James 4:1-10 (Part 13) The Folly of Worldliness

The Folly of Worldliness

The attitude of worldliness, 4:1-10

• The source, v. 1.

• The results, vv. 2-3

• The description of this attitude, vv. 4-5

• The remedy for worldliness, 4:6-10

o Divine—remedy always begins with God

o Grace

o More—relative to the sin nature; relative to the desire for self-gratification—“more grace”

4 concepts about grace

• We must realize its availability

• We must realize its superiority to the problem

• We need to realize that it can be hindered

• We must realize that grace is conditional

o Divine solutions always entail human responsibility

In light of the availability of the grace of God—“therefore” (v. 7)—commands:

• Submit to God

• Resist the devil. How?

o Ephesians 6:16, relate to God’s Word in a believing way

o I Peter 5:8, be awake mentally.

• Draw near to God

o Prayer, Hebrews 4:16—the focus is on our walk with God

• Cleanse your hands

o I John 1:9

• Purify your heart

o I John 3:2-3, anticipation of the Lord’s return

• Do not be flippant about sin. It is serious, v. 9

o These are people that are “self-gratification” people (goes back to v. 1)

• Humble yourself, v. 10

o Take this back to v. 6, He gives greater grace. We start with grace and end with grace. It eliminates pride.

The manifestation of worldliness, 4:11-12.

• Stop speaking evil against your brother (interesting how the tongue comes back in)

• If so, you speak against the law of “love your neighbor as yourself.”

• When we disobey God’s Word, we become God’s critic.

The self-sufficient attitude, 4:13-17

• The plan, v. 13

(1) Confidently selects the time

(2) . . . the place

(3) . . . his length of stay

(4) . . . His activity

(5) . . . His profit

• The correction, vv. 14-16

o Blinded to the uncertainty of life

 Principle: When man loses perspective on God, he always loses perspective on himself.

o Overlooks the sovereignty of God

o Overlooks personal arrogance

• The conclusion, v. 17

o Knowledge obligates