1. “He Gives Us More Grace” James 4:6-10 May 17, 2009

2. I. God gives us grace. He opposes the proud. – Pride is a mockery of our relation to God. “He mocks proud mockers but gives grace to the humble.” -- Proverbs 3:34 – We should clothe ourselves with humility. “…clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because ‘God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.’” “Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ.” – Ephesians 5:21

3. I. God gives us grace. He gives grace to the humble. – We should humble ourselves before the Lord. “Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time.” 1 Peter 5:6. – He will lift us up in due time. “If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves…then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land.”

4. II. Therefore, we are to submit to God. We are to resist the devil and he will flee from us. – We resist Satan by standing firm in the faith. “…the devil prowls around…looking for someone to devour…Resist him, standing firm in the faith.” 1 Peter 5:8- 9a – We are to put on the full armor of God. So that you can take your stand… You may be able to stand your ground… After you have done everything, to stand.

5. II. Therefore, we are to submit to God. We are to come near to God and he will come near to us. – We need to be cleansed from sin. “Wash and make yourselves clean…Stop doing wrong, learn to do right!” – Isaiah 1:6 – We need to lead pure lives. “Who may ascend the hill of the Lord?...He who has clean hands and a pure heart…” – Psalms 24:3-5

6. II. Therefore, we are to submit to God. We are to repent. – We are to have sorrow for our sins. – We should express our brokenheartedness. “For whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted.” -- Matthew 23:12