Rotted Treasure (James 5:1-6 | Malachi 3:1-5)

The love of money makes us treasure what doesn’t last and oppress people God calls us to care for.

I. The Misery of Earthly Treasure (5:1-3)

A. Coming Misery (5:1)

B. Treasure That Condemns (5:2-3)

II. The Luxury of Rich Defrauders (5:4-6)

A. Landowning Defrauders (5:4)

B. Self-Indulgent Murderers (5:5)

C. He Became Poor

D. A Meal for the Harvesters

Discussion Starters

1. Monday—Do you ever try to wiggle out of passages like James 5:1-6? Why or why not? Discuss why this text is applicable to both people outside and inside of the church.

2. Tuesday—Why does James call for the rich to weep and howl? Do you think James is condemning everyone who is wealthy? If not, who or what is he condemning?

3. Wednesday—Discuss what the treasure of the rich are like. Why is it foolish to hoard them? What kinds of treasures are you laying up for yourself?

4. Thursday—Discuss what it looks like to be self-indulgent and live in luxury. Do you have to be rich to be greedy and commit injustice? James tells us that the Lord of Hosts hears the cry of the oppressed, how does that give us hope?

5. Friday—Who is the righteous person that the rich has condemned and murdered? How does God bring good news out of the oppression of the righteous?