Or do you think that the Scripture says in vain, "The Spirit who dwells in us yearns jealously"? Truth to Learn Seeking things instead of God makes Him Jealous. Behind the Words “Vain” is from the word kenōs, meaning “with no purpose” The word translated “dwells” is katoikēsen. Some Biblical...
James 4:4 – The World, or God?
Adulterers and adulteresses! Do you not know that friendship of the world is enmity with God? Whoever therefore wants to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God. Truth to Learn Buying into the world system, its values, ideals, and desires is a sure way to...
James 4:3 – Unanswered Prayers
You ask and do not receive, because you ask badly, that you may squander it on your pleasures. Truth to Learn Selfish prayers usually go unanswered, and when they are answered the way we want, we usually regret it later. Behind the Words The word “ask” is translated from aiteō,...
James 4:2 – Fighting from Desire
You lust and do not have. You murder and covet and are not able to obtain. You fight and battle. Yet you do not have because you do not ask. Truth to Learn Our own selfish desire to have is the reason why we fight. Behind the Words The word...
James 4:1 – Roots of Conflict
Where do wars and controversy come from among you? Do they not come from your passions warring in your members? Truth to Learn Fighting and quarreling result from our own selfish desire for gratification. Behind the Words The opening word of this verse is pothen, which is an interrogative adverb....
James 3:18 – Sow in Peace
And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace by those who are making peace. Truth to Learn Those who teach with earthly wisdom reap a harvest of contention and discord. Those who humbly teach through the Spirit of God reap a harvest of peaceful righteousness. Behind the Words “Fruit”...
James 3:17 – Heavenly Wisdom
But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, compliant, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and unpretentious. Truth to Learn Heavenly wisdom is “others” focused, not “self” focused. Behind the Words “First” is from the Greek word proton, meaning “first in importance, order, or...
James 3:16 – Worthless Deeds
For where bitter zeal and self-seeking exist, there are confusion and every worthless deed. Truth to Learn The motivation of a teacher in a church will have a profound effect on the spiritual value of the works of the church. Behind the Words The word translated “confusion” is the Greek...
James 3:15 – Not Worldly Wise
This is not the wisdom descending from above, but is earthly, sensual, demonic. Truth to Learn The wisdom possessed by some teachers in our churches today is earthly wisdom. Unlike godly wisdom, it has no heavenly source. Behind the Words The word translated “descending” is katerchomai, which is made up...
James 3:14 – Just the Truth
But if you have bitter zeal and self-seeking in your hearts, do not boast and lie against the truth. Truth to Learn Strong, bitter feelings towards others and loud, boastful proclamations are not marks of a good teacher. Behind the Words The words translated “bitter zeal” are dzelos pikros. The...