Yep. Second Advent of Christ -- Not far off.
Rich, poor, or in between people, when a person in all honesty earnestly seeks for God considering the return of Christ, he or she will find ..and the evidence of our sure hope will show up for them. (He sought and found me when I wasn't looking).
Might want to ponder and pray about that a bit: See James 5:1-6 esv "Come now, you rich, weep and howl for the miseries that are coming upon you.
v2 Your riches have rotted and your garments are moth-eaten. v3 Your gold and silver have corroded, and their corrosion will be evidence against you and will eat your flesh like fire. You have laid up treasure in the last days.(Last days..really? Yes, the period between Christ’s first and second comings. Sounds like rich people are headed to a court date with a real Judge and the evidence against them has piled up?)
v4 Behold, the wages of the laborers who mowed your fields, which you kept back by fraud, are crying out against you, and the cries of the harvesters have reached the ears of the Lord of hosts.
(See Lev. 19:13; Deut. 24:14, 15. "Lord of Sabaoth" used here. Yes, that's an untranslated Greek term meaning “hosts.” It's a name for God used frequently in the OT)
v5 You have lived on the earth in luxury and in self-indulgence. You have fattened your hearts in a day of slaughter.
(“Pleasure” has the connotation of wanton pleasure. “Luxury” apart from God's lead goes to vice when a person becomes so consumed with their pursuit of pleasure. Beware: A life without dying to self aka self-denial soon becomes out of control in every area.)
v6 You have condemned and murdered the righteous person. He does not resist you."
(Their hoarding led em into fraud, which led em into more self-indulgence and their overindulgence consumed the rich to the point that they'd do anything just to sustain their wicked lifestyle. The Donald could resist today, but how could most righteous folk afford to resist?)
Comparatively speaking, there are not that many wealthy-saved people around us. My parents in SoCal grew up knowing several rich folk (some saved, but most not) and I have had the privilege of meeting some as well, like many of you have. Hasn't changed my life like meeting Christ did, but God cares about them too. The Bible speaks of them...
"For consider your calling, brothers: not many of you were wise according to worldly standards,[a] not many were powerful, not many were of noble birth. 27 But God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise; God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong; 28 God chose what is low and despised in the world, even things that are not, to bring to nothing things that are, 29 so that no human being[b] might boast in the presence of God. 30 And because of him[c] you are in Christ Jesus, who became to us wisdom from God, righteousness and sanctification and redemption," 1 Corinthians 1:26-30 esv
You know Jesus can save from the uttermost to the guttermost Right? It's True.
Who were the righteous-rich and wicked wealthy in the Bible? Need a list of some of them? I made one.
"For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evils. It is through this craving that some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many pangs." (1 Timothy 6:10 esv)
You know how wealth can be spiritual or material, and having wealth here can be a blessing from the Lord God to those who follow Jesus Christ and His Bible teachings.
It would appear to me that wise people are more likely to become blessed with wealth. Some fools gain some bucks by gambling but that only hurts em/more than one.
Comparatively speaking, there are not that many wealthy-saved people around us. My parents in SoCal grew up knowing several rich folk (some saved, but most not) and I have had the privilege of meeting some as well, like many of you have. Hasn't changed my life like meeting Christ did, but God cares about them too. The Bible speaks of them...
"For consider your calling, brothers: not many of you were wise according to worldly standards,[a] not many were powerful, not many were of noble birth. 27 But God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise; God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong; 28 God chose what is low and despised in the world, even things that are not, to bring to nothing things that are, 29 so that no human being[b] might boast in the presence of God. 30 And because of him[c] you are in Christ Jesus, who became to us wisdom from God, righteousness and sanctification and redemption," 1 Corinthians 1:26-30 esv
We've been in James lately, and today we'll look at some warnings regarding poor people who were wronged by the rich. Back in James' day there was a great gulf so to speak, between the rich folk and the poor folk (James 5:1–11), and “middle class folk” did not have such a prominent presence in that society.
I love how the Gospel appeals to the poor masses of people today even. God looks out for people (He did it then and will continue to), but sadly, many hardened rich folk reject Christ (yes, this is true with some exceptions) and they oppress the righteous-poor as they did in James' day.
What exactly were the sins of the rich then (See James 5:1–6). He lists several sins and shows that the rich were only preparing themselves for God's coming judgment.
