James 4:7
Verse
Context
Drawing Near to God
6But He gives us more grace. This is why it says: “God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble.”7Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.8Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded.
Sermons






Summary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Submit - to God - Continue to bow to all his decisions, and to all his dispensations. Resist the devil - He cannot conquer you if you continue to resist. Strong as he is, God never permits him to conquer the man who continues to resist him; he cannot force the human will. He who, in the terrible name of Jesus, opposes even the devil himself, is sure to have a speedy and glorious conquest. He flees from that name, and from his conquering blood.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
Submit to . . . God--so ye shall be among "the humble," Jam 4:6; also Jam 4:10; Pe1 5:6. Resist . . . devil--Under his banner pride and envy are enlisted in the world; resist his temptations to these. Faith, humble prayers, and heavenly wisdom, are the weapons of resistance. The language is taken from warfare. "Submit" as a good soldier puts himself in complete subjection to his captain. "Resist," stand bravely against. he will flee--Translate, "he shall flee." For it is a promise of God, not a mere assurance from man to man [ALFORD]. He shall flee worsted as he did from Christ.
John Gill Bible Commentary
To the will of God, with respect to worldly things, and be content with such things as are enjoyed, and be satisfied with the portion that is allotted; it is right and best for the people of God to leave themselves with him, to choose their inheritance for them, since by all their anxious cares, their striving and struggling, their impatient desires, wars and fightings, as they cannot add one cubit to their stature, so nothing to their worldly substance; and it becomes them to submit to God in all afflictive dispensations of his providence, and be still and know that he is God; as well as to submit to his way and method of salvation by Christ, and particularly to the righteousness of Christ, for justification; and to depend upon him for supplies of grace in the discharge of every duty, and the exercise of every grace: resist the devil, and he will flee from you; Satan is to be looked upon as an enemy, and to be opposed as such, and to be watched and guarded against; the whole armour of God should be taken and made use of, particularly the weapon of prayer, the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, and the shield of faith; and also the grace of humility, than which nothing is more opposite to him: he is a proud spirit, and he endeavours to swell men with pride of themselves; and when he has worked them up to such a pitch, he is then master of them, and can manage them as he pleases; but a poor humble believer, with whom God dwells, to whom he gives more grace, and who comes forth not in his own strength, but in the strength of the Lord God, as David against Goliath, and who owns his vileness and sinfulness, and flies to the grace of God, and blood of Christ, Satan knows not what to do with him, he is puzzled, baffled, and confounded; such he leaves, from such he flees; he does not like the power of prayer, nor the strength of faith, nor the sharpness of the twoedged sword, the word of God, nor the humble believer's staff, bag, scrip, and sling.
James 4:7
Drawing Near to God
6But He gives us more grace. This is why it says: “God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble.”7Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.8Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
A Day's Journey Into the Wilderness
By Carter Conlon15K56:38WildernessISA 54:17MAT 6:33ROM 8:312CO 5:21JAS 4:7In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the power and authority of God. He references the story of Elijah and how God demonstrated His power by consuming the captain and his 50 men with fire. The preacher highlights that no one can stand against God or resist His judgment. He also encourages spiritual leaders who may be feeling discouraged or weak, reminding them that God is good and will never fail or forsake them. The sermon concludes with a call to gather as a church to pray and witness the fire of heaven.
(Nicaragua) the Lord Has Promised to Deliver You
By David Wilkerson15K55:16DeliverancePSA 34:191CO 10:13HEB 11:7JAS 4:72PE 2:5In this sermon, the preacher, who has been preaching for over 54 years, emphasizes the faithfulness of God throughout his ministry. He mentions that he and another pastor, Gary, will be sharing four services the next day, with Gary having more experience as a pastor. The preacher expresses his belief that this particular conference in Nicaragua is significant and that God is present there. He states that his purpose in coming to Nicaragua is not just to have a conference, but to help people get closer to Jesus.
