Submission to God

Synonyms of Submission: Obedience, Compliance, Surrender

James 4:5-10, AMP

5Or do you suppose that the Scripture is speaking to no purpose that says, The Spirit Whom He has caused to dwell in us yearns over us and He yearns for the Spirit [to be welcome] with a jealous love?(A)

6But He gives us more and more grace ([a]power of the Holy Spirit, to meet this evil tendency and all others fully). That is why He says, God sets Himself against the proud and haughty, but gives grace [continually] to the lowly (those who are humble enough to receive it).(B)

7So be subject to God. Resist the devil [stand firm against him], and he will flee from you. (KJV: “Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.”)

8Come close to God and He will come close to you. [Recognize that you are] sinners, get your soiled hands clean; [realize that you have been disloyal] wavering individuals with divided interests, and purify your hearts [of your spiritual adultery]. (KJV: “Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded.”)

9[As you draw near to God] be deeply penitent and grieve, even weep [over your disloyalty]. Let your laughter be turned to grief and your mirth to dejection and heartfelt shame [for your sins].

10Humble yourselves [feeling very insignificant] in the presence of the Lord, and He will exalt you [He will lift you up and make your lives significant]. (KJV: “Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up.”)

Key phrases: Submit yourselves therefore to God; Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you; Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up.  

If a person never admits that the sin they are doing is wrong, how can they ever ask God to forgive them? If they never submit unto God, how they expect the Lord to respond. 2 Chronicles 7:14 unfolds the basic instruction of how God answers prayers:

“If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.”