We covered several things in this message but predominantly we addressed our response to oppressions & trials.

James encourages us towards patience and good works, but words like these are not typically embraced by modern Christians. Even our T-shirts represent sentiments which the Apostles and the early church would have never believed came from a child of God. Things such as “don’t test the Jesus in me” and “I’m forgiven… not perfect!” or “the Jesus in me is about to beat up the devil in you”.

While in most cases I don’t honestly believe they mean these things seriously, they reveal a heart that is NOT in submission to Christ. Plain and simple!

I am not at all convinced that most modern Christians take their need to suffer insults and injury from the world and count it a privilege, rather than a means for justified retribution. But James nevertheless encourages patience and good works as does Peter. Additionally Paul takes it further in his letter to the Philippians by telling us that to count all opposition an honor to suffer for Christ.

James has been building up to a point where he can confront these Jewish believers in their sin.

In chapter 3 he told them that if they were self seeking, envious with bitter jealousy then they were a child in the faith and carnal with character that is both unproven and unapproved.

So when James begins chapter 4 he starts with the statement that is essentially saying…
“All of these things being true you tell me where are all of your fights and Wars and jealousies and outbursts coming from?”

Of course he points out that their friendship with the world is violence towards God.

Furthermore, if they – even as Christians – are determined to maintain that worldly alliance, they are making themselves God’s enemy!