“For what we proclaim is not ourselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord, and ourselves as your servants for Jesus’ sake. For God who said ‘Let light shine out of darkness’, has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.” II Corinthians 4:5-6

Friday, February 10, 2017

Worship through the Word 2/12/2017

 “Hubris or Humility?”
James 4:13-17(Page 1013)
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 21st century. In today’s text James helps us see another area of our life in which we should demonstrate humility— making our future plans.

Central Idea of the Text: “Humbly Trust God!”
One way we live humbly is by trusting God’s plans for our future and by doing what we know is right for today.  

5 arrogant boasts from James 4:13:

                Future, Place, Time, Activity, Result (HT, JAMES…C. Morgan & D. Ellenburg)

5 truths from James 4:14-17 that help us humbly trust God for today and for the future:

1.       We do not know what tomorrow brings. (14a)
2.       Our life is temporary. (14b)
3.       God’s plans always over rule our plans. (15)
4.       Boasting in our plans and works is evil. (16)
5.       We are commanded to do what we know is right today! (17)
               
Conclusion for us:

Over the last several weeks we have learned that God gives us the grace to humbly obey him. Last week James showed us that a good test of our humility is the way we judge and talk about each other. Today we learned that another test of our humility is the way we trust God’s plans for our future and by doing what we know is right for today. Do you trust in your plans or in God’s? Do you concern yourself more about tomorrow than today? Do you rejoice in the sovereignty of God over all things?  May we at Grace Fellowship live humbly by trusting God’s plans for our future and by doing what we know is right for today!

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