Subjection to God

(#1063, Imperial, 1964)

Read James 4:7-10.

ƒ      Submission, v7,10.

w    Therefore. God refuses the proud, but gives grace to the humble.  Therefore submit to God.

w    Submission. This is a "warfare" term.  We submit as a soldier to his captain, as good soldiers to Christ.  We owe submission because of the many things He has done for us.

w    Examples of submission.

    1.  Job, Job 1:21.

    2.  Shadrach, Meshach, Abednego, Daniel 3:16-18.

    3.  Paul, Rom. 12:1-2.

    4.  The Lord Jesus (in the garden).

w    Submission includes...

    5.  Acquiescence to His plan of salvation.

    6.  Obedience to His Law.

    7.  Acceptance of His dealings in providence.

ƒ      Elements of character which enter into submission, v7-9.

w    Resist the Devil.  The Devil seeks to destroy submission.  We resist, remembering "greater is He that is in you than he that is in the world" (1 John 4:4).  From Eph. 6:10...

    1.  Be strong in the Lord.

    2.  Put on the whole armor.

    3.  Stand!

w    Draw nigh to God, v8.  There is nothing God delights in more than constant fellowship with His child.  Satan flees when he sees the weakest Christian on his knees.  How do we draw nigh to God?

    4.  Read His Word each day.

    5.  Speak to Him each day.

    6.  Speak to someone else about Him each day.

w    Put away sin, v8-9.  "Hands" refers to open sins; "hearts" refers to secret sins.  We must have true sorrow for sin.

w    Humility, v10.  We take the low place in God's sight.  Remember, by humility comes grace.

 

Draw near to God and He will draw near to you.