James 4:3-6 - Grace Overcoming Selfishness

While there is a place for larger ministries, Jesus often showed us that having a crowd was not as important to Him as selflessly serving individuals.  While He was leaving Jericho, the multitude that had followed Him told a blind beggar not to shout out to Jesus “have mercy on me.”  Instead of seeing blind Bartimaeus (Mark 10:46) as an impediment to His ministry, Jesus saw an individual to serve; Bartimaeus received His sight that day and became a Believer!  What would have happened if Christ had decided to ignore believing Bartimaeus?

In the walk of the believer, there are “potholes” of selfishness or, as James calls it, personal “lusts” (James 4:3-6).  Sometimes, we sap the energy the Lord has given to us to serve our sins, personal addictions, or personal comfort levels.  Maybe we fixate on gaining something we were never supposed to have in the first place and, as a result, when blind Bartimaeus calls upon us – we are found unprepared to be the hands of God's blessings.  In order for revival to occur, we need to say no to “self” and say yes to showing mercy to others.  After all, Jesus said “Be ye therefore merciful, as your Father also is merciful.” (Luke 6:36)

Want to learn more about Grace that Overcomes Selfishness?  Keep reading this blog or listen to the entire sermon below.