Chapter 4 – a continuation of showing faith through works
This fruit is characteristic of an inward change
James has been giving examples of good & bad fruit
His core principle is for us not to be double minded
There is a clear train of thought – controlling our talking
It cannot just be by ‘will power’
We are to seek wisdom from God
James is speaking to a Jewish audience
He knows they are aware of the Proverbs
Prov 2:6 – "For the Lord gives wisdom"
James 1:5 – we are to seek wisdom from God – "If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him"
Chapter 4
The first verses are a continuation of chapter 3
They are complicated – but there are two important points
Why wars, fighting and quarrelling amongst God’s people?
Because of some kind of selfish desire
A choice – friendship with the world or friendship with God
Why fighting and quarrelling amongst God’s people?
James introduced this truth in 1:13-15
He is know moving to specific truth
Why do Christians quarrel so much?
The Church is often thought of by those outside in terms of disunity
There must be a balance
There are lines we must draw on non-negotiable primary issues – examples
There are secondary issues with different interpretations that can be held in fellowship
Not a belief that you are always right
We do not like being wrong!
We are to step back from our belief in our right-ness
When do we need to yield?
We need to be familiar with Scripture, think carefully and be very prayerful
Matt 5:21-22 and 27-28
Infighting within fellowships ultimately arises from our own selfish desires
Not glorifying God but glorifying ourselves
The solution (v2-3)
Rightly motivated prayer
We are to ask God for unselfish reasons
We need the wisdom of God
We need to know when to let go
Tame the tongue
Seek wisdom from above
The ultimate aim is harmonious relationship with God’s people
Worldly things will never satisfy
Even though this is the way of the world!
This ‘wanting’ is what fuels our quarrels
Do my actions and prayer seek to honour God, regardless of its effect on me?
God answers prayer that has His kingdom at heart
Do not slander
We are to love our neighbour
It is easy to speak ill of others
To speak badly of another is a contradiction of God’s law
We need to lay down our pride
Yes it might be right to challenge someone – but we must not speak too quickly, we need wisdom
A choice – friendship with the world or friendship with God
Conflict is not God honouring
It is the opposite of God’s teaching
We look to the example of Christ
As compared to the Pharisees
Friendship is about fundamental loyalty
So where do our loyalties really lie?
Our values are not to be shaped by the culture around us
We are to love those in the world – not the world itself
Christians are to be noticeably different
We are to rely on Christ
Are we always running from God/Christ? (v4)
We cannot serve two masters!
James is showing the high standard that is required of us
But God "gives more grace" (v6)
Maybe you have done something in the past that has caused damage
God gives more grace – examples
Prov 3 – not to the proud but the humble
God opposes pride
Quote from Alfred Barns
How much do we want to display ourselves? – examples
Do we want to display ourselves or the gospel of God?
We must submit to God (v7)
It is not a ‘transaction’
We need a change in motivation (v3)
We need the application of the wisdom of God
It is not ‘our knowledge’
God reveals Himself to us
It is applied in Christ
Part of this is resisting the evil one and drawing near to God
Draw near to God and He will draw near to us
We must submit both in mind and conduct – otherwise we are double minded!
v9-10 James references the Prophets
We must die to self and live for God
We must turn back to the Lord
The Day of the Lord is imminent for each of us – personal example