A Target of Satan's Envy
By David Wilkerson9.8K51:01SatanMAT 6:33ROM 8:372CO 12:9EPH 6:10JAS 4:71PE 5:81JN 4:4In this sermon, the preacher begins by encouraging the congregation to seek strength and guidance from God in their spiritual battles. He acknowledges that despite hearing numerous sermons, it can be challenging to apply the teachings to one's own life. The preacher reflects on his own experience as a pastor for 50 years and admits that he sometimes forgets the lessons he has preached. He emphasizes the importance of having a hunger for God and a desire to know Him, regardless of one's current spiritual state. The sermon concludes with the preacher reminding the audience that as believers, they are targets of Satan's envy and should seek God's protection and guidance.
Devil, You Can't Walk on Me Anymore
By David Wilkerson7.6K44:00Overcoming SatanPSA 23:4ISA 51:5ISA 52:5MAT 6:33ROM 8:31JAS 4:71PE 5:8In this sermon, the preacher addresses the issue of God-loving people being oppressed and discouraged by the enemy. He emphasizes that God is looking at this situation with disbelief and questions why His people are allowing themselves to be walked over and their names blasphemed. The preacher reminds the listeners that they should not fear man and should not allow others to bring depression, fear, and bondage into their lives. He assures them that God will deliver them from their afflictions and plead their cause. The sermon is based on Isaiah 51 and 52 and encourages the listeners to stand firm against the devil's attacks.
The Role of Prayer in Spiritual Awakening
By J. Edwin Orr6.5K25:54Spiritual Awakening2CH 7:14PRO 28:13MAT 10:32ACT 3:192CO 7:1JAS 4:71JN 1:9In this sermon, the pastor emphasizes four important steps for spiritual growth. First, he urges the audience to put away any doubtful habits from their lives. Second, he emphasizes the importance of obeying the promptings of the Holy Spirit. Third, he encourages the audience to publicly confess their faith in Christ. Finally, he highlights the need for explicit agreement and visible union among God's people in extraordinary prayer for revival and the extension of Christ's kingdom. The sermon also shares the story of Evan Roberts, a young man who sparked a revival in Lochor, Wales, through his preaching and emphasis on confession of sin and making things right with others.
Turn the Tide
By Abigail Miller5.9K05:032CH 7:14PSA 51:10ISA 41:10EPH 6:12JAS 4:7This sermon emphasizes the need to stand strong against evil forces that threaten to corrupt society, highlighting the importance of turning to God for restoration and revival. It calls for a collective effort to defend against wickedness and uphold the virtues of God's kingdom, urging believers to actively engage in the spiritual battle for the future generations.
(In the Word) 01 - Spiritual Warfare_how We Are Decieved
By Milton Green5.9K1:19:43JHN 14:6ACT 10:34EPH 6:12COL 2:82TI 3:16JAS 4:72PE 1:20In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of relying on the Word of God rather than human traditions. They share a personal testimony about how the powers of darkness had controlled their life until they found freedom in Christ. The speaker encourages the audience to examine their thoughts and be open to receiving new revelations from God's Word. They also emphasize the need to surrender to Jesus and allow Him to lead them in all truth. Throughout the sermon, the speaker emphasizes the power of the Word of God and the importance of aligning one's beliefs with it.
Soldiers Hymn
By B.H. Clendennen5.4K02:28Spiritual WarfareMAT 16:18ROM 8:371CO 15:57EPH 6:122TI 2:3JAS 4:71PE 5:8In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the idea that as believers, we are soldiers in a spiritual war. He encourages us to endure hardships and not be deceived by false theology. The preacher asserts that if we are not facing problems, it means we are not a threat to the devil and not in the will of God. He emphasizes the importance of fighting against the devil in every aspect of our lives, using prayer as our weapon. The preacher concludes by declaring that victory is possible through the power of the cross and encourages believers to stand firm and reclaim their cities for God.
Learning How to Be Ordinary
By David Wilkerson5.4K49:46PSA 37:23MRK 16:18ROM 6:14ROM 8:28HEB 4:9JAS 4:71JN 3:1In this sermon, the preacher discusses the pressure that society puts on individuals to be successful and extraordinary. He gives examples of parents pushing their children to excel in sports or music, and the prevalence of self-help books promoting success and wealth. The preacher also highlights the dangers of this mindset by referencing Hitler and the impact of his success message on the German people. He concludes by emphasizing the importance of embracing ordinariness and recognizing that true worth and calling come from God, not from worldly achievements.
