James 4:8-10 | Faith That Moves | 2.15.26

Follow Along with the Message

Scripture Reference: James 4: 4-10

1. Phil quoted John Eldredge: “Life is a love story in the context of a war in which you are born a prisoner.”  He then shared verse 10: “Humble yourself before the Lord and He will lift you up.”
2. a)What critical admission must we make to demonstrate genuine humility before God?
3. b)How does the opening command of verse 7 show us our first move toward genuine humility?
4. Read Isaiah 61:1 – prophetic words fulfilled by Jesus.  What are three specific things Jesus accomplished on our behalf so that we might be released from the captivity of sin?
5. How can the ongoing internal battle we face encourage believers, rather than discourage?
6. Discuss the differences between victory and deliverance. 
7. a)Read Romans 7:18-24 Would you say that Paul was victorious?  Why or why not?
8. Verses 7-9 contain commands that Phil described as “The Order of Victory”:

• Submit to God
• Resist the devil
• Draw near to God
• Cleanse your hands
• Purify your hearts

1. a)Why do you think that “Draw near to God” sits right in the middle of this list? 
2. b)Phil quoted John of the Cross: “The devil fears a soul in union with God as he fears God himself. This means that our intimacy with Jesus, every precious experience with him, is something that must be protected and often fought for.”  In this regard, what does it look like to “resist the devil”?  
3. Read Galatians 5: 16-17 and James 4: 4-5
4. a)Jesus’ death on the cross broke our chains; where do we receive power to walk in victory?
5. b)What are some “glittering counterfeits” we might drift toward if we fail to consistently marvel at God’s glory?
6. c)James calls out this drift and names it “spiritual adultery” – giving our loyalty, trust, love, affection and allegiance to something other than God.  What is the biggest risk we take in doing so?
7. How is the jealousy of God for our spirits, described in verse 5, drastically different than human worldly jealousy?
8. When we turn toward God, verse 6 says we receive from Him “more grace”, which means that God’s supply of mercy and power exceeds the depth of our sin and the pull of our disordered desires.  What are the three primary components of a lifestyle of victory in grace?