James 4

Introduction

In Chapter 4, James addresses the root causes of conflict within the church. He surmised that these are attitudes copied from the world where people fight over power. Rather, in the church, all are to submit to God and to each other. The authority structure, be it in the church or in a family have been set by God in order to give proper structure and unity. It is always tempting to judge the people in authority, but James warned against this and against slandering one another. In the later part of the chapter, James warns against being arrogant about our financial plans but to also submit to God in everything.

Scripture: James 4:1-3

"What causes quarrels and what causes fights among you? Is it not this, that your passions are at war within you?" (v1)

Observation:

Conflicts within the church are due to "passions" (root word "hedone" used for hedonism) which is to please self-centered ambition or goals, rather than obedience to the Word and to seek the well being of others. Many adults act like children, where if things dont happen their way, they will quarrel, fight and "murder" (could be referring to character assassination) to get whatever they want.

Rather, James continued to say that if their goals and motives were pure, sincere and for the good of others, then they should have taken their cares to God in prayer rather than take things into their own hands and create conflicts that won't get them anywhere except worsening the situation (v2, 3)

Application:

What is our natural tendency? Do we instinctively create or avoid conflict with others when our views are different or our desires are not met? Avoiding conflict does not mean the issue is not important to us, but that we hold to scriptural teaching that "letting go and letting God" is far more important and more effective than to force our ways which usually leads to unbeneficial and undesirable side effects. As the saying goes, "you can win the argument, but lose a friend." As Christians, we not only loses a friend but also our reputation and testimony.

Scripture: James 4:4-6

"You adulterous people! Do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity with God? Therefore whoever wishes to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God." (v4)

Observation:

Those causing dissension within the church are said to be "worldly" because they try to "Lord over each other" like in secular culture. Hedonism is essentially adultery against God - the love for pleasure rather than love for God. (2Tim 3:4). This happens to Christians too, bride of God but flirting with the world and doing what feels good to us, grieving and rousing the jealousy of God's spirit.

Application:

It is not easy to be in the world and not love the world. God is not against us enjoying His creation, being successful or living a comfortable life, but only when the pursuit of pleasure and power superseded the pursuit of His purpose for our lives. The balance is delicate and only by constant reminders from the Word and other faithful Christians can we ensure we do not get out of track.

Scripture: James 4:7-8

"Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded."

Observation:

The double minded person has this basic characteristic - on one hand there is a desire to serve God to satisfy a spiritual hunger, but at the same time there is a stubbornness to pursue own's agenda/purpose and to refuse obeying the Spirit because it is difficult or inconvenient. That's why James said the remedy to double mindedness is full submission, and to purify our hearts from the deception of the devil.

Application:

I believe everyone has some form of double mindedness, planted there by upbringing or societal influences or in the bad cases, the giving in to deception by the devil. It is a continual effort to check our thinking, attitude, and our walking direction. Sometimes we need admonition from other mature Christians as we can't see our own walk. Verse 9 elaborates that it is not easy to submit fully to God this except through by being sincerely contrite about our sins.

Scripture: James 4:9-12

"There is only one lawgiver and judge, he who is able to save and to destroy. But who are you to judge your neighbor?" (v12)

Observation:

Here James addresses the issue of Christians slandering each other. Such Christians wear a bloated sense of self-righteousness and spiritual superiority over others, and they find it irresistible to judge and put down others in order to make themselves look good or gain their desired positions.

Application:

There are always something bad we can say about others, since nobody is perfect. But that means we are not perfect too, and that others can also likewise slander us. The vicious cycle had no end. If we are to ever admonish someone, it should be only be directed in private to him for the purpose of correction and encouragement to do right (1 Thes 5:12-15). If we have no intention nor the interest to personally intervene and restore someone to the right path lovingly, then judging them - even just in our heart - is a sin.

Scripture: James 4:13-17

Instead you ought to say, “If the Lord wills, we will live and do this or that.” As it is, you boast in your arrogance. All such boasting is evil. So whoever knows the right thing to do and fails to do it, for him it is sin. (v15-17)

Observation:

James came around again to proud talking. Previously it was about people who thinks they know it all. Now it's about people who thinks they have it all. This is also an inconsistent attitude for a Christian, who submit to God only on Sundays but on weekdays act and make decisions as if God doesn't exist or doesn't matter. They live on a totally separate set of rules and principle in the secular world though they know their thinking and actions are wrong in God's eyes, and James call it sin.

Application:

This is probably very common in today's Christian life when we spend most of our time in secular work and activities. It doesn't mean secular activities are wrong, or even secular research and reasoning - otherwise, we would have to denounce all secular education and employment.

