Remember that James is “showing” us pure and undefiled religion (1:27). It produces good works (2:18). God’s way and His wisdom produces good fruit like peace (3:17-18). The text that we are considering today shows forth a different kind of fruit (worldly fruit – see 3:16). Let’s consider our text for a few minutes.
SELFISH PASSION LEADS TO CONTENTION (4:1-3)
The orientation James is fighting here is a selfish and worldly centered one. The desire mentioned is centered squarely upon self and the unspiritual (see 3:15). We are reminded of the nature of sinful desire back in chapter one where James stated, “But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire. Then desire when one has conceived gives birth to sin, and sin when it is fully grown brings forth death” (1:14-15).
These unchecked earthly desires cause inward turmoil. Inward turmoil is the root cause of so much quarreling and fighting with others. It is difficult to study this text and not think of Cain. Cain desired the favor of God (on his own terms) and when he did not get it, he murdered his innocent brother (see Gen. 4:1-8). You may recall that God had counseled Cain saying, “If you do well, will you not be accepted? And if you do not do well, sin is crouching at the door. Its desire is contrary to you, but you must rule over it” (4:7). The challenge we all have is to rule over desires that are contrary to the will of God.
The key to overcoming quarrels and fighting is possessing the spiritual mind, the mind of Christ (read Phil. 2:1-11). When one correctly orients his desire to the things of God, so much inward and outward turmoil melt away.
The particular audience that James is addressing is lacking; they are not at peace because they are not directing their desires to God (v. 3). And when they do turn to God, their prayers go unanswered because they are selfish desires! (v. 4). Possessing the right frame of mind (a spiritual mind) will aid us in turning to God and praying according to His will. God will hear prayers in accord with His will (1 Jn. 5:14-15).
FRIENDS WITH THE WORLD (vv. 4:4-6)
As James continues, he accuses these worldly minded Christians of being “adulterous” (v. 4). They have fashioned a tighter bond with the world than God! This “friendship” or adulterous relationship with the world causes jealousy with God (v. 5). The apostle Paul said in Romans 8:7-8, “For the mind that is set on the flesh is hostile to God, for it does not submit to God’s law; indeed, it cannot. Those who are in the flesh cannot please God.” As Jesus teaches in the Sermon on the Mount, “No one care serve two masters…” (Mt. 5:24).
The one who chooses to make God his enemy by living a worldly life places himself in the unenviable place of being God’s enemy, which is not good now and far worse later if peace is not made! But God’s jealous desire is to be at peace with His people. He will extend His grace to those who will exhibit proper humility before Him (v. 6).
JAMES’ ADMONITION TO THE WORLDLY (4:7-10)
James lays forth a string of admonitions to those of a lofty and worldly mindset. It begins with the need to “submit” to God (v. 7). The height of arrogance is for man to believe and act as if he does not need to submit to God.
He also is to “resist the devil” (v. 7). Like Cain, these have evidently not put up much of a fight against the devil, and have proven so by their arrogant behavior. Jesus is the perfect example in dealing with temptation! (see Mt. 4:1-11; Lk. 4:13).
The “high-minded” are not just in need of turning from the devil, but truly drawing near to God (v. 8). Christianity is not mere avoidance of evil, but the pursuit of God and His ways! James teaches that there is a correlation between our closeness with God and His closeness with us. What a motivation!
James likewise gives instruction for sinners to cleanse their hands and purify their hearts. (Note the second mention in the book to the “double-minded” v. 8, compare 1:8). Christians have a singleminded focus on God and purity.
Verse 9 implores spiritual sobriety and assessing one’s true spiritual status before the Lord.
The missing ingredient that is the root cause of spiritual adultery as well as the turmoil within and without is humility. It is truly astonishing what a difference humility of mind can make in the life of those who are arrogant. Perhaps some would be nearly unrecognizable if such a change took place in a moment!
God will exalt the humble. On the other hand, God will bring down the proud (see Prov. 29:23). Nebuchadnezzar learned the hard way (see Dan. 4:37). The prophet Isaiah warned of humbling to come: “For the LORD of hosts has a day against all that is proud and lofty, against all that is lifted up—and it shall be brought low” (2:12).
Daren Schroeder
