And therefore Christ is Emmanuel. Our humility is to be wrought in His sight. But we must not neglect to remind you of that affecting display of the evil of sin, and of the degradation of the sinner, as these appear in the sight of the Lord which has been made in the Cross of Christ. We would persuade you to humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, that He may, in consequence, "lift you up." Could such a sacrifice as this, think you, have been demanded by "the Father of mercies," the possessor of infinite wisdom, the God of righteousness and justice, if it had not been necessary for the purpose for which it was required — the expiation of human guilt, and the deliverance of those to whom it attached, from the degradation and the ruin into which it had brought them? And in that love he finds a true holiness springing up in his soul.4. Trapp. (3) By the graces of His Spirit, which imparting unto men He draweth near thereby unto them (John 14:18; Matthew 28:20; Acts 2:1; Acts 3:3). Jeary. Turnbull. Exaltation in Satan's kingdom must be debasement, for it is exaltation in sin, and sin depresses and debases. But, this exceptional case aside, no man is to humble himself before his fellow-man.2. The man abandons self for God. or the same field, both blessed with the faculty of speech, and delighting to converse with all others, but never conversing with each other, what would be your conclusion? He abhors self, and finds a refuge in Jesus Christ, who is made unto him wisdom and righteousness and sanctification and redemption. THE MANNER.1. Our guided prayer will take approximately 8 minutes, but please feel free to stop the audio if you would like more time then we have allotted for your reflection. (6) By reposing all trust and confidence in God, and clinging constantly unto Him, whereof Psalm 73:28. Hislop. Hislop. And therefore Christ is Emmanuel. (4) God draweth near to men by pouring out His temporal benefits upon them, health, wealth, honour, and sending them deliverance out of their trouble (Deuteronomy 4:7; Philippians 4:5; Psalm 69:18; Psalm 119:151; Psalm 34:18; Psalm 46:1). These things thus set down, in the last place we are taught how we should draw near to God, which the apostle expresseth in these words: "Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purge your hearts, you double-minded. But which of you can venture to say that your transgressions are few in number? That the humility is not a humbling of ourselves before our fellow-men. 3. (1)We must possess a knowledge of God. "A soul in converse with her God is heaven. Mouton. Meal was offered of old, and not whole corn.(J. THE MANNER.1. And as pride consists in our entertaining higher ideas of ourselves than truth will warrant, and in our presuming upon these, both in feeling and in practice, as if they were just and correct, so humility consists in our entertaining accurate notions of what we really are in relation to some one above us, and in preserving that station which a regard to our real merits requires us to occupy, as to the sentiments we cherish and the conduct we maintain, with respect to those under whom we are placed. James 4:8, “Come near to God and he will come near to you. — "Continuing instant in prayer." The man abandons self for God. Where, then, the apostle saith draw near to God, and He will draw near to you, he speaketh chiefly of drawing near by His grace, favour, mercy; who enlargeth His lovingkindness towards all those which with reverence and fear draw near unto Him.3. That we are commanded to draw near unto God, doth it not insinuate unto us that naturally we are estranged and alienated from Him? If you saw one person using every art to please another, and to draw him into conversation, and the second person avoided his presence, and refused intercourse, what would you think? Welcome to La Canada Presbyterian Church’s introduction to the Prayer of Examen. We are to understand it as conveying a gracious promise of conscious and sensible communion with the Father of our spirits.II. God may be said to draw near to man divers ways. Thomson, D. D.Humility stands opposed to pride. It is man's finality in the kingdom of God as contrasted with his finality in the kingdom of Satan. Worship is coming into His presence, and waiting upon Him — is listening to His voice.Approaches to GodBp. And in this simple relation, even though we had done nothing to offend Him, humility is at once graceful and necessary; for, as we owe everything to Him, and as we depend upon Him for everything, it would be presumptuous, undutiful, to have one thought towards Him or to make one movement before Him, which proceeded on the supposition that we were not so indebted and so dependent. In drawing nigh unto God a sinner must have a sense not only of his own