Drawing Closer to God: Taking a Look at James 4:1-12

The Bible offers many examples of how to draw closer to God, but one of the most powerful is in James 4:1-12. James urges us to draw near God and resist the devil in these verses. He also speaks of humility and repentance and tells us to submit to God and resist the devil. Through these words, James encourages us to seek a closer relationship with God and to turn away from temptations that lead us away from Him. In this passage, James reminds us that we can only find peace, joy, and strength by fully submitting to God. He shows us that we can draw near to God through humility and repentance and experience His grace and mercy. By taking a closer look at James 4:1-12, we can uncover the wisdom and guidance necessary to draw closer to God.

What is causing the quarrels and fights among you? (James 4:1-3)

In James 4:1-3, the Bible speaks about quarrels and fights among us and what is causing such disharmony. It is written, “What is causing the quarrels and fights among you? Don’t they come from the desires that battle within you? You want something but don’t get it. You kill and covet, but you cannot have what you want. You quarrel and fight. You do not have because you do not ask God.”

The passage talks about our hearts’ desires and how they lead to quarrels and fights. Our human nature leads us to want something, and if we do not get it, it can lead to conflict. We become so focused on wanting something that we forget to ask God for it. We become so consumed by our desires and ambitions that we forget to ask God for what we want.

The Bible tells us that our desires can be dangerous if we do not bring them before God. When we do not take our desires and petitions to God, we can become consumed by our desires, leading to quarrels and fights. We become so focused on our desires that we forget to look to God and ask Him for what we need.

We should not be so consumed with our desires that we forget to ask God for what we need. We should not be so focused on our own wants that we forget to turn to God and ask for His guidance. We must remember to take our desires to God and ask for His guidance and provision. When we do this, our quarrels and fights will cease, and we will find the peace and unity we seek.

Don’t you realize that friendship with the world makes you an enemy of God? (James 4:4-6)

The Bible speaks about friendship with the world and how it can make us an enemy of God. This is found in James 4:4-6 which says, “You adulterous people, don’t you know that friendship with the world is hatred toward God? Anyone who chooses to be a friend of the world becomes an enemy of God. Or do you think Scripture says without reason that the spirit he caused to live in us envies intensely? But he gives us more grace. That is why scripture says: “God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble.”

One of the main things to note here is that the Bible is clear that friendship with the world is seen as an act of hatred toward God. The phrase “friendship with the world” refers to various things, such as engaging in activities that the world values and pursuing things that the world values. This could include wealth, fame, power, pleasure, etc. The Bible warns us that pursuing these things can distract from following God and lead us away from Him.

The Bible also speaks of the spirit of God that dwells in us and how it can be a source of envy. When we allow ourselves to be focused on worldly pursuits, we can become jealous of those who have more material possessions or have achieved more in the world’s eyes. This envy can lead to a desire to “keep up with the Joneses,” which can be a significant distraction from God’s will for our lives.

Finally, the Bible tells us that God opposes the proud but favors the humble. When we focus on worldly pursuits, it can lead us to become proud and boastful. This will only lead us further away from God and make us an enemy of Him. On the other hand, when we humble ourselves and focus on God, He will show us favor and draw us closer to Him.

In conclusion, the Bible speaks of friendship with the world and how it makes us an enemy of God. As found in James 4:4-6, the Bible cautions us against pursuing the things of the world and warns us that this can lead us away from God and make us an enemy of Him. Instead, we should focus on humbling ourselves before God, and He will show us favor.

So humble yourselves before God. (James 4:7-10)

Humility is the virtue of being humble – to be modest and not arrogant. It is an essential trait for Christians, as it is seen as a sign of obedience to God and His teachings. One of the most specific scripture verses on humility is in James 4:7-10, where James writes, “Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Come near to God, and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, sinners, and purify your hearts; you are double-minded. Grieve, mourn, and wail. Change your laughter to mourning and your joy to gloom. Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up.”

These verses make it clear that we should humble ourselves in the sight of God. We should submit ourselves to Him and resist the devil; in doing so, we will find that God will come near us. We are called to mourn and grieve. To change our laughter to mourning. And our joy to gloom, and to humble ourselves before the Lord. This can be difficult, but it is necessary to experience the fullness of God’s love and grace.

