Psalm 145:1 - 4
James 5:1 - 6
Poverty (Example: a family in Bangladesh living in a building similar to what a garden shed is in Australia.)
The COVID Pandemic has exacerbated extreme poverty.
Before COVID, Western Countries represented 20% of the world's population, but used 80% of the resources.
vs 1
Including average Australians.
James is sending a warning to all who would misuse the gift of wealth.
Don't look to wealth for security.
Deuteronomy 8:11 - 18
Heed the warning. Remember it is God who provides.
It is not appropriate to place our security in our wealth.
Saving becomes hoarding when it is exercising our own sovereignty and financial independence so that God doesn't have to come through for us.
Savings and Insurance are not a God substitue.
vs 4 - 6
Do I love money or people?
A call to use our wealth generously.
3) Use money generously.
Our money, but we have to use it for God's purposes.
The full generosity of God: Jesus has gone to the Cross and paid our debt of sin in full.
Today's money will be worthless when Christ returns, so we should spend our time accumulating the kind of treasure that will be worthwhile in God's eternal kingdom.