Grace For The Humble - James 4:6 Series

James 4: 6 But he gives us more grace. That is why Scripture says: “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.”

Introduction

Listen very carefully to these words I am about to read because Jesus said your eternal destiny depends on whether you understand them.

Matthew 18:1 At that time the disciples came to Jesus and asked, "Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?" 2 He called a little child and had him stand among them. 3 And he said: "I tell you the truth, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. 4 Therefore, whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.

When you think about what the big, important, essential things are in Scripture, it does not get any bigger or more essential than humility. Whether or not you are humble determines whether you will go to heaven or hell, because it determines whether or not you can know God. Jesus started the greatest sermon ever preached by saying, “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs (and theirs alone) is the kingdom of heaven.” If you haven’t been to church in a while you picked a good day to come because there isn’t any topic more crucial for knowing God than humility. Why is that? It is because of what James says in verse 6.

James 4:6 But he gives us more grace. That is why Scripture says: “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.”

Humility is so incredibly important because that is the way to get grace from God.

Grace

What is Grace? Everything We Need

What is that worth? How much would you pay for an ounce of grace? I think gold goes for about $1300 per ounce right now - what would an ounce of grace be worth to you? Obviously grace doesn't come in ounces; I just ask the question to get us thinking about how much we value grace. How much would you pay to get more of it than you already have? Do you feel any special need for more grace? Do you feel like your life would be a lot better if you got more? Or that you will be in big trouble if you don't get more? What do we need it for exactly? What does it do? What is it? It is amazing how often we use words every day in church and then when you go to define it you realize, "Wait a second, do I even know what this is?"

God's Favor

So what is grace? The most basic definition of the Greek word is favor. God's grace is favor from God. It is the opposite of having God against you.

6 God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.

So getting grace means having God be on your side – it is God's favor.

The Results of Grace

Now, what happens to you when God favors you? What are the results of grace? If you get some antibiotics, the result might be that it kills an infection. If you get some food, the result might be a sense of pleasure and satisfaction. If you get a raise, the result is more money in the bank. What happens if you get grace?

Salvation

One thing that happens is salvation.

Titus 2:11 the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared

When you get grace from God you become a child of God, your sins are all forgiven, and you go to heaven when you die rather than hell. But that is not the only effect of grace. What else happens when you get God's favor?

Honor

In 2 Corinthians 9:14 we see that grace causes other believers to have a special love for you.

2 Corinthians 9:14 They will have deep affection for you, because of the surpassing grace God has given you.

People will have a desire to be around you and they will have a high respect for you and a special love for you.

Upbuilding

Another result is you will be built up.

Acts 20:32 Now I commit you … to the word of his grace, which can build you up

When God favors you and you receive His grace, it makes you more and more what you are supposed to be.

Strengthening

Not only that, but grace also gives you power and strength and enablement to work hard and accomplish great things.

1 Corinthians 15:10 But by the grace of God I am what I am, and his grace to me was not without effect. No, I worked harder than all of them--yet not I, but the grace of God that was with me.

Hebrews 13:9 It is good for our hearts to be strengthened by grace