4 You adulterous people! Do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity with God? Therefore whoever wishes to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God. 5 Or do you suppose it is to no purpose that the Scripture says, “He yearns jealously over the spirit that he has made to dwell in us”? 6 But he gives more grace. Therefore it says, “God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble.” 7 Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. 8 Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded. 9 Be wretched and mourn and weep. Let your laughter be turned to mourning and your joy to gloom. 10 Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will exalt you.
- How is God's grace connected to your humility?
- What is necessary to be close to God?
- Which of the actions listed are the hardest for you to do?
- What are the rewards for being close to God?
No, I did not just copy yesterday's blog. I want to focus on the last four verses. I have heard for much of my life to resist Satan. That is definitely in this passage. What I have not heard so much is the requirement to submit to God as a key to resisting Satan. What I have perceived is that it is just between Satan and me, but as I read this, it starts with my humility before God. Our pride of life is a foothold for Satan. Our pride of life allows Satan to blind us to our sins and wrong attitudes. Our pride of life results in a lack of trust in God. Drawing near to God means to draw near on His terms, not walking up to Him with our heads held high. When you are being tempted today, ask God to show your prideful heart and then humble yourself. I'm not sure the arrogant fallen angel can deal with a truly humble heart. I think he will run.
1 comment:
Good words.
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