“Our True Net Worth” (James 1:9–11)

“Our True Net Worth” (James 1:9–11)
^{Cameron Jungels/Eastside Baptist Church/Sunday AM, June 7, 2015}


James 1:9–11 (NIV)
⁹ Believers in humble circumstances ought to take pride in their high position. ¹⁰ But the rich should take pride in their humiliation—since they will pass away like a wild flower. ¹¹ For the sun rises with scorching heat and withers the plant; its blossom falls and its beauty is destroyed. In the same way, the rich will fade away even while they go about their business.


1.    Less money does not mean less status in the family of God (v. 9).

⁵² He has brought down rulers from their thrones but has lifted up the humble.  ⁵³ He has filled the hungry with good things but has sent the rich away empty. (Lk. 1:52-53, NIV)

He mocks proud mockers but shows favor to the humble and oppressed. (Prov. 3:34, NIV)

The lowly he sets on high, and those who mourn are lifted to safety. (Job 5:11, NIV)

You save the humble but bring low those whose eyes are haughty. (Psalm 18:27, NIV)

"Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. (Matt. 5:3, NIV)

Looking at his disciples, he said: "Blessed are you who are poor, for yours is the kingdom of God. (Lk. 6:20, NIV)

Listen, my dear brothers and sisters: Has not God chosen those who are poor in the eyes of the world to be rich in faith and to inherit the kingdom he promised those who love him? (Jas. 2:5, NIV)

²³ This is what the LORD says: "Let not the wise boast of their wisdom or the strong boast of their strength or the rich boast of their riches,  ²⁴ but let the one who boasts boast about this: that they have the understanding to know me, that I am the LORD, who exercises kindness, justice and righteousness on earth, for in these I delight," declares the LORD. (Jer. 9:23-24, NIV)

2.    More money does not equal more status in the family of God (vv. 10–11).

²³ This is what the LORD says: "Let not the wise boast of their wisdom or the strong boast of their strength or the rich boast of their riches,  ²⁴ but let the one who boasts boast about this: that they have the understanding to know me, that I am the LORD, who exercises kindness, justice and righteousness on earth, for in these I delight," declares the LORD. (Jer. 9:23-24, NIV)

¹⁷ Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment.  ¹⁸ Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share.  ¹⁹ In this way they will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life. (1 Timothy 6:17-19, NIV)

⁶ A voice says, "Cry out." And I said, "What shall I cry?" "All people are like grass, and all their faithfulness is like the flowers of the field.  ⁷ The grass withers and the flowers fall, because the breath of the LORD blows on them. Surely the people are grass.  ⁸ The grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of our God endures forever." (Isa. 40:6-8, NIV)

¹⁵ The life of mortals is like grass, they flourish like a flower of the field;  ¹⁶ the wind blows over it and it is gone, and its place remembers it no more. (Psalm 103:15-16, NIV)

¹⁶ Do not be overawed when others grow rich, when the splendor of their houses increases;  ¹⁷ for they will take nothing with them when they die, their splendor will not descend with them.  (Psalm 49:16-17, NIV)

 
Main Idea: Both the poor and the rich need to view themselves as God does, not as the world does. Our true status in life is not determined by how much is in our bank account.

We need to view ourselves as God does, not as the world does.