James: Principles in Practiceනියැදිය

Chapter 4

James continues his warning against worldliness. In Chapter Three, he addressed the tongue; now, he is shifting focus to the desires within man.

Friendship and humility (1-10)

The tension we experience with others, who are in the world, and the worldly desires that oppose the sanctification process, are like a picture of war. You need to examine the source of your prayers. Are you praying from a well of righteousness that leads to right living, or from desires rooted in selfish gain? Your fleshly passions, which have not been consecrated and brought under the tender care of Christ, stir up lust and insatiable greed, willing to do whatever is necessary to get what they want for selfish reasons.

Spiritual adultery occurs when someone serves the Lord with a divided heart. There is zeal for God, but an uncanny ability to make friends and blend in with the world. James emphasizes that your friendship with the world makes you an enemy of God. The spirit that rules your desires resists God's holiness. Still, God grants us the grace to remain in the Spirit so we can mortify the desires of the flesh.

Humility is the way to this grace, as God opposes the prideful.

There are two steps to make Satan flee from you: submitting to the ordinance of God and resisting the adversary. In your submission, trust in the Lord and lean into Him, confident that He will be near you. If you've felt the tension of being double-minded, torn between God and this culture, then you are urged to cleanse your hands and purify your heart. For in this cleansing, you will see God.

So often, people pray for God to humble them, but consistently throughout scripture, we are to humble ourselves; this is our duty. And as you go low, God will lift you high.

Slander and false confidence (11-17)

James circles back to our speech, emphasizing the importance of controlling our tongue. This time, he focuses on how we speak about one another. We are never to speak evil of each other, because there is only one judge and one who upholds the law perfectly, and that is Christ. There is a false confidence among men where they plan for tomorrow without considering God and His plans, acting as if they know what it will bring. Our lives are but a vapor; they are short and fading. The right approach is, if the Lord wills, I will do this or go there.

Encouragement,

There will be moments when you are presented with good options, but also the choice to opt out. When you choose to do so, you are in sin. To do right is to live rightly in every circumstance.

It is tempting to give in to slander, the world and its ways, and ultimately pride. But James was clear: a believer’s life must be shaped by the principles and values of Scripture. We must dedicate ourselves to these statutes with a single heart that is wholly committed to God.

I have summarized chapter 4. Now, I encourage you to read this chapter, take notes, pray, and ask the Lord to illuminate these verses in your heart.

Be Encouraged.