Genuine Humility

Worldly Attitudes Condemned, vv. 1-12

A. About Wrangling, vv. 1-3

1. A Serious Condition–“wars and fightings”
2. A Poisoned Spring–“your lusts, ye lust,” the eager desire for self-pleasing
   • love of money
   • love of display
   • love of power
   • love of preeminence, ex. Diotrephes in 3 John 9
3. A Better Way–pray–Wrestling with God is better than wrangling with men!

B. About Worldliness, vv. 4-5

1. A Terrible Name–“ye adulterers”
2. An Awesome Position–“the enemy of God”
   • worldly things
   • worldly people
3. A Remarkable Statement–“the Spirit lusteth to envy”

C. About Conceit, vv. 6-10

1. There is little to justify conceit.
   • sinners
   • double-minded
     • Don’t resist God
     • Resist the devil
2. There is much to commend humility.
   • God is near
   • He shall lift you up

D. About Criticism, v. 11, Why We Should Not Criticize

1. Because you are brethren
2. Because you are judging the law itself
3. Because God Himself is the Lawgiver and the Judge

Worldly Actions Condemned, vv. 13-17

A. A Man’s Diary, v. 13

1. He chooses his time.
2. He chooses his spot.
3. He chooses his stay.
4. He chooses his work.
5. He counts his profits.

B. A Man’s Day, v. 14

1. His present day
2. His life’s day

C. A Man’s Duty, vv. 15-17

1. Reference to God’s will
2. Deference to God’s will
3. Preference to God’s will, accepting God’s will, not because we have to, but because we love to.

Conclusion

Genuine humility is submission to God’s will, regardless of whether

1. I understand it.
2. Know all the details.
3. I like it.

Genuine humility is swallowing my preferences to obey God’s will!