Free from the World

[!NOTE] Primary Scripture Reading: James 4:4-10

I. Conflict between the Christian and the world

A. We cannot be friends with the world and God

B. Friendship indicates a close, intimate relationship

C. We cannot be intimately associated with God and the world

D. Matthew 6:24 – We will love one and hate the other James 4:4 – The two are at odds with one another

E. 1 John 2:15-17 – They are two opposite loves

F. Therefore, if we are married to Christ and love the world, we are spiritual adulterers, James 4:4 God is a jealous for our sole devotion, James 4:5.

G. Solution: Be committed to your relationship with God

II. Commitment to God

A. Submit to God

B. We must humble ourselves and submit to God’s rule When we yield to God’s rule we cease hostilities and rebellion

C. Resist the devil

D. We must actively fight temptation The devil is not fighting the battle halfheartedly; he fights to the death and plays for keeps; 1 Peter 5:8-9

E. We can resist him with the promise that he will flee if we resist him

F. John 10:27-28

G. Those who hear and follow are protected No one can take the faithful from God’s care but the faithful can leave if they cease to hear and follow1 Corinthians 10:12-13 – In our battles with Satan, God promises a way of escape that we must seek and take We can resist the devil. Will we resist him?

H. Draw near to God

I. We flee from the devil and run to God He will draw near to us for love and protection

J. How do we move closer to God?

K. Acts 17:27 – He is near to each of us We leave the world as discussed earlier

L. We become joined with God through Christ; Colossians 1:19-23

M. We make peace with God through surrender If we continue steadfast, we will remain in that relationship with God

N. Cleanse yourself

O. The blood of Jesus can purify us—wash away our sins—but we must do something.

P. Our hands are filthy from sin; we must clean them Our hearts have been corrupted by unrighteousness; they must be purified

Q. How do we cleanse ourselves?

R. Mourn for our sins

S. James 4:92 Corinthians 7:8-11 – it leads to repentance

T. Obey the truth; 1 Peter 1:22-23, 25

U. Born of the gospel – a new birth Through obedience we purify our souls

V. Be baptized into Christ

W. Hebrews 10:19-22 Acts 22:16 Bring it together: Ephesians 5:25-27 Notice that God provides the cleansing but we must obey His will in order to receive it

X. Remain faithful to God

Y. 1 John 1:6-9 Hebrews 10:23

Z. Be humble, James 4:10

A. (Make reference only—do not read the passages)

B. Humility in the rest of James

C. Not judging our brethren (James 4:11-12) Realizing our future is in God’s hands (James 4:13-17) Not trusting in uncertain riches (James 5:1-6) Endurance and patience in suffering (James 5:10-11) Keeping your word (James 5:12) Seeking God in prayer for your needs (James 5:13-18) Seeking the salvation of others (James 5:19-20) Matthew 23:12 – If we exalt ourselves we will be humbled and vice versa Philippians 2:5-10 – Be humble to be like Christ Above all things, we must humble ourselves to submit to God’s will for our salvation—pride will lead to our destruction