James chapter 3 ended with a comparison of earthly and heavenly wisdom. James 4 commentary james burton coffman commentaries on. Chapter 4 the book of james a bible study for families from the message translation by allison t. Rather than simply not harming others, the bible actually obligates us to actively do what is right. I have written this study using the message translation to make it easier for children to comprehend. The jerome biblical commentary outlines these verses as 1 root causes of conflict james 4. James chapter 4 matthew henry concise commentary on. James 4 is the fourth chapter of the epistle of james in the new testament of the christian. The crimes condemned in this and the following chapter were so atrocious, and of so public a nature, that we can hardly suppose them to have been committed by any who bore the name of christians. Catering to the influential reveals a selfcenteredness. Matthew henry 18 october 1662 22 june 1714 was an english commentator on the bible, who published his works in 1706, sixvolume exposition of the old and new testaments 17081710 or complete commentary, provides an exhaustive verse by verse study of the bible, covering the whole of the old testament, and the gospels and acts in the new testament.
James, a servant of godfor an account of this person, or rather for the conjectures concerning him, see the preface. Here in chapter 4 the context is the same see notes on 4. The book of james is about specifically understanding what saving faith looks. Its influenced by proverbs and frequently quotes jesus sermon on the mount. In james 4 there is a logical progression throughout. James continues to give direct advice for christians. Wherefore, as this letter was directed to the twelve tribes, james 1. The book of james calls on the messianic community to live. James 4 commentary matthew henry commentary on the. James was discussing at the end of the last chapter there are no chapter breaks in the. Some causes of contention, besides those mentioned in the foregoing chapter, and to watch against them v.
James specifically addresses jealousy, pride, judgment, and boastingand their destructive. Peace has been spoken at close of chapter 3, but the world is full of. It is not necessary to apply these verses through james 4. The expression ye sinners coming right in the middle of this james 4. Presented by tim martens, march 4, 2017, at united church of god in northwest arkansas.
This is what causes fights and quarrels among them. The epistle of james chapter four objectives in studying the chapter 1 to gain insight into the source of wars and fighting. James 4 bible commentary wesleys explanatory notes. Of these james treats in chapter 4 and shows that submission to the will of god enables one to overcome all these tendencies and so to walk in faith, looking to god for his guidance from day to day. My title for this lesson is how god wants us to behave. The friendship of the world is enmity with god, james 4. It is related to the improper use of the tongue as in chapter 3. The epistle was probably written before the gentile congregations. We are taught to abandon the friendship of this world, so as to submit and subject ourselves entirely to god v. James will treat the problem of riches in the next chapter. James begins this verse by questioning those addressed of the source of their fighting. Many subjects are handled quickly and succinctly in the book.
As noted in the introduction, james here included a series of blunt, powerpacked exhortations, running through james 4. In the final moments before impact, the horrified pilot dashed back to his seat and battled the copilot for. James 4 commentary ironsides notes on selected books. All people, regardless of wealth, social standing or any other condition, who make their life plans without respect to the will of god are the ones remonstrated. The spirit of love that dwelleth in all believers lusteth against envy galatians 5. Part of the reason for this is that james is like proverbs in that many of its verses really stand alone in their content.
Do they not come from your desires for pleasure that war in your members. We are taught to abandon the friendship of this world, so as to submit and subject ourselves entirely to god. Upon completion of the study, it is recommended that you discuss your answers and insights with other bible students who also completed the workbook. Here, in chapter 4, james says to these very readers that a worldly, unspiritual road is the very one they have been following. Some causes of contention, besides those mentioned in the foregoing chapter, and to watch against them.
The book of james, chapter 4 free bible commentary. David guzik commentary on james 4, where james emphasizes the humble character of a living faith and of a dependency on god. Study the bible online using commentary on james 4 and more. There is fighting among them, which is a direct result of worldly wisdom james 3. Whoever wants to be a friend of the world becomes an enemy of god 2. He poses as a friend promising pleasure, but his end is death. Chapter 4 tells us what gets in the way in our relationship with godand we know from our own experiences how these things also affect our relationships with other people. It shows what happens to christians and churches when they chose to live for selfish desires and for the things of this world rather than god. Home the study bible commentary series, new testament jesus. When people follow this road, they try to get what they want for themselves, frustrated by the people standing in their way. James combines the wisdom of his brother jesus with the book of proverbs in his own challenging call to live a life wholly devoted to god. J ames is a book that many of us know random verses from, yet we tend to not really know the book that well. As we look at this chapter, it is important to remember that the book of james is written to christians.
Ye adulterers and adulteresses who have broken your faith with god, your rightful spouse. Chapter 4 begins by addressing this worldly wisdoms affect on the brethren james is addressing. The chapter also presents a unique aspect of christian ethics. You covet but you cannot get what you want, so you quarrel and fight. James 4 commentary william barclays daily study bible.
The book of james is a website dedicated to the study of the epistle letter of james in the new testament. The book of james niv audio holy bible high quality and best speed book 59 duration. While god resists the proud, he is willing to give grace to the humble ii. All detraction and rash judgment of others are to be. Different bible translations of the letter of james and other bible study resources are available. Study guide for james 4 by david guzik blue letter bible. As james says, it is sin to know the right thing to do, and choose not to do it james 4. So james says that self versus self is at the heart of all relational conflicts. The book of james a detailed commentary basic training bible ministries page 4 the greeting 1. James seems to refer to many, not any one particular scripture. We continue our study of the book of james with a survey and group discussion of chapter 4. Study james 4 using matthew henry bible commentary complete to better. James 4 commentary, one of over 110 bible commentaries freely available, this. More probably is the view that james was not citing a particular passage but summarizing the truth expressed in several old testament passages.
The book of james chapter 4 a bible study for families. Verses 110 the former chapter speaks of envying one another, as the great spring of. Thus many understand these expressions, because god himself represented his relation to the jews as his people under the idea of a marriage, and because the prophets, in conformity to that idea, represented the idolatry of the jews as adultery. James 4 bible commentary matthew henry complete christianity. James 4 what causes quarrels and what causes fights.
To explain, let me begin with where we left off in the last lesson. Again, james looks back to the sermon on the mount when he uses murder to express more than actual killing, but also as an inward condition of heart, shown. James 4 commentary matthew henry commentary on the whole. The honesty of the gods word is apparent in that it does not concern itself with political correctness. James chapter 4 small group starter questions james is still talking to christians. Here are cautions against corrupt affections, and love of this world, which is enmity to god. James 4 commentary commentary critical and explanatory. Written by jesus half brother jacob, the book of james shares sage wisdom for all the churches and followers of jesus.
Your prayer life or lack thereof reveals the focus of your heart. In james 4 there is a logical progression throughout the chapter, while still allowing some verses to cover individual topics. The origin of wars and contentions, and the wretched lot of those who are engaged in them, james 4. Any christian who would show favoritism to the influential reveals that their sense of judgment is as warped as the worlds. Also, there is an enemy within each of us, engaged in mortal combat.