Small Group Notes for 5th July 2026
N.B. Sermon can be heard via our website and YouTube channel and the Paper Service version is on our website: https://parishofmedsteadandfourmarks.co.uk/online-church/paper-services/
Read: James 5:1-6 & Matthew 6:19-34
- James uses very strong language, much like the style of an Old Testament prophet. Why do we think he speaks so harshly about this matter more than others? (See also 1 Timothy 6:6-10 & 17-19)
- There is a risk that we downplay the danger of wealth – in what way is that so true in our age?
- James highlights four areas of danger, see below. How do we see these in our society, and our own hearts?
- Hoarding, holding to on to what we see as ours. (See Luke 12:16-21)
- Fraudulence, or simply a failure to pay our way. (See Leviticus 19:9-13 and Jeremiah 22:13)
- Indulgence, pandering to self without a care for others. (See Luke 16:19-31)
- Betrayal or putting money before people. (See Matthew 26:13-15)
- How can we avoid loving the wrong things?