(Basics) 2. God Makes Evil Work for Good
By Zac Poonen5.3K12:28GEN 50:20ISA 54:17ROM 8:28ROM 16:202CO 12:9JAS 4:71JN 3:8In this sermon, the preacher shares a story of a businessman who drifted away from God as his business prospered. Despite the elders of his church trying to bring him back to faith, he was too occupied with his success. However, when his youngest son fell seriously ill after being bitten by a poisonous snake, the father realized the importance of turning back to God. The preacher emphasizes that Jesus Christ has the power to undo the works of Satan and untie the knots in our lives. He explains that God uses evil and Satan to further His purposes, ultimately bringing people to salvation. The sermon highlights the almighty power of God and how He makes a fool of Satan by using evil to deliver people from his clutches.
Satan's Final War Plan Exposed
By David Wilkerson5.1K55:19ISA 9:7ISA 59:191CO 2:151CO 11:312CO 10:4JAS 4:7This sermon emphasizes the importance of spiritual warfare and the need for believers to be vigilant against the devil's schemes. It highlights the strategy of the enemy to target spiritual leaders and the importance of judging sin and walking in the government of Jesus Christ. The message calls for a demonstration of the Holy Spirit's power to bring about conviction, repentance, and a deeper commitment to living in obedience to God.
Recognizing and Dealing With Occult Involvement
By Bill McLeod4.8K55:05Spiritual WarfareOccultOccult InvolvementDEU 18:10JAS 4:7Bill McLeod emphasizes the critical need for believers to recognize and renounce occult involvement, explaining that many individuals struggle with spiritual affliction due to their engagement with occult practices. He illustrates this through various testimonies, including a girl who found freedom after confronting her occult ties, and warns that rebellion against God's will can lead to demonic invasion. McLeod stresses the importance of submitting to God, resisting the devil, and the necessity of cleansing one's life of any occult influences to experience true spiritual freedom. He encourages believers to seek healing and deliverance through prayer and reliance on God's Word, while also highlighting the rising prevalence of demonic activity in the world today.
Plan of God for Church
By Alan Redpath4.2K57:54Plan Of GodMAT 6:33MRK 3:14LUK 9:23JHN 15:4ACT 1:8EPH 6:12JAS 4:7In this sermon, the speaker focuses on Mark 3:14, where Jesus chose twelve disciples to be with him, send them to preach, and give them power to cast out demons. The speaker emphasizes that the priority task of the Christian Church is not to simply enjoy spiritual experiences, but to engage in a battle against evil. The sermon highlights the importance of walking with God, witnessing to others, and warring against the devil. The speaker encourages Christians to strive for consistency in their faith rather than being constantly up and down in their spiritual journey.
Our Authority Over Satan
By Otto Koning3.9K1:00:39AuthorityEPH 5:18EPH 6:10JAS 4:7In this sermon, the speaker shares a personal story of facing trials and temptations and feeling like a failure. He relates to the struggles of the Israelites in the wilderness and the Apostle Paul's struggle with sin in Romans 7. The speaker expresses a desire for victory over these challenges and references James 4:7, hoping that resisting the devil will lead to his fleeing. He then recounts an encounter with a snake in the jungle, where he cries out to God for help and learns the importance of obedience and trusting in God's guidance.
Submission and Authority (Luke 7:8)
By Alan Redpath3.8K31:02AuthorityMAT 6:33LUK 7:8ROM 6:16EPH 5:21HEB 13:17JAS 4:71PE 5:5In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the story of the Centurion servant and highlights the devastating effects of sin in the life of a believer. The preacher emphasizes the importance of recognizing and submitting to God's authority in order to have power over oneself. He warns against the danger of rejecting the truth and leaving unchanged. The sermon concludes with a plea for listeners to consider their own submission to God's sovereignty and to seek deliverance from sin.
Be Sure Your Sin Will Find You Out!
