October 2024 – MichaelDLawson.com

Journey Through James: Chapter 4 (Listening Guide)

4 What causes quarrels and what causes fights among you? Is it not this, that your passions are at war within you?

Chapter 4.1-10 opens with 2 options for achieving joy. The way of the __________. And the way of the__________.
“quarrels” – The word carries the idea of ongoing hostility. In an organization that has experienced great grace we cannot afford to be unforgiving and resentful to one another.
Is there anything sadder than such a church? The church is to be united in love for God and love for one another. The church is to be united around the truth of God. The church is to be united in worship and service.
“fights” – outburst of anger
“your passions” – Meaning _____________________. Each person thought themselves to be the priority. From the Gk: we get the word Hedonism, you search for pleasure/joy.

4 What causes quarrels and what causes fights among you? Is it not this, that your passions are at war within you?

Chapter 4.1-10 opens with 2 options for achieving joy. The way of the world. And the way of the Lord.
“quarrels” – The word carries the idea of ongoing hostility. In an organization that has experienced great grace we cannot afford to be unforgiving and resentful to one another.
Is there anything sadder than such a church? The church is to be united in love for God and love for one another. The church is to be united around the truth of God. The church is to be united in worship and service.
“fights” – outburst of anger
“your passions” – Meaning selfishness. Each person thought themselves to be the priority. From the Gk: we get the word Hedonism, you search for pleasure/joy.

3 Not many of you should become teachers, my brothers, for you know that we who teach will be judged with greater strictness.

A warning not just to teachers, but to all. We often want the glory of _______________ faith without putting forth the ______________ to obtain it.
APP: We all should focus on the ____________________ of service, not the benefits or notoriety of what may accompany it.
Recently, it has become far too common for notable church leaders to fall into sin.
James is highlighting the motives of our service.
“judged with greater strictness” – a motivational and scary verse.
“greater strictness” – this is why it is imperative to preach and teach God’s Word.

3 Not many of you should become teachers, my brothers, for you know that we who teach will be judged with greater strictness.

A warning not just to teachers, but to all. We often want the glory of notable faith without putting forth the work to obtain it.
APP: We all should focus on the qualifications of service, not the benefits or notoriety of what may accompany it.
Recently, it has become far too common for notable church leaders to fall into sin.
James is highlighting the motives of our service.
“judged with greater strictness” – a motivational and scary verse.
“greater strictness” – this is why it is imperative to preach and teach God’s Word.

THE FOLLY OF FAVORTISM

2 My brothers, show no partiality as you hold the faith in our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory.

Behind James’ discussion is the thought that partiality is being shown to wealthy individuals who attend worship because those with less are hoping to benefit from their preferential treatment by some financial means.
“partiality” – God does not play favorites. Yet we do. Jesus tells us to love others as we love ourselves (Mark 12.31). However, partiality is one of the clearest examples of loving ourselves ____________ than we love others.
When favoritism is displayed, the nature of faith is _____________ and the display of faith is _______________.

THE FOLLY OF FAVORTISM

2 My brothers, show no partiality as you hold the faith in our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory.

Behind James’ discussion is the thought that partiality is being shown to wealthy individuals who attend worship because those with less are hoping to benefit from their preferential treatment by some financial means.
“partiality” – God does not play favorites. Yet we do. Jesus tells us to love others as we love ourselves (Mark 12.31). However, partiality is one of the clearest examples of loving ourselves more than we love others.
When favoritism is displayed, the nature of faith is undermined and the display of faith is compromised.