James 4:6 But he gives greater grace. Therefore he says: God resists the proud but gives grace to the humble.
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Resist the Devil…
Conflict and Its Source (verses 1-3):
James addresses conflicts among believers, attributing them to selfish desires. He points out that such quarrels arise because people want things for their own pleasure rather than for God’s will.
Friendship with the World (verses 4-6):
He warns that friendship with the world is enmity with God. The chapter emphasizes humility over pride, stating that God gives grace to the humble but opposes the proud.
Submission to God (verses 7-10):
Believers are urged to submit to God, resist the devil, cleanse their hands, purify their hearts, and mourn over their sin. The teaching here is on repentance and drawing near to God, which leads to God drawing near to them.
Judging Others (verses 11-12):
James cautions against judging one another, stating that to judge a brother or sister is to speak against the law and to judge the law itself. Only God is the true Judge.
Boasting About Tomorrow (verses 13-17):
He criticizes those who make plans without considering God’s will, emphasizing the uncertainty of life and the importance of acknowledging God in all plans. This includes a reminder that failing to do good when it’s known to be the right thing is a sin.
The overarching theme of James chapter 4 is the call to humility and submission to God’s will over personal desires and worldly influences. It underscores the need for believers to live in accordance with God’s wisdom, recognizing their dependence on Him for grace and guidance. The chapter teaches the importance of humility, repentance, and living a life aligned with divine rather than human wisdom, all while maintaining a proper perspective on one’s own life and judgments.
