Faithful on Fridays Blog

4:1-6

No church is free from sin, big surprise, because we’re all sinners and subsequently James focuses on four of them addressing his particular congregation … and maybe ours. 

First of all, when people meet to make decisions there are often arguments; we defend our position as the right way leading to a dispute or quarrel with those who disagree. It’s like warring to win the argument. This first sin is translated ‘war’ more often than quarrel which gives us better insight.

Next Pastor James adds a different word, fight, which indicates strife or controversy developing within the church leading to confrontation. It’s those conflicting perspectives on issues or ideas driving you to the mat until victory. Both of these sins make us no different than the world’s perspective of fighting to win; that’s not God’s way.

James asks and answers a question: What causes these wars in the church? Clearly it’s our prideful passions. We receive great pleasure winning an argument over our viewpoint and we succumb to the temptation to fight about it. 

Lastly, in this first verse James uses the word ‘war’, an inner battle against the flesh or the devil and it’s spiritual warfare. It causes division and forces people to take sides. Why does the church fall into these sins? Apparently from the next verses it’s because we have fleshly desires that we’re willing to fight for even if it means murdering words against each other. Paul addressed this spiritual war as well.

We are human, but we don’t wage war as humans do. We use God’s mighty weapons, not worldly weapons, to knock down the strongholds of human reasoning and to destroy false arguments. We destroy every proud obstacle that keeps people from knowing God. We capture their rebellious thoughts and teach them to obey Christ. 2 Corinthians 10:3-5 

For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places. Therefore, put on every piece of God’s armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle you will still be standing firm. Ephesians 6:12-13 

Apparently Paul knew why … we don’t know our authority in Christ, our spiritual weapons, or how to use them. Jesus said it was simple, ask and receive, seek and find, knock and the door will open, but be sure you’re asking for God’s will and not your own. Don’t let your passions drive you to be friends with the world; we’re different, we’re friends of God and His ways. Our final answer is found in verse five: we have the Holy Spirit living in us and empowering us with grace when we humble ourselves. 

When we’re willing to submit to God who’s jealous for our time and attention, whether in our homes, workplaces, or churches, He’ll give grace and more grace to meet our every need.