I think "it" brain rivals Chemo brain...sermon post...James 5:1-6

 


Not so flattering picture of me (I am dealing with "it" at the moment) but it is a grand flag.  Don't tell my dad but this is his birthday present for making it 91 years!  It is completely made in the USA and I am sure he will love putting it out each day, weathering permitting, at his mobile in Florida.  He served in the Navy and the Marines and I couldn't think of a better way to start the post with than a reminder of those who serve us in this way.  My heart breaks for families who have gotten news of their soldier's ultimate sacrifice this last week and also for those who are searching for ways to get their loved ones home.  It makes "it" seem like nothing in the scope of things.


This is the company and this is one quality flag.  The pole is white ash from Vermont.  Not sponsored by them or anyone but check them out if you are looking to replace your flag.  https://www.showallegiance.com/ I am looking forward to presenting it to him on behalf of myself and my brothers.

I have preached through cancer and today took me back to those days.  Knowing the text but putting it together to communicate it was difficult.  I don't blame anyone for shutting it off after a few minutes because I'm just hanging in there.  I feel a little guilty attempting it because God's word deserves our best.

James speaks to those who think they can just move on rather than repent of sin.  They make plans that don't include God.  James corrects their diversion and brings them back to come face to face with their boasting.

James now addresses those who think that sin doesn't touch them because they have plenty of resources.  This diversion from addressing the sin with repentance leads to sin upon sin.  Hoarding food, clothing and money leads to using others by cutting corners; leads to ignoring others by heaping pleasure upon pleasure; and finally to attacking others by using the courts to get what is theirs.  

James finishes this section with introducing us to the righteous one who does not resist in comparison to the rich who does not submit.  A great passage to read with James 5:1-6 is 1 Timothy 6:17-19.  One shows the wrong to do with our riches and one shows the right.

Probably most challenging for myself in this sermon was the definition of who is rich.

Poor = those with less than what they need to live

Sufficient = those with what they need to live

Rich = those with more than what they need to live

Oh no...if we are reading this, then we are probably in the rich category.  It doesn't matter how much more you have then you need to live.  You have additional resources that need God's guidance otherwise you will do the same as some of James' audience.  You will start hoarding.  To keep hoarding you will look for ways to cut corners to keep more the of the pie; to keep more of the pie you will ignore those in need around you so you can heap self-pleasure upon self-pleasure; and to keep comfy you will demand what is yours!  

It really makes me evaluate what I have and how I am using it for God's glory, and especially the more than what I need to live.  

Adam


 

A simple man serving a great God and the local pastor of Stillwater Community Chapel (stillwater-chapel.org). We are in our 38th year of full time ministry. God directed us to this local body of believers on the Western Range of the Rockies to grow with them in mission and mindedness of Christ.

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