Hebrews 4
James 4 reveals the causes of conflicts and disputes that Christians face, and encourages them to break free from worldly desires and submit to God. It also emphasizes the importance of humility regarding life plans and God’s will.
1verseLet’s fear therefore, lest perhaps anyone of you should seem to have come short of a promise of entering into his rest.
2verseFor indeed we have had good news preached to us, even as they also did, but the word they heard didn’t profit them, because it wasn’t mixed with faith by those who heard.
3verseFor we who have believed do enter into that rest, even as he has said, “As I swore in my wrath, they will not enter into my rest;” although the works were finished from the foundation of the world.
4verseFor he has said this somewhere about the seventh day, “God rested on the seventh day from all his works;”
5verseand in this place again, “They will not enter into my rest.”
6verseSeeing therefore it remains that some should enter into it, and they to whom the good news was preached before failed to enter in because of disobedience,
7versehe again defines a certain day, “today”, saying through David so long a time afterward (just as has been said), “Today if you will hear his voice, don’t harden your hearts.”
8verseFor if Joshua had given them rest, he would not have spoken afterward of another day.
9verseThere remains therefore a Sabbath rest for the people of God.
10verseFor he who has entered into his rest has himself also rested from his works, as God did from his.
11verseLet’s therefore give diligence to enter into that rest, lest anyone fall after the same example of disobedience.
12verseFor the word of God is living and active, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the dividing of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and is able to discern the thoughts and intentions of the heart.
13verseThere is no creature that is hidden from his sight, but all things are naked and laid open before the eyes of him to whom we must give an account.
14verseHaving then a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let’s hold tightly to our confession.
15verseFor we don’t have a high priest who can’t be touched with the feeling of our infirmities, but one who has been in all points tempted like we are, yet without sin.
16verseLet’s therefore draw near with boldness to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and may find grace for help in time of need.
The Source of Conflict and Quarreling (Verses 1-3)
In the opening portion, James points out that the community’s quarrels and fights are not external, but come from inner desires and lusts(p). They end up having quarrels because they cannot satisfy their own cravings, and they say that even when they ask God, they do not receive an answer because they have improper motives.
Love of the World and Its Relationship to God (Verses 4-6)
Then he strongly warns that becoming a friend of the world is the same as becoming an enemy of God(p). He says that God resists the proud but gives grace to the humble, and he also highlights the danger of a faith that shares its allegiance of the heart.
Submitting to God (Verses 7-10)
James urges people to submit to God and resist the devil. He calls for repentance of sin and sinful thoughts, and asks them to draw near to God. He promises God’s grace and restoration with the statement that when they humble themselves, God will exalt them.
The Boundary of Slander and Judgment (Verses 11-12)
He asks the community to be careful about slandering and judging one another within it.p Judging a person is an act of standing on the law, and he emphasizes that the one who ultimately judges is God alone.
Life Plans and the Will of God (Verses 13-17)
James explains how uncertain human plans for the future are, using a comparison to how human life is like a fleeting mist that disappearsp. He urges an attitude of humility: “If it is the Lord’s will, we will live and do this or that.” Finally, he emphasizes that it is sin to know God’s will and not do it.
Points to Reflect On
- Reflect on what conflicts and desires in the deep place of your heart originate from.
- Consider how you distinguish between your relationship with God and worldly desires as you live.
- Check whether, within the life plans you make, you humbly seek God’s will.
Try Applying It to Yourself
- Examine whether there are any conflicts or quarrels that arose from your own desires.
- Make the decision to come before God today as well, humbly confess your sins, and seek God’s guidance rather than relying on your own strength.
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