No you didn’t…not again. Oh yes you did. It usually happens right after we think we have it all together. We make a commitment to the Lord, make the decision to obey, and then begin to feel a sense of self-sufficiency. Before we realize the pride that is swelling up within us, we fall into the same old sinful pattern. We are quick to notice others and judge their sins, but fail to recognize that we do the same things they do. And then, we wonder if “one little indulgence” or “one little vice” will really make a difference in our relationship with the Lord. Pride hinders us from seeing that even the smallest compromise is still a compromise and the “smallest sin” is still sin.
Humility is recognizing God's total sovereignty and willingly submitting yourself completely to Him. Godly humility acknowledges that in ourselves we have no basis for pride. Because we are created in God's image we have infinite worth and dignity in His eyes. Therefore, all that is worth bragging about is from God. In James 4 we learn that ugly pride is the source of strife and discontent. Verses 1-5 paints an unsightly picture that we most often notice in how our children respond when they desire something. However, adults show these tendencies in more vicious ways. If you disagree with that you have never been shopping on the day after Thanksgiving! Alleged mature adults push, maneuver, squabble, and fight over the latest toys for their children. It is no small wonder that children in our day have no degree of submission to authority or humility.
How bad is the sin of pride? It robs us of all God would have for us. James wrote that God resists the proud. When we operate out of pride we act against God! But when we submit to God, He gives grace. Grace to grow, grace to hear His voice, grace to enjoy His goodness, grace to triumph through trials, grace to enjoy living. Submission allows God's grace to transform us in Christ's likeness and produces gratitude and a gracious, gentle spirit.
Submission to God doesn't mean we have no responsibility for our lives. When we submit to God's sovereignty every plan and intention is trusted to His authority and power. He may choose to alter our plans to fulfill His purposes. Our wise and good God controls everything and we can trust Him completely. When we trust Him completely, we can then practice submission in other areas. Believers are called to submit humbly to governing authorities (Romans 13:1,5), and to one another (Ephesians 5:21). Wives are called to submit to their husbands (Ephesians 5:22,24). The church is called to submit to Christ (Ephesians 5:24).
Below is a reprint from the Fall 2009 Life Truths Learner Guide LIVE pages for this lesson, page 113. It is called "The 5 P's of Hearing God's Voice in Scripture" adapted from Can We Talk? Soul-Stirring Conversations with God by Pricilla Shirer and published by LifeWay Christian Resources. Review them carefully and use them to discover God's truth and submit completely to it in all things.
Position yourself to hear from God (Habakkuk 2:1). God can speak any time and anywhere, but hearing is often easier when distractions are limited.
Pore over the Scriptures and paraphrase the major points (James 1:25). When you're expecting God to speak, you cannot skim the passage.
Pull out the spiritual principles. What is God teaching? What is He revealing about Himself?
Pose the question. form a personally directed question from each spiritual principle you listed in the previous step. For example, "Does my life coincide with the message of this verse?"
Plan obedience and pin down a date (James 1:22). Plan to obey. Record the steps you can take immediately to begin responding to what God ha said to you. Follow through with actions.
BSFL Sunday School commentary for the week of November 29, 2009
Work on Your Humility James 4
Humility is recognizing God's total sovereignty and willingly submitting yourself completely to Him. Godly humility acknowledges that in ourselves we have no basis for pride. Because we are created in God's image we have infinite worth and dignity in His eyes. Therefore, all that is worth bragging about is from God. In James 4 we learn that ugly pride is the source of strife and discontent. Verses 1-5 paints an unsightly picture that we most often notice in how our children respond when they desire something. However, adults show these tendencies in more vicious ways. If you disagree with that you have never been shopping on the day after Thanksgiving! Alleged mature adults push, maneuver, squabble, and fight over the latest toys for their children. It is no small wonder that children in our day have no degree of submission to authority or humility.
How bad is the sin of pride? It robs us of all God would have for us. James wrote that God resists the proud. When we operate out of pride we act against God! But when we submit to God, He gives grace. Grace to grow, grace to hear His voice, grace to enjoy His goodness, grace to triumph through trials, grace to enjoy living. Submission allows God's grace to transform us in Christ's likeness and produces gratitude and a gracious, gentle spirit.
Submission to God doesn't mean we have no responsibility for our lives. When we submit to God's sovereignty every plan and intention is trusted to His authority and power. He may choose to alter our plans to fulfill His purposes. Our wise and good God controls everything and we can trust Him completely. When we trust Him completely, we can then practice submission in other areas. Believers are called to submit humbly to governing authorities (Romans 13:1,5), and to one another (Ephesians 5:21). Wives are called to submit to their husbands (Ephesians 5:22,24). The church is called to submit to Christ (Ephesians 5:24).