PRIDE SERIES:

But he gives more grace. Therefore it says, “God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble.”
James 4:6

Notes: James 4 (Warning Against Worldliness)
  • previous passage: James 3:13-15 "13 Who is wise and understanding among you? By his good conduct let him show his works in the meekness of wisdom. 14 But if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast and be false to the truth. 15 This is not the wisdom that comes down from above, but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic."
    • v. 13: 
      • wise - someone who can skillfully apply knowledge to practical living
      • Meekness: opposite of arrogance and self-promotion, this is power under control.
      • wisdom: not earthly, this kind comes from God ONLY.
      • who is skillful at applying knowledge in daily living? Although he has wisdom that is applied in life, since it is given from God he will be meek and not abuse the work that God has done by using it for self-promotion and arrogance.
    • v.14-15: 
      • "But" contrast to the opposite from meekness of wisdom
      • jealousy (zelos): an envious and contentious rivalry, jealousy
        • bitter jealousy: harsh, resentful attitude (anger or annoyance in being treated unfairly) 

      • self-ambition (eritheia): a courting distinction, a desire to put oneself forward, a partisan and factious spirit (loves division) which does not disdain low arts; partisanship, factiousness. achieve agenda at any cost even hurting others
      • do not boast, in an attempt to make people think better of you. you do not have wisdom that is from God, that is a lie.



  • What causes quarrels and what causes fights among you? Is it not this, that your passions[fn] are at war within you?
    • "you" refers to people in the church. Disunity in the church is not due to God's design, but due to mixing of tares ( nonchristians, false believers) and wheat (genuine believers). 
    • quarrels refers to conflict in general not individual fights
    • Passions or desires of your heart or worldly pleasures (can be a form of idolatry which is putting anything before God)

Comments

Post a Comment