Here we have a sudden change back to their quarreling. We have been on the mountain top of heavenly wisdom and peace, but now we are down in the valley of trouble and strife. How quickly we change from peace to war. James here almost becomes fierce in his denunciations of the conditions among these early Christians. Some have the idea that conditions were ideal in these early congregations, but as we read this and other epistles, we conclude that this was not so. Besides the fierce quarrels here, we find very serious sins mentioned in 1 Corinthians.

"... wars and fightings among you ..." The expression "among you" tells us that James is not thinking of natural wars, but of hot arguments and disputes among Christians. The word "fightings" would be better translated "brawlings." They were in serious condition from personal disputes and perhaps theological ones too. Sad to say, in some quarters today, as seemingly always, conditions are similar. There still are bitter jealousies and factions that eat at the heart of some Christians. We still have some who are looking for a place of recognition and are ready to battle for it. The story is told of a whole congregation in uproar. In fact, it was so bad that Christians came to public anger between themselves, splitting the congregation – close to 400 out of a thousand pulled away, starting another congregation in the same small town. Such things are sad and bring reproach on the name of our Lord. Yes, in their sectarianism, believers fight against each other. But, sadder still, members often refuse to speak, biting and devouring one another (Gal. 5:15). This tragically weakens their testimony for Christ and should be avoided at all cost.

"... even of your lusts ..." Perhaps, these to whom James writes, who were fighting and splitting apart, justified their actions on the ground of battling for righteousness. But, James says they were coming from their lusts. The source of strife is evil lusts—longings of the heart. What causes war among nations? Both sides will say, "Our national honor is at stake." At the bottom of it all, you will find pride or lust for power. Wars between unions and management are usually excused on the grounds of unfairness of one kind or another, yet on the part of one or both sides there is lust for material things or power. Quarrels and fights among Christians, too, are justified for one reason or another, but usually selfish passions have something to do with the strife. Usually someone, like Ditrophes in 3 John, wants the place of preeminence.

Various lusts: The Revised Version translates "lusts" here as "pleasures" and in the next verse as "longings." So the real trouble was self-pleasing and self-love. Herod got into trouble because of the love of pleasure (Mark 6:14-29); Judas, because of the love of money (Mark 14:10, 11); Hezekiah, because of the love of display (2 Kin. 20:12-18); Adoni Besek, because of love of power (Judg. 1:5-7), and Diotrophes, because of love of preeminence (3 John 9, 10). Let none of these lusts trip us up. They must be curbed. Out of the heart: In Mark 7:21-23, rhe Lord Jesus says, From within, out of the heart of men, proceed evil thoughts, adulteries, fornications, murders, thefts, covetousness, wickedness, deceit, lasciviousness, an evil eye, blasphemy, pride, foolishness: all these evil things come from within, and defile the man.

This corresponds to what is usually called "the flesh" in the epistles. You will find many of these same sins listed in the works of the flesh in Galatians 5:16-21.

The old nature and the new: The flesh represents the old sinful nature which we inherit from Adam. All of us are born with it and do not lose it until death. This old sinful nature is of the earth and seeks its pleasures and satisfactions in the world. It loves sin and is by nature at enmity with God (Rom. 8:7). When one is saved he does not lose this old nature, but receives a new one. Paul calls this old nature "the old man," and the new nature, "the new man" (Col. 3:9, 10). So the Christian is a dual man with a natural or physical nature and also a super-natural or spiritual nature. This old nature cannot be eradicated as some may teach, nor can it be changed. A new nature is added, and this new nature is Christ like. It does not continue in sin.

"... that war in your members." These two natures in a Christian war against each other. In some Christians the one seems to have the upper hand, and in some, the other. The new nature must control or we are sure to get into trouble. Paul speaks of this struggle in Romans 7, where we see the flesh in fierce conflict with the spirit. In Romans 8, we see the spirit gain the victory through the power of Christ and the Holy Spirit. Here lies the secret of victory. The flesh will overcome us unless we seek assistance from the Lord.

The flesh wins: The early Jewish Christians had lost the battle to the lust of the flesh. Hidden behind a professed zeal for the truth of God, was pride, envy, covetousness, and other evil lusts. Because they had lost the battle within they were fighting a losing battle without. Of course they were laying the blame for these battles on something external rather than their own lusts. Let us beware lest this fleshly side of us gains the upper hand. Whenever we are fighting with our fellow Christians, it is because the flesh is on top.

The flesh, the world, the devil: In the first two verses of this chapter we have the flesh. In verse 4 we have the world, in verse 7 we have the devil. These are the three great enemies of the Christian. We need to always be on guard or these three enemies will get us down.

