Submitting Our Works To God Is A Requirement Of Love

Submission to God and Resistance to the Devil

In the book of James, chapter 4, verses 7-10, the writer encourages believers to submit to God and resist the devil. This passage serves as a reminder of the importance of our relationship with God and the need to actively resist the temptations and schemes of the devil.

Submit to God:

The first instruction given is to submit to God. Submission implies acknowledging God’s authority and surrendering our will to His. It is an act of humility and obedience, recognizing that God’s ways are higher than our own. By submitting to God, we align ourselves with His will and invite His guidance and direction in our lives.

Resist the Devil:

Alongside the call to submit to God, James urges believers to resist the devil. The devil, also known as Satan, is the enemy of our souls. He seeks to deceive, tempt, and destroy us. To resist the devil means to actively oppose his influence and temptations. It involves standing firm in our faith, relying on the power of God, and refusing to give in to the devil’s schemes.

The Promise of Victory:

James assures us that when we resist the devil, he will flee from us. This promise gives us hope and confidence in our spiritual battles. It reminds us that we are not alone in our struggle against the forces of darkness. As we draw near to God and resist the devil, we can have assurance that God will provide the strength and protection we need.

Drawing Near to God and Cleansing Our Hearts

In the second part of the passage, James emphasizes the importance of drawing near to God and purifying our hearts.

Draw Near to God:

James encourages believers to draw near to God, assuring us that as we do, He will draw near to us. Drawing near to God involves seeking Him diligently, spending time in His presence, and cultivating a deep and intimate relationship with Him. It requires a conscious effort to prioritize God in our lives and to seek His will above all else.

Cleanse Your Hands and Purify Your Hearts:

James addresses the issue of sin in our lives. He calls sinners to cleanse their hands and purify their hearts. This metaphorical language speaks to the need for repentance and spiritual cleansing. Cleansing our hands represents turning away from sinful actions, while purifying our hearts involves addressing the inner motives and desires that may lead us astray.

Lament, Mourn, and Weep:

James goes on to urge believers to lament, mourn, and weep. This is a call to genuine sorrow and repentance for our sins. It is a recognition of the gravity of our wrongdoing and a desire to turn away from it. This attitude of humility and brokenness before God is essential for true repentance and transformation.

From Laughter to Mourning, Joy to Gloom:

James advises believers to let their laughter be turned to mourning and their joy to gloom. This does not mean that we should live in a constant state of sadness, but rather that we should be willing to let go of worldly pleasures and pursuits that hinder our relationship with God. It is a reminder to prioritize the things of God over temporary and fleeting sources of happiness.

Humbling Ourselves and God’s Promise of Exaltation

In the final part of the passage, James emphasizes the importance of humility and the promise of exaltation from God.

Humble Yourselves in the Sight of the Lord:

James instructs believers to humble themselves in the sight of the Lord. Humility is an essential virtue in the Christian life. It involves recognizing our own limitations, weaknesses, and need for God’s grace. Humbling ourselves before God requires setting aside pride, self-reliance, and self-centeredness, and instead, acknowledging our dependence on Him.

God Will Lift You Up:

James assures us that when we humble ourselves before God, He will lift us up. This promise of exaltation is not about seeking personal glory or recognition, but rather about God’s faithfulness to honor those who walk in humility and obedience. When we humble ourselves, God exalts us in His own time and in His own way, according to His perfect plan.

In conclusion, James 4:7-10 serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of submitting to God, resisting the devil, drawing near to God, purifying our hearts, and humbling ourselves before Him. It is a call to live a life of obedience, humility, and dependence on God’s grace. As we heed these instructions, we can experience the victory and exaltation that God promises to those who faithfully follow Him.