Loss & Restoration of Spiritual Prosperity

Loss & Restoration of Spiritual Prosperity
James 4:1-10
Pastor Terry Wilcox

Perhaps the earliest of the New Testament letters, written by Jesus’ brother James (A.D. 48)

Causes of Lost Spiritual Prosperity – James 4:1-5

1. The battle within us – James 4:1
   Greek word hedon is often translated lust.
   Hedonism – pleasure is the highest good and chief goal of life. Avoid pain at any cost.
2. Not getting what we want – James 4:2
   Not asking God.
3. Asking out of wrong motives – James 4:3
   We want God to change our circumstances, God wants to change us.
   Purpose of prayer is not to satisfy our will, but to accomplish His will.
4. Not being faithful to our husband – James 4:3
   English word world is from Greek word kosmos – the opposite of chaos, used to define the harmonious arrangement of God’s creation.
   Also used to delineate the differences between loving God and loving the systems and values of the world around us.

How to Restore Spiritual Prosperity

1. Grace flows through the channels of humility and submission.
   John Wesley’s four categories of grace:
   a. prevenient – going before – John 6:44
   b. saving – Ephesians 2:8-9
   c. sanctifying – Hebrews 10:14; I Thessalonians 5:23; I Corinthians 6:11
       This is grace for living now.
   d. dying grace
2. Resist the devil – James 4:7
   Push back! We need not be the devil’s marionette. 
   I John 4:4
3. Draw near to God – James 4:8; Psalm 73:23-28
4. Be sorrowful – James 4:9
   Today’s worldly philosophy says guilt is a useless idea from the past.
5. Be humble and let God elevate you – James 4:9
   Painting of Niagara Falls titled                                             

Personal Notes