The Dangers of Prosperity

 Temple Baptist Church - 2-9-2022

James 5:1-6

 

Introduction:

 

A.  Though this message is to the "rich" man—and we do not have any here at Temple, which is not a bad thing because the rich normally cause internal problems within the local church—there are worthwhile applications that can be made to all of us.

B.  We live in the days of Laodicea where the goal in life is to most is to "have need of nothing."  People in our day must have more and more both saved and unsaved. 

 

1.  The world seeks this goal through 3 different approaches:

 

a) Through deceitfulness as scammers are everywhere.  We constantly get calls from impersonators who fraudulently claim to be bill collectors of sorts and are requesting personal information.  Though most people just hang up, these thieves prey on the elderly.

 

b) Through hard work and storing up—the Bible is not necessarily opposed to this approach as long as it is done rightly.  The Bible teaches that the prudent man follows the ant instead of the "grasshopper." 

 

Proverbs 6:6-8  Go to the ant, thou sluggard; consider her ways, and be wise:  (7)  Which having no guide, overseer, or ruler,  (8)  Provideth her meat in the summer, and gathereth her food in the harvest.

 

c) Through socialism which causes laziness and expectancy—welfare, Medicaid, food stamps, etc.  The Bible is clear at this point concerning those who are able to work but choose not.  Let them starve!

 

2 Thessalonians 3:10-12  For even when we were with you, this we commanded you, that if any would not work, neither should he eat.  (11)  For we hear that there are some which walk among you disorderly, working not at all, but are busybodies.  (12)  Now them that are such we command and exhort by our Lord Jesus Christ, that with quietness they work, and eat their own bread.

 

 

2.  It has also affected God's people in many ways of which we will discuss 2 ways: 

 

a) Things becomes their priority in life and outweigh spiritual things.

 

Matthew 6:24  No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon.

 

b)  Money becomes their area of trust instead of God.

 

1 Timothy 6:17  Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not highminded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy;

 

3.  It has affected preachers also: 

 

a) Their eyes are upon the finances of the church instead of trusting God to provide. 

 

b) Their eyes are upon salaries, fancy homes, expensive cars, and security.  It is hard for small churches to get pastors because they seek those churches that can immediately provide the above things.

 

1 Peter 5:2  Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight thereof, not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind;

 

c)  Their pulpits have been compromised because of the fear of losing tithers.

 

C.  Before we get to application, let us make a biblical interpretation.

 

1.  How the rich attained their riches.

 

a)  Through fraud.  Verse 4a.

 

b)  Through withholding of wages.  Verse 4b.  Labourer worthy of hire

 

c)  Through controlling the law.  Verse 6.  Lobbying.

 

2.  How the rich control their riches.

 

a)  They hoard their riches.  Verse 3.  It is not sinful to put money away for our older years, but it is sinful to do so at the cost of not taking care of family.

 

b)  They defraud their employees.  Verse 4.

 

c)  They cheat in paying their taxes.  Render unto Caesar.

 

3.  How the rich are destroyed by their riches.

 

a)   There riches disappear.  Verses 2-3.  Easy come, easy go.

 

b)  Their riches destroy their character.  Verse 3.

 

c)  Their opportunities are lost.  Verse 3.  To use what God has given them for the good of others.  To use part for brethren in need, missions, and the salvation of the lost.