James 4:1-8

v 1-10

Fights and Flesh

Friend or Foe

Fix and Flee

v 1-3 Fights and Flesh

Root

pleasure

negative, carnal, lust

Result

murder, covetousness, fights, wars… envy

wanting still

opposed to

Psalm 23:1 NKJV

The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.

Philippians 4:11–13 NKJV

Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content: I know how to be abased, and I know how to abound. Everywhere and in all things I have learned both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.

Philippians 2:12–14 NKJV

Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling; for it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure. Do all things without complaining and disputing,

not asking

“independence”

running from God’s will, after your own

not asking properly

ulterior motives

carnal desires ^(Root)

v 4-5 Friend or Foe

Dichotomy

Good or evil

Conversation, implication of lifestyle

Romans 8:7 NKJV

Because the carnal mind is enmity against God; for it is not subject to the law of God, nor indeed can be.

1 John 2:15 NKJV

Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him.

Likely reference

Genesis 6:5 NKJV

Then the Lord saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every intent of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually.

v 6-10 Fix and Flee

v 6, Reverse economy

Psalm 138:6 NKJV

Though the Lord is on high, Yet He regards the lowly; But the proud He knows from afar.

Matthew 23:12 NKJV

And whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.

1 Peter 5:5 NKJV

Likewise you younger people, submit yourselves to your elders. Yes, all of you be submissive to one another, and be clothed with humility, for “God resists the proud, But gives grace to the humble.”

Great grace

Matthew Henry’s Commentary on the Whole Bible: Complete and Unabridged in One Volume James 4:1–10

The grace of God is contrary to the spirit of the world, and therefore the friendship of the world is to be avoided, if we pretend to be friends of God yea, the grace of God will correct and cure the spirit that naturally dwells in us; where he giveth grace, he giveth another spirit than that of the world.

(and mercy)

Psalm 103:8 NKJV

The Lord is merciful and gracious, Slow to anger, and abounding in mercy.

Romans 2:4 NKJV

Or do you despise the riches of His goodness, forbearance, and longsuffering, not knowing that the goodness of God leads you to repentance?

2 Corinthians 7:10 NKJV

For godly sorrow produces repentance leading to salvation, not to be regretted; but the sorrow of the world produces death.

v 7-10, Reverse life

flee and fight

2 Timothy 2:22 NKJV

Flee also youthful lusts; but pursue righteousness, faith, love, peace with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart.

“Resist”

oppose, set against—especially in battle

Ephesians 6:11–13 NKJV

Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.

Heard “Adversary of God”

“draw near”