• Download Video
• Download Audio
• Print
• Email
• Save As PDF

"But He gives more grace"

Text: James 4:6

THE PROMISE OF GRACE

Thank God for the promise of grace. The doctrine of grace was held close to the heart by all the New Testament writers! Here is James’ appreciation of the promise of grace in the battle against sin.

“But He gives more grace. Therefore He says:
‘God resists the proud,
But gives grace to the humble.'”
James 4:6

1. The gift of grace

a) The Apostle wrote extensively on the doctrine of grace.

b) Grace is associated with the following:

i) Salvation Ephesians 2:8-9

ii) Apostleship Romans 1:5

iii) Spiritual gifts 1 Corinthians 12:4

iv) Sufficient for suffering 2 Corinthians 12:9-10

2. “But He gives more grace”

a) James adds that God “gives more grace”.

b) God will enable the true believer to become more godly.

i) Through the Holy Spirit.

ii) And through more grace.

3. “God resists the proud”

a) Grace is a word that the proud would not understand.

b) The proud thinks that he does not need God or His grace.

c) The Lord’s response to the proud (the arrogant).

i) He resists them.

ii) He opposes them.

iii) He will not avail grace because the arrogant will reject it anyway.

4. “But gives grace to the humble”

a) The humble recognises his limitations.

b) He knows that human strength cannot overcome sin at all.

c) He turns to God humbly to seek His grace to battle sin.

d) God graciously and lovingly makes His grace available to the humble to help him overcome sin.