James Part 4
Message Summary: James highlights to the reader that our lives are short, and we should live them humbly and in a way that is pleasing to God. Our lives are like mist, and we aren’t guaranteed tomorrow. The purpose of his writing isn’t to discourage the reader but to give wisdom and challenge us to live like Jesus.
James points out that contrary to many of our beliefs, our biggest enemies are not other people (our coworkers, neighbors, people with different political or social beliefs). James 4:1 says there is a battle within us between flesh and spirit.
- What works has God highlighted that he has for you to do?
- Where are you struggling with living the best life God has called you to live?
- How can you speak life into that situation (from question 2) to reframe your thoughts?
- How do you need to shift your perspective to possibly see things from God’s perspective and plan instead of your own?
James 4:14b NIV – What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then it vanishes.
James 4:17 NIV – Anyone, then, who knows the good he ought to do and doesn’t do it, sins.
2 Corinthians 10:5b NIV – …we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.
Ephesians 2:10 NIV – For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.
James 4:1 NIV – What causes fights and quarrels among you? Don’t they come from your desires that battle within you?
James 4:6 NIV – But he gives us more grace. That is why Scripture says, “God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble.”