Greater Than - Part 3

GREATER THAN, part 3

What is the GREATER THAN position?

James 3:13

Who is wise and has understanding among you? He should show his works by good conduct with wisdom’s gentleness.

James 3:14-16

14 But if you have bitter envy and selfish ambition in your heart, don’t brag and deny the truth. 15 Such wisdom does not come from above but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. 16 For where envy and selfish ambition exist, there is disorder and every kind of evil.

1) Admit that your “me” is jockeying to put you into a precarious position.

James 3:17-18

17 But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peace-loving, gentle, compliant, full of mercy and good fruits, without favoritism and hypocrisy. 18 And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace by those who cultivate peace.

2) Be aware of another position.

3) Compare the path each position puts you on.

James 4:1-2a

What is the source of wars and fights among you? Don’t they come from the cravings that are at war within you? 2 You desire and do not have. You murder and covet and cannot obtain. You fight and war.

4) Get into position with God

James 4:2b-3

You do not have because you do not ask. 3 You ask and don’t receive because you ask with wrong motives, so that you may spend it on your evil desires.

God is not against our happiness, but how we position ourselves for it.

Understand the difference between BELIEVING IN God vs. BELIEVING GOD.

James 4:4-5

4 Adulteresses! Don’t you know that friendship with the world is hostility toward God? So whoever wants to be the world’s friend becomes God’s enemy. 5 Or do you think it’s without reason the Scripture says that the Spirit who lives in us yearns jealously?

Why should I be overly concerned about getting anything, when the ultimate thing has already been given to me?

James 4:6

6 But He gives GREATER grace. Therefore He says:

“God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble.”

Humility is our position.

Humility is having the correct view of God and self.

Humility positions us on the “God path.”

James 4:7-10

7 Therefore, submit to God. But resist the Devil, and he will flee from you. 8 Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, sinners, and purify your hearts, double-minded people! 9 Be miserable and mourn and weep. Your laughter must change to mourning and your joy to sorrow. 10 Humble yourselves before the Lord, and He will exalt you.