Mar
25
Jilted, Jealous, and Generous
Posted by Champ Thornton at 6:04 amFiled Under ethics, theology
God requires holiness. I require grace. That requires humility.
James 4:5-6 Or do you suppose it is to no purpose that the Scripture says, “He yearns jealously over the spirit that he has made to dwell in us”? But he gives more grace. Therefore it says, “God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble.” (ESV)
Last week I decided to look up New Testament passages that cite one of my favorite Old Testament verses: Proverbs 3:34 (“He mocks proud mockers but gives grace to the humble.” [NIV]). My investigation led to James 4:6 (“But he gives more grace. Therefore it says, ‘God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble’.”).
But what does the phrase mean, “He gives MORE grace”? More grace than what? More grace than trials? More grace than I’ve received before? More grace than what? As with most passages, the verse’s context or setting gave a most encouraging answer.
In verses 1-4, James confronts his readers with quarreling and in-fighting that is coming from their heart’s evil desires. These passions are setting them on a collision course with the heart desires of other Christians. But then James raises the stakes. These believers’ worldly passions reveal that they are not just warring against fellow Christians–they are fighting against God Himself (4:4)!
To advance his case, James cites a major theme in the Old Testament–the jealousy of God over His people. God’s heart also has passionate desires for His people. But God’s desires are not warring and contentious. His desires are for holy and righteous living, are directed toward the people into which He blew the breath of life, and are for their good. Think of faithful Hosea continuing to passionately pursue his unfaithful wife. James says it this way: “He [God] yearns jealously over the spirit that he has made to dwell in us” (4:5).
Feel the contrast. Here are the high and holy expectations of God for us. And here is the sinful and unfaithful behavior of His Bride. (That would be us. That would be me.)
But compared to His jealous and righteous expectations, God gives an even larger measure of His grace (“He gives more grace”). What encouragement that if God were going to give a greater amount of either His demands or His grace, that He has generously decided to give more grace! For all that God demands from us His people, He gives even more gracious enabling to live out what He requires. So, how can I possibly live in a way that pleases God? Only by the strength His grace gives!
But this generous grace doesn’t come to all believers. What kind of high hoops must I jump through to get this grace from God? The amazing truth is that God’s grace comes not because I am something, but when I realize that I am nothing. God gives grace to the lowly, to the humble.
What does this humility look like? Verses 7-10 sketch out the contours of humility, the shape of a life that God will bless with more than enough grace to live a faithful life towards Him.
I need God’s grace each day, each hour. I am keenly aware of the sin that continues to live in me. I don’t have the strength to live Christianly. The only way I can live according to God’s expectations is to rely on His grace. So, here is another reason why we should actively and concretely pursue humility in our lives.
God requires holiness. I require grace. That requires humility.
Thanks, Champ. That’s just what I needed today.