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Pastor Lud Golz
Pastor Lud Golz

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  Home | Transcript Archive | March | March 23, 2021

Tuesday, March 23, 2021

As we continue our study of the book of James in the New Testament I’d like to look at what James says about the rich and the poor in his audience.  Jesus said in the Gospels, “The poor you will always have with you.”  It’s also true that some will always be better off than the majority.  This often creates problems in society.  It also creates problems in the church.  What can the church do to mitigate this issue? 

First, let’s collect the references in James on this topic.  James refers to this in chapters 1:9-11, 2:1-13, and 5:1-6.  When I reflected on what I found I began correlating the information under three headings: Equality, Impartiality and Accountability.  Then I amplified these points with sub-points. 

Under equality I put what James said in 1:9-11.  In these verses he encourages the poor to consider their high position once they trust in Jesus Christ as their Savior.  Through this relationship they become fellow heirs with Jesus Christ.  They belong to the family of God.  In other words, they are wealthy.  They have a high position, and there is a legitimate pride they should have because of this. 

The rich on the other hand should take pride in their low position.  They need to realize that their earthly wealth is not permanent.  It’s not something they should rely upon.  It’s not what gives them value.  It will pass away like a wild flower. 

What James is saying is that within the family of God there is equality between believers no matter what their bank account or position in life might be.  This is foundational to the rest of what James says on this issue.

 

 

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