:19; Mark 1:17; Luke 5:10. ¹⁶² Matthew 10:1-4; Mark 3:13-19; 10:6-13; Luke 6:12-16; 10:1-12. ¹⁶³ Matthew 16:18-19; Ephesians 2:19-20. ¹⁶⁴ Acts 4:12; Ephesians 4:4-6; Galatians 1:6-9; 1 Timothy 2:5. ¹⁶⁵ Ephesians 5:24-27. ¹⁶⁶ Galatians 3:27-29; Matthew 8:11; Ephesians 2:19. ¹⁶⁷ Luke 16:22, 25; Philippians 1:23; Revelation 7:4-17. ¹⁶⁸ John 16:33; Ephesians 6:12; 2 Corinthians 4:7-12; 1 Thessalonians 3:3-4. ¹⁶⁹ Acts 2:42; 1 Corinthians 9:1, Ephesians 2:19-20; 2 Timothy 1:13-14; Revelation 21:14; Mark 3:13-14; 1 Timothy 2:7; Matthew 10:40.