James 4:6 But he gives more grace. Why he said, God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble. See the bounty of God — ever giving and ever ready to give more! I. OBSERVE THE TEXT IN ITS CONNECTION. 1. It presents a contrast. "The spirit that dwelleth in us lusteth to envy"; on God's part this is met by, "but He giveth more grace." 2. It suggests a note of admiration. What a wonder that when sin aboundeth, grace still more abounds! 3. It hints at a direction for spiritual conflict. (1) We learn where to obtain the Weapons of our warfare: we must look to Him who gives grace. (2) We learn the nature of those weapons: they are not legal, nor fanciful, nor ascetical, but gracious. (3) We learn that lusting after evil must be met by the fulfilment of spiritual desires and obtaining more grace. 4. It encourages us in continuing the conflict. 5. It plainly indicates a victory. God will not give us up, but will more and more augment the force of grace, so that sin must and shall ultimately yield to its sanctifying dominion. II. OBSERVE THE GENERAL TRUTH OF THE TEXT. God is ever on the giving hand. 1. He giveth new supplies of grace. 2. Larger supplies. 3. Higher orders. 4. He giveth more largely as the old nature works more powerfully. This should be — (1) A truth of daily use for ourselves. (2) A promise daily pleaded for others. (3) A stimulus in the contemplation of higher or sterner duties, and an encouragement to enter on wider fields. 5. A solace under forebodings of deeper trouble in common life. 6. An assurance in prospect of the severe tests of sickness and death. III. BRING IT HOME BY SPECIAL APPROPRIATION. 1. My spiritual poverty, then, is my own fault, for the Lord giveth more grace to all who believe for it. 2. My spiritual growth will be to His glory, for I can only grow because He gives more grace. Oh, to grow constantly! 3. What a good God I have to go to! (C. H. Spurgeon.) Parallel Verses KJV: But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble.WEB: But he gives more grace. Therefore it says, "God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble." |
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