James 4: Wars are Born of Lusts

                James opens up this letter by explaining that wars come from the lusts of the world, and that when we ask God for things, they must stem from righteous desires. James explains that “Ye ask, and receive not, because ye ask amiss, that ye may consume it upon your lusts.” (James 4:3)

Paul addresses the sinners of the world; “Ye adulterers and adulteresses, know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God.” (James 4:4) Those who love the world more than God, are enemies of God Himself!

James urges everyone to be humble, so that we might receive the grace of God; “Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up.” (James 4:10) Those who humble themselves and submit themselves to God, will have the power to overcome the Devil; “Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” (James 4:7)

James reminds us that compared to God we’re; “…a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away.” (James 4:14) Therefore we need to strive daily to perfect ourselves so that we can become like Him! James explains that anyone who knows good; “…and doeth it not, to him it is a sin.” (James 4:17). Therefore those who know good, but choose to do bad will be given their just reward.