Chapter 4
-Chapter four is a smorgasbord of Godly wisdom in our
actions during the course of our lives, which is a vapor that only appears for
a little and then vanishes to eternity (James 4:14). James begins with the
source of quarrels and fights, which is the passion within us for selfish
desires (James 4:1). The point is made that we don’t get what we ask for often
because of the motives behind our asking. We ask wrongly when we want something
for our own passions (James 4:3). This makes us adulterers (cheaters on God,
double-minded, insincere). Our friendship with the world is against God and His
ways. We can end up being an enemy of God when we ask with selfish motivations
(James 4:4). *Application* God is jealous for us. He yearns for the spirit that
He has made to dwell (live) in us (James 4:5). This is the spirit that is in
conformity with His direction, His ways, His will (Romans 8:29; 12:1-2). This
is where humble transformation is, which gives the eternal joy of knowing God
intimately and in unity.
-Becoming a child of God is a humbling process, but the Lord
gives grace to the contrite (Psalm 51:17, Isaiah 66:2). On the other hand, He
is opposed to the proud (James 4:6). Because we recognize that God is
Sovereign, submission is required towards Him. If we resist the worldly pull of
the devil, he will flee from us. If we draw near to God, He will certainly draw
near to us. That is His desire! Therefore, cleanse your hands from sin and
purify your hearts from double-mindedness (spiritual adultery). Be wretched (be
miserable, endure hardship) and mourn (be sad, grieve) and weep (cry out loud)
for the awful-natural condition from which you need to turn. Humble yourselves
before the Lord, and He will exalt (lift up, raise high) you (James 4:7-10).
*Application* God cannot deal with proud people that think they have it all
together and need no help. “Pride goes before destruction and a haughty spirit
before a fall (Proverbs 16:18).” On the other side of that, Christ gives the
repentant and those with Godly sorrow forgiveness and restoration. Our
dependency on Him raises us to new levels of confidence, not in ourselves, but IN
Him, our Savior!
-Speaking evil against brothers is dealt with now in the
passage. The issue is on prideful judgment here, which James, through the Holy
Spirit, denounces as ludicrous. God is our only righteous Judge and Lawgiver.
Who are we to judge our neighbor (James 4:11-12)? *Application* Refrain from arbitrary
judgments in the spirit of pride. This is not of God and will incur His wrath.
As Jesus said, “take the log out of your own
eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your brother's eye
(Matthew 7:5).” God is the only
One in authority to save or condemn. Who are we to think we could have that
kind of power?
-Pride over what we will in
the future do is now considered, again in the overall context of the book with
regards to not just being hearers of the Word, but doers. Life is fleeting, and
the only thing with which we must concern ourselves is the will of God. We do
not know what tomorrow will bring; therefore, it is useless to make bold and extravagant
plans in our own wisdom. It is only “as the Lord wills” that we will live and do
this or that. Do not boast in arrogance about what you are going to do because
all such boasting is evil the Bible says. If you know what to do and fail to do
it, you have sinned and have come far short of the glory of God (James 4:13-17)).
*Application* The best laid plans of mice and men will falter if the Lord is
not in it. This should keep us humbly submitted to His authority with proper
respect, honor, awe, and fear. When we get to that place, we will recognize His
glory and the unsurpassing love He has for us in His grace and mercy. We will
never find God if we don’t ever need Him. Recognize how really weak you are in
yourself and cry out for the ultimate power source in Christ Jesus for your
future in Him!
Verses to memorize:
James 4:1, 3, 6-8, 10, 14-15, 17
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