James Chapter 4:6-12
4:6 “But He gives a greater grace. Therefore it says, ‘God is opposed to the proud, but gives grace to the humble’” “But He gives a 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 a hopeless assignment. More than enough grace is available to every Christian to match the attractions and allurements of the world, and God has not left us at the mercy of the devil. This grace is not irresistible, for one must be humble in order to receive it. The grace under consideration here is manifested in a variety of ways: The grace of God monitors every temptation and ensures that we are never tempted beyond our abilities (1 Corinthians 10:13). This grace is manifested in the gospel message, a message that is far more winsome, persuasive, and appealing to the humble than anything the world can offer. This grace is seen in God’s forgiveness extended to the Christian who is willing to humble himself and acknowledge his 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 a 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. Grace can even forgive the Christian who has become a friend of the world, if that Christian will repent. Grace can more than match any sin that we can commit---as long as we are willing to forsake it (Romans 5:20 “but where sin increased, grace abounded all the more”). 1