March 8, 2024

DAILY BIBLE READING – James Chapter 4

¹ From whence come wars and fightings among you? come they not hence, even of your lusts that war in your members?

² Ye lust, and have not: ye kill, and desire to have, and cannot obtain: ye fight and war, yet ye have not, because ye ask not.

³ Ye ask, and receive not, because ye ask amiss, that ye may consume it upon your lusts.

⁴ Ye adulterers and adulteresses, know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God.

⁵ Do ye think that the scripture saith in vain, The spirit that dwelleth in us lusteth to envy?

⁶ But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble.

⁷ Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.

⁸ Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded.

⁹ Be afflicted, and mourn, and weep: let your laughter be turned to mourning, and your joy to heaviness.

¹⁰ Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up.

¹¹ Speak not evil one of another, brethren. He that speaketh evil of his brother, and judgeth his brother, speaketh evil of the law, and judgeth the law: but if thou judge the law, thou art not a doer of the law, but a judge.

¹² There is one lawgiver, who is able to save and to destroy: who art thou that judgest another?

¹³ Go to now, ye that say, To day or to morrow we will go into such a city, and continue there a year, and buy and sell, and get gain:

¹⁴ Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away.

¹⁵ For that ye ought to say, If the Lord will, we shall live, and do this, or that.

¹⁶ But now ye rejoice in your boastings: all such rejoicing is evil.

¹⁷ Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin.

King James Version. Public Domain

Commentary

Introduction

James chapter 4 is addressed directly to a congregation marked by internal conflicts, quarrels, and an excessive pursuit of worldly desires. The text urges believers to examine their inner motives, overcome their worldly passions, and turn to God in humility. At the same time, the chapter warns against pride and overconfidence, especially regarding future plans that are not in God’s hands. The message is clear: without the necessary humility and a turning away from sinful inclinations, clinging to worldly goals leads to discord and inner emptiness.

Commentary

1.Warning Against Strife and Double-Mindedness (verses 1–10)

• Causes of Conflict:

  The first verses emphasize that strife and wars do not arise from a lack of resources but from the insatiable lusts and desires of humans. These deceptive longings lead to envy, hatred, and ultimately to conflict.

• Consequences of Worldly Friendship:

  James points out that becoming too closely bound to the world—i.e., identifying with worldly values—actually results in enmity with God. The call to submit to God highlights that only through humility and turning away from one’s own desires can one receive God’s grace in abundance.

• Call to Repentance and Conversion:

  The text urges believers to cleanse their hands and purify their hearts, symbolizing the casting off of sinful tendencies. Weeping, sorrow, and humility are portrayed as necessary prerequisites for being lifted up by God.

2.The Christian Facing the Future (verses 11–17)

• Condemnation of Gossip and Judging:

  James criticizes backbiting and judging one another, which not only questions fellow human beings but also the law that comes from God alone as the lawgiver. Every person is called to humble themselves before God rather than judge others.

• The Uncertainty of Life:

  The following verses make clear how brief and uncertain human life is. Plans for the future made without humbly acknowledging God’s will appear as hollow pride.

• Exhortation to Dependence on God’s Will:

  Instead of self-assured schemes, believers should say, “If the Lord wills and we live,” expressing the necessary respect for life’s unpredictability and the recognition of God’s sovereignty.

• Responsibility for Doing Good:

  The concluding verse warns that it is a sin to know what is good and not do it. This underscores each believer’s personal responsibility to live in accordance with God’s will.

Summary

James chapter 4 admonishes believers to turn away from their worldly desires and the conflicts that arise from them. It shows that discord and strife stem from one’s own unbridled passions and that true friendship with God lies in humility and in rejecting these worldly temptations. The text also highlights the responsibility not to judge others and not to make plans without acknowledging God’s will. Ultimately, the passage calls on believers to actively do good and to live humbly in a way that pleases God, leading to peace and renewal.