By Keith Daniel3.5K1:16:33PSA 119:9PSA 119:11ISA 57:1JHN 17:15ROM 7:19ROM 8:6GAL 5:16JAS 4:7This sermon emphasizes the importance of repentance, seeking God's forgiveness, and walking in the Spirit to overcome sin and live a life pleasing to God. It highlights the power of God's Word to cleanse, renew, and guide individuals away from evil and towards righteousness. The message encourages humility, self-control, and a deep commitment to studying and applying the teachings of the Bible to avoid spiritual shipwreck and experience God's grace and restoration.
God's Provision for Victory
By Alan Redpath3.5K43:56VictoryMAT 6:33ROM 6:131CO 10:13GAL 5:16EPH 6:10JAS 4:71JN 1:9In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of taking a step of faith to yield oneself to the Holy Spirit's control in order to receive deliverance from sin. The preacher uses the analogy of a judge and a prisoner to illustrate how God waits for His children to pass the sentence of death upon their temptations and hand them over to Jesus for victory. The preacher explains that through the enabling power of the Holy Spirit, believers can experience constant crucifixion of their old self as they yield to Christ daily. The sermon also highlights that when a person becomes a Christian, the Holy Spirit imparts a new nature to their life, making them partakers of the divine nature and enabling them to put on the new man created in righteousness and holiness.
Resist the Devil
By Mark Greening3.4K48:40Spiritual WarfarePSA 119:11MAT 6:33JHN 8:32EPH 6:11JAS 4:71PE 5:9In this sermon, the preacher focuses on James 4:7, which instructs believers to submit to God and resist the devil. The sermon emphasizes that although we are in a spiritual battle, we can walk in victory by following God's instructions. The preacher highlights the importance of surrender and submission to God, stating that it is foundational for maintaining victory in our lives. The sermon also mentions the devil's work of spreading lies and encourages believers to be aware of his tactics.
Perfect Love Casteth Out Fear
By Keith Daniel3.0K51:51Fear1SA 17:32PRO 3:5MAT 4:10ROM 6:23JAS 4:71JN 1:91JN 2:1In this sermon, the speaker uses a metaphor of a man falling in a storm to illustrate how Christians often respond to failure. He emphasizes that when Christians fall, they should not give up but instead rely on God's promises and get back up. The speaker then transitions to the story of David and Goliath, highlighting how this biblical account has inspired and captivated people throughout history. He concludes by urging Christians to have faith in God's promises and not to give up when they face challenges or failures.
Couples Night - Part 1
By Keith Daniel2.8K09:522CH 7:14PSA 46:10ROM 8:26EPH 6:12JAS 4:7This sermon emphasizes the power of God's work and the importance of surrendering to Him completely. It highlights the challenges faced in arranging events and the gratitude for God's intervention. The speaker expresses love for America and the godly people encountered, urging for a return to God. The message calls for a deep groan of despair for the nation to turn back to God, emphasizing the need for prayer and trust in God's intervention.
Ravenhill Rebukes Young People
By Leonard Ravenhill2.7K01:00RebukeMAT 6:33MRK 16:15ACT 2:381TI 6:10JAS 4:71PE 5:8REV 3:15In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of focusing on eternal matters and warns against distractions. He shares a personal story of spending over 10 months praying for a girl, highlighting the dedication required for spiritual matters. The preacher also warns the congregation about the consequences of not repenting and the possibility of being demon possessed. He then discusses the critical hour in American history and God's desire to restore apostolic power and purity to the church. The preacher emphasizes that God never intended for the church to backslide or become a wealthy institution.
Everyone Needs to Do Nursery (Compilation)
By Compilations2.6K10:22CompilationISA 1:18MAT 28:19LUK 10:19JHN 12:241CO 3:13EPH 5:21JAS 4:7In this sermon, the speaker reflects on his past actions and realizes that he had been serving with the wrong motives, attitude, relationship, and resources. He feels remorseful and believes that his life has been wasted. However, he experiences a moment of forgiveness and love from the Lord, who dries his tears. The speaker then has a vision of standing in line to present his life before the Lord, and he is given a package to carry. Ultimately, the sermon emphasizes the importance of serving God with the right heart and motives, and the need to turn away from wickedness and follow God's ways.