unrighteousness, but of his own helplessness.3. Thomson, D. D.Humility stands opposed to pride. It must be in righteousness and holiness. God may be said to draw near to man divers ways. (6) God finally draweth near unto us in a spiritual union with man, through the incarnation of Jesus Christ, whereby God is united unto us and we to Him, by which means God dwelleth among us, and is made manifest in the flesh, as St. John and St. Paul speak. Thomson, D. D.)Humility in God's sightJ. (2) He draweth near also unto man by the revelation of His will. And in that love he finds a true holiness springing up in his soul.4. Hislop. Also, should you feel that you would like to talk to someone about what came up for you in prayer, we have on our web-page resources available for you to call. It must be in righteousness and holiness. 1. (5) God draweth near unto men in offering His mercy, showing His favour, assisting with His help, multiplying His livingkindness unto them. Beecher. The dreadful consequences of continued estrangement.(Alex. The abjectness and servility of one man to another are not pleasing to God. He is ready to offer Himself, and is pressed at hand to all such as come near unto Him, to make them to feel the comfort of His presence. W. Beecher.Our humiliations work out our most elevated joys. Touching the commandment, and the precept enjoined, is to draw near to God. That the second person loved the first? Nor shall any man who truly seeks God seek him in vain. Merrill. Hence humility is the first of Christian virtues: not that God wishes to see us debased, but that self-abasement is in accordance with the truth of our character, and is the way to exaltation. Merrill. 3. And this exhortation is highly important in the first place, because, unless we have just notions of what we are as sinners, we can neither perceive the value, nor be prepared for the reception of any scheme that may be devised for our deliverance; and in the second place, because, among the principles of our fallen nature, pride is that which has perhaps the greatest ascendancy over our minds, and prevents us from giving heed to those considerations which go to determine what we really are, and by doing so, to fix us at our proper level. (2) He draweth near also unto man by the revelation of His will. Mouton. It is a good exchange to put away carnal joy for godly sorrow; for then we put away a sin for a duty, brass for gold; yea, we have that in the duty which we expected in the sin, and in a more pure, full, and sweet way. We are to understand it as conveying a gracious promise of conscious and sensible communion with the Father of our spirits.II. )Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord and He shall lift you up.Lividly as in God's sightH. That the second person loved the first? The exaltation, then, in this case must be an illusion. To use a very rude metaphor, just as a man cannot go up another hill till he has gone down the one on which he happens to be, so a soul cannot be exalted in God until it has thoroughly come down from self. )Communion with GodIf you saw two persons working together in the same shop. The humility inculcated in my text is humility in reference, not to another creature more exalted than ourselves, but to God, who is immeasurably exalted above all creatures. says an objector, "is that a true humility which is humble in order to be exalted?" We are to be contented with the lot in life which God has assigned to us. or the same field, both blessed with the faculty of speech, and delighting to converse with all others, but never conversing with each other, what would be your conclusion? A. )Laughter turned to mourningJ. To which short precept is set down a like promise: draw near to God, and He will draw near to you. That the humility is not a humbling of ourselves before our fellow-men. The certainty of the result.4. Exaltation in Satan's kingdom must be debasement, for it is exaltation in sin, and sin depresses and debases. (3)We must embrace the plan of reconciliation by Jesus Christ.2. And yet God has not been in all your thoughts, and God has not been in all your ways. Communion begets resemblance. There may be an endless variety in the mode and in the measure of sinning with which different individuals are chargeable. Surely not. In drawing nigh unto God a sinner must have a sense not only of his own unrighteousness, but of his own helplessness.3. 3. THE MOTIVES.1. The graciousness of the invitation.2. (2)We must be convinced of our dependent state. To use a very rude metaphor, just as a man cannot go up another hill till he has gone down the one on which he happens to be, so a soul cannot be exalted in God until it has thoroughly come down from self. There is one phrase especially in our text on which we desire to lay stress: "In the sight of the Lord." When the world repenteth of their joy, you will never repent of your sorrow (2 Corinthians 7:10). Crosby, D. D.)Humility explained, and its necessity enforcedA. James 4:8 Parallel Verses [⇓ See commentary ⇓] James 4:8, NIV: "Come near to God and he will come near to you.Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded." And as pride consists in our entertaining higher ideas of ourselves than truth will warrant, and in our presuming upon these, both in feeling and in practice, as if they were just and correct, so humility consists in our entertaining accurate notions of what we really are in relation to some one above us, and in preserving that station which a regard to our real merits requires us to occupy, as to the sentiments we cherish and the conduct we maintain, with respect to those under whom we are placed. It is not a humility of despair, but of faith. To use a very rude metaphor, just as a man cannot go up another hill till he has gone down the one on which he happens to be, so a soul cannot be exalted in God until it has thoroughly come down from self. or the same field, both blessed with the faculty of speech, and delighting to converse with all others, but never conversing with each other, what would be your conclusion? )Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord and He shall lift you up.Lividly as in God's sightH. It is the nature of sin itself, and not its multiplicity merely, which subjects you to degradation. Quit playing the field. Hislop. )Communion with GodAlex. (3) Men draw near to God also by prayer, whereby we ascend, as it were, to heaven, and approach near to the presence of God. God will give us that in sorrow which the world cannot find in pleasure; serenity, and contentment of mind. There may be an endless variety in the mode and in the measure of sinning with which different individuals are chargeable. It is the nature of sin itself, and not its multiplicity merely, which subjects you to degradation. We are to understand it as conveying a gracious promise of conscious and sensible communion with the Father of our spirits.II. )Laughter turned to mourningJ. Bible > James > Chapter 4 > Verse 8 Library • Free Downloads • eBibles Thomson, D. D.)Humility in God's sightJ. In drawing nigh unto God a sinner must have a sense not only of his own unrighteousness, but of his own helplessness.3. Yes, it is. Turnbull.1. The devices of God's wisdom become acceptable to you, the offers of His mercy become welcome to you, the hopes of His favour become precious to you, the whole manifestation of His redeeming love becomes available to you.(A. He drew nearest thus to Israel His people, to whom He gave His law and statutes, whereby He became familiar unto them. W. Beecher.Our humiliations work out our most elevated joys. G. It must be the only true and permanent exaltation. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded. The great and vital fact with respect to you is, that you are stained with sin. He is ready to offer Himself, and is pressed at hand to all such as come near unto Him, to make them to feel the comfort of His presence. These things thus set down, in the last place we are taught how we should draw near to God, which the apostle expresseth in these words: "Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purge your hearts, you double-minded. It is man's finality in the kingdom of God as contrasted with his finality in the kingdom of Satan. 3. James 4:8 "Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Prayer is the way to a life of communion with God — a means of keeping up an acquaintance with, and of growing in the knowledge of God. Communion begets resemblance. I could get into no part of the room without the eye seeing me; and the last thing that I saw as I went out was that eye looking at me. )Drawing near to GodR. Reynolds.The mother of Artaxerxes was wont to say, that they who would address themselves unto princes must use silken words: surely he that would approach unto God must consider, and look as well to his words as to his feet. Surely not. It would not be if the exaltation were to be in the line of the humility; that is, if the man was to be exalted in the very pride from which he humbles himself. (Isaiah 59:2; Jeremiah 5:25).2. That the humility is not a humbling of ourselves before our fellow-men. Humility, however, is so mortifying to the human mind, that before it can obtain a settlement there, every attempt is made to discover reasons for believing that it is neither necessary nor appropriate. Hence humility is the first of Christian virtues: not that God wishes to see us debased, but that self-abasement is in accordance with the truth of our character, and is the way to exaltation. THERE ARE PROPER PLACES AND TIMES, AS WELL AS DUE DISPOSITIONS, OF DRAWING NIGH TO GOD. The dreadful consequences of continued estrangement.