For additional notes and resources check out Douglas’ website.

James 4:7-8

Review: James 4:4 is a passage that most churches don’t teach:

• Stepping on toes – consumerism..
• Challenging specific sins from the pulpit
• Warning members against the dangers / ugly side of politics
• Rejecting nationalism, thinking instead of our global community
• Caring genuinely (and knowing about) the needs of the poor and oppressed globally.
• In light of these considerations, is it not fair to conclude that most churches are worldly?
• Some heart-searching questions
  • Are my spending patterns the same as my neighbors’, or do I truly honor the Lord with my wealth?
  • Do I lovingly confront others when I see sin in their lives? And do I welcome their input when they sin in mine?
  • Do I have a high threshold for tolerating sex and violence in what I watch? How about “explicit-language” music?
  • Am I informed about the world, and do I care about the plight of the oppressed?
• Are we really living as the holy people of God? Or have we accepted the values of our country / culture — which in most of the West means the pursuit of pleasure and a high standard of living—backed up by a strong military.

Points from today's text:

• The devil is stronger than we may think, but he’s also weaker than we may imagine. Resist him!
• How does the Lord wish us to renounce the ways of the world?
• It means relying on the Lord instead of our own power, wisdom, pundits...
• We must choose. We can’t embrace God and the world.
• For every one of us, this has both personal and political implications
• As the people of God, it's probable fair to conclude we have not been submissive, holy, pure, and focused.

Further: Jesus & Politics (about 40 minutes; includes complete notes).

Next: Humble Yourself in the Sight of the Lord