HOSTILITY OR HUMILITY? By Major Frank Materu
Key Scripture: James 4:6 – “But He gives us more grace. That is why Scripture says: ‘God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble.’”
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Introduction
How do you approach God? This question strikes at the heart of every believer’s walk with the Lord. God seeks those who come to Him with humility, reverence, and submission to His Spirit. Yet, many approach God with hostility, harboring mistrust, doubt, and pride. These attitudes separate them from the fullness of His presence and blessings.
Hostility towards God arises from an unwillingness to surrender to His will, a refusal to confront inner sin, and an allegiance to the world’s values. On the other hand, humility invites His grace and favor, allowing His Spirit to guide us into truth, peace, and eternal life.
This teaching challenges us to examine our hearts. Are we walking in hostility or humility? Are we willing to let go of pride and embrace the transformative work of the Holy Spirit? The choice between hostility and humility determines our relationship with God and our eternal destiny.
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Hostility: The Way of Pride
Proverbs 16:18 – “Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall.”
Pride blinds people to their need for God and leads them to approach Him with hostility. Those who harbor pride refuse to confront their sins, instead accusing God and others for their failures. Such individuals are double-minded, unstable, and disconnected from the peace that comes from submission to God.
Hostility arises when people choose to live according to their fleshly desires, influenced by demonic forces that warp their minds and hearts. They may present themselves as successful and self-sufficient, but inwardly, they are filled with bitterness and misery.
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Humility: The Way of Grace
Micah 6:8 – “He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.”
Humility is the key to unlocking God’s grace and favor. Those who walk in humility recognize their dependence on God and are willing to submit to His Spirit’s guidance and correction. They seek to honor and respect God as their Creator and Ruler, allowing the Holy Spirit to refine their character and lead them in righteousness.
Humility is not a sign of weakness but of strength and wisdom. It enables believers to experience the fullness of God’s mercy, peace, and joy.
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The Misery of Hostility
Isaiah 48:22 – “There is no peace,” says the Lord, “for the wicked.”
Hostility towards God leads to spiritual imprisonment and misery. Those who reject God’s truth and embrace pride find themselves enslaved by sin and tormented by inner turmoil. Their lives may appear glamorous on the outside, but they are filled with bitterness and hatred.
The wicked’s hostility towards God ultimately leads to their downfall. Their prideful displays are deflated by God’s hand, exposing their foolishness and failure. Their end is destruction, both in this life and in eternity.
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The Blessing of Humility
Psalm 25:9 – “He guides the humble in what is right and teaches them His way.”
Humility positions believers to receive God’s blessings and guidance. Those who walk in humility are not only protected from the traps of pride but are also empowered to fulfill God’s purposes for their lives.
God’s humble servants are vessels of His mercy and truth, shining as lights in a world filled with darkness. They are secure in His love, knowing that their faithfulness will be rewarded both now and in eternity.
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Summary
The choice between hostility and humility is a choice between destruction and life. Hostility stems from pride, which separates us from God and leads to misery and ruin. Humility, however, invites God’s grace, favor, and guidance, allowing us to walk in peace and righteousness.
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Conclusion
God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble. Those who approach Him with hostility will find themselves in misery and despair, while those who walk in humility will experience His mercy, guidance, and blessings.
The call to humility is a call to surrender pride, embrace God’s truth, and allow His Spirit to lead us. It is through humility that we truly know God and fulfill His purpose for our lives.
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Call to Action
Examine your heart and ask yourself: Are you walking in hostility or humility? Surrender any pride, doubt, or hostility to the Lord and seek His Spirit’s guidance. Choose humility today and experience the freedom, peace, and joy that come from walking in God’s will.
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Final Word of Encouragement
God is calling you to a life of humility and submission to His Spirit. Do not allow pride or hostility to separate you from His love and blessings. Remember, the humble are lifted up, but the proud are brought low. Walk humbly with God, and He will guide you, strengthen you, and bring you into His eternal glory.
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Prayer of Salvation
"Lord Jesus, I come to You today with a humble heart, recognizing my need for Your mercy and grace. I confess that I am a sinner and ask for Your forgiveness. I believe that You died for my sins and rose again to give me eternal life. I surrender my pride and hostility and invite You into my life as my Lord and Savior. Fill me with Your Holy Spirit, guide me in Your truth, and help me to walk in humility all the days of my life. Thank You for saving me and making me a new creation. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen."
