Submit, Resist and Draw Near - 04/07/2024

In proverb-like fashion, James gives a series of commands to help people be humble before God and not be friends with the world. These short statements give instructions as to what a person can do to no longer be “proud,” but to be “humble” (James 4:7, 8a).

It is interesting that James did not finish his discussion of the subject of a person’s attitude towards God without giving these statements as to how to correct an improper attitude. He says, “Submit therefore to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you. Draw near to God and He will draw near to you.”

As we consider these statements and compare them with what James previously said, we find opposites. “God is opposed to the proud” compared with “Draw near to God and He will draw near to you.” Also, “Submit to God” compared with “Resist the devil.” James seems to be saying that these actions are mutually exclusive. We cannot do both at the same time.

When we “resist[s] the devil,” the only option is to “submit to God,” to “draw near to God.” We may think we can just “resist the devil” and everything be okay. However, James says that is incorrect. We must not only set ourselves against the devil, or withstand what the devil wants us to do, but we must willingly place ourselves under the will of God and comply with what He wants us to do.

James gives a word of motivation to us when he says, “Resist the devil and he will flee from you.” The devil will avoid us for a period of time. But we are no different than Jesus when the devil left Him. The devil was always looking for an opportune time to tempt Jesus, and he will do the same with us.

The idea of “draw[ing] near to God” can be expressed as joining ourselves with God. We want to have similar thoughts as God. We want to become acquainted with God in a very close way. We want to be around Him as much as possible.

While God wants us to be “near” Him, James indicates we must initiate the action. We must “draw near to God” before He will “draw near” to us. While God is anxiously waiting for us to “draw near” to Him, He is still waiting.

Christians have already initiated the “draw[ing] near.” Christians can have the confidence that God has “draw[n] near” to them. Christians must constantly be “resist[ing] the devil” and continually “draw[ing] near to God.” This submitting, resisting and drawing near will be evident in the lives of those who are daily living God’s way. - cgm

Scriptural quotations from the NASB1995.