See: http://www.globalissues.

org/article/26/poverty-facts-and-stats

James 1:9-11
- The word “glory” or “rejoice” means to boast or make joy. Why and how does a poor or
rich man do this?
- Phil. 4:11-12 “the secret” of contentedness

James 2:5-7
- Why are the poor of this world rich in faith?
- See I Cor.1:26-27 “Foolishness”
- Matt. 5:3 “blessed are the poor in spirit”
- Do you think that because weʼre in the fairly affluent culture that weʼre in, faith is more
difficult?
- vs. 6-7, “when you despise the poor man, you are behaving like the unsaved rich
people.”

James 5:1-6

- See the accusations in vs. 4-6. Do they apply to us as wealthy Americans?

- How do we hoard our riches?
- See Luke 12:15. What does Jesus mean by “forms of greed” in Luke?

TITHE:
Traditionally, 10% of the first-fruits.

Biblical Roots:
Traditional middle eastern custom
Genesis 14:18-20 Abraham gives a tenth of all his possessions to Melchizedek
Genesis 28:22 Jacob vows a tenth to God in turn for Godʼs protection
Nehemiah 10:35: 1/10 went for the priestsʼs sustenance, 9/10 went to provide food at
“refuge cities” scattered throughout Israel that were for Levites and those seeking
mercy. (Joshua 21:8)
1 Cor. 9:13 - those who proclaim the gospel make their living from the gospel

- Why would we want to tithe?

- Who should we tithe to?
- How should we not tithe? See Matt. 6:2-4, Luke 11:42 “woe to you”