The book of James was written in approximately AD 45-48 and is part of the collection of early church letters that make up around 30% of the New Testament. Letters in the Bible were not signed off like we sign them today with our names and closing statements at the end, but rather they started by declaring who the writer was and the purpose of the letter from the outset.
This makes it easier for us to know who wrote the Epistle of James and why. James 1:1 starts with: “James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, To the twelve tribes scattered among the nations: Greetings.” Leaving no doubt that it was written by a man named James and written to the tribes.
Due to the popularity of the name of James, scholars have debated who wrote this for many decades, multiple suggestions have been put forward including James the son of Alphaeus, or James the son of Zebedee, however, most scholars would agree the letter we are gleaning from today was most likely compiled by James, the half-brother of Jesus.
The book of James as stated in Chapter 1 verse 1 was written to the twelve tribes who had been scattered in persecution after the death, resurrection and ascension of Jesus. This book is full of wisdom to them, it contains encouragement, and a challenge to strengthen the faith they held in God.
James also mentions how important it is to be obedient to God and remain faithful even in trials. He emphasizes that hearing God's word will spur them on to do God’s word in action. He also addresses how vital it is that we treat others well and to love and serve each other.
The verse we will look at today reads as follows:
“Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up.” (James 4:10)
And so, the question we are asking is: Why are we to humble ourselves in the sight of the Lord?
What Is Biblical Humility?
Firstly, I think it would be wise to ask, what does the word "humble" mean? Secular dictionaries will tell us it means three things:
- Having or showing a modest or low estimate of one's importance.
- Of low social, administrative, or political rank.
- Cause (someone) to feel less important or proud.
But biblically it means to:
- Practice meekness.
- It is obedience to God.
- It is the respect of self and others.
- It is submissiveness and modesty.
There are many verses on humility including Psalm 25:9, Proverbs 22:4, 1 Peter 5:6, Philippians 2:5-11, Luke 14:11. They all say a similar thing.
Those who are humble will be lifted up by God, they will be led by God, they are teachable, they are submissive, they fear the Lord, they are able to enter the presence of God, and they do not seek selfish ambition.
So, knowing the meaning of humility, we will then look at the second part of our question, why must we be humble in the sight of the Lord?
Why Does the Bible Say to Humble Ourselves in the Sight of the Lord?
This verse does expand on the topic of humility and gives us a glimpse into the why as it finishes by saying: “and He will lift you up”.
This verse is found in the middle of a part of James 4. In this section, James is suggesting that we as believers must not be adulterous people and cling to the world's standards while also hoping to gain God's blessing. He is saying that some people of the day were asking God for things with wrong motives and were not receiving what they asked for in response, for that reason.
James is reminding the church that if they are a friend of the world, then subsequently they are an enemy of God (James 4:4). James takes a moment to directly quote Proverbs 3:34, which says: “God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble.”
The Message bible speaks this in such simple terms by saying: “Get down on your knees before the Master; it's the only way you'll get on your feet”. So, what is James suggesting God will do for us?
Let’s be fair here friend, we have all looked at a position above us and considered it, coveted it even. We have all longed to be further along than we are and comparison sneaks into our mind so subtly that we don’t even see it sometimes.
Unfortunately, we live in a society that drives us to keep looking for more, never satisfied with what we have. Always wanting the bigger house, the better car, the higher paying job, etc. But the reality of that is there is never enough. Our jealousy will always increase, our discontentment will take root, and our peace and laughter will diminish as we seek a life that God never intended us to go after.
The Bible says, “Seek first the Kingdom of God” (Matthew 6:33, emphasis mine). I think there is a vital reason why God says "first" here in this sentence. God is not our add-on, but He should be preeminent in our lives.
But when God asks us to lay down society’s ways, lay down the rat race, lay down the always-wanting-more, how do we feel about that? Instead of showing off our strengths and boasting in our wins, what if we were to slow down, allow God time to work in our weaknesses, and reveal His strength and boast in Him alone? What would that look like?
Friend, that would look like Jesus.
Jesus’ Example of Humility through His Trust in God
Jesus could have had all he ever wanted or needed, but instead he followed God's plans for His life on earth as a man. He followed the path God laid out, He laid down His stature and became a baby, He laid down His immorality and became a man, He laid down the riches and became poor, He even laid down His life and died on a cross and was resurrected.
All so that we could know sins forgiven.
But at the right time, God lifted Him up. And now, Jesus is seated at the right hand of the Father, and everything is His (Philippians 2:9).
God asks the same of us, that we would lay down our plans and choose to live life by His plans. That we would lay down the pride and the covetous natures we hold and trust God to give us what we need on time, every time. God desires that we would live a life of trust and patience, not believing that He is trying to withhold good things from us as a bad dad would, but rather believing that He is teaching us, discipling us, pruning us, and having a relationship that is two-sided with us.
All of this requires us to humbly lay down our plans and our desires.
God Will Lift You Up
So, friend, humility is a hard thing. It is not easy to set down what we want and trust those desires to someone else. But that is the call of God, that His people would be humble, and that in the right time, and in the right way, He will lift us up. He will elevate us.
The only way to gain in this life is to gain with God, which means losing our life for the sake of the gospel.
I hope you will consider afresh what humility could look like for you. If it is something you struggle with daily, talk to God about it, get an accountability partner, and seek His face. Everything is easier when Jesus is our first priority.
If you do not know Jesus and this all sounds a bit confusing, scary or silly, please speak with a Christian, read your bible, or show up at a church, I am sure someone there would love to explain this further to you.
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