The High Cost of Selfish Living

Scripture Reading: James 5:1-11.

Memory Verse: "And that which fell among thorns are they, which, when they have heard, go forth, and are choked with cares and riches and pleasures of this life, and bring no fruit to perfection" (Luke 8:14).

Introduction: There is a poem written by Robert Southey about the Inchcape Bell in Scotland. Originally the bell was buoyed off a dangerous coastal shore. In a drunken spree a wild captain of a ship determined to harass and upset the people whose job it was to guide the ships safely into the harbor. He cut the bell from its mooring and it sank into the depths of the sea.
  Some time later the ship of that same captain was caught in a storm in that area. In vain his men listened for the guiding sound of the Inchcape bell, but they could not hear it. It was fathoms below them in the ocean's depths. As a result the ship went down with its entire crew and the captain, whose selfish living had sealed his own fate.
  Galatians 6:7 says, "Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap." If we spend our lives in pursuit of frivolity, the result will be empty, sorrowful lives of natural and moral decay. But if we spend our lives seeking the kingdom of God, we will reap rich, heavenly rewards, even gaining that which is incorruptible (in body) in the New Jerusalem, when we rule and reign with Him.

Lesson Questions:

1. What forewarning does James give to those whose riches are not in heaven? James 5:1; Deuteronomy 8:13,14; Psalm 62:10; Proverbs 28:20; Matthew 19:23,24; Mark 4:19.

2. What will happen to stockpiles of wealth gained by greed and avarice? James 5:2,3; Jeremiah 17:11; Zechariah 9:3,4; Proverbs 22:16; 11:24-28.

3. Examine Solomon's analysis of possessing great wealth and living sumptuously. Ecclesiastes 2:4-11; 1 Kings 4:22,23.

4. Describe the Lord's attitude toward those who oppress and cheat others for monetary gain. James 5:4; Proverbs 16:8; 21:6; 14:31; 28:3;
Jeremiah 22:13; Ezekiel 22:13; Leviticus 19:13; Deuteronomy 24:14; Psalm 62:10.

5. How does James describe the lifestyle of those who live by unjust gain? James 5:5,6; 2:6,7; Luke 8:14; Ecclesiastes 2:1; 8:15; Isaiah 22:13;
Amos 6:3-7; Proverbs 29:3.

6. What exhortation does James give the Christian brethren concerning the suffering they had to endure? James 5:7,8; 1:4; Luke 21:19; Romans 12:2; Hebrews 10:36; Isaiah 25:9; 1 Corinthians 15:58; 2 Peter 3:17.

7. What warning is given to help prevent a wrong reaction to suffering? James 5:9; 1 Corinthians 6:7-12; Philippians 2:14.

8. Discuss the examples of endurance shown by Job and the prophets. James 5:10,11; Ezekiel 13:13; Matthew 5:11,12; Hebrews 11:32-39.