1.) First, he cites them for hoarding (James 5:1–3). The rich had amassed their earthly wealth only to see it begin to fade away (it completely does that here).
The stunning gold, silver jewelry etc., and very vogue garments -- haute couture fashion of the day so to speak (look nice for a time. See Matt. 6:19–20) they would corrupt in this fallen world. The precious metals rust away like all metals -- stuff gets corroded and eaten away. Man, can't stand moths, but they have their purpose in reminding us.
An important day in court is coming! Their wealth was ill-affected, yes, their riches were.. by fading away.. and guess what! This all bore witness against their present-day selfishness and would testify against them to the Judge at His judgment bar.
The rich folk were NOT thinking or acting so smart. They'd wasted time piling, piling up, heaping up their treasures while forgetting God and “last days accountability.”
The Great White Throne Judgment is coming soon.
James might have been referring to the upcoming.. impending fall of Jerusalem as well.
2.) The second sin James cites the rich for is stealing wages (there's different ways for that. v. 4). Those rich folk put it off like many do today. They held back with paying the honest wages of the poor (see Lev. 19:13).
How? Well, they used fraud to basically steal away these wages of the poor, and their sins.. guess what - "be sure your sins will find you out"! Numbers 32:23
That's how it goes for any of us. You've heard, “Money talks!”
In my life, it often walks (away fast), but in their case, the stolen wages of the poor were crying out loudly to an all-seeing sovereign God for His justice!
Are you a needy, exploited worker as well? Like back then, the injustice cries out to God, the “Lord of Sabaoth” (v. 4) and that means: “Lord of the armies” -- that's the “battle name” of the mighty living God! You don't really want to cross, tick off, or mess with Him.
"If the Lord of hosts had not left us a few survivors, we should have been like Sodom, and become like Gomorrah." Isa. 1:9 esv
"And as Isaiah predicted, 'If the Lord of hosts had not left us offspring, we would have been like Sodom and become like Gomorrah.'" Rom. 9:29 esv
God will come down with His armies and He will judge the lost (all), even these wealthy, heartless thieves!
3.) The third sin named is extravagant living (v. 5). Certainly, God wants us to enjoy the blessings of life while here (not worship the blessings. We love the Blesser more than His blessings.
"As for the rich in this present world, instruct them not to be conceited and arrogant, nor to set their hope on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who richly and ceaselessly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. Instruct them to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous, willing to share [with others]. In this way storing up for themselves the enduring riches of a good foundation for the future, so that they may take hold of that which is truly life." 1 Timothy 6:17-19 amp
Regarding the rich: "charge them not to be haughty, nor to set their hopes on the uncertainty of riches, but on God.." 1 Tim. 6:17b esv
God does NOT WANT ANY OF OUR LIVES to be wasteful in luxurious living apart from him, especially while robbing other people in need.
Is all luxury evil for everyone all the time? No, but these rich folk were living independently of Him in continuous needless luxury and were spending wantonly, using other's money that was not rightfully theirs.
So God speaks through James! He compares those rich peeps to senseless cattle pigging out, gorging, fattening themselves. Yes, those who fed themselves without any restraint at all, little realizing that they were only being PLUMPED UP for their own day of slaughter!
Reminds me of: "'Hear this word, you cows of Bashan, who are on the mountain of Samaria, who oppress the poor, who crush the needy, who say to your husbands, ‘Bring, that we may drink!’ The Lord God has sworn by his holiness that, behold, the days are coming upon you, when they shall take you away with hooks, even the last of you with fishhooks. And you shall go out through the breaches, each one straight ahead; and you shall be cast out into Harmon,' declares the Lord." Amos 4:1–3 esv
4.) The final sin of these rich robbers was injustice (v. 6). These rich people kept taking advantage of their self-privileged power to abuse and kill the poor people and the Christians did not resist them; they prayed, but left their tough case in the hands of the only Righteous Judge (Rom. 12:17–21). This is how God feels today about such sins--he hasn't changed. His promises also remain the same!
You know Jesus can save from the uttermost to the guttermost Right? It's True.
