James 4:1-10
Introduction:
1. Having uprooted ignorance, pride, and faulty self-evaluations, the newly clear-eyed soul is poised to humbly submit to a new master (Matthew 6:24; Romans 6:15-23).
2. This is the necessary posture both for initial conversion and continued faithfulness.
3. James 4:1-10 highlights the battle being fought for our spirits in the spiritual realm.
Discussion:
I. The War Within (4:1-5)
A. Though dealing with conflicts among brethren here, the principles are universal.
B. Our internal battle with sin is a matter of allegiance, either to righteousness or unrighteousness (Romans 6:15-20; John 8:34; 2 Peter 2:19).
C. James evoked the image of Israel as God’s adulterous bride and His yearning to restore her to describe friendship with the world (Hosea 1-3; Jeremiah 3:8-11; Ezekiel 16).
II. The Power of Humility (4:6-8)
A. James highlighted the contrast of God’s grace to the humble (submissive) and opposition to the proud (Psalms 138:6; Proverbs. 3:34; Matthew 23:12; 1 Peter 5:5).
B. Notice the provisions involved in His grace towards the humble:
1. Satan flees when we resist him and submit to God (Matthew 4:1-11).
2. God draws near to us when we draw near to Him (2 Corinthians 6:14-7:1).
III. The Reward of Humility (4:8-10)
A. With hearts reoriented to draw near to God, sinners are now able to cleanse their hands, purify their hearts, and see worldliness for the horror it is.
B. The phenomenal reward of such humble submission is that the Creator of the universe will exalt the humble (Matthew 23:12; Luke 14:11; 18:14; 1 Peter 5:6).
Conclusion:
1. The process of conversion from sinner to saint works from the inside out.
2. Often, we focus on the symptoms of the disease (deeds) rather than the root of the disease (the heart given to pleasures).
3. If we humble the heart, we cure the disease, and the symptoms go away with it.
Further Food for Thought
1. How does this passage impact your resolve to win you daily battles with the devil?
2. Are you in any way living friendship with the world and enmity with God?
3. What things might hinder you from abandoning this friendship with the world?