Summary: This message focuses on materialism and where your focus lies when it comes to money.

Kenton Beshore is Executive Producer of the small group curriculum Liquid, a new revolutionary video-based resource for small groups and church-wide campaigns. Visit www.experienceliquid.com to learn more.

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WHERE IS YOUR FOCUS?

James 5:1-12

It isn’t money that makes you feel like a million 5:1-6

• Worthless wealth v. 1

• Hoarding, wasting and judgment vv. 2-3

• Unfair gain v. 4

• Luxury and self-indulgence v. 5

• Injustice v. 6

What do you believe . . . managing the money monster

• Earning

“But those who won’t care for their relatives, especially those in their own household, have denied the true faith. Such people are worse than unbelievers.” 1 Timothy 5:8

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• Budgeting

“Good planning and hard work lead to prosperity, but hasty shortcuts lead to poverty.” Proverbs 21:5

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• Generosity

“Honor the Lord with your wealth and with the best part of everything you produce. Then he will fill your barns with grain, and your vats will overflow with good wine.” Proverbs 3:9-10

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True wealth . . . what brings true happiness?

• Money . . . the lottery

• Patient endurance

True wealth . . . patient endurance 5:7-12

• Courageous patience vs. getting even vv. 7-8

• Courageous patience in God’s family v. 9

• Perseverance–crashing through the quitting points vv. 10-11

• Telling the truth v. 12

“But I say, do not make any vows! Do not say, ‘By heaven! . . . By the earth!’ . . . Just say a simple, ‘Yes, I will,’ or ‘No, I won’t.’ Anything beyond this is from the evil one.” Matthew 5:34-35,37

Get the picture?

• Believe

• Embrace patient endurance

• Persevere