Several
questions arise from this verse (Jam. 4:6).
What is
pride? Pride is the tendency
to declare or think of yourself as being above
other people, that you are better
than or superior
to them. Pride is the mindset
that keeps you thinking you have
no need
to obey God.
Never let
it be said God didn't warn you! “Pride
goes before destruction, and a haughty
spirit before
stumbling”
(Prov. 16:18). “A
man’s pride
will bring him low
. . .” (Prov.
29:23). “Therefore
let him who thinks
he stands take
heed
that he does not fall”
(1 Cor. 10:12).
Why
is God opposed
to pride? Pride is
illustrated in the building of the Tower of Babel (Gen. 1:28; 9:1;
11:4). God's instruction: Multiply, spread
out
and fill
the earth. Man's intention: Multiply, stay
put
and don't
fill the earth.
Read Jam.
4:1-6a. This is
the context of today's Bible verse. God is opposed to pride because it says, “God, I know
that You want exclusive
rights to me (Jam. 4:5) and that, though it is difficult sometimes to
give up selfishness
and worldliness
(Jam. 4:1-4),
You give extra
grace
(Jam. 4:6a) so I can please You and obey
You; no thanks, my way is better.”
What
does it mean
when it says God is opposed? A good
example of God's opposing someone is found in Numbers 22:22. God's opposing a person means He stands
in that person's way
so that
he or she cannot prosper.
By the way,
it isn't just that God is opposed to pride. God hates
it! (Prov. 8:13). In the
Greek, the word “opposed” means 'God sets Himself to do battle
against.' You can be sure about this: If God sets Himself to do battle
against you, you will neither prosper
nor prevail.
Have you
ever met someone who never seems to catch a
break – not ever – in life? How much of this person's misery does he bring upon himself,
simply because he will not humble himself before God?
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