James 4 and 5 — The LORD Exalts The Humble
Introduction: God exalts the humble and resists the proud. Believers are called to submit to God, withdraw from worldly desires and quarrels, and pray with faith and patience, knowing God will eventually judge all wickedness.
Note: Bible passages are from the American King James Version.
A — Submit to God, Resist the Devil
“James 4:1-10 From whence come wars and fightings among you? Come they not hence, even of your lusts that war in your members? Therefore submit yourselves to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up.”
B — Be Patient and Pray in Faith
“James 5:7-18 Be patient therefore, brethren, to the coming of the Lord. Behold, the husbandman waits for the precious fruit of the earth, and has long patience for it, until he receive the early and latter rain. Be you also patient; establish your hearts: for the coming of the Lord draws nigh. Is any sick among you? Let him call for the elders of the church; and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord: and the prayer of faith shall save the sick.”
Comments: Believers should be patient as they await the Lord's return. Prayer offered in faith has power to heal and restore. Confessing sins to one another and praying for each other strengthens the church.
C — Restore the Wandering Soul
“James 5:19-20 Brethren, if any of you do err from the truth, and one convert him; let him know, that he which converts the sinner from the error of his way shall save a soul from death, and shall hide a multitude of sins.”
Comments: Believers have a responsibility to restore those who wander from the truth. Such restoration brings salvation and forgiveness of sins, demonstrating the power of love and intercession.
Reflections in Prayer
Lord, I recognize the battles in my life come from my own desires. Help me to submit to you and resist the devil. As I draw near to you, help you to draw near to me. Give me a humble heart, knowing you exalt the humble. Help me to be patient as I await your return. Teach me to pray with faith and to trust your healing power. Give me courage to restore those who have wandered from your truth, knowing that such restoration saves souls. Make me an instrument of your love, interceding for others, and pointing them back to your grace. Amen.
Published 3 March 2020
Comments: Conflicts arise from worldly desires. Believers must submit to God and resist evil. Humility before God results in his lifting and exaltation.