Dec. 1, 2024
TEXT:   James 3:13-4:12

I. The world’s wisdom draws us away from God (vv. 1-5)
A. It causes us to live in conflict (v. 1)
B. It causes us to live in our flesh (v. 2)
C. It causes us to live in selfishness (v. 3)
D. It causes us to live in sinfulness (v. 4)
E. It causes us to live in opposition (v. 5; Genesis 4:5-6; 6:5; 37:11; Proverbs 14:30; 21:10; 23:17; Psalm 37:1)

II. The wisdom of God brings us closer to God (vv. 6-10)
A. Our spirit within us can be close to God with His grace (v. 6)
B. Our spirit being submissive to God brings us closer to Him (vv. 7-8)
C. Our spirit being humble brings us closer to God (vv. 9-10)
III. God’s Word judging us draws us closer to God (vv. 11-12)
A. God’s Word convicts us of wrong attitudes towards others (v. 11a)
B. God’s Word is the authority over us not us over it (v. 11b)
C. God’s Word alone is given to us by God and He alone is God (v. 12)