James 4
September Memory Verse: Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. 1 Peter 1:3 (ESV)
Read: James 4
Growing Mature in our Walk
James gives a strong statement that being friends of the world is being an enemy of God. At first reading this you may be taken back by this. Does this mean we should not be friends with people or things that are of the world? I think it’s pretty clear that James is not actually saying this because Jesus himself was friends with non-believers. I think a better way of understanding this is we cannot be friendly with or adopt or put on the ways of the world that are contrary to God's ways. Adopting the ways of the world puts us at odds with Jesus.
This may be most clear when James says that we need to “resist the devil so he will flee from you.” He is talking about not living in ways that are contrary to God’s good will for us. James thinks if we resist the Devil that overtime these temptations will diminish. I think that’s what he means when he says the Devil will flee from you. Previously James talks about Christian maturity and how James wanted us to ask for wisdom from above and this wisdom would allow us to live like mature Christians. This idea was that his Wisdom from God gave us what we needed to live, to act as mature Christians. Part of that is being wise enough to “flee from the devil,'' what James is talking about in this chapter. When we flee temptation it diminishes, it may not go away completely but it gets better with time.
Sample Scenario
If a six year old goes out and gets bitten by a bunch of mosquitoes or bugs, the child ultimately wants to scratch it. This is because at the time it feels good, it feels better to go ahead and scratch it. But a person of maturity that knows better, knows that scratching it can make it worse in the long run. A child in that scenario does not have the maturity, the wisdom to understand the end goal of the scenario. Similarly, Christian maturity knows that we need to resist giving in to that urge, that sinful desire, that particular pleasure that may be sinful. Maturity knows that you should plan and prepare to resist when tempted.
This is something that should speak to all of us. Whatever stage we are at in our Christian walk, walking in the light gives us fellowship with God. We become more like him. And in return our desires become more like his desires. We become more “Christ-Like.” This is not easy. I am in this with you, there are a million temptations at our shoulders. But as we continue to resist, these trials become easier and our maturity continues to grow.
In what ways do you need to mature in your Christian walk? What ways still trip you up? Why is it so hard to resist? How have you seen your walk mature overtime?
By: Tyson Steelman
Read: James 4
Growing Mature in our Walk
James gives a strong statement that being friends of the world is being an enemy of God. At first reading this you may be taken back by this. Does this mean we should not be friends with people or things that are of the world? I think it’s pretty clear that James is not actually saying this because Jesus himself was friends with non-believers. I think a better way of understanding this is we cannot be friendly with or adopt or put on the ways of the world that are contrary to God's ways. Adopting the ways of the world puts us at odds with Jesus.
This may be most clear when James says that we need to “resist the devil so he will flee from you.” He is talking about not living in ways that are contrary to God’s good will for us. James thinks if we resist the Devil that overtime these temptations will diminish. I think that’s what he means when he says the Devil will flee from you. Previously James talks about Christian maturity and how James wanted us to ask for wisdom from above and this wisdom would allow us to live like mature Christians. This idea was that his Wisdom from God gave us what we needed to live, to act as mature Christians. Part of that is being wise enough to “flee from the devil,'' what James is talking about in this chapter. When we flee temptation it diminishes, it may not go away completely but it gets better with time.
Sample Scenario
If a six year old goes out and gets bitten by a bunch of mosquitoes or bugs, the child ultimately wants to scratch it. This is because at the time it feels good, it feels better to go ahead and scratch it. But a person of maturity that knows better, knows that scratching it can make it worse in the long run. A child in that scenario does not have the maturity, the wisdom to understand the end goal of the scenario. Similarly, Christian maturity knows that we need to resist giving in to that urge, that sinful desire, that particular pleasure that may be sinful. Maturity knows that you should plan and prepare to resist when tempted.
This is something that should speak to all of us. Whatever stage we are at in our Christian walk, walking in the light gives us fellowship with God. We become more like him. And in return our desires become more like his desires. We become more “Christ-Like.” This is not easy. I am in this with you, there are a million temptations at our shoulders. But as we continue to resist, these trials become easier and our maturity continues to grow.
In what ways do you need to mature in your Christian walk? What ways still trip you up? Why is it so hard to resist? How have you seen your walk mature overtime?
By: Tyson Steelman
9 Comments
Thank you Tyson! There's so much to think about and consider in this chapter and your commentary. Until recently I've spent most of my career, since 1983, in large corporate structures. I've noticed a significant drift, particularly in the last five years, in what is acceptable and even demanded in corporate culture. It usually comes cloaked with words like "diversity & inclusion", "tolerance", "equity", etc. If you have a biblical world view and believe God's word is absolute truth (II Timothy 3:16) then you will run into trouble and be consider a rebel for expressing your views. Christians in most corporate cultures are being asked to remain quiet and keep their views to themselves lest they be labeled homophobic, narrow-minded, or intolerant. To be honest that makes me mad! However, God has shone me that anger isn't the appropriate response. Christians are called to stand for truth while displaying grace & mercy. We must display a spirit of kindness as we point people to Jesus and the truth of His word. Will we be mocked & scorned and considered outcasts by many? Absolutely! We must remember that Jesus was counter cultural and abused for speaking truth. Are we willing to do the same? It's easier and more comfortable to conform and be a "friend of the world" but we have a higher calling. Thanks again Tyson for the commentary!
Great word Mike, and so true!!
The book of James is the book I read the most. Temptation comes in so many ways. We always need strength that we can resist Satan. Really enjoyed that scenario and that devotion for today.
Glad to have to Godly parents who modeled what a mature walk in Christ looks like. Thanks Mom!!
I love the illustration using the mosquito bite. It puts everything I know into perspective. If I am exhibiting qualities of a mature Christian-I should know better and be able to resist. My prayer is that I will follow through with this. Thank you!
Very true Mrs. Reva. It is definitely difficult to do, very thankful I have a Heavenly Father to walk through it with me and give me guidance.
Good word! So true. Thanks Tyson!
While it's always going to be a challenge in these earthly bodies, resisting the devil is made possible when you "submit yourselves to God." We can't do this in our own strength, only through the power of the Holy Spirit. JumpStart and
the commentaries and the comments are so helpful in this journey. Thanks Tyson and everyone.