James (W10D2) Hoarders
Week 10. Tuesday: Hoarders
PRAY: Ask God to speak to you from His Word.
READ: James 5
2 Your wealth has rotted, and moths have eaten your clothes. 3 Your gold and silver are corroded. Their corrosion will testify against you and eat your flesh like fire. You have hoarded wealth in the last days.
UNDERSTAND: get a deeper understanding of the key words
Begin by underlining nouns with a single line, double underline verbs, and circle descriptive words.
Make a list of the keys words/phrases and think about what they mean.
Snapshot: The first major warning issued is the danger of hoarding wealth. James is clear: when money and possession are stored they will lose value (rotted, eaten, corroded). What we have is meant to be used. This verse is not referring to a healthy preparation for the future through savings and investments. However, when we begin to hoard money selfishly we are simply showing that we do not trust God to provide for our needs and we lose sight of the needs of others. Jesus put it this way, “Store up for yourselves treasures in heaven where moths and vermin do not destroy and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is there your heart will be also.” This is not about money, it’s about the condition of our hearts. There is no better way to measure spiritual health than an honest look at our bank account. Our money and possessions are meant to be used to advance God’s kingdom.
APPLY: What is this passage calling me to do?
What are some dangers of hoarding, or not sharing, your money and possessions with others?
Read Matthew 6:19-21. Judging by how you spend your money where would you say you “store up treasures”?
CHALLENGE: What if you budgeted some amount of money each month just to give away? Try it. Start small. But make an effort to discuss how you will use this money to be generous to others.
PRAY: Ask God to reveal the places where you are most tempted to hoard and not share what you have. Ask Him to identify some needs of others around you.
