Check the Events Page for What is Happening (not everything is listed here) (waterschurch.org/events)

All Locations:

Please check your email for a Life Group Leader Challenge that was sent out on October 29.  This challenge is for you to offer any member of your group that you feel should be leading a group.  

This challenge is two-fold as it will help leaders understand and navigate the apprenticeship process and it will encourage members to step out in faith knowing that they will have concrete tools to guide them as they lead their group.

**************

NEW ENGLAND: UPCOMING CONCERT – TAYA

Reminders:

✳ Please regularly check your Planning Center profiles for requests to join your life groups, remove members from the list that no longer attend, or add members not listed. Please ensure that you have added no-reply@churchcenter.com to your email contacts so that you do not miss an email from Planning Center and encourage your members to do so as well.  This will ensure you do not miss a member request or any emails that come from the Planning Center site. Thank you!

Waters Class Schedule:

• 1st Sunday: Discover Waters – after 1st service
• 2nd Sunday: NO CLASSES
• 3rd Sunday: Connect Class – after 1st service
• 4th Sunday: Baptism Class – after 1st service

Waters Help: Need marriage and family care  or have a group member in need of marriage and family care?   Click here:  help resources page  or visit waterschurch.org/help

Location Text Alerts:

Key Verse: James 5

Ice breaker:

Q. What’s the most unusual thing you’ve ever spent money on, and do you think it was worth it?

Opening Prayer:

Heavenly Father, we thank You for bringing us together. As we dive into Your Word, open our hearts and minds to understand how to use the resources You’ve given us wisely. Help us to discern the dangers of wealth and learn to use it for Your glory. In Jesus’ name, amen.

——

No matter where you read in the Bible, you will eventually get to a passage about money.

Money can Blind our hearts or Benefit the world.

The words in James 5 are the strongest against a particular group of people in James’s audience in this entire letter.  It is not without intention, for this passage deals with a person’s attitude towards money.

Discern the DANGER of Riches:

1. The Delusion of the Mind. 

James 5:1 (ESV)

Wealth creates an illusion of safety and control. But James shatters this illusion—money won’t save you from the miseries of life or God’s judgment.

James describes in this verse a portion of his audience that is ignorant of the dangers of money.  

Proverbs 18:11 (ESV)

How easily money takes hold of our hearts, making us feel that we have made it or have some measure of eternal security.

Wealth comes from God.

Deuteronomy 8:17-18 (ESV)

Q.  How does wealth or the pursuit of wealth sometimes create a false sense of security in life?

Practical Application: Spend time this week listing areas where you rely on financial stability rather than God. Pray over those areas and ask for trust in His provision.

2. The Deterioration of the Flesh

James 5:2 (ESV)

James talks about two areas of deterioration regarding wealth and riches:

• The inevitable physical loss as things deteriorate over time.
• The spiritual corrosion that wealth can bring to the heart.

Proverbs 23:4-5 (ESV)

James 5:3 (ESV)

Q. Why do you think the Bible emphasizes the temporary nature of wealth?

Practical Application: Simplify your life by identifying one possession you no longer need and donating it to someone in need or a charitable organization.

3. The Denunciation of the Soul

James 5:4 (ESV)

James makes it clear he is talking to rich people who became wealthy through exploitation and unfair business practices.

If there is one sin the Old Testament repeatedly condemns, it is the financial exploitation of the poor.

Leviticus 19:13 (ESV)

Jeremiah 22:13 (ESV)

Proverbs 22:22-23 (ESV)

James knew the Old Testament.  He knew these and many other severe warnings concerning defrauding your neighbor.

They were not getting away with it.  They were condemned and awaiting judgment.

Q. How can unethical practices with money affect your relationship with God and others?

Practical Application: Reflect on your financial dealings. If you’ve been unfair or dishonest in any area, take steps to correct the situation.

Practice the Proper Use of Money

James 5:7a (ESV) Be patient, therefore..

1. Patiently invest over time.

James 5:7 (ESV); Proverbs 13:11 (ESV)

Every time I get paid, I take a test.

How can I properly invest? Winning Souls.

Luke 16:9 (ESV)

Q. What does “invest patiently” financially and spiritually mean, and how can we balance these priorities in daily life?

2. Prioritize character over capital.

James 5:8 (ESV)

Establish your inner person in your financial life.

Here is what Jesus says about money.  Who you are is who you are, no matter the amount.

Luke 16:10-11 (ESV)

Money does not change who you are; it reveals who you are.

That is why God wants us to develop character before chasing wealth.

It is why the Tithe is so essential. Tithing is not about losing money but declaring that God owns all you have.  It is a test of your heart and a step of faith.

Proverbs 22:1 (ESV)

Q. How does the way we handle money reflect the character God is building within us?

3. Pursue contentment.

James 5:9 (ESV)

We often measure our net worth or seeming net worth against others.

You have to learn that God is writing your story differently than others.

Be happy with what you have.  Don’t be angry with what other people have.

Q. How can focusing on God’s unique plan for our lives help us find contentment instead of comparing ourselves to others?

4. Persevere through trial.

James 5:10-11 (ESV)

Q. How can trials with finances strengthen your faith?

Practical Application:

This week, create a budget that includes financial savings and spiritual investments, such as tithing, supporting missions, or giving to someone in need. Reflect on your financial decisions and choose one area to practice integrity and faithfulness as an act of worship. Spend time each day thanking God for three blessings that money can’t buy. When facing financial challenges, commit to praying daily for wisdom and trust in His provision. Journal how God works through your finances and share your testimony to encourage others.

Sermon in a sentence:

Money can DECEIVE the heart or SERVE God’s work—don’t let it MASTER you; use it to make an ETERNAL impact.

Key Takeaways:

1. Money can blind our hearts or benefit the world—we must choose wisely.
2. Wealth is temporary; character and faith endure forever.
3. Patient and faithful stewardship leads to eternal impact.

Scripture for Meditation:

Matthew 6:33 (ESV):” But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.”

Closing Prayer:

Lord, thank You for reminding us of the purpose of wealth and how it can either deceive or serve Your kingdom. Help us to be wise stewards of all You’ve entrusted to us. May our hearts always seek contentment in You, not in material possessions. Empower us to make an eternal impact through what You’ve provided. In Jesus’ name, amen.