Part 8: The Study of James — James 4:1–10

Humility is the path to resolving conflict.

James begins chapter four with a question, “What causes conflicts?”

In verse 1, James responds to the division that has creeped into the church. This division has occurred because men are wanting to teach in the church without a calling from God.

Satan wants Christ-followers to focus on fighting one another so that we are not fighting him. One of our values is unity because this is God’s desire.

John 17:21 says, “I pray that they will all be one, just as you and I are one — as you are in me, Father, and I am in you. And may they be in us so that the world will believe you sent me.”

According to verse 1, Selfishness causes conflicts.

Selfishness is I want what I want.

Philippians 2:3–4 says, “Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves. 4 Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too.”

According verses 2–3, Jealousy causes conflicts.

Jealousy is I want what you have.

Andy Stanley says, “Jealousy is a horrible emotion: Give thanks for what God has given others & leverage what God has given you.”

Romans 13:9–10 says, “For the commandments say, “You must not commit adultery. You must not murder. You must not steal. You must not covet.” These — and other such commandments — are summed up in this one commandment: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” 10 Love does no wrong to others, so love fulfills the requirements of God’s law.”

According to verses 4–5, Friendship with the world causes conflicts.

We are called to be In the world, but not of the world.

John 17:16,18 says, “They do not belong to this world any more than I do. 18 Just as you sent me into the world, I am sending them into the world.”

According to verse 6, Pride causes conflicts.

Pride says we do not need anyone or anything. Grace is never received by the proud.

The word “humble” means to make low, bring low. We make ourselves low when we see the greatness and majesty of God.

Colossians 3:12 says, “Since God chose you to be the holy people he loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience.”

Humility is the path to resolving conflict.

How Do We Humble Ourselves?

According to verse 7, we must resist the devil.

Christ-follower, do not give into the enemy! We must starve the OLD nature!

Ephesians 6:12–13 says, “For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places. 13 Therefore, put on every piece of God’s armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle you will still be standing firm.”

According to verse 8a, we must come close to God.

We must draw close to God. We must feed the NEW nature!

According to verse 8b, we must turn from sin.

James says, “Wash your hands. Purify your hearts. Let there be godly sorrow.”

In verse 9, James shares a proper response to sin.

Godly sorrow produces change.

Psalm 51:2–10 says, “Wash me clean from my guilt. Purify me from my sin. 3 For I recognize my rebellion; it haunts me day and night. 4 Against you, and you alone, have I sinned; I have done what is evil in your sight. You will be proved right in what you say, and your judgment against me is just. 7 Purify me from my sins, and I will be clean; wash me, and I will be whiter than snow. 8 Oh, give me back my joy again; you have broken me — now let me rejoice. 9 Don’t keep looking at my sins. Remove the stain of my guilt. 10 Create in me a clean heart, O God. Renew a loyal spirit within me.”

Ephesians 2:4–5 says, “But God is so rich in mercy, and he loved us so much, 5 that even though we were dead because of our sins, he gave us life when he raised Christ from the dead. (It is only by God’s grace that you have been saved!)”

This phrase in verse 10 is a promise that God will elevate us to new spiritual heights if we humble ourselves before Him.

1 Peter 5:5–8 says, “And all of you, dress yourselves in humility as you relate to one another, for “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” 6 So humble yourselves under the mighty power of God, and at the right time he will lift you up in honor. 7 Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you. 8 Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour.”

By Tim O'Carroll