Of course our kind heavenly Father loves all rich people (as he strongly loves all of us longing to save), so it is only fitting that our Creator would strongly CLUB between the eyes so to speak (Is that term too harsh? I mean LOVINGLY rebuke, reprove, SMACK and pointedly / directly warn) those who are stubbornly headed for the Lake of Fire cuz the tragetory of any individual is IMPORTANT! (Have you made your reservations in advance? You can, right here and now. Don't put it off, Sport). Getting our attention to help each of us seriously rethink this is not always the easiest thing for Him to do.
"Then Jesus said to His disciples, 'Truly I tell you, it is hard for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven. 24 Again I tell you, it is easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God.'" Matt. 19:23
"Then Jesus said to His disciples, 'Truly I tell you, it is hard for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven. 24 Again I tell you, it is easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God.'" Matt. 19:23
Who were the righteous-rich and wicked wealthy in the Bible? Need a list of some of them? I made one.
"For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evils. It is through this craving that some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many pangs." (1 Timothy 6:10 esv)
You know how wealth can be spiritual or material, and having wealth here can be a blessing from the Lord God to those who follow Jesus Christ and His Bible teachings.
It would appear to me that wise people are more likely to become blessed with wealth. Some fools gain some bucks by gambling but that only hurts em/more than one.
Many of the wealthy people I've met are slow to spend and are not out to impress others. They often hide it by what they wear or drive. Yes, they're far more likely to save and invest, or use their funds productively (even to help or to rescue other people)
Some rich folk, like with a non-seared conscience inside (not all rich folk by any means) desire to be justified with their unique lifestyles, and some of them want to earn or "inherit eternal life" one day. Reminds me of that young guy with bucks who sadly walked away from Jesus.
Luke 18:18-25: “And a ruler asked him, 'Good Teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?' 19 And Jesus said to him, 'Why do you call me good? No one is good except God alone. 20 You know the commandments: ‘Do not commit adultery, Do not murder, Do not steal, Do not bear false witness, Honor your father and mother.’ 21 And he said, 'All these I have kept from my youth.' 22 When Jesus heard this, he said to him, 'One thing you still lack. Sell all that you have and distribute to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me.' 23 But when he heard these things, he became very sad, for he was extremely rich. 24 Jesus, seeing that he had become sad, said, 'How difficult it is for those who have wealth to enter the kingdom of God! 25 For it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter the kingdom of God.'” (Also see Matthew 19:16-30; Mark 10:17-31)
Luke 18:18-25: “And a ruler asked him, 'Good Teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?' 19 And Jesus said to him, 'Why do you call me good? No one is good except God alone. 20 You know the commandments: ‘Do not commit adultery, Do not murder, Do not steal, Do not bear false witness, Honor your father and mother.’ 21 And he said, 'All these I have kept from my youth.' 22 When Jesus heard this, he said to him, 'One thing you still lack. Sell all that you have and distribute to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me.' 23 But when he heard these things, he became very sad, for he was extremely rich. 24 Jesus, seeing that he had become sad, said, 'How difficult it is for those who have wealth to enter the kingdom of God! 25 For it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter the kingdom of God.'” (Also see Matthew 19:16-30; Mark 10:17-31)
Is it difficult to earn salvation? Well, it simply ain't going to happen--doesn't work that way. See Luke 18:27: "But he (God the Son, Jesus) said, ‘What is impossible with man is possible with God.’”
Does God in the Bible speak a lot about rich folk?
Exodus 22:21-25: “You shall not wrong a sojourner or oppress him, for you were sojourners in the land of Egypt. You shall not mistreat any widow or fatherless child. If you do mistreat them, and they cry out to me, I will surely hear their cry, and my wrath will burn, and I will kill you with the sword, and your wives shall become widows and your children fatherless. “If you lend money to any of my people with you who is poor, you shall not be like a moneylender to him, and you shall not exact interest from him."
Proverbs 3:9-10 “Honor the Lord with your wealth and with the best part of everything you produce. Then he will fill your barns with grain, and your vats will overflow with good wine.”
Proverbs 10:22: “The blessing of the Lord makes a person rich, and he adds no sorrow with it.”
Proverbs 13:22: “Good people leave an inheritance to their grandchildren, but the sinner’s wealth passes to the godly.”
Proverbs 21:20: “The wise have wealth and luxury, but fools spend whatever they get.”
