Posted 5 years ago by Anonymous

Summary

Posture: “The position of the body; the situation or disposition of the several parts of the body with respect to each other; attitude” (Webster’s).

The proper posture of the Christ-follower: Humility

Humility: “The state or quality of being humble; freedom from pride or arrogance. Humility consists in rating our claims low, in being willing to waive our rights, and take a lower place than might be our due. It does not require us to underrate ourselves.” (Webster’s).

Review: Saving faith is living faith, faith that works(James 2:14-26). Living faith is evidenced by a bridled tongue (3:1-12) & Godly wisdom (3:13-18). James 4:1-10: Living faith is evidenced by a posture/attitude of humility, towards God and our fellow Christ-followers.

Another question: “What causes fights and quarrels among you?”

“Fights” - “polemos” - “war, battle, dispute, strife” (Strong’s)

“Quarrels” - “mache” - “fight or combat of those in arms” (Strong’s); fight between individuals The cause of all wars and personal disputes with others is the same: the war going on within us!

“Desires” - “hedone” - “pleasures, desire for pleasure”

Important note: God made us for pleasure!

James speaks in extremes, or does he? Matthew 5:21-22

God intends for us to look to Him for everything - ask Him!

Check your motives! Are you seeking what you need? Are you seeking God’s glory and purpose? Are you seeking Him? Anything before God is idolatry, which is spiritual adultery!

Friend of God or friend of the world? It can’t be both! It’s an once for all and a day by day, situation by situation choice.

Vs5 - ESV - “He yearns jealously over the spirit that He has made to dwell in us…” Several perspectives:

I)The jealousy within us, which leads to wars and quarrels, is not from God’s Spirit, but is worldly.

II)The Holy Spirit w/in us is jealous for us - Galatians 5:17.

III)God has made us alive spiritually (Ephesians 2:4) for one purpose - His glory: that we might be His and commune with Him. He is righteously jealous for us.

IV)God put His Holy Spirit within us and jealously longs for communion with His Spirit within us. We are invited to partake in that!

God is indeed a jealous God - Exodus 20:5, Deuteronomy 4:24, I Corinthians 11:1-2 (display). This is a righteous jealousy.

Humbly recognize God’s ownership of you. Humbly recognize total dependence upon Him. Humbly look to Him for everything. Humbly receive from His hand what He knows you need and gives to you.

Fully devoted, fully engaged Christ-followers assume a posture of humility before God & others. They belong to God, look to God alone, and receive from God. There is rich, deep pleasure in knowing God!