Evidences of Christian Humility
Evidences of Christian Humility
James 4:11-17
Pastor Brent Whitefield
Introduction: Having commanded us to humble ourselves before the Lord, James goes on to offer a couple of examples of humility in action, displayed in how we speak to one another and how we demonstrate daily dependence on the provision and plans of God. He returns to the familiar theme of the mouth as the wellspring of the soul, while admonishing the believer to reliance on God and deference to His will, even in the mundane details of daily life.
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Questions for Discussion & Discovery
1. When James refers to “speaking evil,” what kind of speech is he referring to?
2. Is there a place for Christians to criticize one another without “speaking evil?”
3. In what way does a breaker of the law become a judge of the law?
4. Does James’ admonition in verses 13-15 mean that we should not make plans for the future?
5. If we are burdened by the self-reliance that James describes here, in what practical ways can we cultivate hearts of humility and dependence on God?
6. Does God apply a different standard to those who are ignorant of the law?
Sermon Slides
1. 01. Christian humility means watching our tongues and not assuming the role of judge over others.
2. You shall not go around as a slanderer among your people, and you shall not stand up against the life of your neighbor: I am the Lord. – Leviticus 19:16
3. And the tongue is a fire, a world of unrighteousness. The tongue is set among our members, staining the whole body, setting on fire the entire course of life, and set on fire by hell. – James 3:6
4. Judge not, and you will not be judged … – Luke 6:37
5. 02. Christian humility means understanding that even the best laid plans are subject to God’s will, necessitating sustained dependence on Him.
6. 03. Christian humility does not mean seeking to include God in our plans, but prayerfully seeking to play a part in His.
7. So also the tongue is a small member, yet it boasts of great things. How great a forest is set ablaze by such a small fire! – James 3:5