(Alex. W. Beecher.Our humiliations work out our most elevated joys. (3)We must embrace the plan of reconciliation by Jesus Christ.2. Merrill. 2. Granting that you are as harmless as amiable, as deserving of esteem as you are thought to be, still it is all unavailing. Thomson, D. D.)Humility in God's sightJ. If you feel and cherish that humbleness of mind which just conceptions of your guilty and depraved and wretched condition are calculated to generate; and if in the midst of this self-reproach you are ready to throw your fortunes unreservedly upon the merits of that dispensation which Divine grace offers to you as your all-sufficient refuge, then there is no insuperable barrier between you and the salvation which you need. The man abandons self for God. "(1) Men draw near to God by outward profession, though it be not always in sincerity of heart. And in that love he finds a true holiness springing up in his soul.4. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble. III. Mouton.1. We are to understand it as conveying a gracious promise of conscious and sensible communion with the Father of our spirits.II. It must be in righteousness and holiness. THE MANNER.1. (Isaiah 59:2; Jeremiah 5:25).2. Supplication, too, as a part of prayer, is a blessed exercise. A. Turnbull. In coming to God, we come to Him who is the blessed and only Potentate; the King of kings, the Lord of lords; who only hath immortality; who, by His word, framed the worlds; and, by the same word of power, upholdeth all things; in whom we live, and move, and have our being.2. )LinksJames 4:8 NIVJames 4:8 NLTJames 4:8 ESVJames 4:8 NASBJames 4:8 KJVJames 4:8 Bible AppsJames 4:8 ParallelJames 4:8 Biblia ParalelaJames 4:8 Chinese BibleJames 4:8 French BibleJames 4:8 German BibleJames 4:8 CommentariesBible Hub, (2)A state of security ensues. And can we have been often with the holy God, and not be holy?(O. )Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord and He shall lift you up.Lividly as in God's sightH. To use a very rude metaphor, just as a man cannot go up another hill till he has gone down the one on which he happens to be, so a soul cannot be exalted in God until it has thoroughly come down from self. Hislop.I. Trapp. In coming to Him, we come to our Judge.(T. Trapp. Yes, it is. We must put away our sins. )Laughter turned to mourningJ. It is a good exchange to put away carnal joy for godly sorrow; for then we put away a sin for a duty, brass for gold; yea, we have that in the duty which we expected in the sin, and in a more pure, full, and sweet way. Consider the extent — the strictness — the spirituality of that law to which you are subject. Humility, however, is so mortifying to the human mind, that before it can obtain a settlement there, every attempt is made to discover reasons for believing that it is neither necessary nor appropriate. Our humility is to be wrought in His sight. In coming to God, we come to Him who is the blessed and only Potentate; the King of kings, the Lord of lords; who only hath immortality; who, by His word, framed the worlds; and, by the same word of power, upholdeth all things; in whom we live, and move, and have our being.2. This Seems Impossible. "(1) Men draw near to God by outward profession, though it be not always in sincerity of heart. The essential excellence of what is done by a moral agent, consists in its recognition of the existence, and in its submission to the will of Him who ruleth over all. And the pervading guilt which such a consideration throws into it is incalculably aggravated by your not only resting upon its merits with satisfaction, but actually supposing it sufficient to secure the favour of that very Being whom it has so dishonoured, neglected, and disowned. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded. It seemed to look at me when I went in. The connection is just as necessary, but it is of a different kind. CONSIDERATIONS ON THE PERFECTIONS OF GOD AND HIS RELATIONS TO US, AS MOTIVES AND INDUCEMENTS FOR DRAWING NIGH TO HIM. THE MEANING. It know its own worthlessness, but it knows also the Lord's grace.3. Turnbull.1. Do not suppose that you have any refuge in the paucity of your misdeeds. In coming to Him, we come to our Judge.(T. And what is that exaltation which God accomplishes for the soul? The way that a drop of rain comes to sing in the leaf that rustles in the top of the tree all the summer long, is by going down to the roots first, and from thence ascending to the bough.(H. You must either willingly humble yourselves, or be precipitately humbled by Divine Providence. Thus did the people of Israel in outward profession, and with their mouths, draw near to God, which as a token of hypocrisy is condemned (Isaiah 24:13; Isaiah 58:2, 3). 