Today, we see James’ harshest condemnation of the rich. It is easy for us to hear this passage as a condemnation of the church and all that the church has. But in James’s day, the church was poor. It has nothing. This is actually a condemnation of those outside the church who are persecuting the church. It’s a good reminder for us to think about what is happening in this text. But this text does force us to ask this question ourselves. Are we being good stewards of all God has given us?

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Good morning, friends. It’s good to be with you on this Monday morning as we begin our journey through the final chapter of James.

I had some great conversations yesterday at church with folks who’ve really enjoyed studying this book—and I completely agree. From start to finish, James is one of my favorite books in all of Scripture.

One reason I love it so much is because it’s so practical. In Sunday school yesterday, we were talking about how challenging it can be to interpret Scripture—figuring out when to read something metaphorically, allegorically, or literally. It can get especially tricky in books like Revelation, which—let’s be honest—we’ve been studying for what feels like a million years!

But James? James is different. He doesn’t sugarcoat things. He just says it like it is: “You show me your faith, I’ll show you my works.” There’s no fluff. It’s real and it’s direct.

Today, we’re reading James 5:1–6.

Now, back in seminary—which feels like another lifetime ago—I had to write a major exegetical paper. That’s where you dig deep into a passage: looking at its historical context, the kind of literature it is, what the author was trying to say, and how the audience would have received it.

These days, I do that same kind of study every week when I prepare sermons. And for that big seminary paper, this was the passage I chose—James 5:1–6.

One verse that’s always stayed with me is verse 6: “You have condemned and murdered the righteous one, who does not resist you.” That’s more than just a general reference to injustice—that’s a direct allusion to Jesus. It reminds us how the religious and political leaders of His day mistreated and ultimately crucified Him.

So James isn’t just calling out greed or power in general. He’s making a powerful theological statement about how the powers of the world responded to righteousness.

James also paints a vivid image of judgment. The rotted riches, moth-eaten clothes, rusted silver—all these signs point to moral decay. And the wages held back from laborers? That cries out to God, just like the Israelites cried out in Egypt.

It’s a prophetic warning. And remember—James is writing to a church that was overwhelmingly poor. Back in chapter 2, he says, “Is it not the rich who oppress you and drag you into court?”

So this isn’t primarily a warning to wealthy Christians within the church. It’s a word of judgment aimed at those outside the church who were using their power to harm God’s people.

But even so, it challenges us. Because if we’re honest, most of us today are far closer to the privileged than the poor. So we have to ask: How are we using what God has given us?

We can talk about our time and our talents—and yes, we should use those for good. But James is talking about resources. About wealth. About money and influence.

So let’s ask: Are we being generous with what we have? Are we helping others? Or are we, even unintentionally, part of systems that harm or neglect those in need?

Even if we’re not actively doing harm, James challenges us not to be complacent. One of Wesley’s key principles was, “First, do no harm.” That’s a great place to start. If we can’t do something great today, let’s at least not do harm.

So today, take a moment. Reflect on what God has placed in your hands. Your resources. Your voice. Your opportunities.

Are you being a good steward of what God’s given you? Are you using it to bless others—or are you storing it up for yourself?

God sees. God hears. And God calls us to live generously, justly, and faithfully.

Let’s be faithful stewards today. Amen.