James 4:6

"But He gives. greater grace. Therefore it says, 'God is opposed to the proud, but gives grace to the humble'"."But he gives. greater grace" -"Whatever God demands of us, he provides the means by which we can produce it. Whatever demands of purity and holiness and whatever pressures the world may place upon us, James declares that God will give us enough grace for each moment" (Draper p. 122). This task of resisting temptation and opposing the influences of the world is far from. hopeless assignment. More than enough grace is available to every Christian to match the attractions and allurements of the world. Neither has God left us at the mercy of the devil.

Points To Note:

1. This grace isn't irresistible for one must humble themselves to receive it. This grace doesn't overpower us, rather, we cooperate with it, humbly accept it. 2. This grace is manifested in. variety of ways: A. The grace of God monitors every temptation and ensures that we are never tempted beyond our abilities (1 Corinthians 10:13). B. This grace is manifested in the gospel message,. message that is far more winsome, persuasive and appealing to the humble than anything the world can offer. C. This grace is seen in God's forgiveness extended to the Christian who is willing to humble themselves and acknowledge their sins. "There is still an even greater graciousness of God. If one will simply humble oneself, God will extend his grace and mercy. This verse, then, is. solid basis on which to build an emphatic call to repentance, which James proceeds to do" (Davids pp. 164-165). Therefore, the Christian is never justified in giving up or giving into depression or an attitude which says, "it's no use". Grace can even forgive the Christian who has become. friend of the world, if that Christian will humble themselves. Grace can more than match any sin which we can commit---as long as we are willing to repent (Romans 5:20 "but where sin increased, grace abounded all the more"). "Therefore it says" -Quotation from Proverbs 3:34"God is opposed to the proud" -"Opposed"-a military term, which means to range in battle against, to set oneself against, to resist (1 Peter 5:5). "God is against those who conceitedly show themselves above others. God accepts the challenge and arrays himself in battle against them" (Woods p. 222).

Point To Note:

This statement does bring up the question as to why God is so opposed to people who are arrogant: Barclay notes, "What then is this destructive pride?…This pride shuts itself off from God for three reasons. (1) It does not know its own need. It so admires itself that it recognizes no need to be supplied. It walks in proud self-sufficiency. (2) It cherishes its own independence. It will be beholden to no man; it will not even be beholden to God. It will admit dependence on nothing and on no one, human or divine. (3) It does not recognize its own sin. It is occupied with thinking of its own goodness, and it never realizes that it has any sin from which it needs to be saved" (p. 124)"but gives grace" -that is the grace just mentioned, this greater grace!"to the humble" -This verse admits that. lack of humility can be. problem among some Christians. Pride can even keep professed Christians from receiving the grace of God.

Points To Note:

1. Which brings up another question, why is remaining faithful viewed as such. hardship by some professed Christians? This verse provides one of the answers. Too many Christians are trying to live the Christian life by their own sheer stubbornness and determination.. good number of professed Christians are trying to be Christians without really placing any dependence upon God. How many approach services, studying with others, resisting temptation, with the attitude, "Well I'm going to keep on doing this unpleasant task, even if it kills me.. don't really enjoy services,. don't like talking to people,. really would rather not study the Bible, but I'm just going to force myself to do those things". 2. The key here is humility, an utter dependence upon God. realization of our own short-comings,. complete surrender to His will,. full acknowledgment of His power (Galatians 2:20). 3. The humble realize that everything doesn't depend on them. God can work through providential means, the gospel message is extremely powerful (Romans 1:16), and the God whom they serve hears and answers their prayers (James 1:5). How many of us get up in the morning and face the day, without praying first? Is our attitude one of proud self-sufficiency? "I know what. am doing, I've done my homework,. don't need God's help today"? Christians with that attitude end up failing, sinning and struggling. Tomorrow, before you encounter the day, pray. Let God know what you are facing, what tasks lie ahead, what fears and worries are in your mind, and ask for His help and wisdom. Grace doesn't mean that we don't have to work, but it means that now we are working from. different perspective, with greater confidence, not in ourselves, but in God (1 Peter 4:13 "I can do all things through Him who strengthens me").