Worship Through the Word (Sermon Notes for 1/15/17)

 “Grace, Grace, Grace! Part II”

James 4:1-12(Page 1012)

Context:

The book of James was written to encourage Christians by reminding them how they should live. James gives wise counsel to those who are struggling in living for the glory of God. He encourages Christians by giving them very practical counsel on issues like: suffering and trials, the rich and the poor, how to fight worldliness, how to submit to the will of God, how to pray, and what it means to bear fruit in keeping with true faith and repentance.  This short book has much to say for us in the 21^st century. In today’s text James moves from challenging us to see if our hearts are full of spiritual wisdom or earthly wisdom to showing us the amazing truth that God gives us grace to live at peace with him and others.

Central Idea of the Text: “God Gives Grace!”

God gives us the grace to humble ourselves and repent of our sin so that we can be at peace with Him and others.  

                                Grace- power given to the helpless.

                                Humility- sense of nothingness in light of God’s all.

                                Peace- absence of conflict and a state of well-being.

                The Strife (verses 1-5)

                                We are at war with others, ourselves, and God.

                The Solution (verse 6)

                                God gives us grace (power) to see and fight this war.

                                We respond by humbly repenting of our sins.

                The Steps (verses 7-12)

                                We submit to God and resist the devil.

                                We draw near to him through repentance.

                                We learn and obey the law of God.

Conclusion for us:

Today we learned that God gives us the grace to humble ourselves and repent of our sin so that we can be at peace with Him and others. God’s grace is seen in our lives not just in saving us, but also in sanctifying us. Is there strife in your life right now? Are you experiencing the consequences of a heart that is at war?  Do you plead for the grace of God to work in your life? Or do you seek to solve this war through your own strength? May we a Grace Fellowship look to God for the grace needed humble ourselves and repent of our sin so that we can be at peace with God and others.