Ecclesiastes 2:8-11: “I also gathered for myself silver and gold and the treasure of kings and provinces. I got singers, both men and women, and many concubines, the delight of the sons of man. So I became great and surpassed all who were before me in Jerusalem. Also my wisdom remained with me. And whatever my eyes desired I did not keep from them. I kept my heart from no pleasure, for my heart found pleasure in all my toil, and this was my reward for all my toil. Then I considered all that my hands had done and the toil I had expended in doing it, and behold, all was vanity and a striving after wind, and there was nothing to be gained under the sun.”
Ecclesiastes 5:10-12: “He who loves money will not be satisfied with money, nor he who loves wealth with his income; this also is vanity. When goods increase, they increase who eat them, and what advantage has their owner but to see them with his eyes? Sweet is the sleep of a laborer, whether he eats little or much, but the full stomach of the rich will not let him sleep.”
Ecclesiastes 6:1-2: “There is an evil that I have seen under the sun, and it lies heavy on mankind: a man to whom God gives wealth, possessions, and honor, so that he lacks nothing of all that he desires, yet God does not give him power to enjoy them, but a stranger enjoys them. This is vanity; it is a grievous evil.”
Are those people often blessed (thinking futurewise) who opt to love their wealth? They were blessed, but no, now they're discontented inside, striving to fill that empty void, feeling like they just need a bit more to become blessed/happy.
Isaiah 10:1-3: “Woe to those who decree iniquitous decrees, and the writers who keep writing oppression, to turn aside the needy from justice and to rob the poor of my people of their right, that widows may be their spoil, and that they may make the fatherless their prey! What will you do on the day of punishment, in the ruin that will come from afar? To whom will you flee for help, and where will you leave your wealth?”
All earthly wealth WILL NOT MATTER ONE IOTA or shield a person any on the day of judgment. God judges all those who are hard-hearted inside, refusing to protect and help the poor. He loves all and wants them provided for and often not with handouts. If you own wealth, use it to glorify the Lord, having others and not just self in mind.
1 John 3:17-18: “But if anyone has the world's goods and sees his brother in need, yet closes his heart against him, how does God's love abide in him? Little children, let us not love in word or talk but in deed and in truth.”
It's great for the righteous to learn to give generously, WISELY caring for the poor (and caring about where they each will end up).
Q: If you were single (and many are near the end of their life), would it be a bad thing if you were to (financially cover your own final preparations) and then completely run out of money on that day when you pass away physically? Nope! We want Jesus to use us (to win sinners and edify believers, building up His Church) until we are right there with him.. or even further on down here with His word. Is it bad to leave an inheritance to the loved ones left behind? Not always, but sometimes it does the opposite of helping them. What or who are they currently living for? Loving money is what leads people (even a wealthy person) into sin and into more emptiness. Some have a better chance of getting right with God if they suffer or aren't rich.
Exodus 22:21-25: “You shall not wrong a sojourner or oppress him, for you were sojourners in the land of Egypt. You shall not mistreat any widow or fatherless child. If you do mistreat them, and they cry out to me, I will surely hear their cry, and my wrath will burn, and I will kill you with the sword, and your wives shall become widows and your children fatherless. “If you lend money to any of my people with you who is poor, you shall not be like a moneylender to him, and you shall not exact interest from him."
Proverbs 3:9-10 “Honor the Lord with your wealth and with the best part of everything you produce. Then he will fill your barns with grain, and your vats will overflow with good wine.”
Proverbs 10:22: “The blessing of the Lord makes a person rich, and he adds no sorrow with it.”
Proverbs 13:22: “Good people leave an inheritance to their grandchildren, but the sinner’s wealth passes to the godly.”
Proverbs 21:20: “The wise have wealth and luxury, but fools spend whatever they get.”
Ecclesiastes 2:8-11: “I also gathered for myself silver and gold and the treasure of kings and provinces. I got singers, both men and women, and many concubines, the delight of the sons of man. So I became great and surpassed all who were before me in Jerusalem. Also my wisdom remained with me. And whatever my eyes desired I did not keep from them. I kept my heart from no pleasure, for my heart found pleasure in all my toil, and this was my reward for all my toil. Then I considered all that my hands had done and the toil I had expended in doing it, and behold, all was vanity and a striving after wind, and there was nothing to be gained under the sun.”
