< James 4 >

Fighting arises from our fleshly lusts.vs.1-5Waiting for response for James 4:1-5 The natural inclination of the flesh is the “devil” we have to fight against, but if we resist this “devil” he will flee from us.v.7Waiting for response for James 4:7 (Note the use of personification, common in the scriptures, in this case used for sin in flesh). The word of God gives us strength to resist, and if we draw near to him he will draw near to us.v.8Waiting for response for James 4:8 Those who have succumbed to the impulses of the flesh and done wrong can submit themselves to God v.7,Waiting for response for James 4:7 purify themselves by his word,v.8Waiting for response for James 4:8 repent,v.9Waiting for response for James 4:9 humble themselves in the sight of the Lord, and be lifted up again.v.10Waiting for response for James 4:10

It is natural to be blind to our own faults and at the same time be fully aware of the shortcomings of others and to speak evil of them v.11,Waiting for response for James 4:11 but there is only one judge who can save or destroy us. Therefore the disciples are commanded not to judge one another.v.12Waiting for response for James 4:12 God sees all and will exercise righteous judgment.

He is also in control of our affairs, so we should not speak presumptuously of our future plans.v.13Waiting for response for James 4:13 We might, for example, die at any moment because our life is short and like a vapour.v.14Waiting for response for James 4:14 What we ought to say is: “If the Lord will, we shall live, and do this, or that”.v.15Waiting for response for James 4:15 We should consider God in all our ways, especially endeavouring to do what we know he wants us to do because “to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin”.v.17Waiting for response for James 4:17