#BibleStudy Expressions of Faith: James 1. Counter-Culture Thinking


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 wildflower. 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.
James 1:9-11
Jews in James’s day held the misguided belief all too common today. 
The “prosperity gospel” in part emphasizes a connection between the wealth of an individual and her/his relationship with God. 
  • Lots of wealth shows God’s blessing.
  • Poverty shows a poor relationship with God.

Job is the poster child for the prosperity Gospel. 
  • Substantial wealth and “everybody loves him.” 
  • Series of disasters. Even his closest friends blame him for moving away from God.
  • In the end, Job 42:19:

“After Job had prayed for his friends, the Lord restored his fortunes and gave him twice as much as he had before.”

Jews admired the Rich Young Ruler’s outward displays of piety.
But Jesus' last words about this man in Mark 10:23 are
And Jesus, looking around, said to His disciples, “How hard it will be for those who are wealthy to enter the kingdom of God!”

What’s your life focus?

Are you striving to be happy through success and wealth?
If so, it’s time to go counter-cultural and focus on 
  • Loving your enemies.
  • Treating all people as you want to be treated.
  • Helping widows, orphans, and others in need.

Jesus' Gospel is all about serving others. He makes that clear a the end of the parable of The Good Samaritan in Luke 10:30-37. 

“Which of these [Priest, Levite, Samaritan] do you think was a neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of robbers?”
The expert in the law replied, “The one who had mercy on him.”
Jesus told him, “Go and do likewise.” (Verses 36-37)

Express Your Faith this Week
  • Pray every day. Ask God to help you see physical, emotional, and/or spiritual needs in those around you.
  • Think. Read all the beatitudes in Matthew 5 every day. Concentrate on the meaning of one or two verses each day. 
  • Do. Write a bullet point list about what God is saying to you through two or three insights into making your lifestyle more counter-cultural for Him you had while reading and thinking about the Beatitudes.


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