WEEKLY SPIRIT OF PROPHECY READING – Ellen White | Steps to Christ
Chapter 7—The Test of Discipleship
Read online here

Commentary

Introduction

Chapter 7 addresses the fundamental truth that a genuine conversion is not merely evident in external actions but in an inner, profound change of heart. Faith in Christ brings about a new creation that does not arise from human effort but from the work of the Holy Spirit. While some Christians may be unable to pinpoint the exact time of their conversion, the authenticity of their experience is demonstrated by a new way of life. Love for God, a transformed heart, and growing obedience to His Word are the proofs of being a child of God. This chapter introduces us to the significance of a life truly shaped by Christ and shows that genuine discipleship is not achieved through outward works alone, but through a deep, living relationship with God.

Commentary: Characteristics of Being a Child of God

1. A New Creation Through Christ (2 Corinthians 5:17)

   Scripture describes rebirth as a complete re-creation of the individual: “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has passed away.” This means that true conversion results in a profound change of heart that manifests not only in external forms but in all our thinking, feeling, and actions.

   • The work of the Holy Spirit is not always tangible or visible but can be likened to the wind (John 3:8).

   • This inner transformation reveals itself through a new attitude toward sin, a growing desire for holiness, and a deep love for God.

   • A changed heart produces the fruit of the Spirit: “love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control” (Galatians 5:22).

2. The True Test of Faith: Where Does Our Heart Stand?

   Merely living a moral life on the outside does not prove genuine rebirth. Pride or social standing can also motivate a person to be “good.” However, true sonship or daughterhood in God is evident in questions like:

   • Who owns our heart?

   • What do we love to talk about most?

   • To whom do our deepest thoughts and feelings belong?

     A true disciple of Christ orders his life according to Him—loving what Christ loves and hating what He hates. Divine love is the driving force behind every action.

3. The Danger of Misconceptions About Faith and Obedience

   There are two main errors that Christians must guard against:

   • The error of works-righteousness: believing that one can be justified before God by one’s own efforts. Scripture makes it clear: “All works done without Christ are tainted by selfishness and sin.” We are saved by the grace of Christ alone.

   • The error of lawless faith: believing that grace frees a person from observing God’s law. Yet true faith leads to obedience: “For this is the love of God, that we keep His commandments” (1 John 5:3).

     Christ not only grants us forgiveness but also the power to live according to His will. The law is not a means of salvation but an expression of divine love.

4. The True Foundation of Salvation

   No one can save themselves through their own righteousness. But Christ offers us His righteousness:

   • He lived a perfect life and fulfilled God’s law on our behalf.

   • Through His death, He took our sins upon Himself.

   • Through faith, His righteousness is credited to us.

     This means: “Christ’s nature takes the place of our nature; thus we are accepted by God.” Walking in Christ is a daily process of surrender and renewal.

5. True Faith Leads to Obedience

   Saving faith is not merely an intellectual assent to truth, but a trust that transforms our lives. “Faith without works is dead” (James 2:17).

   • True children of God are recognized by their deeds of righteousness.

   • Obedience is not the means of salvation but the fruit of a renewed heart.

   • The closer we draw to Christ, the more we recognize our own imperfections—this is a sign of genuine sanctification.

     A Christian does not live in lawlessness but “walks just as He walked” (1 John 2:6).

Summary: The Marks of a True Child of God

Chapter 7 describes the true nature of conversion and shows that being a child of God is not just an external form but a profound transformation of the heart. A renewed person is not defined by occasional good deeds but by a consistent change of character.

• Rebirth by the Holy Spirit is evident in new priorities, new love for God, and new values.

• True followers of Christ focus their hearts, minds, and lives on Him.

• Faith and obedience go hand in hand: faith in Christ produces a new way of life aligned with God’s will.

This chapter calls us to examine our own hearts: Is our life in harmony with Christ? Do we love God with all our heart? Do our thoughts, words, and actions show that we are His children? Only through a deep, daily connection with Jesus can we experience genuine transformation and give evidence of being children of God.

Source: https://fulfilleddesire.net/8-03-2025-james-chapter-4-believe-his-prophets/