Lesson 64 December 19

Review:

8. The laughter - joy seen here is associated with the frantic search for happiness (FSH) - the pursuing of the DOL's - the cosmos with its great appeal.

9. Their hilarity is to become mourning when the realization of their spiritual condition seizes them.

10. This reversal of attitude, emotion and actions arises out of Holy Spirit induced conviction.

11. Depending on the length of the slavery to the sinful condition, there will be a realization of the negative impact on the cause of Christ and our own lives and it will be associated with sorrow, shame and tears. Ps 30:5 applies

12. These cmd's are to make them think - to stop and evaluate their life & their spiritual status and to make the necessary course corrections.

4:10 Promise for the one with the grace mental attitude (grace oriented)

Humble yourselves in the presence of the Lord,

- here in the context to be humbled is the one who recognized the true nature of their spiritual status before God and responded by applying the process of repentance as James has just described in vs: 7-9.

- Now James is saying now that your back in fellowship, drawing near to Him, having been cleansed and purified now exploit the resources that are yours in Christ!

and He will exalt you.

- the construction forms a promise

- metaphorical use: enhancement in honor and fame - therefore idea is promotion

- This is a common theme found in many scriptures:

Ps 149:4; Job 5:11; Mt 23:12; Lk 14:11; 18:14; 1 Pet 5:6; Prov 15:33

Summary 4:10

1. This final command, to humble yourselves, is a call to implement the process of repentance just given in vs:7-9.

2. True humility is to recognize that you are totally dependent on God in every area - every aspect of your life.

3. It means you are dealing with the CHP's the tests in your niche and are the recipient of greater grace.

4. Peter in 1 Pet 5:6 gives us the sphere in which this humility resides.

5. If you've been consistent in assembling as commanded by Scripture - maintained the empowering of the Holy Spirit - exposed yourself to truth - you will be prepared for the tests/chp's in life and will receive greater grace and be exalted.

6. Peter also makes it clear that the exaltation will come in God's timing. (1 Pet 5:6)

7. God comforts and encourages the humble - 2 Cor 7:6

8. It is a part of the characteristics of a worthy walk. Eph 4:1-2

9. True Humility impresses God - not what you can do from your own ability. Isa 66:1-2