James 4:13-17 v. 13. Who is he talking about? Merchants, probably wealthy. Is it wrong to plan? Is it wrong to make money? - No Their sin is not planning or making money, but an arrogant attitude toward God. Self-confident, self-reliant: where/when they will go, how long they will stay

vv. 14-15 James’ Recalibration of the Arrogant 1. Your knowledge is lacking (14a) a. You don’t know what tomorrow brings 2. Your life is short (14b) a. It is like a short-lived mist 3. Your life is under the Lord’s will (15) a. His knowledge is endless b. His life is eternal

Your knowledge is lacking Do not boast about tomorrow, for you do not know what a day may bring. Pro 27:1

Your life is short; live wisely So teach us to number our days that we may get a heart of wisdom. – Ps 90:12

And he said to them, "Take care, and be on your guard against all covetousness, for one's life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions." – Luke 12:15

v. 15b. “If the Lord wills” - not a formula, but a humble recognition that your days are given by the Lord’s will. Your life, breath and everything else is in his hands.

v. 16. This lack of acknowledgement of God is arrogant “boasting”.

v. 17. Sins of omission are as real and serious as sins of commission. - Lk 19:11-27 – the wicked servant is given money by his master but buries it instead of using it to grow wealth - Mt 25:31-46 – the cursed fail to care for the outcasts and are themselves cast out We must live generously with our time, money, and possessions and use them to care for others, especially the poor. Don’t waste your life chasing stuff. Give to the poor. Spend time with lonely. Care for the sick and helpless. James 5:1-6 v. 1. Who are the rich? Probably not believers – warnings of unabated judgement - wealthy land owners, ruthless to workers, live in luxury, unjust to powerless.

They are not condemned for wealth, but for selfish, sinful use of power. John Calvin: James’ encouragement for Christians 1. Don’t envy the rich 2. God will avenge the wrong they’ve suffered at the hands of the elites

Prophet’s warning: weep, howl, miseries of God’s judgments are coming. Jesus warned that it is very hard for a rich man to enter heaven. (Mt 19:23)

vv. 2-3. 1. Earthly wealth is perishable 2. Its decay testifies against the wealthy 3. Hoarding will lead to judgment

v. 3b. “You have laid up treasure in the last days.” 1). They hoard up wealth. They don’t know they are storing up judgment against themselves.

v. 4. 2). They defrauded their workers. The Lord of hosts - all created beings and forces are under the dominion of Yahweh, who made and maintains them – the commanding power of God.

Lord tsebha'oth – from A Mighty Fortress Is Our God Did we in our own strength confide, Our striving would be losing; Were not the right Man on our side, The Man of God’s own choosing: Dost ask who that may be? Christ Jesus, it is He; Lord Sabaoth His Name, From age to age the same, And He must win the battle.

v. 5. In luxury – especially selfish. 3). They are self-indulgent – wasteful. Fattened for the day of slaughter – for God’s judgment.

v. 6. 1). They hoard their wealth. 2). They defraud workers. 3). They are self-indulgent. 4). They pervert justice.

Application: I. Your days are in God’s hands. Don’t waste your life chasing stuff. II. Guard your heart from greed, hoarding, selfish desire for more. The vaccine: don’t covet. Give generously, give regularly - time and money.