Chapter 4
-Chapter four is a smorgasbord of Godly wisdom in our actions
during the course of our life, 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, again in the context of destroying pride and being humble. 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
do in the future 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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