Scripture Reading: James 4:2 (KJV)

This verse is similar to 1:15. There we have lust, sin, and death; here we have lust, strife, and death. Lust, envy, strife, murder is the progress of sin. The first step is an unreasonable longing for something someone else has; the second step is envying the one who has it; the third, is to fight to get it. Sometimes this process does not stop until murder is committed. Things are ruined in this way, but seldom is anything gained.

"Ye lust ..." "Lust" here could be translated "covet" or "long for." They longed for wealth, recognition, place, honor, or power. Any of these can stir up a lot of trouble. In the book of James it is not lust for wealth, but for recognition, or place, or honor that caused the trouble. It is interesting to notice the word "ye" in this verse: "ye lust," "ye kill," "ye fight," "ye have not," "ye ask not." James believes in applying his remarks directly to his readers.

"... and have not ..." In spite of their lusting, they did not get what they desired. Three times over in this verse we have the fact emphasized that the methods they were using did not get the desired things for them. First they lust, but that did not get it for them. Then they kill, but still they "cannot obtain." They fight and war and yet they "have not." The way for advancement in the things of the Lord is not by strife, but by prayer.

No satisfaction: The things that one covets are seldom obtained, but if they are, will not bring the desired satisfaction. Lustful cravings continue to expand, always wanting more and more – passion grows stronger and stronger. As lust increases, fretfulness and quarrelsomeness also increase. And then trouble comes. Let us not try to satisfy lustful cravings – they cannot be satisfied. "The eye is not satisfied with seeing, nor the ear filled with hearing" (Eccl. 1:8).

"... ye kill ..." You ask, "Were some of these early Christians actually guilty of murder?" We may conceive of one merely professing Christianity, doing such a thing, but surely not a faithful and true one. Many have been murdered in the name of Christianity. During Reformation times many were cruelly murdered by those who professed Christianity. Murder was prevalent at the time of the New Testament. The two thieves crucified with the Lord Jesus were murderers. In Acts 21:38, we read of an Egyptian who led 4,000 men who were murderers. We also see in Acts 23:14 how 40 men banded together to kill Paul. It is commonly believed that all the apostles, except John, met violent deaths.

Lust may lead to murder: Lust is such a wicked thing that it may lead to murder. Ahab coveted Naboth's vineyard, leading to the murder of Naboth. David's lust for Bathsheba led to the killing of Uriah. So it may be that the lust for place or honor of some in these early churches could have led to murder.

Spiritual murder: James is probably thinking of killing in a moral or spiritual sense. They were murdering each others character with their tongues. One translation gives it, "Ye play the murderers." Even as fighting and warring is not to be taken literally, so perhaps killing should not be either. In their lust to obtain, they may have ruined the reputations of their rivals, breaking their hearts. Perhaps lust in some produced hatred for their rivals and in some cases caused the lamp of testimony to be put out. Such actions can destroy a work for God. Let us beware of lust; it is truly a killer.

"... ye fight and war ..." What a state of unrest we have here. Can it be that these congregations, so shortly after Christ's resurrection, were in such a state? It may be that James is picking out the worst cases, but his epistle is very general. It is to the twelve tribes scattered abroad. This condition is probably more prevalent today than is generally supposed. Occasionally it comes to light, but probably more exists that does not come to light. Let us not lust after things belonging to others, and certainly not strive to obtain them. Let us rather thank the Lord that He has seen fit to bless others above ourselves.

"... because ye ask not." These Christians were longing for things, fighting and warring to get them, but James solemnly says: ye "cannot obtain," and why; because "ye ask not." If they had been men of prayer they would not have been in this awful condition. If their longings had been for proper things, the Lord would have given to them. Then again, if they had real communion with the Lord, they would have been content with the will of the Lord, if denied. So, the remedy for this whole situation lays in prayer.

Ask and it shall be given you: James is here saying exactly what the Lord Jesus says in Matthew 7:7-11. Every one of the five verses has the word "ask" in it. "Ask, and it shall be given you" (verse 7). "For everyone that asketh receiveth?" (verse 8). "Or, what man is there of you, whom if his son ask bread, will he give him a stone?" (verse 9). "Or, if he ask a fish, will he give him a serpent?" (verse 10). "How much more shall your Father which is in heaven give good things to them that ask Him?" (verse 11). John 16:24 adds that we are to ask in the name of the Lord Jesus. How positive the statements of these portions are. The way to get things we need is simply to ask. God's promises are to those who ask, not to those who strive and fight.