(The Better Covenant) 5 - Satan Defeated
By Zac Poonen2.5K52:46MAT 5:23LUK 10:18ROM 6:14EPH 6:12JAS 4:7In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of not letting anger linger in our hearts. He refers to Ephesians 4:26, which warns that unresolved anger gives Satan power over our lives. The speaker encourages believers to apologize, ask for forgiveness, and let go of anger before going to bed, so that Satan cannot gain a foothold. He also highlights the need for steady growth in our Christian walk, comparing it to the constant forward movement of the sun. The speaker concludes by reminding listeners that in the new covenant, we come to God as a loving father, and that anger should be directed towards the dishonoring of Jesus' name and exploitation of others, rather than personal offenses.
The Spirit Is Willing
By Eric Ludy2.5K07:35PSA 51:10ROM 6:62CO 12:9GAL 2:20EPH 2:8PHP 2:13HEB 4:16JAS 4:71PE 5:71JN 1:9This sermon emphasizes the need for individuals to surrender themselves to God, acknowledging their own sinful nature and selfish desires that hinder their relationship with Him. It challenges the audience to let go of control, pride, and doubts, and to fully trust in God's power to transform their lives. Salvation is portrayed as a continuous process of being rescued and delivered by God, requiring a daily reliance on His strength and grace.
(Clip) the Word of God and Prayer for Victory
By Milton Green2.4K07:18ISA 53:5ROM 8:372CO 5:172CO 10:4EPH 1:3EPH 2:6PHP 4:13COL 2:10HEB 4:16JAS 4:7This sermon emphasizes the believer's identity in Christ, highlighting being righteous, blessed, redeemed, complete, and seated in heavenly places. It focuses on the authority, power, and blessings received through Jesus Christ, encouraging believers to rule and reign in His name, remove works of darkness, and receive God's grace, love, healing, and deliverance.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Submit - to God - Continue to bow to all his decisions, and to all his dispensations. Resist the devil - He cannot conquer you if you continue to resist. Strong as he is, God never permits him to conquer the man who continues to resist him; he cannot force the human will. He who, in the terrible name of Jesus, opposes even the devil himself, is sure to have a speedy and glorious conquest. He flees from that name, and from his conquering blood.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
Submit to . . . God--so ye shall be among "the humble," Jam 4:6; also Jam 4:10; Pe1 5:6. Resist . . . devil--Under his banner pride and envy are enlisted in the world; resist his temptations to these. Faith, humble prayers, and heavenly wisdom, are the weapons of resistance. The language is taken from warfare. "Submit" as a good soldier puts himself in complete subjection to his captain. "Resist," stand bravely against. he will flee--Translate, "he shall flee." For it is a promise of God, not a mere assurance from man to man [ALFORD]. He shall flee worsted as he did from Christ.
John Gill Bible Commentary
To the will of God, with respect to worldly things, and be content with such things as are enjoyed, and be satisfied with the portion that is allotted; it is right and best for the people of God to leave themselves with him, to choose their inheritance for them, since by all their anxious cares, their striving and struggling, their impatient desires, wars and fightings, as they cannot add one cubit to their stature, so nothing to their worldly substance; and it becomes them to submit to God in all afflictive dispensations of his providence, and be still and know that he is God; as well as to submit to his way and method of salvation by Christ, and particularly to the righteousness of Christ, for justification; and to depend upon him for supplies of grace in the discharge of every duty, and the exercise of every grace: resist the devil, and he will flee from you; Satan is to be looked upon as an enemy, and to be opposed as such, and to be watched and guarded against; the whole armour of God should be taken and made use of, particularly the weapon of prayer, the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, and the shield of faith; and also the grace of humility, than which nothing is more opposite to him: he is a proud spirit, and he endeavours to swell men with pride of themselves; and when he has worked them up to such a pitch, he is then master of them, and can manage them as he pleases; but a poor humble believer, with whom God dwells, to whom he gives more grace, and who comes forth not in his own strength, but in the strength of the Lord God, as David against Goliath, and who owns his vileness and sinfulness, and flies to the grace of God, and blood of Christ, Satan knows not what to do with him, he is puzzled, baffled, and confounded; such he leaves, from such he flees; he does not like the power of prayer, nor the strength of faith, nor the sharpness of the twoedged sword, the word of God, nor the humble believer's staff, bag, scrip, and sling.