Peace and War

Peace and War | James 4:1-12 When I was still working in California, one of my employees urgently needed to speak to me. A little bit of background. A few shifts a week, he handled additional duties, and was paid an additional $1.00/hour. So, every week, I ensured that he and the others were paid accordingly. He claimed, however, that I owed him money. He was very upset and looked like he was ready for war. We sat down, reviewing his punches and his paystubs to determine what, if anything was missing. We verified everything and agreed that I did in fact owe him money. It came to (I think) $0.70. I confirmed again that this was all that we owed. He agreed. I asked him why he was so upset over $0.70, and he explained that we were purposely keeping money from him. So, I did what any good manager would do, I sarcastically pulled out a fresh George Washington, handed it to him, and told him to keep the change. He ended up very pleased in the end. Gratefully, we were able to avoid further conflict, but as you all know, conflict doesn't always end well. Sometimes we need wisdom from above, other times we just need a crisp one-dollar bill. Last week, we spoke about godly wisdom versus worldly wisdom. One of aspects we saw from worldly wisdom was that it was full of disorder and evil. Selfishness, we determined is a great instigator of worldly wisdom. I believe James used that section to set up the passage that we are going to study today. Here, James warns us about worldliness, what that looks like, and ultimately the result of worldliness and conflict within the Christian community. Let's read what James has to say about this, beginning in verse 1 of chapter 4. We'll read through verse 12. 1 WHAT CAUSES QUARRELS AND WHAT CAUSES FIGHTS AMONG YOU? IS IT NOT THIS, THAT YOUR PASSIONS ARE AT WAR WITHIN YOU? 2 YOU DESIRE AND DO NOT HAVE, SO YOU MURDER. YOU COVET AND CANNOT OBTAIN, SO YOU FIGHT AND QUARREL. YOU DO NOT HAVE, BECAUSE YOU DO NOT ASK. 3 YOU ASK AND DO NOT RECEIVE, BECAUSE YOU ASK WRONGLY, TO SPEND IT ON YOUR PASSIONS. 4 YOU ADULTEROUS PEOPLE! DO YOU NOT KNOW THAT FRIENDSHIP WITH THE WORLD IS ENMITY WITH GOD? THEREFORE WHOEVER WISHES TO BE A FRIEND OF THE WORLD MAKES HIMSELF AN ENEMY OF GOD. 5 OR DO YOU SUPPOSE IT IS TO NO PURPOSE THAT THE SCRIPTURE SAYS, "HE YEARNS JEALOUSLY OVER THE SPIRIT THAT HE HAS MADE TO DWELL IN US"? 6 BUT HE GIVES MORE GRACE. THEREFORE IT SAYS, "GOD OPPOSES THE PROUD BUT GIVES GRACE TO THE HUMBLE." 7 SUBMIT YOURSELVES THEREFORE TO GOD. RESIST THE DEVIL, AND HE WILL FLEE FROM YOU. 8 DRAW NEAR TO GOD, AND HE WILL DRAW NEAR TO YOU. CLEANSE YOUR HANDS, YOU SINNERS, AND PURIFY YOUR HEARTS, YOU DOUBLE-MINDED. 9 BE WRETCHED AND MOURN AND WEEP. LET YOUR LAUGHTER BE TURNED TO MOURNING AND YOUR JOY TO GLOOM. 10 HUMBLE YOURSELVES BEFORE THE LORD, AND HE WILL EXALT YOU. 11 DO NOT SPEAK EVIL AGAINST ONE ANOTHER, BROTHERS. THE ONE WHO SPEAKS AGAINST A BROTHER OR JUDGES HIS BROTHER, SPEAKS EVIL AGAINST THE LAW AND JUDGES THE LAW. BUT IF YOU JUDGE THE LAW, YOU ARE NOT A DOER OF THE LAW BUT A JUDGE. 12 THERE IS ONLY ONE LAWGIVER AND JUDGE, HE WHO IS ABLE TO SAVE AND TO DESTROY. BUT WHO ARE YOU TO JUDGE YOUR NEIGHBOR? You may have noticed the strong contrast that James begins this section with. Last week, we saw this in chapter 3, verse 18: AND A HARVEST OF RIGHTEOUSNESS IS SOWN IN PEACE BY THOSE WHO MAKE PEACE. James, here begins with asking WHAT CAUSES QUARRELS AND WHAT CAUSES FIGHTS AMONG YOU? Quarrels can be translated wars, and fights could be translated conflict or strife. So, right off the bat, we see a shift from peace to war and conflict. Again, as we saw last week, James helps us to see the source of this issue. The second part of verse 1 reveals that source, namely: YOUR PASSIONS ARE AT WAR WITHIN YOU. The idea of passion here can be translated as pleasures. It's the Greek word that we get the word "hedonism" from. I came across a great definition of this term this week: David Roper states that hedonism says that, "only what is pleasant or has pleasant consequences is intrinsically good. Taken to its extreme it's the relentless and ruthless pursuit of personal pleasure without regard to others." So, in one respect, we can say that conflicts and wars stem from desire. The sermon title this morning is peace and war. We were introduced to the peace when we closed last week, so this morning, we'll speak mostly about these wars. So, here is the main idea that we'll develop this morning: A mature disciple does not go to war with self, others, or God. From the main idea, I'm sure you can figure out where we're heading. James reveals to us that these Christians, and maybe some of us today, are fighting in one or more of these wars. In fact, James reveals the THREE TYPES OF WARS THAT CHRISTIANS FACE. The first one is ... * War with ourselves (1b-3) o Verses 2-3 reveal something about the selfish character. o We see this pursuit of these desires that we discussed previously. o More specifically, we see the sin of covetousness. * Warren Wiersbe, one of my favorite commentators, said this about covetousness: "'Thou shalt not covet' is the last of God's Ten Commandments, but its violation can make us break all of the other nine! Covetousness can make a person murder, tell lies, dishonor his parents, commit adultery, and in one way or another violate all of God's moral law." o The language that James is using here implies that the covetous nature of their infighting was severe the point of murder. * Now, its very likely that James was not saying that they were physically murdering one another but using it perhaps in the same way Jesus did when He spoke about anger. Here is what Jesus says in Matthew 5: 21 "YOU HAVE HEARD THAT IT WAS SAID TO THOSE OF OLD, 'YOU SHALL NOT MURDER; AND WHOEVER MURDERS WILL BE LIABLE TO JUDGMENT.' 