by Jonathan Spurlock
(Holts Summit, MO)
Jas 4:1, KJV 1 From whence (come) wars and fightings among you? (come they) not hence, (even) of your lusts that war in your members?
James asks another pair of questions, which are related to the previous discussion of types of wisdom. See James 3:16. He mentioned that the wisdom that is not from God was “earthly, sensual, devilish (3:15)” Now he makes the application personal, asking what was the reason for the wars and fightings among these believers. James mentions lusts . . .what did he have in mind?
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.
Note the several charges or accusations James brings to the forefront. Remember that he is writing to the earliest numbers of Christians, most of whom at this time were from a Jewish background.
They lusted (even though James doesn’t give specifics); then they desired to have (perhaps riches? Did James have the rich oppressors of chapter 2 in mind, still?) but obtained nothing. They fought and even had wars—Paul would later chide the Corinthian believers for having a party spirit (see 1 Cor. 1). Finally he summed it up for them (and us) by starkly saying they didn’t have because they didn’t ask. Apparently they were trying any available means to increase their own wealth but failed to ask God for any of it.
3 Ye ask, and receive not, because ye ask amiss, that ye may consume (it) upon your lusts.
Now James gives another, direct, reason why the believers weren’t receiving things: they were asking for perhaps the wrong things or perhaps with the wrong motives. Regardless, they were asking for stuff for themselves and apparently were not seeking the best things. Had they forgotten the promise from Matthew 6:33, “Seek first the Kingdom of God. . . and all these things will be added to you”?
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.
This had to sting. Israel had abandoned God for idols numerous times, one of the worst examples being the golden calf worship while Moses was on Mt Sinai (Exodus 32)! Another example came several years later when over 20,000 Israelites bowed down to Baal-Peor (Numbers 25). After the nation split into the northern and southern kingdoms, Jeroboam led the north into a revival of calf-worship; later, Baal worship took place and immoral practices were part of that worship. Hosea’s wife, Gomer, even boasted of having plenty of everything (flax, oil, and even lovers) when she left Hosea but eventually he bought her back to be his wife again (Hosea 1-3).
There is nothing wrong with having friends who are unbelievers but quite another thing to deny your convictions or standards to please your friends. Besides, a friend who wants you to do something wrong isn’t really that good of a friend.
5 Do ye think that the scripture saith in vain, The spirit that dwelleth in us lusteth to envy?
This is a difficult verse and I do not claim to have the best interpretation, James, though, in this context is describing the results of envy. Even in chapter 2 he condemns those who show favoritism to the better dressed compared to those less well off, and in chapter 3 he gives counsel about the right and wrong kinds of wisdom. It’s doubtful the Holy Spirit is in view here but it is possible James is speaking of the believer’s inward spirit (not the body, or soul) .The individual’s spirit sees and desires things that may not be available or profitable, even if one could obtain it. I defer to other commentators regarding this verse.
6 But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble.
Note, first, the contrast between the spirit “lust(ing)” to envy with the grace which God (alone) provides. Secondly, note that James does not say this is a quotation from anywhere but it is a true saying. James has given several examples of pride and proud people. Additionally, pride was the basic reason why Lucifer fell from his position and was eternally cursed for it (Isa 14). Third, God gave so much grace to those who did humbly submit to Him, seek His will, etc. (witness Abraham, Gideon, and David, for three).
7 Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.
James gives a list of commands beginning with a should-be-obvious command, namely, submit to God. The
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