Scripture References: James 4:1-10; Proverbs 3:34; 1 John 2:16; Romans 8:13; 1 John 1:9
Intro: Good morning. James 4 asks a probing question relevant any time, especially during potentially stressful seasons: "Where do wars and fights come from among you?" James uses intense language – wars, fights, murder, adultery – to wake us up. He argues the source isn't primarily external circumstances but the internal battlefield of our own hearts.
Key Points:
- Source of Conflict: Warring Desires (vv. 1-3): External conflicts (arguments, feuds, slander, envy) stem from internal wars. Our desires (often legitimate ones pursued illegitimately, or simply wrong ones) battle within us. When we lust for pleasure, possessions, or position ("feel something, have something, be something" - 1 John 2:16) and don't get it, we fight – against God (by not asking or asking wrongly) and against others.
- The Root Problem: Friendship with the World (v. 4): James calls this internal state "adultery"—spiritual unfaithfulness. Seeking ultimate satisfaction, identity, or security from the world's system instead of God makes us His "enemies."
- The Surprising Solution: God's Greater Grace (v. 6): Despite our spiritual adultery and enmity, God doesn't cast us off. Instead, "He gives more grace." His undeserved favor is greater than our sin and the world's pull.
- Accessing Grace: Humility (v. 6b): Grace isn't automatic; it flows toward humility. "God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble." Acknowledging our need and dependence opens the door.
- Pathway to Peace: Humble Actions (vv. 7-10): Because God gives grace to the humble, James outlines practical steps of humility:
- Submit to God: Align yourself under His loving authority; choose His side in the war.
- Resist the Devil: Stand against his lies and temptations; he will flee.
- Draw Near to God: Initiate closeness; He promises to respond.
- Cleanse Hands (Actions) & Purify Hearts (Motives): Confess and turn from sin, enabled by drawing near.
- Lament, Mourn, Weep: Take sin seriously; allow godly grief.
- Humble Yourselves: Actively take the low position before God.
- The Promise: He Will Lift You Up (v. 10): The outcome of humbling ourselves under God's grace isn't shame, but His eventual exaltation and restoration.
Conclusion: The conflicts we experience outwardly often reflect the wars waged within our hearts by competing desires and misplaced affections (friendship with the world). Victory comes not through self-effort but by humbling ourselves, accessing God's "greater grace," and actively choosing submission, resistance, nearness to God, cleansing, and repentance.
Call to Action: Identify a current conflict (internal or external). Ask God to reveal the warring desires fueling it. Choose humility over pride. Submit that desire/situation to God. Resist the enemy's lies about it. Draw near to God for cleansing and perspective. Confess any related sin. Trust His promise of greater grace and ultimate exaltation.
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