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 .
   Hedonism – pleasure is the highest good and chief goal of life. Avoid  at any cost.
2. Not getting what we  – James 4:2
   Not  God.
3. Asking out of   – James 4:3
   We want God to change our , God wants to  us.
   Purpose of prayer is not to satisfy  , but to  His will.
4. Not being faithful to our  – 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  and .
   John Wesley’s four categories of grace:
   a. prevenient – going  – 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. grace
2. Resist the devil – James 4:7
   Push back! We need not be the devil’s . 
   I John 4:4
3. Draw near to God – James 4:8; Psalm 73:23-28
4. Be  – James 4:9
   Today’s worldly philosophy says  is a useless idea from the past.
5. Be humble and let God  you – James 4:9
   Painting of Niagara Falls titled

Personal Notes