Brokenness - The Key to Joy in our Purpose

This is Session 3 from the Living Out Our Glorious Purpose series.

I. Verse review:

Matt 5:3

"Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

James 4:8-10

Come near to God and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded. Grieve, mourn and wail. Change your laughter to mourning and your joy to gloom. Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up.

II. Hindrances to living a broken life

A. It is uncomfortable!

Therefore I ignore my real motives.

B. It is humbling!

III. Biblical Examples:

A. David vs. Saul. What was the difference?

Contrast 1 Samuel 15 with Psalm 32 and Psalm 51.

B. Pharisee in Luke 18.

IV. Results of brokenness

A. It is freeing!

B. Gives me reason to rejoice in God!
(Valley of Vision page 76 excerpt) “I am always standing clothed in filthy garments, and by grace am always receiving change of raiment.”

C. Renewed willingness to see my sin as it is.
(Valley of Vision page 84 excerpt) “Let me faithfully study my character, be willing to bring it to light, observe myself in my trials, judge the reality and degree of my grace, consider how I have been ensnared or overcome.”

V. Relation between brokenness and our emotions

A. Sowing and Reaping

1. It takes time.

2. My emotions DISPLAY my thinking.

3. No command to feel a certain way.

So...brokenness isn’t first and foremost an emotion, it is a choice. I choose to humble myself before God, no excuses, no rationalizing and I plead only for His grace. As I think thoughts consistent with that – realizing what I deserve – nothing – and what I have – the heavenlies!! – over time, that WILL affect my emotions!

Brokenness Verse Sheet

Proverbs 3:34

He mocks proud mockers but gives grace to the humble.

James 4:6

But he gives us more grace. That is why Scripture says: "God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble."

I Peter 5:5-6

Young men, in the same way be submissive to those who are older. All of you clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because, “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble." Humble yourselves, therefore, under God's mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time.

Psalm 138:6

Though the LORD is on high, he looks upon the lowly, but the proud he knows from afar.

Isaiah 57:15

For this is what the high and lofty One says— he who lives forever, whose name is holy: "I live in a high and holy place, but also with him who is contrite and lowly in spirit, to revive the spirit of the lowly and to revive the heart of the contrite.

Psalm 51:8

Let me hear joy and gladness; let the bones you have crushed rejoice.

Psalm 51:17

The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise.

Jeremiah 23:29

Concerning the prophets: My heart is broken within me; all my bones tremble. I am like a drunken man, like a man overcome by wine, because of the LORD and his holy words.

Job 42:5-6

My ears had heard of you but now my eyes have seen you. Therefore I despise myself and repent in dust and ashes."

Luke 20:18

Everyone who falls on that stone will be broken to pieces, but he on whom it falls will be crushed."

Luke 18:14

"I tell you that this man, rather than the other, went home justified before God. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted."

2 Chronicles 7:14

If my people, who are called by my name, will 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.

Matt 5:3

"Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

James 4:8-10

Come near to God and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded. Grieve, mourn and wail. Change your laughter to mourning and your joy to gloom. Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up.

Proverbs 29:1

A man who remains stiff-necked after many rebukes will suddenly be destroyed—without remedy.

Isaiah 2:11-12

The eyes of the arrogant man will be humbled and the pride of men brought low; the LORD alone will be exalted in that day. The LORD Almighty has a day in store for all the proud and lofty, for all that is exalted (and they will be humbled).

Psalm 34:18

The LORD is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.