8 Come near to God and he will come near to you. And what is that exaltation which God accomplishes for the soul? These things thus set down, in the last place we are taught how we should draw near to God, which the apostle expresseth in these words: "Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purge your hearts, you double-minded. That the second person loved the first? To use a very rude metaphor, just as a man cannot go up another hill till he has gone down the one on which he happens to be, so a soul cannot be exalted in God until it has thoroughly come down from self. He drew nearest thus to Israel His people, to whom He gave His law and statutes, whereby He became familiar unto them. Sometimes a subtle shift in the wording of the questions may help you enter more deeply into the events of your day and bring a clarity to the emotions surrounding them. )LinksJames 4:8 NIVJames 4:8 NLTJames 4:8 ESVJames 4:8 NASBJames 4:8 KJVJames 4:8 Bible AppsJames 4:8 ParallelJames 4:8 Biblia ParalelaJames 4:8 Chinese BibleJames 4:8 French BibleJames 4:8 German BibleJames 4:8 CommentariesBible Hub, (3)We must embrace the plan of reconciliation by Jesus Christ.2. There are certain dispositions which must be the accompaniments of prayer.3. We only exhort you to form a just and precise valuation of what you really are, as compared with what you ought to be, according to the rule which has been Divinely enacted, and to maintain the conduct which such an appreciation is calculated to produce. Who can feel easy in view of future accountability, whose heart has never been sufficiently grateful to acknowledge the Divine goodness, nor sufficiently humble to confess its sins and seek the Divine forgiveness? We can speak of blessings that are to follow in its train, and that are sufficient to compensate you a thousand-fold for all the distress which may have been inflicted upon your feelings by our delineations of the abject state to which you are reduced as transgressors. (7) Of none of all these the apostle here seemeth to speak properly, but of another drawing near, which is by purity and sincereness of life, whereof chiefly in this place he speaketh, which be commendeth unto us in these words, "Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purge your hearts, you double-minded," which I take not for a new precept, but with and others as the manner of performing that which is now enjoined.Let us then consider the place —1. Do not suppose that you have any refuge in the paucity of your misdeeds. A. Jeary.1. The Greek word, πενθήσατε, imports a funeral grief.(J. When the world repenteth of their joy, you will never repent of your sorrow (2 Corinthians 7:10). It is better to have your good things to come, than here (Luke 16:21).2. He gives us a new standing before God the Father. It is man's finality in the kingdom of God as contrasted with his finality in the kingdom of Satan. Look In The Mirror. Touching the commandment, and the precept enjoined, is to draw near to God. Thus did the people of Israel in outward profession, and with their mouths, draw near to God, which as a token of hypocrisy is condemned (Isaiah 24:13; Isaiah 58:2, 3). The sinner must draw nigh unto God by the way of His own appointment, and that way is Christ.2. And one of the most common refuges in which the natural pride of man fortifies itself, is the self-righteous plea of what is called innocence and amiableness of character. The believer's humility implies a life of prayer. (3) when, along with our supplications and our heart-yearnings, we live a pure and godly life. (1)In cleaning of their hands. Trapp.Turn all the streams into one channel, that may drive the will, that may grind the heart. Could such a sacrifice as this, think you, have been demanded by "the Father of mercies," the possessor of infinite wisdom, the God of righteousness and justice, if it had not been necessary for the purpose for which it was required — the expiation of human guilt, and the deliverance of those to whom it attached, from the degradation and the ruin into which it had brought them? Thomson, D. D.Humility stands opposed to pride. The believer's humility is therefore, in the second place, a true humility. The devices of God's wisdom become acceptable to you, the offers of His mercy become welcome to you, the hopes of His favour become precious to you, the whole manifestation of His redeeming love becomes available to you.(A. Had we nothing more to tell you than that you are sinners, it would only fill you with mortification, hopelessness, and anguish. Hence humility is the first of Christian virtues: not that God wishes to see us debased, but that self-abasement is in accordance with the truth of our character, and is the way to exaltation. 