22 BUT I SAY TO YOU THAT EVERYONE WHO IS ANGRY WITH HIS BROTHER WILL BE LIABLE TO JUDGMENT; WHOEVER INSULTS HIS BROTHER WILL BE LIABLE TO THE COUNCIL; AND WHOEVER SAYS, 'YOU FOOL!' WILL BE LIABLE TO THE HELL OF FIRE * The language was strong because the impact was strong. * I alluded this when we opened, but let's remember James is speaking to fellow Christians in community. o One of the issues with covetousness is that once we become infatuated with something, we'll go to any lengths to get it, even "pray about it." * That's what James is talking about in verse 3. He says that they are effectively praying wrong. * Not wrong in the sense that one of the kids here get a math problem wrong, or one of the adults use the wrong tone with their spouse, but in the sense that they are praying with the wrong motive. * James says that they are asking to spend on their own passions. o Whatever those passions were for them, we can deduct that they were not content to what they had and what God has provided for them. o Whatever those passions are for you, and I imply that we are not satisfied with what God has provided. We'll see shortly how to overcome this. o I came across this cross reference in my studies this week from 1 Timothy 4. Paul states: 4 FOR EVERYTHING CREATED BY GOD IS GOOD, AND NOTHING IS TO BE REJECTED IF IT IS RECEIVED WITH THANKSGIVING, 5 FOR IT IS MADE HOLY BY THE WORD OF GOD AND PRAYER. o You see, wanting is not inherently bad. Only when we pursue it in the wrong way or at the wrong time. o James says, ask. * One last example before we move on to the next one. I came across this illustration this week. "A wise father or mother will not give a little child something harmful just because he begs for it. When we pray for things which God knows will harm us, He purposely, out of love, withholds them." Because of this, we should have a thankful heart. o Next, James says these Christians were at ... * War with each other (1a, 11-12) o We're going to jump down to verses 11-12. o These two verses should remind us of what we saw when we looked at chapter 3, verses 1-12. This reminds us, once again, that what we say has significant impact within community. o One might say that a solution against war, is to get right with other people. o Christians should be using our speech to build them up in Christ. At times, that may include confronting someone within the body of their sin, but its evident in this passage that these brothers and sisters were not doing that. o I'm convinced that James had Matthew 7 in mind when he wrote these words. It's a familiar passage; Jesus says: 1 Judge not, that you be not judged. 2 For with the judgment you pronounce you will be judged, and with the measure you use it will be measured to you. 3 Why do you see the speck that is in your brother's eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye? 4 Or how can you say to your brother, 'Let me take the speck out of your eye,' when there is the log in your own eye? 5 You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your brother's eye o Jesus is reminding us that we should be examining ourselves first, and I think James is telling us the same thing. o The language James uses in verses 11-12 indicate that they were tearing each other down. They were not concerned about their brother's relationship with the Lord, they were only concerned about slandering them. o Our motivation is critical. o Notice too, James is accusing them of trying to "play God" with their judgements and with their accusations. He closes verse 12 with a sobering reminder. * God is Judge. It is He who can save and destroy. o Finally, we see that these Christians were at ... * War with God (4-7) o Let's take another look at verses 4-6. o Here, James speaks of our relationship with God and THREE ENEMIES OF GOD. In other words, the three things that separates man from God. Things that pull us away from Him, which is the root cause of all war, internal and external. That first enemy is ... * The world (4) * Verse 4 is a strong warning against worldliness. Let's read that warning again: YOU ADULTEROUS PEOPLE! DO YOU NOT KNOW THAT FRIENDSHIP WITH THE WORLD IS ENMITY WITH GOD? THEREFORE WHOEVER WISHES TO BE A FRIEND OF THE WORLD MAKES HIMSELF AN ENEMY OF GOD. o James uses a familiar picture to these Jewish readers. This idea of a people being adulterous to God is not a new idea. The basic concept here speaks to the covenant relationship between God and His people. When His people begin to flirt and eventually get into a relationship with the world, they are effectively breaking that covenant. * One example is that of Abraham and his nephew Lot from Genesis 18-19. o We also see this scattered throughout the Old Testament. Sometime this week, read Jeremiah 3:1-5, Ezekiel 23, and Hosea 1-2. * These all speak to this broken covenant relationship with God. o So, how does this happen to Christians