James 4a

James 4a
4:1-8
Quarrels and Conflicts – Source – Pleasures
V2-3 No ask / ask no get / ask with wrong motives (for pleasure)
A selfish attitude brings quarrels and conflict – not pleasure.
1:2 (12) My Brethern – 1:19 (3) My Beloved Bretheren 4:4 You adulteresses.
V4 Friendship with the world is hostility toward God.
What does this world offer that tempts us to be friends with “the World”?
Money, relationships, position, power, prestige, comfort, entertainment.
When we become friendly to these things, why does that affect our relationship with God?
The word Friend is a little sneaky here. Usually we think of friendship as a good thing. 4B says that if we want to be a friend of the world, we are making ourselves an enemy of God.
V5 What is God’s desire for us in V5? – The Holy Spirit to Dwell in us.
Take 6 and 7 together.
But He gives a greater grace Therefore it says, "GOD IS OPPOSED TO THE PROUD, BUT GIVES GRACE TO THE HUMBLE." Submit therefore to God, Resist the Devil and he will flee from you.
Proud –God is opposed / Grace to the Humble / Submit to God / Devil Flee
Pride /Grace /Submit/ Flee
V8 Draw near to God and He will draw near to you; cleanse your hands and purify your hearts.
That works- When we seek God does that change the way we see ourselves? How?
Skip to V13-16
If the Lord Wills … Latin Phrase Deo Volente. Meaning “Lord Willing”. Or D.V. used after a signature on a letter regarding future plans.
Vapor / Fireworks in Dallas.
The hypothetical here is very specific. City/year/business/profit. Does this verse teach us that we should not make plans for the future?
How should we plan for the future?
This morning we discussed what we think will happen during the next few months.
Are our plans “World Friendly”?
Do your plans take into account what the Holy Spirit within you is guiding you to do?