FAITH: He Gives Greater Grace
Study of James
Week 6
Have you ever seen a child demand candy at the check-out line? They will argue, pitch a fit and hurl accusations at siblings, parents or anyone who will listen. Oh, the travailing, just to get what they want, what they think they deserve. My guess is, if you are a parent, you have also experienced this with your own child!
James, our practical teacher and friend, saw this type of behavior from young believers and he knew it had to be addressed.
He begins, “What is the source of quarrels and conflicts among you?” He continues with his list: you lust, you commit murder, you are envious, you fight and quarrel.(v2)
Like dealing with a contentious child, he explicitly addresses not just their behavior, but their heart. James is figuratively holding up a mirror so that they can see what proud foolishness they are producing. “You ask and do not receive because you ask with the wrong motives, so that you may spend it on your pleasures.”(v3)
He is basically calling them selfish!
Then he refers to them as “adulteresses”, a stark term of rebuke. Their ungodly behavior, like the child in the candy aisle, had to be called out.
“Whoever wishes to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God.”(v4)
James challenges their view, their selfish world view, with this phrase, “He(God) jealously desires the Spirit…to dwell in us.” In other words, what could be better than that?
“But He gives greater grace. Therefore it says, ‘God is opposed to the proud, but gives grace to the humble.”(v6) Greater grace…sign me up!
Grace, blessing brought to man by Jesus Christ, His favor upon us.
I’ll take that….how about you?
James’ challenge to them is to humble themselves and know, through experience, the grace of God which has been made available to them.
Humble, lowly in spirit or position, God reliant opposed to self-reliant.
James gives them several practical steps to move toward the God of grace with humility.
First, “submit to God.”(v7)
Here, submit means to place oneself under God’s plan. This refers to our spiritual position first, then mentally, emotionally and physically. In essence, yielding our lives to Him daily.
Second, “resist the devil.”(v7)
Resist means to take a position and not back down. James is challenging them to grow past the “child in the candy aisle” stage, demanding and quarrelling, to a yielded life in Christ, not looking back but standing firm against the enemy.
Third, “draw near to God, and He will draw near to you.”(v8)
What a promise! “Draw near,” approach, come near.
Friends, there is no magic here. When we move our hearts toward Him, He is waiting.
And finally, “Humble yourselves in the presence of the Lord, and He will exalt you.”(v10)
As Christ followers, we are called to yield our rights, position, and possessions.
Let’s look at Job, “He sets on high those who are lowly, and those who mourn are lifted to safety.” Job 5:11
Yes, “There is only….One who is able to save..”(v12)
When we humbly place our faith in Him, and not ourselves, He gives us greater grace.
jeannaswann
#nowuntohimwhoisable
Question for discussion: (your email is never posted or shared)
James offers four ways to experience “greater grace.” Which one stuck out at you?