The David Spoon Experience 3-1-24 part 1

A) We are currently studying James Chapter 4. The second part of Verse 4 states, "Therefore, whoever chooses to be a friend of the world becomes an enemy of God." It's important to distinguish between people of the world and worldly systems. Worldly systems represent the collective wisdom of man derived from his flesh, sin, Satan, society, politics, culture, academia, media, and every other known form of science or culture. This collective wisdom is continually in opposition to God. 

B) "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only begotten son." We need to understand the meaning of this. God demonstrated his love for the world by sacrificing his Son, Jesus Christ. He did not sacrifice His Son to exalt or honor worldly systems, which include politics, intellectualism, human philosophy, and other forms of defiant, antichristian thinking or living.

C) Verse 5 reminds us that scripture clearly states that the Holy Spirit within us causes us to enter into conflict with our old selves. This is why there is often a war within us to make the right decisions for the right kingdom. What's amazing about this is what Verse 6 teaches us: even though we go through this, God gives us more grace. Why do we need more grace? Because there are times when it doesn’t go well in the war.

D) The last part of Verse 6 makes it clear: God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble. This is also covered in 1 Peter Chapter 5, Verse 5. When it says that God opposes, it means that he fights against. There's no other way to interpret it. God opposes proud mankind in their pride, which is the very thing that God cannot stand. So, He opposes the proud but gives grace, unmerited favor, to the humble in such a way that He actually fights for the humble but against the proud. Be humble or get beat up by God.