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Scripture and questions for study and reflection:
Read James 5:1-6

1. Pastor Mick used The Message translation of \\u201carrogant rich\\u201d as a description of the people to whom James is writing. Why is the word \\u201carrogant\\u201d an important adjective for understanding this verse?

2. What were the \\u201carrogant rich\\u201d doing that has James so upset? Do these kinds of practices still occur today? If so, how and where?

3. How might James be speaking to you in this passage as well, even if you are not one of the \\u201carrogant rich\\u201d?

4. Why does James tell the \\u201carrogant rich\\u201d to weep and wail? What do they have to weep and wail about?

5. Why do you think Pastor Mick titled this sermon \\u201cFilthy Rich\\u201d? (Hint:see verses 2 & 3)

6. In the video this week, Pastor Chan says at one point, \\u201cJust read the Book.\\u201d How might \\u201creading the Book\\u201d help us stop hoarding? How might \\u201creading the Book\\u201d change our hearts and help us better understand how God wants us to live?

7. What does John 3:16 tell us about God\\u2019s nature? How \\u201cought\\u201d that influence the way we live our lives?

8. What do you think about Wesley\\u2019s advice to \\u201cEarn all you can. Save all you can. Give all you can.\\u201d? Why do you think he didn\\u2019t also say, \\u201cSpend all you can.\\u201d?

9. Pastor Mick used the phrases \\u201cReversal of Fortune\\u201d and \\u201cGrand Reversal\\u201d in today\\u2019s message. What did he mean? How are these phrases positive in some cases and negative in others? (Hint:think about repentant and unrepentant sin)

Prayer for the Week:
Gracious and loving God, we confess that we are filthy in our sin. Far too often we live more selfishly than selflessly. Forgive us, O Lord. Transform us more into the image of Jesus as we strive to submit more completely to you each and every day. Break our hearts for what breaks yours, O God. Inspire and empower us to help the least of these in our world, standing up for the oppressed and giving generously to those in need. Help us to be your instruments of justice so that people will see you through us. May all that we say and do point to you. We pray all of this in the strong name of Jesus, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, One God, now and forever. Amen.