Ecclesiastes 5:10-12: “He who loves money will not be satisfied with money, nor he who loves wealth with his income; this also is vanity. When goods increase, they increase who eat them, and what advantage has their owner but to see them with his eyes? Sweet is the sleep of a laborer, whether he eats little or much, but the full stomach of the rich will not let him sleep.”
Ecclesiastes 6:1-2: “There is an evil that I have seen under the sun, and it lies heavy on mankind: a man to whom God gives wealth, possessions, and honor, so that he lacks nothing of all that he desires, yet God does not give him power to enjoy them, but a stranger enjoys them. This is vanity; it is a grievous evil.”
Are those people often blessed (thinking futurewise) who opt to love their wealth? They were blessed, but no, now they're discontented inside, striving to fill that empty void, feeling like they just need a bit more to become blessed/happy.
Isaiah 10:1-3: “Woe to those who decree iniquitous decrees, and the writers who keep writing oppression, to turn aside the needy from justice and to rob the poor of my people of their right, that widows may be their spoil, and that they may make the fatherless their prey! What will you do on the day of punishment, in the ruin that will come from afar? To whom will you flee for help, and where will you leave your wealth?”
All earthly wealth WILL NOT MATTER ONE IOTA or shield a person any on the day of judgment. God judges all those who are hard-hearted inside, refusing to protect and help the poor. He loves all and wants them provided for and often not with handouts. If you own wealth, use it to glorify the Lord, having others and not just self in mind.
1 John 3:17-18: “But if anyone has the world's goods and sees his brother in need, yet closes his heart against him, how does God's love abide in him? Little children, let us not love in word or talk but in deed and in truth.”
It's great for the righteous to learn to give generously, WISELY caring for the poor (and caring about where they each will end up).
Q: If you were single (and many are near the end of their life), would it be a bad thing if you were to (financially cover your own final preparations) and then completely run out of money on that day when you pass away physically? Nope! We want Jesus to use us (to win sinners and edify believers, building up His Church) until we are right there with him.. or even further on down here with His word. Is it bad to leave an inheritance to the loved ones left behind? Not always, but sometimes it does the opposite of helping them. What or who are they currently living for? Loving money is what leads people (even a wealthy person) into sin and into more emptiness. Some have a better chance of getting right with God if they suffer or aren't rich.
Factoid: Most people who come to Christ do so after experiencing loss or tough times and circumstances.
1 Timothy 6:8-10: “But if we have food and clothing, with these we will be content. 9 But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation, into a snare, into many senseless and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction. 10 For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evils. It is through this craving that some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many pangs."
Mark 10:25 "It is easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God.”
Luke 18:25 "Indeed, it is easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God.”
Proverbs 11:28 "He who trusts in his riches will fall, but the righteous will thrive like foliage."
1 Timothy 6:9-10 "Those who want to be rich, however, fall into temptation and become ensnared by many foolish and harmful desires that plunge them into ruin and destruction. / For the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil. By craving it, some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many sorrows."
Luke 6:24 "But woe to you who are rich, for you have already received your comfort."
Proverbs 28:20 "A faithful man will abound with blessings, but one eager to be rich will not go unpunished."
1 John 2:15-17 "Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. / For all that is in the world—the desires of the flesh, the desires of the eyes, and the pride of life—is not from the Father but from the world. / The world is passing away, along with its desires; but whoever does the will of God remains forever."
Revelation 3:17-18 "You say, ‘I am rich; I have grown wealthy and need nothing.’ But you do not realize that you are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind, and naked. / I counsel you to buy from Me gold refined by fire so that you may become rich, white garments so that you may be clothed and your shameful nakedness not exposed, and salve to anoint your eyes so that you may see."
Psalm 49:6-7 "They trust in their wealth and boast in their great riches. / No man can possibly redeem his brother or pay his ransom to God."
Luke 12:15-21 "And He said to them, 'Watch out! Guard yourselves against every form of greed, for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions.' / Then He told them a parable: 'The ground of a certain rich man produced an abundance. / So he thought to himself, ‘What shall I do, since I have nowhere to store my crops?’"
Ecclesiastes 5:10-11 "He who loves money is never satisfied by money, and he who loves wealth is never satisfied by income. This too is futile. / When good things increase, so do those who consume them; what then is the profit to the owner, except to behold them with his eyes?"
