Part 6 - The Book of James - Overcoming Conflicts and Returning to God

 

Part 1: Submit Yourselves to God

Scripture Focus (James 4:1–10)

James opens chapter 4 by exposing the root cause of our conflicts — our internal cravings. The fights we have with others are often merely symptoms of a deeper war within the war of selfish desires. We long for recognition, wealth, status, or satisfaction, and when these cravings are frustrated, we lash out.

Our problem, James says, is not just conflict with others; it’s conflict with God.

We even turn prayer into a tool for selfish gain, asking God to fulfil desires that ultimately separate us from Him.

Worse, when we embrace worldly values — pursuing pleasure, success, self-promotion — we commit spiritual adultery, breaking our covenant with God by aligning with the world.

Yet God’s grace overflows even in our failure. James calls us back to:

• Submit to God (place ourselves under His authority)
• Resist the devil (reject the enemy’s lies)
• Draw near to God (intentionally seek intimacy)
• Cleanse and purify ourselves (true repentance)
• Grieve over sin (godly sorrow)
•  Humble ourselves (depend entirely on His mercy)

This journey is not easy, but it leads to restoration. As we humble ourselves before the Lord, He promises to lift us up.

“Humble yourselves before the Lord, and He will lift you up.” (James 4:10)

Reflection Questions

1. What personal desires have caused conflict with others or within yourself recently?
2. How might your prayers need to shift from self-centered requests to God-centered seeking?
3. Where is God calling you to resist the enemy’s influence in your life right now?
4. What would it look like to truly grieve your sin and draw near to God this week?
5. How is God inviting you to humble yourself today?

Prayer

Lord God,

We confess that so often, we have let our selfish desires drive us into conflict, into pride, and into spiritual adultery. Forgive us, Lord. Teach us to submit to You fully — not with half-hearted words but with surrendered hearts. Help us to resist the devil’s lies and draw near to Your presence daily.

Purify our hands and hearts. Plant in us true sorrow over our sin and real joy in Your mercy. Strip away our pride and lift us up according to Your will. We long to walk humbly, fully dependent on You.

In Jesus’ Name,

Amen.

___________

Part 2: Boasting About Tomorrow

Scripture Focus: (James 4:11–17)

James pivots to address another dangerous form of pride: presumptuous boasting about the future.

He rebukes two attitudes:

1.  Speaking evil of others: Criticism and judgment betray an arrogant spirit. When we slander a fellow believer, we are not merely insulting them; we place ourselves above God’s law of love (Matthew 22:37–40).
2.  Presuming on the future: Making detailed plans without considering God’s sovereignty is foolish. James reminds us that life is fragile — a mist that appears for a moment and then vanishes. Arrogantly boasting about tomorrow ignores the reality that we control nothing. The proper attitude, James insists, is humble dependence: "If it is the Lord’s will, we will live and do this or that.” (James 4:15)

Planning is not wrong — but planning apart from God is.

Ultimately, James calls us not only to avoid evil but to actively do good when we know what is right. Failure to act on God’s prompting is itself sin (James 4:17).

Reflection Questions

1. How often do you find yourself speaking critically about others instead of building them up?
2.  In what ways have you made plans recently without seeking God’s direction first?
3.  How does remembering the brevity of life change your priorities?
4. Are there good things God has called you to do that you have delayed or ignored?
5.  What specific area of your life do you need to surrender more fully to God’s will today?

Prayer

Gracious Father,

Forgive us for the ways we boast, plan, and speak as if we are in control. Remind us daily that our lives are but a mist — precious, short, and fully dependent on You. Teach us to surrender every tomorrow into Your sovereign hands.

Guard our mouths from criticism. Help us to use our words to build up, not tear down. And when You show us the good, we ought to do, give us willing hearts to obey promptly. May our lives be marked by humble reliance, not arrogant presumption.

In Jesus’ mighty Name,

Amen.

P, 💞💞