Monday, November 2, 2015


Word of God

Man does not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth from the mouth of God
Matthew 4:4

The Epistle of James 4:10
(Study notes by Matthew Henry Edited/Prefaced by Doktor Riktor Von Zhades)

10 Cast down yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up

Brethren:

Herein, (in the GNV translation), we read to cast ourselves down. This is to say to kneel, or to bow down before Him. But it does not end there for when we are performing this act of submission it is to be done in the most humble of ways and of the most humble intents. Have we not read and learned that when we seek the things of the kingdom, that we are to approach in a humble spirit? Now it is true, that because we have an advocate, a mediator to the Father that we can boldly approach the throne room with confidence. However, that boldness is to not to be rash, nor reckless. It is instead to be simple with the expectation of being heard. - Dr. R.V.Z

Humility of spirit is here required, as in the sight of him who looks principally at the spirits of men. Those that draw nigh to God in a way of duty shall find God drawing nigh to them in a way of mercy. Draw nigh to him in faith, and trust, and obedience, and he will draw nigh to you for your deliverance. If there be not a close communion between God and us, it is our fault, and not his. He shall lift up the humble. Thus much our Lord himself declared, He that shall humble himself shall be exalted, (See Matthew 23:12). If we be truly penitent and humble under the marks of God’s displeasure, we shall in a little time know the advantages of his favor; he will lift us up out of trouble, or he will lift us up in our spirits and comforts under trouble; he will lift us up to honor and safety in the world, or he will lift us up in our way to heaven, so as to raise our hearts and affections above the world. God will revive the spirit of the humble (See Isaiah 57:15), He will hear the desire of the humble (See Psalm 10:17), and he will at last lift them up to glory. Before honor is humility. The highest honor in heaven will be the reward of the greatest humility on earth.” - Matthew Henry

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