Introduction

Welcome, dear friends, to this sacred gathering where we come together to seek wisdom and understanding from the Word of God. We come from different walks of life, carrying different burdens, joys, hopes, and dreams. Yet, we are united by a common thread - our faith in the Lord Jesus Christ.

Today, we are going to open our hearts and our minds to the powerful message in the book of James. James, the brother of Jesus, provides us with practical guidance on Christian living. His words are as relevant today as they were when he first penned them.

Our focus today is James 4:7, which reads, "Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you."

This verse is a potent reminder that we are not powerless in the face of temptation or adversity. We have the power to submit to God, to resist the devil, and to experience the victory that comes from living in accordance with God's will.

Our sermon today is divided into three main points: Harnessing Holiness, Hindering Harmful Habits, and Honoring Heavenly Hierarchy. Each of these points will guide us in understanding and applying the wisdom of James 4:7 in our daily lives.

The great Charles Spurgeon once said, "A Bible that’s falling apart usually belongs to someone who isn’t." It's a simple yet profound reminder of the power of God's Word to hold us together, even when life is pulling us apart.

As we delve into the wisdom of James 4:7, let's remember that the Bible is not just a book. It's a living, breathing, dynamic force that can transform our lives when we engage with it wholeheartedly.

Let's bow our heads in prayer. Dear Heavenly Father, we thank You for this day and for the privilege of coming into Your presence. We thank You for Your Word that guides us, corrects us, and gives us hope. We pray that You would open our hearts and minds to understand and apply Your truth. Help us to submit to You, resist the devil, and live in the victory that You have won for us. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.

Harnessing Holiness

The idea of holiness often seems elusive, something that is reserved for the saints, the clergy, or the extraordinarily pious. Yet, the truth is, holiness is not a state of perfection that is beyond our reach. It is, in essence, a state of being, a lifestyle that is characterized by a deep and abiding relationship with God, a continual submission to His will, and a relentless pursuit of His righteousness.

The book of James reminds us that holiness is something we actively harness like a farmer harnesses a team of oxen to plow a field. It requires effort, commitment, and a willingness to yield to the divine guidance of the Holy Spirit.

The first aspect of harnessing holiness is understanding its nature. Holiness is not about following a set of rules or adhering to religious rituals. It is about being set apart for God, being different from the world in our thoughts, words, and actions. It is about reflecting the character of Christ in our daily lives. This understanding transforms our approach to holiness. It is no longer a burden or a chore, but a privilege and a joy.

Next is recognizing its source. Holiness does not originate from us. It is a gift from God, a fruit of the Spirit. We cannot manufacture holiness through our efforts. It is God who sanctifies us, who makes us holy. This recognition frees us from the trap of self-righteousness. We realize that we are not the authors of our holiness.

Thirdly is cultivating its growth. Holiness is a dynamic process, a journey of transformation that continues throughout our lives. We grow in holiness as we grow in our relationship with God, as we spend time in His Word, as we commune with Him in prayer, as we yield to the leading of the Holy Spirit. This cultivation requires discipline and consistency. It is like tending a garden. We need to water it, weed it, and protect it from pests. Similarly, we need to nourish our spiritual lives with the Word of God, remove the weeds of sin, and guard against the pests of worldly influences.

The last aspect of harnessing holiness is demonstrating its power. Holiness is not just about personal piety. It is about impacting the world around us. It is about being salt and light, about reflecting the love of Christ, about advancing the kingdom of God. This demonstration often involves sacrifice, persecution, and opposition. Yet, it is in these moments that the power of holiness shines brightest. It is in these moments that we experience the truth of James 4:7, that when we submit to God and resist the devil, he flees from us.

Transition. Harnessing holiness is not a task for the faint-hearted. It requires courage, perseverance, and faith. Yet, it is the most rewarding endeavor we can undertake. For in holiness, we find our true identity, our true purpose, and our true joy. In holiness, we find God.

Hindering Harmful Habits

In the realm of our daily lives, we often find ourselves entangled in habits that do not honor God ... View this full PRO sermon free with PRO