James 4: Conflicts, Humility, and God's Grace
A study of James chapter 4, exploring themes of conflict, humility, and dependence on God.
1. The Source and Nature of Conflict
1.1 The Root of Conflict: Internal Desires
Verses: James 4:1-3
- The source of conflict is internal desires warring within us.
- These desires lead to envy, strife, and ultimately, spiritual emptiness.
1.2 Worldliness: Enmity with God
Verses: James 4:4-5
- Worldliness is defined as friendship with the world, which is enmity with God.
- Choosing the world over God makes us an enemy of God.
2. Humility and Submission to God
2.1 Grace and Resistance
Verses: James 4:6-7
- God gives more grace to the humble.
- Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.
2.2 Drawing Near to God
Verses: James 4:8-10
- Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you.
- Cleanse your hands and purify your hearts, acknowledging your sinfulness.
3. Avoiding Judgmentalism
3.1 Judging Others: Usurping God's Authority
Verses: James 4:11-12
- Speaking evil of a brother or judging him is speaking against the law of love.
- By judging others, we set ourselves up as judges, a role that belongs to God alone.
4. Dependence on God's Will
4.1 The Arrogance of Presumption
Verses: James 4:13-16
- Boasting about future plans without acknowledging God's will is arrogant.
- Life is uncertain and fleeting, like a vapor.
4.2 Acknowledging God's Will
Verses: James 4:15-17
- We should acknowledge God's will in all our plans, saying, 'If the Lord wills, we shall live and do this or that.'
- Failing to acknowledge God is sin.