Daily Worship, Spirit and Word - June 3, 2024

Certain aspects of Scripture may get over-emphasized when trying to prove a point. For example, we often quote a memorized verse by itself without the understanding of surrounding verses (context). When we study Scripture (or “discuss” Scripture), it is important to consider, “What is the point of the whole passage?”. This will help us understand what the author and Holy Spirit are trying to say. Once you have this and understand it, you can look for deeper meanings. However, the deeper meanings must be built upon the foundation of the original intent. A principle may be used that applies to many situations or to only certain situations. Said principle may have preconditions. These conditions may need to be met for the principle to work the way we see it in the passage.

“But He gives more grace. Therefore He says: “God resists the proud, But gives grace to the humble.” Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you. Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded. Lament and mourn and weep! Let your laughter be turned to mourning and your joy to gloom. Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and He will lift you up.” (James 4:6–10, NKJV)

In order to receive more grace, we must humble ourselves and submit to God. We receive more grace when we do things God’s way and not the world’s way. If we have been doing things the world’s way, (see the first part of James 4), we must humble ourselves and repent. It is a serious matter, not to be taken lightly. This humility in the sight of God will put you in the right frame of mind to overcome the world through faith, hope and love - because more grace is flowing to you.

Let’s take one more paragraph to restate those verses. God gives more grace to the humble but resists the proud. “Therefore” submit to God to receive more grace. Resist the devil to stay out of pride, which will make God resist you. Draw near to God and receive more grace to do things God’s way. This “more grace” will cleanse you, purify your heart and bring you into the sober mind of Christ (single-mindedness), and all because you humbled yourself and received God’s loving way of doing things.