The Snare of Wealth Jeremy Bell James 5:1-6 I. The Pronouncement of Judgment 1. The selfish stockpiling of wealth (verses 2-3) 2. Wealth gathered by fraud (verse 4) 3. A lifestyle of self-indulgence (verse 5) 4. Oppression of the Righteous (verse 6) II. Application 1. Check your heart – beware of the snare of wealth 2. Lay up your treasure in heaven, not on earth 3. Actively proclaim the only true Treasure, the everlasting Christ! Questions for Discussion/Application: *Re-read the text, James 5:1-6. What initial insights and observations do you have from reading this passage? *Money in and of itself is not evil. However, as Jeremy said, it can be a snare to us. In what ways can a desire for wealth become a snare? What temptations tend to accompany wealth? In what ways can be be tempted to find our hope and security in money? *What does it look like for us practically to lay up treasure in heaven and seek first God’s kingdom when it comes to our finances? *When it comes to generous giving, how do we balance both biblical principles of prudence/planning and lavish generosity (2 Cor 8:1-5)? *Consider playing this video clip by Randy Alcorn on generous giving. How does what Alcorn says here encourage or challenge you? *Consider taking time to pray, asking God to help each us to not put our hope and trust in money or in things money can buy, but in God alone.