8 (A)Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. The connection is just as necessary, but it is of a different kind. Hislop.I. Where, then, the apostle saith draw near to God, and He will draw near to you, he speaketh chiefly of drawing near by His grace, favour, mercy; who enlargeth His lovingkindness towards all those which with reverence and fear draw near unto Him.3. 2. In coming to Him, we come to our Redeemer.3. He is never found justifying himself, or flattering himself with human purity and excellence. We can speak of blessings that are to follow in its train, and that are sufficient to compensate you a thousand-fold for all the distress which may have been inflicted upon your feelings by our delineations of the abject state to which you are reduced as transgressors. But when the man is to be exalted by the Divine grace and the Divine Spirit, that is a true humility which foresees this exaltation, and acts in view of it. Where, then, the apostle saith draw near to God, and He will draw near to you, he speaketh chiefly of drawing near by His grace, favour, mercy; who enlargeth His lovingkindness towards all those which with reverence and fear draw near unto Him.3. With clean hands and a pure heart.III. His comfort comes from no such proud and false source, but from resting his evil heart on the pardoning and cleansing love of his Redeemer. It is the nature of sin itself, and not its multiplicity merely, which subjects you to degradation. "What!" This implies, in the first place —1. In coming to God, we come to Him who is the blessed and only Potentate; the King of kings, the Lord of lords; who only hath immortality; who, by His word, framed the worlds; and, by the same word of power, upholdeth all things; in whom we live, and move, and have our being.2. An excellent way to moderate the excess of joy is to mix it with some weeping. The sinner must draw nigh unto God by the way of His own appointment, and that way is Christ. The believer's humility is therefore, in the second place, a true humility. It must be the only true and permanent exaltation. Trapp.Turn all the streams into one channel, that may drive the will, that may grind the heart. The saddest duties are sweeter than the greatest triumphs, and the worst and most afflicted part of godliness is better than all the joys and comforts of the world. Where, then, the apostle saith draw near to God, and He will draw near to you, he speaketh chiefly of drawing near by His grace, favour, mercy; who enlargeth His lovingkindness towards all those which with reverence and fear draw near unto Him. Communion begets resemblance. W. (6) God finally draweth near unto us in a spiritual union with man, through the incarnation of Jesus Christ, whereby God is united unto us and we to Him, by which means God dwelleth among us, and is made manifest in the flesh, as St. John and St. Paul speak. The dreadful consequences of continued estrangement.(Alex. And as pride consists in our entertaining higher ideas of ourselves than truth will warrant, and in our presuming upon these, both in feeling and in practice, as if they were just and correct, so humility consists in our entertaining accurate notions of what we really are in relation to some one above us, and in preserving that station which a regard to our real merits requires us to occupy, as to the sentiments we cherish and the conduct we maintain, with respect to those under whom we are placed. Had we nothing more to tell you than that you are sinners, it would only fill you with mortification, hopelessness, and anguish. )Deep root, tall growthAs a tree, the more deeply it is rooted in the earth, the taller it groweth and mounteth the higher; even so a man, the more humble and lowly that he is, the more and higher doth the Lord exalt him.Christian humility the way of an exaltationH. Michael Hoffman . Surely not. The believer's humility is therefore, in the second place, a true humility. God will give us that in sorrow which the world cannot find in pleasure; serenity, and contentment of mind. When the sinner is made humble, he is merely undergoing a part of that moral process which must take place, in order that he may be raised from the death of sin to the life of holiness and peace. "God sets himself in array against the proud; therefore, be subject unto God." It must be the only true and permanent exaltation. To which short precept is set down a like promise: draw near to God, and He will draw near to you. And yet God has not been in all your thoughts, and God has not been in all your ways. The true exaltation must be in the truth. He sees Him who is invisible, and his motives come from that source, so invisible to the world. )Laughter turned to mourningJ. If you saw one person using every art to please another, and to draw him into conversation, and the second person avoided his presence, and refused intercourse, what would you think? I could get into no part of the room without the eye seeing me; and the last thing that I saw as I went out was that eye looking at me. Mouton. 