In this message from the Book of James, we examine how internal desires lead to conflict, how friendship with the world makes us enemies of God, and how believers are to resist the devil through humility and submission to God. Building from James 3’s contrast between earthly and heavenly wisdom, this study explains the source of wars and quarrels within believers, exposes the dangers of self-seeking pride, and highlights how resisting Satan involves standing firm in who we are in Christ rather than rebuking him directly.
1. True Wisdom Demonstrated in Conduct (James 3:13–18)
Wisdom is the proper use of knowledge, shown through holy conduct and objectivity of mind.
False wisdom is earthly, soulish, and demonic—rooted in bitter jealousy and self-seeking.
True wisdom is pure, peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, and without hypocrisy.
2. The Source of Conflict (James 4:1–3)
Conflicts arise from pleasures that wage war within our members.
Three Greek terms describe conflict:
Wars — single battles (1 Corinthians 14:8).
Fights — verbal disputes (Titus 3:9; 2 Timothy 2:23).
Waging war — a campaign or extended struggle (2 Corinthians 10:3).
These conflicts are driven by pleasures, selfish desires, and indulgence.
3. The Power and Clarity of the Gospel
Unlike the gospel of the kingdom, the gospel of Christ carries inherent power (Romans 1:16) to save.
The true gospel:
“Christ died for our sins, was buried, and rose again the third day” (1 Corinthians 15:3–4).
Salvation rests in faith, not persuasion. Believers must present the gospel accurately and clearly.
4. Pleasures of the World and Spiritual Indifference
Unbelievers are described as serving various lusts and pleasures (Titus 3:3).
False teachers “count it pleasure to carouse in the daytime” (2 Peter 2:13).
The world’s pleasures choke out spiritual fruit (Luke 8:14).
5. Friendship with the World (James 4:4–5)
Spiritual adultery occurs when believers mix the world’s systems or legalism with the church.
“Friendship with the world is enmity with God.”
The believer’s spirit (not the Holy Spirit) yearns jealously, drawn by conflicting desires.
Assemblies that imitate the world in style or practice reflect spiritual compromise, not holiness.
6. God Opposes the Proud but Gives Grace to the Humble (James 4:6)
God arranges Himself in battle against the proud.
Pride is an aspect of unrighteousness (Romans 1:30) and leads to spiritual downfall.
Humility means having a proper frame of mind—recognizing one’s place before God and others.
God’s favor (χάρις) here refers not to saving grace but to daily favor extended to the humble.
7. Resisting the Devil (James 4:7–10)
To resist (ἀντίστητε) means to stand firm, not to rebuke Satan.
The believer resists by:
Submitting to God’s authority.
Putting on the full armor of God (Ephesians 6:10–18).
Standing firm in identity and truth, not in emotional reactions.
Cleansing hands = purifying actions; purifying hearts = aligning emotions with God’s will.
The double-souled (δίψυχος) person is emotionally divided between God and the world.
Humility before God brings exaltation in due time (James 4:10).
Scripture References
James 3:13–18; James 4:1–10;
1 Corinthians 14:8; 1 Corinthians 15:1–4;
2 Corinthians 10:3; Titus 3:3;
2 Timothy 2:23; Romans 1:16, 1:30;
Luke 8:14; 1 John 2:15; 2 Peter 2:13;
Ephesians 6:10–18; 2 Corinthians 7:1.
