I. EXORDIUM:
Anyone rich here? Pls raise your hands.
Have you seen a rich person?
II. AUDIENCE PROFILE:
Sitio Visaya/Villa Luisa/Waltermart
III. OBJECTIVES:
To show that being rich in this world is not the answer.
IV. TEXT:
James 1:11
For the sun rose with the hot wind and dried up the grass, and its flower fell out, and the beauty of its appearance perished; so also the rich one will fade away in his ways.
V. THESIS: Being rich is nothing to God
VI. TITLE: FALL OF THE RICH
VII. EXPLICATION:
A. Author: James, the brother of Jesus (Matthew 13:55, Mark 6:3)
Matthew 13:55 Is not this the carpenter's son? Is not his mother called Mary? And his brothers, James and Joses and Simon and Judas,
Mark 6:3 Is not this the carpenter, the son of Mary, the brother of James and Joses and Judas and Simon? And are not his sisters here with us? And they were offended at Him.
James, became a believer after resurrection. (Acts 1:14, 1 Corinthians 15:7, Galatians 1:19)
Acts 1:14 these all were continuing with one accord in prayer and supplication, with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with His brothers.
1 Corinthians 15:7 Afterward He was seen by James, then by all the apostles.
Galatians 1:19 But I saw no other of the apostles, except James the Lord's brother.
B. Date of Writing: Considered as oldest book in the New Testament. - Around 45 A.D.
C. Purpose of Writing: To build up faith of Jewish Christians scattered around all nations, more on practical applications.
D. Theme: Description of relationship between faith and works.
VIII. MAIN BODY:
A. The Rich Are Like Grass That Dries Up in the heat of the sun.
1. Grass are stepped upon .
2. Grass are killed by farmers, considered pest in the rice field.
3. Grass are pulled, thrown away and burn in the fire.
4. Grass are used to curse someone. (Psalms 129:6)
Psalms 129:6 Let them be like the grass on the housetops, which dries up before it grows up,
B. They're flower dies.
1. Flowers used to decorate, or used as decorations. (Isaiah 40:7-8)
Isaiah 40:7-8
Isa 40:7 The grass withers, the flower fades, because the Spirit of Jehovah blows on it; surely the people is grass.
Isa 40:8 The grass withers, the flower fades; but the Word of our God shall stand forever.
2. No function at all.
Illustration: Expensive flower vases, sometimes cause of accident.
C. Their Beauty Fades Away.
1. Not for permanent purpose. (Proverbs 31:30)
Proverbs 31:30 Favor is deceitful, and beauty is vain, but a woman who fears Jehovah, she shall be praised.
D. The Rich Will Die.
1. Their money can't spare them from death.
2. Money can't make you content (Hebrews 13:5)
Hebrews 13:5 Let your way of life be without the love of money, and be content with such things as you have, for He has said, "Not at all will I leave you, not at all will I forsake you, never!"
E. In the Midst Of Their Being Busy.
1. Being busy is sin (Matthew 6:33) - how can you seek if you're busy, full of work?
Matthew 6:33 But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness; and all these things shall be added to you.
2. Being busy will kill you.
3. Make time for God.
Illustration: Being invited to the church, says "I will make time for God", don't say "I am busy!"
B - Being
U - Under
S - Satan's
Y - Yoke
IX. CONCLUSION:
Challenge:
Make time for God
Come and be changed by God in His altar
