James 4:1-12

Read James 4:1-12

Helpful Background Information: 

• The letter of James is believed to be written by James the brother of Jesus. He is writing to Jewish Christians that were scattered throughout Israel. Chapter 4 cuts straight to the heart, and shows what a heart of humility vs pride produces, and how we as believers can combat pride. 

• Fights and quarrels are a result of unfulfilled, prideful desires that war within us. What the Lord wills and desires vs the world directly contrast each other, you can not have both. James teaches that becoming a Christian means a radical cutting off of sin. We are not to entertain sin or barely scrape by with what is technically okay, but radically resist the devil and fully submit yourself to the Lord. This is made possible through the power of the Holy Spirit, where we can have friendship with the one who really matters. 

Reflection Questions: 

• James 4:4 says that friendship with the world is enmity with God. What does it look like to have friendship with the world? How can Christians not be friends with the world while still called to love the world (like Jesus loved the world in John 3:16)? 

• What do your prayers tend to be centered around? How can our desires become what God desires? 

• What does it look like to draw near to God? What barriers get in the way for you to draw closer to Him? What is a practical step you can take today to intentionally remove that barrier? Ask the Lord to do so and rest in the truth that his grace is greater.