The most important key to not getting caught up in the trap is to delay major decisions and let God speak or provide an alternative doorway. So we should go all out to research, compare, check with experienced people, and plan, but never be too stubborn or quick to execute it until time (I recommend minimum a week for big decisions) is given for prayer and reconsideration, regardless of how "honorable" we thought our idea was. The worst are those who do not research and plan, but impulsively execute!

"Many are the plans in a person's mind, but it is the purpose of the Lord that will stand." (Proverbs 19:21)

Prayer for James 4:

Father, forgive us when we pursue pleasure more than we pursue your purpose. Help us be sensitive to your spirit on what is right to do, rather than what feels good to do, and to continue to be in fellowship with other faithful believers so we can encourage each other with good examples.

Lord, help me to fight against double mindedness that creates inconsistency in my different areas of walk. Give me Grace to live a life of discipline through commitment to your word and submission to your will, even those difficult to follow.

Forgive me for slandering others without taking the responsibilities to help change things for the better. Help me to resist the temptation to judge others as I myself am not perfect. Help me focus on the positive side of each one rather than the negative; to put hope in each persons potential rather than to condemn, and to build their reputation rather than to tear them down in front of others.

Lord, remind me to go on my knees first before I stand up to those opposing me, and give me the wisdom to speak objectively, rationally and peacefully with the aim to persuade all (including myself) to agree not with my way but with your way and with your will.

Help me also to control my natural impulses and tendencies, be it to make or to spend money, remembering that both my time and my money belongs to you and I am only a steward. In our secular activities help us not be too caught up with the trends and the "in thing" that others are doing but to understand and to do your immediate purpose and future plans for our lives. 

Amen.

James 3

Introduction

In this chapter James focuses on the destructive power of the tongue, and how it is so difficult to control. Whatever comes out from the tongue are results of a combination of our perspectives, our rationale, our emotion, our morality, our integrity and our spiritual maturity. Any imbalance in these areas will manifest in words that stumble, deceive, or hurt others - even when we are not consciously aware of it. The remedy is not so much in changing our speech (other than talking less), but the surrender of our hearts to God, for the heart is the seat of our words: "out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks" (Mat 12:34).  In the last part of the chapter, James also pointed out that those who sound wise in words must also have evidence of good conduct, in particular the seven attributes he listed in verses 17 and 18. Otherwise, these are just empty talks.

James 3:1-5

Scripture:  James 3:2 "For we all stumble in many ways. And if anyone does not stumble in what he says, he is a perfect man, able also to bridle his whole body." 

Observation: James warns of the power of the tongue to manipulate truth,  particularly teachers that lead the flock astray intentionally or out of ignorance. Earlier James said not to just hear the Word, but doer of the Word,  and now to be careful teacher of the word, which carries a heavy accountability. 

Application: Not everyone has the gift of teaching, and those who teach need to be extra diligent in the right doctrine and application. 

James 3:5-8

Scripture: James 3:6 "And the tongue is a fire, a world of unrighteousness. The tongue is set among our members, staining the whole body, setting on fire the entire course of life, and set on fire by hell."

Observation: James elaborates further on the power of words to destroy ourselves ("staining the whole body - including our image and reputation"),  and also our whole life (present and future). 

These kind of words are often due to pride (v5: "boasts of great things") and self-righteousness (v6: "world of unrighteousness") , tempting us to make excuses or lie to cover up wrong conscience or to cover our weaknesses in order we look justified or look great to others. 

Furthermore,  like a train once it has gained momentum, it becomes more and more difficult for us to admit wrong even when we know it once we take that slippery slope. 

Application: Jesus said ".. on the day of judgment people will give account for every careless word they speak,  for by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned.” Matthew 12:34-37.  While it is not possible for us not to have a slip of tongue especially when angry or frustrated, it's important to admit wrong to the person(s) we offended and not insist on being right and continue on the same path. 

James 3:9-12

Scripture: James 3:9 "With it we bless our Lord and Father, and with it we curse people who are made in the likeness of God. From the same mouth come blessing and cursing. My brothers, these things ought not to be so."

Observation: earlier James wrote about "proud talk" (boastfulness),  then about "poison talk" (wickedness),  and now he pointed out that a Christian can worship God in one moment and then curse another person the next moment.  This is "paradoxical talk" (inconsistency). While its easy to put up friendly smiles, sing praises and serve in ministries on Sundays,  in the end it's our daily speech that shows who we truly are, because as Jesus said, we cannot prevent what overflows from the heart. 

Application: the devotion book says "God cannot (will not) change the past. But He can shape a better tomorrow. One of the ways He does that is through human lips surrendered to the impulse of His Spirit." To surrender our lips, we must surrender our hearts. 

James 3:13

Scripture: James 3:13 "Who is wise and understanding among you? By his good conduct let him show his works in the meekness of wisdom."

