James: A Handbook on Holiness

The Requirements for Victory: God-Centered Repentance

James 4:6-10

General outline:

1. The Way to Holiness: The Divine Perspective 1:2-27

   1. The Trial-Temptation Complex (1:2-18) & The Word of God (1:19-27)

2. The Principles of Holiness: The Biblical Framework 2:1-26

   1. The Law is the Structure (2:1-13) & Faith is the Dynamics (2:14-26) of Holiness

3. The Implementation of Holiness: The Christian Experience 3:1-4:10

   1. The Obstacle to Victory: Human Impotence 3:1-9

   2. The Nature of Victory 3:10-18

   3. The Requirements for Victory 4:1-10

      1. Self-knowledge 4:1-5

      2. God-Centered Repentance 4:6-10

         1. The Encouragement to Godcenteredness 4:6

         2. The Essence of Godcenteredness 4:7-8a

         3. The Evidence of Godcenteredness 4:8b-10

James 4:6-10

The Encouragement to Godcenteredness

6 But he gives more grace. Therefore it says, "God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble."

The Essence of Godcenteredness

7 Submit yourselves therefore to God.

Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.

8 Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you.

The Evidence of Godcenteredness

Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded.

9 Be wretched and mourn and weep. Let your laughter be turned to mourning and your joy to gloom.

10 Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will exalt you.

Discussion Questions:

1. V. 6 – To turn from sin to holiness, we must also turn from ourselves (4:1-5) to God. What great encouragement does God give us to do so? _____________________________________

2. Vv. 7-8a – James' 3 commands describe the essence of God-centered repentance. What is the opposite of each command? 1. ___________ 2. _______________ 3. ___________________ Give an example of doing each command. 1. ________________________________________
   2. ______________________________________ 3. __________________________________ What blessings does God promise when you keep these commands? _____________________
   _____________________________________________________________________________

3. Vv. 7b-10 – What 3 things characterize God-centered repentance? 1. S_______ S___________
   2. G_________ G____________ 3. H_________________