Understanding these various Biblical principles regarding wealth will enable believers to glorify God with their wealth and be blessed by God in return.  However, just as worldliness seeps into one’s life through pride, causing believers to make plans without God so to pride can cause believers to use their God-given wealth in a worldly manner.  Money is like a fire.  When appropriately used, fire is beneficial.  Heat provides heat and a means of preparing food.  However, when a fire is used carelessly or wrongly, it can destroy both life and property.  So too, money can be beneficial or harmful depending upon how it is handled.  As such, James sets for three consequences of managing one’s wealth without God — it leads to judgment, injustice, greed, and oppression.

LESSON 18: Managing One’s Wealth Without God - James 5:1-6

Psalm 119:153-160 imparts lessons about earnest prayer for God's deliverance, affirmation of His nearness, commitment to His Word, recognition of its truthfulness, desire for divine understanding, joy in His Word, dependence on His commandments, and affirmation of His faithfulness. These lessons inspire believers to seek God wholeheartedly, trust in His Word, and find joy and satisfaction in His promises, even amidst challenges and adversity.

The Word Of God Revives - Psalm 119:153-160

Transitioning to Matthew 19:13-15, the scene transitions to a new setting where children are brought to Jesus for His blessing.  This shift in focus highlights the multifaceted nature of Jesus’ ministry, encompassing both profound theological discourse and tender acts of compassion towards the marginalized and vulnerable. It illustrates Jesus’ holistic approach to ministry, embracing the intellectual and emotional dimensions of human experience and revealing His heart of love and compassion for all people, regardless of age or social status.  The theme of Matthew 19:13-15 is embracing childlike faith: lessons from Jesus' blessing.

Embracing Childlike Faith: Lessons from Jesus’ Blessing - Matthew 19:13-15

Psalm 119:161-168 imparts lessons about commitment to God's Word despite opposition, reverence for divine ordinances, prayer for understanding, affirmation of God's righteousness, trust in His faithfulness, delight in His law, remembrance of His Word, and desire for deliverance. These lessons inspire believers to remain steadfast in their faith, to honor and obey God's commandments, and to trust in His unfailing love and faithfulness, even in the midst of trials and challenges.

The Word Of God Brings Awe - Psalm 119:161-168

Transitioning from the heartwarming encounter in Matthew 19:13-15 to the subsequent interaction in Matthew 19:16-26, the readers witness a significant shift in focus.  The tender scene of Jesus blessing the children contrasts sharply with the following encounter.  In verse sixteen, a wealthy man approaches Jesus, seeking guidance on inheriting eternal life.  Unlike the children who approached Jesus with simple, humble faith, the rich young man is characterized by wealth and status. This contrast highlights the central theme of the passage: the nature of true discipleship and the radical demands of following Jesus.  The narrative underscores Jesus’ teachings on the essential qualities required to enter the Kingdom of Heaven: childlike faith, humility, and a willingness to let go of everything to follow Him.  Jesus’ response to the rich young man reveals the high cost of discipleship and challenges believers to consider the idol of wealth and true riches.

The Idol of Wealth and True Riches (Part 1) - Matthew 19:16-26

Psalm 119:169-176 imparts lessons about seeking God's attention and guidance through prayer, commitment to obedience, acknowledgment of human frailty and wandering, desire for understanding, plea for salvation, delight in God's law, and remembrance of His commandments. These lessons inspire believers to humbly seek God's wisdom and direction, to obey His commandments faithfully, and to trust in His salvation and deliverance, even in the midst of struggles and uncertainties.

The Word Of God Is Our Delight - Psalm 119:169-176

The Idol of Wealth and True Riches (Part 2) - Matthew 19:16-26

Proverbs 1:1-7 encourages believers to seek wisdom diligently, pursue understanding, embrace discipline, reverence God in all things, and guard against the folly of pride and arrogance.

Wisdom's Call - Proverbs 1:1-7

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Transitioning to Matthew 19:27-30, a pivotal moment in the Gospel narrative unfolds.  At its core, this passage challenges conventional notions of reward and redefines the concept through a spiritual lens.  Instead of focusing solely on earthly riches or temporal gains, Jesus unveils a vision of reward that transcends material wealth, promising eternal significance and divine fulfillment to those who embrace the call to discipleship.  From the disciples’ probing questions to Jesus’ illuminating responses, each element of this passage invites believers to reconsider their priorities and redefine their understanding of the rewards of discipleship.

LESSON 18: Managing One’s Wealth Without God - James 5:1-6

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