Singular God - Savior and Destroyer

James 4:12 ESV

There is only one lawgiver and judge, he who is able to save and to destroy. But who are you to judge your neighbor?

Main Point: God is the only Savior and Destroyer

Immediate context: God is the only righteous Lawgiver and Judge.

God being the Savior saved us from

Sin’s penalty (Justification) —Romans 5:8-9

Sin’s power (Sanctification) — Romans 6:6-7

Sin’s presence (Glorification) — Philippians 3:20-21

God being the Savior saved us towards

Christ’s perfect fulfillment of the Law in justification — Col 2:13-14

Christ’s perfect obedience of the Law in sanctification — 2 Cor 5:21

Christ’s perfect presence in heaven in glorification — Matt 25:23

Important instances of God being the Destroyer

Destroys those who sin ingregiously (Canaanites, unbelievers)

Destroys those who sin and stand against God’s people (Amalekites, Jezebel)

Important point of humbling against pride in slandering

slander is coopting God’s sole role to make the right call according to His law and make the correct judgment for personal gain, self-exaltation

slander is overturning God’s command to love your neighbor as you love yourself

true humility is continually being aware of God as Savior and Destroyer to keep oneself from slander

Gleanings

Remind ourselves of who God is as One who holds life, either to give or to take.

Be mindful of God in our interactions with other people.

Reflect!

If I were to always think that everyday I have a check-in meeting with the Lord, how much would I prepare for that meeting?