READ James 4

Chapter four begins speaking about the lust that drives a man away from God and toward self and the world.  Verse 4 strongly states, “Ye adulterers and adulteresses, know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? Whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God.”  The metaphor of adultery is used in Scripture to describe unfaithfulness to God (See Deuteronomy 31:16, Jeremiah 3:20, Matthew 12:39). Again, this is strong language, but a believer who turns away from God is committing spiritual adultery.  “The friendship of the world…” is a desire for a relationship with those who reject God and His Word.  “Whosoever” is emphatic and indicates a deliberate choice to give allegiance to the world rather than to God.

The Bible never speaks vainly, so it is true that all men have an Adamic spirit that dwells them promoting lust and envy (vs. 5)

But where sin abounds, grace does much more abound (Romans 5:20).  Thank God for the words of verses 6-8, “But He giveth more grace. Wherefore He saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble. 7Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. 8Draw nigh to God, and He will draw nigh to you.  Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts ye double minded.”

Friend, God resists those who are proud, but He gives grace to the humble.  How then, should we respond?  The formula for victorious living is found in verse 7, “Submit yourselves therefore to God.  Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.”  Ranking yourself under God’s rule and authority, and resisting the devil are the two keys.  Satan often causes believers to fail by appealing to their pride.  He did so in the Garden of Eden, and he does the same thing today.  Resist him, and his temptations, by ranking yourself under the mighty hand of God.  “Draw nigh to God, and He will draw nigh to you.”  That sounds like a formula for victory to me.

Your Friend and HIS,

Pastor Abbott

MEDITATIONS

1.  Why is the church called “the bride of Christ?”  Do the metaphors used in verse 4 make more sense to you by adding this thought to your heart?  Explain.

2.  Why must we put aside pride in order to receive God’s grace?  Who does God resist?

3.  Explain the meaning of the words “submit” and “resist.”  What are some of the weapons God has given to you to resist the devil?

4.What are two primary ways we can draw close to God every day?Will you make a commitment to draw close to God?