LIVING FOR GOD IN 2020
JAMES 4:6-10 Part 3
“SUFFERING ‘FITS’ OF HUMILTY UNTIL HUMILITY FITS”
James uses the aorist imperative, in calling us back to New Covenant renewal. He is asking us to apply a variety of principles, from verses 6-10. In ten imperatives, he sets forth seven very important principles which are necessary for our spiritual growth.
HE GIVES MORE GRACE…
1. The Principle of Realignment- v. 7 SUBMIT YOURSELVES TO GOD
2. The Principle of Resistance- v. 7 RESIST THE DEVIL
3. The Principle of Response- v. 8 DRAW NEAR TO GOD
4. The Principle of Removal - v. 8 CLEANSE YOUR HANDS
5. The Principle of Renewal- v.8 PURIFY YOUR HEARTS YOU DOUBLE-MINDED
Having singular hearts to the glory of God. Both James 1:15 and 4:1-4 are in the context of asking God for help and sustenance.
Purify your hearts- Psalm 86:11- “Give me an undivided heart that I may fear your name”.
What causes our hearts to be impure? Sitting on the fence- double-minded James 1:6-8; 4:1-3
HUMILITY IS SUCH A HARD THING – Yet the condition to this needed grace is humility, and from it alone flows the principles set forth. The greatest obstacle to obtaining God’s grace is PRIDE. God sets himself against the proud, anywhere, anytime and anyone.
ONLY AT THE CROSS- The Apostle Paul’s seven key words… (not theological for Paul, but personal)
EFFECT-1 Cor.1:17 POWER-1 Cor.1:18 OFFENSE- Gal.5:11
GLORY-Gal. 6:14 RECONCILE-Eph.2:16 PEACE- Col.1:20 SHAME-Phil. 3:18
WHAT DOES A PURIFIED HEART LOOK LIKE?
Grateful- Gratefulness tends to crowd everything else out, it doesn’t share space.
Gracious- It lights up all the “just as” passages regarding true emulation, and not mimicking.
Generous-Materially, socially and spiritually