Matthew 6:19-21 "Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. / But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. / For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also."
1 Timothy 6:8-10: “But if we have food and clothing, with these we will be content. 9 But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation, into a snare, into many senseless and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction. 10 For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evils. It is through this craving that some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many pangs."
Mark 10:25 "It is easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God.”
Luke 18:25 "Indeed, it is easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God.”
Proverbs 11:28 "He who trusts in his riches will fall, but the righteous will thrive like foliage."
1 Timothy 6:9-10 "Those who want to be rich, however, fall into temptation and become ensnared by many foolish and harmful desires that plunge them into ruin and destruction. / For the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil. By craving it, some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many sorrows."
Luke 6:24 "But woe to you who are rich, for you have already received your comfort."
Proverbs 28:20 "A faithful man will abound with blessings, but one eager to be rich will not go unpunished."
1 John 2:15-17 "Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. / For all that is in the world—the desires of the flesh, the desires of the eyes, and the pride of life—is not from the Father but from the world. / The world is passing away, along with its desires; but whoever does the will of God remains forever."
Revelation 3:17-18 "You say, ‘I am rich; I have grown wealthy and need nothing.’ But you do not realize that you are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind, and naked. / I counsel you to buy from Me gold refined by fire so that you may become rich, white garments so that you may be clothed and your shameful nakedness not exposed, and salve to anoint your eyes so that you may see."
Psalm 49:6-7 "They trust in their wealth and boast in their great riches. / No man can possibly redeem his brother or pay his ransom to God."
Luke 12:15-21 "And He said to them, 'Watch out! Guard yourselves against every form of greed, for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions.' / Then He told them a parable: 'The ground of a certain rich man produced an abundance. / So he thought to himself, ‘What shall I do, since I have nowhere to store my crops?’"
Ecclesiastes 5:10-11 "He who loves money is never satisfied by money, and he who loves wealth is never satisfied by income. This too is futile. / When good things increase, so do those who consume them; what then is the profit to the owner, except to behold them with his eyes?"
Matthew 6:19-21 "Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. / But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. / For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also."
How to be and behave around people:
James 2:1-4: “My brothers, show no partiality as you hold the faith in our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory. For if a man wearing a gold ring and fine clothing comes into your assembly, and a poor man in shabby clothing also comes in, and if you pay attention to the one who wears the fine clothing and say, 'You sit here in a good place,' while you say to the poor man, 'You stand over there,' or, “Sit down at my feet,” have you not then made distinctions among yourselves and become judges with evil thoughts?”
James 2:15-17: “'If a brother or sister is poorly clothed and lacking in daily food, and one of you says to them, “Go in peace, be warmed and filled,' without giving them the things needed for the body, what good is that? So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.”
1 Timothy 6:17-19: “As for the rich in this present age, charge them not to be haughty, nor to set their hopes on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who richly provides us with everything to enjoy. 18 They are to do good, to be rich in good works...”
Mark 4:19 "..but the worries of this life, the deceitfulness of wealth, and the desire for other things come in and choke the word, and it becomes unfruitful."
Luke 16:13 "No servant can serve two masters. Either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money."
James 2:15-17: “'If a brother or sister is poorly clothed and lacking in daily food, and one of you says to them, “Go in peace, be warmed and filled,' without giving them the things needed for the body, what good is that? So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.”
1 Timothy 6:17-19: “As for the rich in this present age, charge them not to be haughty, nor to set their hopes on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who richly provides us with everything to enjoy. 18 They are to do good, to be rich in good works...”
Mark 4:19 "..but the worries of this life, the deceitfulness of wealth, and the desire for other things come in and choke the word, and it becomes unfruitful."
Luke 16:13 "No servant can serve two masters. Either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money."
Are You Rich And Lost Or Simply Not Sure If You're Saved? Not Sure Where You Stand With God? There's Really No Crossing That Gulf aka Great Spiritual Divide After You Reach Room Temperature.
Are You Poor Comparatively? God Hasn't Forgotten About You Or What You Own Here. He Can Save And Reward The Righteous Downtrodden Or Hurting. See Luke 16:19-31
I think I'll now turn this post to purple. Why not? (Purple back in the day like i.e., with linen etc represented / depicted royalty or a wealthy status throughout the biblical narratives. Purple dye was rather expensive).