Humbling ourselves before God has many benefits. When we humble ourselves, we recognize our weaknesses and need God’s help. We acknowledge that we are not perfect and need God’s guidance and strength in our lives. When we humble ourselves before God, we also show Him our reverence and respect. We are showing Him that we trust Him and are willing to follow His guidance.

Finally, when we humble ourselves before God, He will lift us up. He will forgive us of our sins and provide us with the strength we need to live an obedient and faithful life. He will give us comfort and peace in times of distress and fill us with joy and hope in times of despair. When we humble ourselves before God, we experience His love, grace, and mercy.

So, let us humble ourselves before God. Let us submit ourselves to Him and resist the devil. Let us mourn and grieve and change our laughter to mourning and joy to gloom. And let us trust that God will lift us up and provide us with all we need. Let us humble ourselves before God and experience His love and power.

Don’t speak evil against each other,  (James 4:11-12)

We all tend to hold grudges and say unkind words against each other. We often forget the fact that how we speak to each other has a significant impact on our relationships. This is why James 4:11-12 encourages us to not speak evil against one another.

The Bible speaks about the importance of being kind and gentle in our words. It reminds us that we should think before we speak and that our words should be filled with love and compassion. It warns us against talking evil about someone or tearing them down with our words.

James 4:11-12 tells us that we should be humble and meek in our interactions with others. We should be careful not to judge or criticize others harshly. We should be gentle and loving with our words and strive to encourage and build up those around us. We should never use our words to bring someone down or spread gossip.

We should remember that our words carry a lot of power and can have a lasting impact on those we speak to. We must be mindful of how we use our words and strive to only speak words of love and kindness. We must remember that our words should be used to bless and not to curse.

In James 4:11-12, God reminds us of the importance of speaking kindly to one another. He is teaching us to use our words to build each other up instead of tearing each other down. He calls us to use our words to bring peace and harmony into our relationships.

Remember that the words we speak can profoundly impact those around us. Let us strive to use our words to love, encourage and build up those around us. Let us follow the words of James 4:11-12 and not speak evil against each other.

Takeaway: Drawing Closer to God: Taking a Look at James 4:1-12

The book of James in the Bible is filled with powerful and practical wisdom. In James 4:1-12, we are given insight into how to draw closer to God. This passage is written to believers struggling to make sense of the world around them and find comfort in God’s presence.

At the beginning of this passage, James warns his readers against misusing their tongues, which can create strife and division. He then encourages them to draw near to God and submit to Him. This is followed by discussing the futility of trying to gain or control what God has ordained and how it leads to envy, jealousy, and strife. We are reminded that God is the one who ultimately controls our lives and that we must be content with what He has given us.

The passage then transitions to a discussion of humility. We are reminded that God resists the proud but gives grace to the humble. We are encouraged to humble ourselves before God and seek His wisdom and understanding. We are also reminded that it is God who gives us wisdom and discernment and that He is the one who can provide us with the strength and courage to face our trials.

The passage concludes with a warning to turn away from evil and draw near God. We are reminded to put away all malice and slander and to be humble and gentle in our dealings with others. We are also encouraged to show love and compassion to our neighbors and to seek peace and righteousness.

James 4:1-12 is a powerful reminder of the importance of drawing closer to God. We are reminded that God is the one who is ultimately in control and that He is the source of all wisdom, courage, and strength. Instead of seeking peace, humility, and love, we are also encouraged to put away all malice, envy, and jealousy. Ultimately, this passage calls us to draw near God and trust His wisdom and strength.

 

 

 

Bruce Mitchell is a speaker, writer, and Bible teacher who loves to share God’s Word in everyday life. He has studied at Biola University and Dallas Theological Seminary. His blog (Allelon.us) is all about the principles of Agapao Allelon (Loving One Another) and God’s Mercy, Grace, Love, and Forgiveness and how it applies to our daily lives as Christ-Followers. (1 Peter 4:8)