Grace to the Humble
James 4:5-8 – Victory Fellowship
September 5, 2021 - Rev. Roderick Grabski
I. Introduction:
Pride is the only disease that makes everyone sick but the one who has it.
a. George Washington Carver, the scientist who developed hundreds of useful products from the peanut: "When I was young, I said to God, 'God, tell me the mystery of the universe.' But God answered, 'That knowledge is reserved for me alone.' So I said, 'God, tell me the mystery of the peanut.' Then God said, 'Well, George, that's more nearly your size.' And he told me." Adapted from Rackham Holt, George Washington Carver.
II. RELATING THE TEXT:
a. Humble ourselves to be exalted – We cannot not be too proud to acknowledge God. To do so is to be “friends with the world.
Philippians 2:3-4: Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind let each of you regard one another as more important than himself; do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others.
b. Cast our anxiety on God – He Cares!
c. Be sober of spirit – CS Lewis: “A proud man is always looking down on things and people; and, of course, as long as you are looking down, you cannot see something that is above you.”
d. Be alert – Satan devours the proud- Jonathan Edwards: “Nothing sets a Christian so much out of the devil's reach than humility.”
1st Peter 5:6-11: Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you at the proper time, casting all your anxiety upon Him, because He cares for you. Be of sober spirit, be on the alert. Your adversary, the devil, prowls about like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. 9 But resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same experiences of suffering are being accomplished by your brethren who are in the world. And after you have suffered for a little while, the God of all grace, who called you to His eternal glory in Christ, will Himself perfect, confirm, strengthen and establish you. To Him be dominion forever and ever. Amen.
III. Conclusion:
a. Be led by the Holy Ghost – God jealously desires to see the Spirit move that He placed in us.
b. God will perfect, confirm, strengthen and establish us - forever.
PRAYER
SONG: Run Devil, Run
James 4:5-8: Or do you think that the Scripture speaks to no purpose: "He jealously desires the Spirit which He has made to dwell in us"? 6 But He gives a greater grace. Therefore it says, "GOD IS OPPOSED TO THE PROUD, BUT GIVES GRACE TO THE HUMBLE." 7 Submit therefore to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you. 8 Draw near to God and He will draw near to you.
