James_____4
ScriptureJames 4:7 NLT“So humble yourselves before God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.”Observation-What does it say?James originally wrote this book of the Bible for the “twelve tribes” of Jewish believers scattered abroad. In this particular passage he is giving advice on how they can draw closer to God.Understanding-What does it mean?Want a closer relationship with God?Draw close to God, and He will draw close to you.-James 4:8James tells us we can have a closer relationship with God by acting on these 2 things.
- Humbling yourself
- Resisting the devil
Being humble requires us to submit to God. We need to understand that we are nothing without Him, and that we need Him-(Jesus), in our lives to be our savior. We need to let go of our way of doing things and do things God’s way. Resisting the devil requires us being humble, and understanding that we cannot do it under our own strength, but only through God’s strength. The devil knows our weaknesses and will do everything he can to tug on them, to bring you down. His main purpose is to create that wedge of our sinfulness to separate us from having that personal and intimate relationship with God. Don’t let him do it! Be humble and resist!
Life Application
Jesus is the perfect example.
Jesus showed us how to have that closer relationship (father-son/child) with God. As powerful as Jesus was, he still went to God in prayer. He often would seek a quiet place to go and reside to, to get “re-energized” to continue his daily ministry. Jesus was also tempted by the devil when he went into the wilderness without food for 40 days. Jesus was able to resist the devil’s temptations. Jesus knew the word of God, and used the word to combat everything the devil threw his way. Jesus is the perfect example of how we should live our lives, and have that closer relationship with God. By remaining humble, seeking God constantly in prayer, and reading His word, God will give me all that I need to combat the evil one. And by doing these things, I know I will be pleasing God, and I will have an even closer relationship to my father in Heaven. 😊
-Moses Gaddi