The Benefits of Adoration (Continued)
Those who adore God genuinely take pleasure in Him and His beauty, patterning their lives according to His Word. Their actions are motivated by love for God and His Word. As they draw life from God, they live fruit-bearing lives, as described in Psalm 1:3: "He shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that brings forth its fruit in its season, whose leaf also shall not wither; and whatever he does shall prosper."
The Rivers of Water symbolize the Spirit of God. Those who faithfully seek God and His Word receive an unfailing source of life from the Spirit. The phrase "whatever he does shall prosper" does not guarantee the absence of problems or failure, but rather that a godly person will know God's will and favor, as seen in 3 John 2.
Holiness Is Received, Not Achieved
James 4:6-8 says: "But He gives more grace. Therefore He says: 'God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble.' Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you. Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded."
More Grace is given to the humble. James outlines five steps to obtain this grace:
- Submit to God (v.7a): Yield to His authority and will.
- Resist the devil (v.7b): Do not allow Satan to entice or tempt you.
- Draw near to God (v.8a): Through worship, praise, thanksgiving, prayer, fasting, and fellowship with the Holy Spirit and the Word.
- Cleanse your hands (v.8b): Confess sin and align your outward life with God.
- Purify your hearts (v.8c): Let God cleanse your inner life and thoughts.
Posturing ourselves before God in these five ways enables us to experience greater grace, resulting in a life of full victory over the sinful nature, Satan, and the world, and fruitfulness for God.
Drawing Near to God
James 4:7-10 provides five ways to draw near to God:
- Submit to God (4:7): Commit your life to His control and follow Him.
- Resist the devil (4:7): Stand firm against temptation.
- Cleanse your hands and purify your hearts (4:8): Lead a pure life, replacing sinful desires with a desire for God's purity.
- Lament, mourn, and weep (4:9): Show sincere sorrow for your sins.
By following these steps, believers can experience the fullness of God's grace and live victorious, fruitful lives.