Observation: In the ancient days, it was a great honour to be recognized as “wise and understanding” such as renowned philosophers. Many such aspiring philosophers infiltrated the church, claiming that they have some secret revelation that God had given exclusively to them. James saw the in-congruence between their claims and their behaviour. James say that the prove to real wisdom is through good deeds in humility. 

Application: We all know the book of proverbs speak much about wisdom and understanding, yet it has the most and best collection of “to do” and “not to do”. Wisdom is translated into behaviour, attitude and action for all walks of life, such as:

Laziness v.s. Diligence: “A little sleep, a little slumber,   A little folding of the hands to rest,”  Then your poverty will come as a robber  And your want like an armed man." (Prov 24:33-34)

Choosing Friends: “So you will walk in the way of good men and keep to the paths of the righteous. For the upright will live in the land and the blameless will remain in it;”  “He who walks with wise men will be wise, But the companion of fools will suffer harm.” (Prov 2:20-21; 13:20)

Teachability: “The way of a fool is right in his own eyes,  But a wise man is he who listens to counsel.” (Prov 12:15) ; Whoever loves discipline loves knowledge, But he who hates reproof is stupid. (Prov 12:1)

Integrity:  “The acquisition of treasures by a lying tongue is a fleeting vapor, the pursuit of death.” (Prov 21:6)

Kindness: “One who is gracious to a poor man lends to the LORD, And He will repay him for his good deed.” (Prov 19:  17)

Peace:   “He who is slow to anger is better than the mighty, and he who rules his spirit, than he who captures a city.   A man’s discretion makes him slow to anger, And it is his glory to overlook a transgression.” (16:32;  19: 11)

Justice: “To show partiality to the wicked is not good,  Nor to thrust aside the righteous in judgment.” (18:5)

James 3:14-16

Scripture: James 3:14-16 "But if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast and be false to the truth.  This is not the wisdom that comes down from above, but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic.  For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every vile practice."

Observation: rivalries in the church arose due to those who have selfish ambitions to be leaders, and they were willing to take positions contrary to the teachings of the apostles to create their own factions and followers. Falsehood, when repeated enough, became its own truths ending in disorder ("akatastasia" - restlessness, unstable) in the church accompanied with wrong behavior and practices. This is exactly what Satan is encouraging in the church as well as in Christian homes. 

Application: in our own individual lives, it is important to be absolutely objectives about right and wrong,  rather than be subjective to our bias views or emotions. We must not merely support an inaccurate position just for the sake of pride and in order to win an argument. For false presuppositions, when repeated and maintained long enough, can no longer be differentiated from truths. It is then psychologically very difficult for us to shift back to the right perspective because we ourselves no longer know what is the real truth. Therefore, we must adhere to James' warning: "Do not be false to the truth", and this is done by being able to admit to our opponents, "yes, on that particular point,  you are right and I am wrong." 

James 3:17-18

Scripture: James 3:17-18 "But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere.  And a harvest of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace."

Observation: James listed seven practical attitudes resulting from true wisdom - pure (innocent, transparent) ; peaceable (aims at fostering peace and reconciliation) ; gentle (fair or mild approach) ; reasonable (easy to be entreated; cooperative) ; mercy (to err towards the good of others) ; impartial (objectivity in judgment or decision, no favoritism or bias to self) ; sincere (no hidden motives, without hypocrisy). 

Application: while the list is not exhaustive, it would be a good list used to evaluate our own motives,  judgement and decisions when dealing with people,  especially in a conflict resolution situation. Sometimes we may not get what we want when we follow God's way- but that's the Christian way - to do unto others what we want others to do to us. 

Prayer for James 3

Lord, forgive me for any presumptious or arrogant words I have spoken especially in teaching or instructing others with ignorance, insincerity or hypocrisy.  Remind my speech to be always sensible, humble, factual, sincere and exemplary of a disciple of Christ.

Help me to recognise how my words hurt others and give me the grace to admit and ask for forgiveness.

Lord help me to surrender my heart to you so that the abundance of my heart that overflow through my lips is not pride but humility,  not wickedness but kindness, and not curses but blessings.

Father, remind me when I’m wise in my own eyes. Help me to gain deeper understanding in the wickedness of my heart but also the possible good and hope that You can bring to my life as I let you transform me in my attitude, behaviour, feelings and deeds.

Help me to recognise small "untruths" in what I think or say, and to humbly and quickly admit it before it becomes a foothold for Satan to build a stronghold that creates instability and restlessness in my life and the lives of others around me. 

Help me to check myself whether my thinking is led by the wisdom of the world or by your wisdom. Help me to sow  partnership and peace instead of division and discord; promote healing instead of preserving hurt; and to err on the side of love instead of legality. Amen.