True Humility

Bill White | Feb 18, 2024 | Watch in español

Study Guide

As James addresses the issue of conflict in relationships, he digs down to the root issue, exposing our propensity towards scheming self-reliance. The prescribed solution is humble dependence on God. When we choose to humbly accept his will and leave vindication to him, he draws close to us.
Application

  1. Consider the relationships in your life where you are prone to be critical and quarrelsome. What would it look like for you to embrace humility, repent of your own sin, and draw close to God?

  2. Reflect on the exclusive nature of a relationship with God. Where might you be striving after something—even a good, legitimate desire—above God?

Key Points

  • While James addresses his audience’s symptom of quarreling, he exposes the underlying problems in their hearts.

  • We are prone to scheming self-reliance. Instead of seeking what God wants, we try to make him a tool in executing our own will.

  • James alludes to the unfaithfulness of Israel. Like those who came before us, we often betray and cheapen God’s sacrifice for us when we chase after the world.

  • The solution is a biblical model of repentance. We are called to resist the devil, adopt a posture of humility, and draw close to God.

  • True repentance includes grieving the consequences of our own sin. This is part of a humble submission to God and honoring others whom our sin has affected.

Other Scripture References

1 John 2:16–17

1 Corinthians 10

James 5:16

Philippians 2

Scripture: James 4:1-10