James has spent several chapters, to this point, expressing the need for self-discipline (tongue), and the separate wisdoms that are an inescapable part of life. Looking to these Christians in difficult times, James now makes challenging applications that echo true even in our times. Where do our “fights” come from (vs. 1)?

Isn’t most of our justification with “wars and fightings” laden with what OTHERS have done or not done? James puts such in its place. Sin. “Wars and fightings” are about what goes on WITHIN, not without. Such is epidemic in our age as it must have been in theirs. Our passion, lust, desire are the culprits!

These “wars and fightings” are SEVERE military terms. James demands that such strategically-formatted, premeditated happenings should not be “among us!” Consider: Ephesians 5:2-5. Such is unnatural, spiritually speaking. James exposes our tendency to lowered expectations, tolerance of sin, and self-importance.

V. 2…another SEVERE assertion by the writer of this letter. Consider: 1 John 3:15 / 4:20. What do we often hear / say: “I will respect __________ when I am shown some respect!” “I am like this because of __________!” WE ARE NOBODY (Luke 17:10). We are to be meek (power under control).

Vs. 3…what is prayer to us? A quarter in the gumball machine? A time to give the laundry list? Maybe the key is that we don’t really ask as much as demand. A SEVERE, but accurate accusation. When you ask for something, does this not give valuable perspective on desire? James deftly shows us the difference between sinful and sinless desire. Examples: A raise or financial windfall / A requesting child.

Vs. 4…can there be anything as SEVERE as a covenant-breaking act? James exposes “friendship” with the world as EQUAL to fornication in a marriage covenant. Note: this is not that we EXCLUDE the world (1 Corinthians 5:9-11), but that we fail to adopt its values and its mindset, not allowing it among the brethren! What “lens” are we looking through?

All of our emotions and tendencies are gifts from God. We just often misuse them. A SEVERE mistake. Vs. 5…“Or do you suppose it is to no purpose that the Scripture says, "He yearns jealously over the spirit that he has made to dwell in us?” (ESV) Jealousy means one wishes not to be “2 nd place” or “shared.” God’s jealousy stems from his lack of acceptance as being “other” to us.

Vs. 6…after a 5-verse long lashing (of sorts), the lesson is punctuated with an explanation of God’s grace. God has EVERY RIGHT, to abandon us in our selfishness, in our “wars and fightings,” does he not? BUT HE DOES NOT ABANDON US…if we qualify for the grace he so freely gives.

Listen to the Invitation of the Lord: Isaiah 55; Matthew 11:28-30.Listen to the Invitation of the Lord: Isaiah 55; Matthew 11: Believe the gospel of Christ: John 8:24; 20:30-31; Rom 1:16; 10:10 Believe the gospel of Christ: John 8:24; 20:30-31; Rom 1:16; 10:10 Repent or turn from your sins: Luke 24:46-47; Acts 2:38; 3:19; 17:30-31 Repent or turn from your sins: Luke 24:46-47; Acts 2:38; 3:19; 17:30-31 Confess your faith in Christ: Matt 10:32-33; Rom 10:9-10 Confess your faith in Christ: Matt 10:32-33; Rom 10:9-10 Be immersed in water: Matt 28:19; Mk 16:16; Acts 2:38; Rom 6:3-4; 1 Pet 3:21 Be immersed in water: Matt 28:19; Mk 16:16; Acts 2:38; Rom 6:3-4; 1 Pet 3:21 Live in obedient faith: 1 Peter 1:14; Rev 2:10 Live in obedient faith: 1 Peter 1:14; Rev 2:10