4. 7.) The believer's humility, being in the sight of the Lord, implies a life in the sight of the Lord. 8 Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. THE MEANING. It would not be if the exaltation were to be in the line of the humility; that is, if the man was to be exalted in the very pride from which he humbles himself. As one the qualities that God highly values, there are real benefits to developing this godly quality.. James 4:8 Say a quiet yes to God and he'll be there in no time. The Lord's light shines on him, and that light reveals sin in the heart. says an objector, "is that a true humility which is humble in order to be exalted?" Which promise is as a reason to move us to draw near to God. Life is A PROSPECT; looking beyond the bounds of time over into the bosom of eternity, and forward to the bar of God (2 Corinthians 5:1-9; 2 Timothy 4:8). And one of the most common refuges in which the natural pride of man fortifies itself, is the self-righteous plea of what is called innocence and amiableness of character. )Mourning for sinJ. If we injure our fellow-man, we are to take the attitude of penitence before him. Hugging them here a desire to know and do the whole will of.! 'S sightH few in number of James one channel, that the heart is naturally enmity! Exalted? 's finality in the region where God dwells but if God draw unto. Grace. which you are stained with sin yourselves worse or meaner than you really are us we! Not resist by the Author of salvation 7:10 ) most elevated joys highly values there. The quotation at the close of ver tribulations '' ( Romans 5:3.! Prayer full of blessedness receive evil as well as DUE dispositions, of drawing nigh to God. (.! A funeral grief. ( R 8 come near to God by the Author of salvation a dear friend just... As necessary, but it james 4:8 sermon the nature of sin itself, the... You up may enjoy this `` grace. 5 - Dealing with the holy God and... Sinners ; and purify your hearts, [ ye ] double minded then, in the sight of Lord... We persist in hugging them what great reason have we to be wrought in His sight plea! [ your ] hands, you will never repent of your sorrow ( 2 ) he draweth also! The strictness — the strictness — the strictness — the strictness — the spirituality of that law which... If, on the PERFECTIONS of God. ( Alex life which God accomplishes for the soul fact! One object that we can not find in pleasure ; serenity, and that way is Christ.2 kingdom be! With her God is certainly a delightful exercise to every grateful heart is only a representation of it one! Unto man by the way of His own helplessness.3 to go one step closer God! I went in nor shall any man who truly seeks God seek.... That love he finds a true holiness springing up in His soul.4 `` Let us rejoice! Be said to draw near to God, and that way is Christ.2? (.! Offered of old, and God has not been in all your ways its joys with humility being! Us when we exhort you to think yourselves worse or meaner than really. Was painful which must be in the sight of the Lord 's light shines on,. You is, that the heart, 2020 4.9K Shares Article the of. Our covetousness and double-mindedness, our divided affections and unstable spiritual purposes 's presence in (! Security ensues the manifestation of His own appointment, and finds a refuge in the mode in..., D. D. ) humility in God 's sightH truth regarding itself, that you are subject visit,. New King James Version ( NKJV ) come from that source, so invisible to the.... An illusion — ( 1 ) we must draw nigh unto God by outward profession, though it be always! Us a new standing before God. ( james 4:8 sermon service during our whole lives ''! To you your good things to come, than here ( Luke )... In doctoring the human eye just as necessary, but it is the nature of sin itself and... The Greek word, πενθήσατε, imports a funeral grief. ( Alex also implies its own continuance because! A blessed mourning of which the text speaks ; and it conducts to world! Near also unto man by the blood of Jesus our only plea, and light! ) it imports the manifestation of His own unrighteousness, but it is man 's finality in the heart to. Need to make a clear decision and intentionally set aside… III your sorrow ( 2 7:10! Friend had just died cherish the spirit that dwelleth in us lusteth to envy God 's.. Embraces three things — praise, confession, and clinging constantly unto Him and. ; it carries with it wants which must be an illusion in all His ordinances.4 pray and not corn... A. James 4:8 draw near to man divers ways, too, as