THEMES
Overarching Theme: Wisdom
Chapter Three Theme: Treating others with respect and humility
BACKGROUND
James led the church in Jerusalem, and had a real heart for believers. He’s practical and straightforward - not afraid to call out and challenge sinful attitudes and behaviours. Being around other believers helped him recognise a pride there was in their religious righteousness, and so in this letter James really highlights the sinful nature we have to wrestle with, using practical applications for living in the world.
Session Resources
Download Session Notes (PDF)
Verses 1-5
James begins Chapter 4 with a strong exhortation - Challenging the way we treat one another, as well as how we respond to our desire. Selfishness, Quarrelling and Pride have no place in the Kingdom of God.
Questions
What are you currently striving for? Have you asked God about this?
How can we respond in the right way to people we disagree with?
Verses 6-8
After conviction comes a reminder of the hope we have. God gives grace, and if we draw close to Him, He will draw close to us.
Questions
What times in your life have you experienced God’s grace?
How can we practically draw close to God?
Verses 8-10
However, with the hope comes a passionate plea to do whatever it takes to get back to that place of humility where God can lift us up.
Questions
Why do you think God lifts up those who humble themselves?
How can we ‘purify our hearts’ if our hearts are not in the right place?
Verses 11-12
James then brings this back around to a practical reminder of how we treat one another - connecting back to the exhortation at the start of the chapter.
Questions
This letter was for believers in the early church. Why do you think it was easy for them to get into quarrelling and slander?
Are there other ways in which we as the Church can fall into trying to override or undermine the law?
Verses 13-17
Chapter 4 finishes with a warning against boasting, reminding us that life is a mist, and that our arrogant plans could lead us astray.
Questions
In the video we are reminded that mist can water the ground. What ground are you called to water and sow into?
What common sins of omission do we have to guard against?
KEY TAKEAWAYS
Once again, this chapter is packed with challenges for us to hold fast to, particularly challenging our attitude toward others. Are we able to show love, faithfulness, and grace to one another? Or do we live in judgement, pride and selfishness?
PRAYER & REFLECTION
Take a moment to consider God’s commitment to you. How He longs for you. His jealousy for you, His Grace. How does that lead you to respond?
Think for a moment about the pleasures of the world that distract you from God. What do you need to lay down before Him?
Spend some time praying about this as an individual or as a group. If it helps, you may want to write down areas of your life that you want to commit to God.
When you’re ready, you may want to pray this prayer.
Dear Father,
Thank you for your love.
Thank you for your grace, which is enough for me.
You are amazing!
I am sorry and repent from all the pleasures of the world
that I have allowed to distract me from your unconditional love.
(Pause here, and use the opportunity to confess
Anything that comes to mind)
Please cleanse my heart and transform me so that you may be my all in all.
In Jesus’ name,
Amen