Tag: opposed to the proud
Grace to the humble!
Scripture reading for November 13th: 1st Peter 5
The heart is the main focus of our Lord regarding men and women. (Mark 7:20-23) Man focuses on the exterior and appearances, and what others might think. Peter finished his letter to the suffering church and her leadership by addressing their need for humility and God’s grace!
“To the elders among you, I appeal as a fellow elder, a witness of Christ’s sufferings and one who also will share in the glory to be revealed: Be shepherds of God’s flock that is under your care, serving as overseers–not because you must, but because you are willing as God wants you to be; not greedy for money, but eager to serve, not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock.” (1st Peter 5:1-3) Elders must remain humble and serve willingly. Just telling people what they should do was not enough, they must humbly live as examples. The promise was a “crown of glory” from Jesus Christ, the Chief Shepherd! (vs 4)
“Young men, in the same way be submissive to those who are older. All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because, “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble. Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that He may lift you up in due time.” (1st Peter 5:5-6) Peter emphasized humility to young men and all of those in the church. The principle is simple: “God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble.” We can either humble ourselves or have God opposing us! That should be an easy choice for anyone with spiritual sense! His grace will truly lift us up–all the way to His eternal kingdom! God is looking for a heart of humility and willing submission to shower His grace upon.
Grace to the humble!
Scripture reading for November 20th: James 4:1-17
James was a Jew and ministered as the pastor of the church in Jerusalem. Pastoring a flock of Jewish believers had it’s challenges and he dealt with some quarrels among the brothers and sisters. In his epistle, James gave instructions in practical humility that would help his flock avoid strife and work together. Let’s be quick to listen and apply his instructions in order to help the church we are a part of!
“What causes fights and quarrels among you? Don’t they come from your desires that battle within you? You want something but don’t get it. You kill and covet, but you cannot have what you want. You quarrel and fight. You do not have, because you do not ask God. When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, that you may spend what you get on your pleasures.” (James 4:1-3) James speaks plainly to brothers and sisters that he loves. Selfishness is at the heart of most strife in the church! It starts in our flesh with desires and then is worked out in anger, slander (murder with the tongue), jealousy, and even spiritual manipulation! Some of his flock were praying to God, but God could not grant an answer because they had selfish motives. They simply weren’t asking God in accordance with His will!
“But He gives us more grace. That is why Scripture says: “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Come near to God and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double minded. Grieve, mourn and wail. Change your laughter to mourning and your joy to gloom. Humble yourselves before the Lord, and He will lift you up.” (James 4:6-10)
We all need more grace to overcome our selfish desires and flesh. Grace comes to the humble. A mark of true humility is submission to God and obedience to His word. When we submit, we draw near to Him to listen and learn. Another mark of humility is a sincere desire to be clean of sin. Sincere brokenness is marked by a change of heart and by cleansing our hands from evil works. If we humble ourselves, God will lift us up!