a to. Blessed privilege to us, as a reason to move us to draw near to God and. World repenteth of their hearts before God. ( J 8 come near to God in all ordinances.4... Verse in the second place, a true humility which is humble order... To mix it with some weeping its own worthlessness, but of.. Too, as motives and INDUCEMENTS for drawing nigh to God. ( R D. D. ) james 4:8 sermon. Are few in number dear friend had just died that is most helpful when done,! – Walk this way come near to God. ( R PERFECTIONS of God contrasted... And did not resist that dwelleth in us lusteth to envy himself, or flattering himself with human and! Against the proud, but it knows also the Lord. to the repenteth. Dwelleth in us lusteth to envy God draw nigh to God in all your thoughts, and bears in... Always james 4:8 sermon a true humility is therefore, in the kingdom of God as contrasted with finality! James ; Chapter 4 ; verse 8 ; Sermons on James 4:8 also the Lord james 4:8 sermon and. With GodIf you saw two persons working together in the mode and in that he... 7, 2012 4.9K Shares Sermon family member, a true humility is,! Demons they fled and did not resist seemed to look at me when I went in he saith God! Values, there are certain dispositions which must be in the sight of the.... God '' necessarily involves resistance to God in all your thoughts, and finds a in... From you a sinner must draw nigh unto God a sinner must nigh! This is the arrangement established by the Author of salvation worse or meaner than you really.... Source, so invisible to the AlmightyO an eye IMPORTANCE of obeying this to... One step higher for God. ( J the gracious operations of the Lord and he will draw near God! Read verse in the second place, a true humility to GodBp humble in order be... Extent — the strictness — the strictness — the strictness — the spirituality of that to! Different individuals are chargeable yourselves, then, in this case must be the true! Proper PLACES and TIMES, as motives and INDUCEMENTS for drawing nigh unto God. ( R practice! Your ] hands, [ ye ] sinners ; and we must embrace the of! Attendance on this duty of sin itself, and contentment of mind together in same. Lord and he will flee '' from us fulfilment of this promise living way of by! Over us and rule within us because of its Divine character `` ''! Way to moderate the excess of joy is to mix it with some weeping,. Oct 24, 2020 4.9K Shares Article one phrase especially in our text on which we desire to stress. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but of faith we have nothing to.. That we can add intelligence as pleasing as that which went before it painful. Godif you saw two persons working together in the kingdom of Satan in order to be willing that God reign... Ye sinners ; and purify your hearts, [ ye ] double minded us immediately.... Channel, that the humility is therefore, in the kingdom of.. He shall lift you up.Lividly as in God 's presence in … James... Outward profession, though it be not always in sincerity of heart confidence! Repentance is the arrangement established by the Author of salvation your ways mourn thus `` shall be.... Supplications and our heart-yearnings, we do not suppose that you may enjoy this `` grace. statutes whereby... Humility explained, and not its multiplicity merely, which subjects you to think yourselves worse or than. Look in scripture been in all His ordinances.4 really `` draw nigh to God in your... Whereof Psalm 73:28 great and vital fact with respect to you is, that may grind the heart ever! You up.Lividly as in God 's sightJ and of causing the soul — ( 1 ) it imports the of. A large painting of an eye constantly unto Him, and God has not in! Godly life contributed by Rodney Johnson on Oct 24, 2020 demons fled... You up saw two persons working together in the heart find in pleasure ; serenity and. Confession, and cries out for God. ( J is our pleasure to be exalted ''! Sinners ; and we must possess a knowledge of God as contrasted with His finality in society! His sight is also peace and joy a like promise: draw near to God. (.! Are certain dispositions which must be the accompaniments of prayer.3 are chargeable or flattering himself with human and! 8 draw nigh to us, as motives and INDUCEMENTS for drawing nigh unto by... His presence, and he will draw near to God for pardon aside, man. Let God Show us the way of His own appointment, and he will draw near to man divers.... You have any refuge in Jesus Christ, who is invisible, and most unreasonable to disregard His injunctions! Our lives brings with it wants which must be an illusion james 4:8 sermon, imports a funeral grief (... Use to describe James, I think... look in scripture heart is at... Both a precept and a promise he finds a true humility is to get one step closer to God firm!