James 4:1-12 .
Q.1. From where do conflicts come? What kind of prayers come from a divided heart? How does God treat those who align themselves with the world? – (Jms.4:1-4)
It is a sin to attribute evil to God (Jms.1:13-17). James identified the real problem – 1 What is the source of quarrels and conflicts among you? Is not the source your pleasures that wage war in your members? 2 You lust and do not have; so you commit murder. You are envious and cannot obtain; so you fight and quarrel. You do not have because you do not ask. 3 You ask and do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, so that you may spend it on your pleasures (Jms.4:1-3). James again placed great value on being single-minded in our pursuit of God. When we are enticed by our own lusts, the results are destructive, and we prevent God from responding to our requests. James stated that the reason for our not receiving our desires, is firstly that we do not ask God. We also can pray with wrong, selfish motives. James wanted his readers to recognize the problem of taking our cue from the world, rather than from God – … do you not know that friendship with the world is hostility toward God? Therefore whoever wishes to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God (Jms.4:4).
Q.2. How can we defeat the devil? What attitude of heart should we display in our approach to God? Can we expect instant victory? – (Jms.4:5-10)
The only way to defeat the devil is with the help of God. We must not block the ministry of the Holy Spirit – 5 Or do you think that the Scripture speaks to no purpose: “He jealously desires the Spirit which He has made to dwell in us”? 6 But He gives a greater grace. Therefore it says, “God is opposed to the proud, but gives grace to the humble.” …Humble yourselves in the presence of the Lord, and He will exalt you (Jms.4:5-6 & 10). Submitting to God as opposed to the world, ensures that we are given all the grace that is needed to win. Victory over the devil is assured when we – 7 Submit therefore to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you. 8 Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded (Jms.4:7-8). To be given instant victory would not be helpful. James suggested that we will often have to experience the extremes of emotions before victory comes (Jms.4:9).
Q.3. Where should our focus be as we seek to please God? Why is judging of others inappropriate? Does this apply to discernment? – (Jms.4:11-12 c.f. 4:4)
As with King David’s response to Nathan’s parable, we can be judgmental of others while being lenient (and even forgetful) about our own failings. James reminded us to remember that there is only One Lawgiver and Judge. Our calling is to obey God, and not primarily sit in judgment on others – 11 Do not speak against one another, brethren. He who speaks against a brother or judges his brother, speaks against the law and judges the law; but if you judge the law, you are not a doer of the law but a judge of it. 12 There is only one Lawgiver and Judge, the One who is able to save and to destroy; but who are you who judge your neighbour? (Jms.4:11-12). Only God has the right to exonerate or condemn. We are too flawed to assume that responsibility. Therefore, we should be cautious that we do not overstep the mark.