Epistle of James: Chapter 4

James 4

James 4:1-12 is an extension of James 3:13-18. James is addressing the zealot and revolutionary mindset in the church which is framed as wisdom from below which is worldly, demonic, and natural (fleshly).  Rather than the wisdom from above which is about peacemaking. 

Friendship with the world (v1-5)

Fighting vs. peacemaking The point is that God will not share his people with the world. He expect them also to be faithful and not adulterous with the world systems. Going after the things of the world is to worship another godThe solution:

Prayer and humility (v6-10)

Humility was a central characteristic of Jesus- not pride or power seeking. It was power under and not over. The zealot mindset was rooted in pride thinking it was God’s will yet it looked nothing like Jesus and the way of humility. Prayer forms us a seems to be the way that we overcome thisPrayer is more than asking God for things. James says to ask with God’s motives in mind. He also says to draw near. Prayer also resists the evil one (Lord’s prayer) …Prayer does all of this. It aligns us with God and his heart. It helps detach us from the world. 

Disunity and Judgement (v11-12)

James now turns in 11-12 to addressing violent speech. He just dealt with motivations and actions and now goes to speech rooted in the heart. 

Prov 6:16-19 Disunity in the church is proof we are more like the world than like Jesus

James 4:13-17

Those tending towards the zealot mindset were likely those being oppressed (the poor). Now James turn more towards the rich but still riffing on the topic of wisdom from above vs. the world. He’s specifically targeting materialism and individualism and how it leads to putting trust in ourselves and not in God. Likewise, making our own plans rather than seeking God’s path. 

Conclusions:

This section is an expansion of the contrast of the Wisdom of God vs. the wisdom of the world. 

·      The world’s wisdom is self-seeking, God’s wisdom is focused on others and rooted in God’s character

·      The world seeks power over others, God’s way is power under (power through serving)

·      The world’s way is pride, God’s way is humility

·      The world trusts in its possessions and selfish ambition, those who trust in God seek His provision and plan.