James 4:1-17

James 4

• James 4:1 – See James 1:14; 3:13. The source of our trouble is our own lust – not God. Other people might create problems, but we must look inward and see what problems we might be causing ourselves.


• James 4:2-3 – See I John 5:14. We should not think that prayer is a magic ability to satisfy our physical desires. It should not be used as an avenue for selfishness.


• James 4:4 – See II Corinthians 11:2.
  
  
  
  • Friendship with the world:
    
    
    
    • John 17:15
    
    
    • Ephesians 5:7
    
    
    • I John 2:15
    
    
    • I Thessalonians 5:22
    
    
    • Romans 12:2, 9
    
    
    • Romans 1:32
    
    
    • Galatians 6:14
    
    
    
    
  
  
  
  


• James 4:5 – This is often presented as a quote in various translations, but there were no quotes in the original. There is no verse in the Old Testament or New Testament that matches this. The NIV translation has a good take on this – it is not a quote but something that Scripture says in general.


• James 4:6 – Pride separates us from God.


• James 4:7 – We don’t negotiate with God. He has already given us His offer. It is up to us to accept. We are more powerful than Satan. If we resist him, there is nothing else he can do.


• James 4:8 – Put the sin out of your life!


• James 4:10 – God is looking for humble hearts.


• James 4:11 – See John 7:24. Don’t let this conflict with Jesus’ commands to discern rightly. Don’t attempt to put yourself above the law.


• James 4:13 – It is not sinful to make a plan, but don’t leave God out of your plans.


• James 4:17 – The “right thing to do” is what he just said in James 4:15 – live with God in mind.