within the Church? * We've talked about a lot this year. One of those ways is when they begin to drift away. This may start with church attendance. Then it may continue with a drop in daily bible reading and in prayer. Then it may be influences from the world blurring your worldview. Over a gradual period, one begins to ignore the relationship with God, and replaces that with a relationship with the world. * The next enemy is ... * The flesh (5) * In verse 5, James references the "spirit," and that mention is part of "the Scripture." o Careful attention to this verse will show that James doesn't seem to be referencing a specific verse. Most scholars and commentators believe that he is referencing varied biblical truths or concepts found throughout the Scriptures, and not actually quoting a specific book, chapter and verse, as we're accustomed to. o Some translations think it's speaking about the Holy Spirit living within us. o Either way, the basic idea has to do with that internal battle of our flesh and the Spirit, and the righteous jealousy that God has for our souls. * If you were here last week, we spoke about the natural state of mankind, one that is separated from God. What all mankind needs is to be made holy, so we can be reconciled to God. This is only possible because of the sacrifice that Jesus made. In His sacrifice, for those who believe, we are made righteous and declared justified before God. Our sins are forgiven, and we can commune with God. * The flesh, however, is naturally against God. Paul says in Romans 8:7: FOR THE MIND THAT IS SET ON THE FLESH IS HOSTILE TO GOD, FOR IT DOES NOT SUBMIT TO GOD'S LAW; INDEED, IT CANNOT. * Therefore, we all must be born again, because naturally, we are enemies with God. The hope, however, is found in the finished work of Christ. * The next enemy of God is ... * The devil (6-7) * We mostly see this in verse 7, but verse 6 helps us to see one of the many ways the devil distracts us from the Lord. * It's here where we see, yet again, this warning against pride. * David Guzik puts it this way: "It isn't as if our humility earns the grace of God. Humility merely puts us in a position to receive the gift He freely gives." So, if these are the things that put us at odds against the Lord, what is the solution? Technically, there are ten imperatives - or commands - in verses 7-10, but, for the sake of time, we'll summarize them into THREE WAYS WE CAN HAVE PEACE, INSTEAD OF WAR. First, we must ... * Submit to God o This application of submission is a military term. It means to "get into your proper rank," or the general idea of subordinance. o It's a not-so-subtle way of reminding us to know our position, in which Christ is the head. o You'll see that part of submitting to God is to resist the devil. o This idea of resisting is also a military term which means we are to stand firm. It's made up of two words, so it literally renders "stand and against." So, we're told here to stand our ground. Reminiscent of Paul's instruction to put on the Armor of God to stand against the devil and his schemes. o The next thing we see is that we are to ... * Draw near to God o This process, the resisting the devil and the drawing near to God is the perfect picture of repentance. The word repent, means to change direction. When we resist the devil, and draw near to God, we have changed our direction. James is advising us how to make peace by drawing near to God. * So, how is this done? James lists some additional steps for us to follow (we'll go through them quickly): * Cleanse our hands * Purify our hearts o These two likely refer to a ceremonial cleansing which would be familiar to his audience. o Psalm 24:4-5 reads: 4 HE WHO HAS CLEAN HANDS AND A PURE HEART, WHO DOES NOT LIFT UP HIS SOUL TO WHAT IS FALSE AND DOES NOT SWEAR DECEITFULLY. 5 HE WILL RECEIVE BLESSING FROM THE LORD AND RIGHTEOUSNESS FROM THE GOD OF HIS SALVATION. o To be in the presence of the Lord, we must be declared holy before Him. * Be wretched (or miserable), mourn and weep * Turn your laughter to mourning, and joy to gloom o One of the problems with our culture today is the blatant celebration of sin. We see this in the form of parades and protests. In television and streaming services, and of course in the media. o When we sin, we must follow these steps, repent, and in doing so draw near to God, entering into His presence. * Finally, we are to ... * Humble ourselves before God o Humility can be described as a posture that opens us to receive God's blessings, while pride closes us off to that same blessing. o All that we just spoke about is impossible without a humble heart. It recognizes and acknowledges our sin and our need for the Savior. We've seen this morning that: A mature disciple does not go to war with self, others, or God. That's because, when we follow these three ways to peace, God draws near to us, we are cleansed, we are forgiven, and these wars with self, with others and with God will cease. Chances are, you fit one of three categories. * You've been to war. * You're currently in the war. * Or you will be at war. The principles in this passage today are all present tense, which means they are ongoing. Which means that these are principles we should employ daily. So, today, will you submit to God? Will you draw near to God? Will you humble yourselves before God? Let's pray. 2