James 5- Warning to The Oppressors

Sermon Reflections from Warning to Oppressors | Alex Hardt | July 30, 2023

In this week's sermon reflection, I would like to it be your response to the message. 
So, I have provided little bits and pieces from the message along with a few interactive components.  My hope is that it gives you, the listener, a chance to reflect on the message.  

POINT 1
YOUR WEEPING AND GROANING…
REVEALS TO THE WORLD WHAT YOUR SOWING. 

James 5:3 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. 

In Verse 3 James states that the corrosion of Gold and Silver affects the WEALTHY and POWERFUL in two ways. 
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First, it testifies AGAINST them, producing evidence of their greed and lack of concern. Take time to reflect on these questions.  What is God Saying to You and What are you going to do about it.  

• Do YOU have trouble letting go of objects? … 
• Are their things that YOU quarrel over? Lost relationships because of…
  
• Do YOU hold onto things as though they will be WITH YOU for all of eternity? … 
• Has the possession of an object EVER interfered WITH your relationship WITH the heavenly father? …
  
  

Second, James says it will consume their flesh as fire, a terrible image of divine judgment on those WHO had made money their chief aim in life.

• What good is it to gain the whole world BUT to lose YOUR Soul? …
• Is the allure of Money or Power a higher priority THAN your relationship with God?
  
• Think about it for a second… How much time are YOU spending investing in your Eternal life VERSUS your worldly life? 
  

POINT 2
YOUR PATIENCE AND ENDURANCE…
REVEALS YOUR TRUST IN GOD’S PERSEVERANCE.

In James 6:7-12, James redirects his focus to PATIENCE AND ENDURANCE in the Midst of Suffering.  While all of us need Patience and Endurance, there are particular times when we need a bit more patience.  

WHEN CIRCUMSTANCES ARE UNCONTROLLABLE
James 5:7 Be patient, then, brothers and sisters, until the Lord’s coming. See how the farmer waits for the land to yield its valuable crop, patiently waiting for the autumn and spring rains.
How do you respond when circumstances are uncontrollable?

WHEN PEOPLE ARE UNCHANGEABLE
James 5:10 Brothers and sisters, as an example of patience in the face of suffering, take the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord.
What's the most difficult thing about dealing with stubborn people?

WHEN PROBLEMS ARE UNEXPLAINABLE
James 5:11 As you know, we count as blessed those who have persevered. You have heard of Job’s perseverance and have seen what the Lord finally brought about. The Lord is full of compassion and mercy.
What is your initial response when problems frustrate you or are unexplainable?

POINT 3
THE POWER OF PRAYER…
LEADS BELIEVERS, IN BOTH DARKNESS AND SUNSHINE, TO A CONSCIOUSNESS OF GOD. 
How do you respond in times of Darkness/Trouble and in Times of Sunshine/Joy?  

What would it look like to glorify God in those situations? How would glorifying God look different in times of darkness than in times of sunshine? 
 

SERMON LINK
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