James the “How to Book”
Teachers
Lesson Summary
The class focused on James 5:1‑12, emphasizing the prophetic condemnation of the wealthy who hoard and exploit laborers. The teacher paraphrased the text, describing how riches will corrode and serve as testimony against the unjust, and urged believers to practice patience and honesty while awaiting Christ’s return. He linked the passage to the broader biblical theme that love of money is a root of many evils, referencing 1 Timothy 6:6‑10 and the Sermon on the Mount’s warning against storing earthly treasures (Matt 6:19‑21). Throughout the session, the teacher illustrated his points with cultural references, a sing‑along to the song “Money” by ABBA, and biblical case studies such as Boaz’s generosity, Naaman’s servant, and the exploitation warned in Deuteronomy 24:14‑15. Participants discussed how these ancient warnings apply today, considering modern temptations and the call to treat workers fairly. The class concluded with a collective prayer for contentment, generosity, and reliance on God’s provision rather than material wealth.
Key Scriptures
Now listen, you rich people, weep and wail because of the misery that is coming upon you. Your wealth has rotted, and moths have eaten your clothes, and your gold and silver are corroded. That corrosion will be evidence against you, and it will eat your flesh like fire. You have hoarded treasure in the last days. Look! The wages you withheld from the workers who mowed your fields are crying out against you. The outcry of the harvesters has reached the ears of the Lord Almighty. You have lived on the earth in luxury and indulgence. You have condemned and murdered the righteous man who does not resist you.
Indeed we speak with you as those who are in the presence of the Lord. For we are witnesses of the things that were spoken to you by the prophets in the book of the Lord, and we have been witnesses of how the Lord Almighty was in the time of Elijah, when the heavens were closed for three years and six months, and the drought came on the land.
Above all, my brothers, do not swear—not by heaven or by earth or by anything else. Let your yes be yes, and your no be no, so that you may not fall into judgment.