THEE WORD FOR THE WEEK

Quashing Quarrels James 4:1-4 August 26-30, 2013

Monday Read James 4:1 James 4 starts a different focus of the topic of peacemakers found in James 3. The community problems James is addressing created a strong need for peacemakers. James highlights the conflicts and quarrels raging within the church community. James 4:1 shows that our passions (from where we get our English word hedonism) are the source of conflict. Passion can also be translated as pleasure or desire. Why can our selfish desires cause conflicts? How have you seen this in your life, your church or your small group? Tuesday Read James 4:2 What is the result (found in James 4:2) of our selfish desires that were introduced in the last verse? What affect does this have on the community? In the first century context, envy and jealousy inevitably led to hostile acts (see Mark 15:10, Acts 5:17, Acts 13:45, Philippians 3:6). What are some ways this is still true today? James says that we do not have because we do not ask God. What are some things that you need to live a godly life that you have not asked God to give you? Wednesday Read James 4:3 Why should we ask for things from God? What are some prayers that you have prayed to God with wrong motives? F. J. A. Hort writes in his commentary: God bestows not gifts only, but the enjoyment of them: but enjoyment which contributes to nothing beyond itself is not what He gives in answer to prayer; and petitions to Him which have no better end in view are not prayers. Thursday Read James 4:4 James has repeatedly used the phrase brothers or dear brothers in his letter (1:2, 1:16, 1:19, 2:1, 2:5, 2:14, 3:1, 3:10, 3:12). You adulterous people should really grab our attention and show how unfaithful to God the people to whom James is writing have been. Read James 2:1-13, 3:1-12, 3:13-18 and 4:1-3. How have the people to whom James is writing become friends with the world? When we compromise our conduct, we become an enemy of God. What areas of your life have been compromised? Friday Read James 4:1-4, Matthew 5:21-26, 1 John 2:15 James makes it clear that frustrated, jealous desires breed anger, which has revealed itself through intense fighting that is shaking the church community. The Bible portrays murder as the final, end product of jealous envy. Based on the above information and passages, why is seeking freedom from jealous anger so important? What ways have you become jealous? Spend some time asking God to give you His eyes to see what is good. You may also consider how your small group can help pray with you to overcome jealousy.