Try the prayer way: Do you sometimes wonder why you are unsuccessful in some things you attempt? Perhaps you struggle on in your own strength, failing to pray. Perhaps you have in your heart quarreled with other Christians about it, blaming them for the situation, while all the time the Lord is waiting to bless you, if you would but ask. There’s an old saying: “It's better to wrestle with God than to wrangle with men.”

Elimelech and Naomi: Boaz seemed very ready to help Naomi and Ruth when they came back from Moab. He was a near kinsman and a mighty man of wealth (Ruth 2:1). Would he have been equally ready to help Elimelech and Naomi before they left Bethlehem to go to Moab? Probably he would have done so, and if they had but asked they would have been spared this act of disobedience, and it may be the calamities that befell them never would have come to pass. We too, have a wealthy kinsman in our Lord Jesus Christ, who is both able and willing to help if we ask. Then why do we struggle on by ourselves? Do we lack faith or are we too proud? Why are we so foolish as to try almost everything else before we pray?

We are utterly dependent on Him: The Lord Jesus says, "Without me ye can do nothing" (John 15:5). How dependent we are on Him. Why then do we try to do things without Him? Let us learn to consult Him about everything whether great or small. He is always ready to hear and willing to answer, even in the little matters of everyday life.

Scripture Reading: James 4:3 (KJV)

"Ye ask ..." In this verse James anticipates what some might say, "You are wrong, we do ask. Come to our prayer meeting sometime and listen to our prayers. We ask all right, but we do not receive." If this is the case there is something wrong – the motive behind our asking must be wrong. The Lord will not give what is asked if the motive is selfish.

"... and receive not ..." In connection with 1:5-7, we considered hindrances to the Lord answering prayer. There it is principally lack of faith. In our verse it is because one asks in order to satisfy selfish lusts. James 4:8 indicates that uncleanness in life will also keep the Lord from answering. Chapter 5:16 tells us that lack of fervency or sincerity might likewise be a hindrance.

"... consume it upon your lusts." The Revised Version translates this "that ye may spend it on your pleasures". One may ask for perfectly legitimate things, but if the reason for wanting them is selfish instead of for His glory, He will not give. Sometimes Christians say, "I pray and pray, but it seems the Lord does not answer." Perhaps the trouble lies right here. What would they do with it if they got it? Spend it on their pleasures? If this is the case, the Lord knows, and He will not grant. If we ask for special things, let us also tell the Lord why we want them, and how we intend to use them. This will keep us from asking for things we wish to spend on our own baser passions.

Requests demanded sometimes granted: Sometimes Christians demand things from the Lord. In such cases the Lord may grant their request, but it may not be to their welfare. The children of Israel were not satisfied with the manna in the wilderness. They lusted after the leeks and onions and garlic of Egypt. They also lusted for meat saying: "who shall give flesh to eat?" (Num. 11:4). The Lord sent them an overabundance of quail, but with it a very grievous plague (Num. 11:31- 35).

Granted to their sorrow: The story is told of a lady whose little boy was desperately sick. She demanded of the Lord that his life be spared. Her request was granted, but he was ever a great grief to her, and she saw the day when he was executed as a criminal. Another woman's boy was likewise spared, only to live the life of an imbecile. The requests they selfishly demanded were a great source of sorrow to them. How much better to say "Thy will be done." Perhaps when we get to heaven and can see the reason for things, we will thank God that some of our prayers were not answered in the way we asked. "If we ask anything according to his will, he heareth us" (1 John 5:14).

Pray about business matters: Many pray a great deal about their business matters. This is well provided we have as our ultimate aim the glory of the Lord. What do we intend to do with the profits of our business? Spend them for luxuries and pleasures? If so, do not be surprised if our business is not blessed. Let us dedicate all, even our business, to the service of the Lord.

Wicked men profess to pray: Oft times, wicked men profess to pray and ask God to bless them in their wicked ways. Brigands have prayed to their patron saints, that they might be blessed in their plundering. Tavern keepers have been known to ask God to bless their devilish business. Sometimes even cursing men profess to pray.

Hannah's prayer: Hannah prayed earnestly that the Lord might give her a son. There may have been some selfishness in her request, but she promised to give him to the service of the Lord (1 Sam. 1:11). The Lord gave her Samuel, and as soon as he was weaned she brought him to Eli in the temple to be trained in the service of the Lord. This lad turned out to be a great man of God. Nehemiah's prayer: In Nehemiah 1:5-11, we read Nehemiah's unselfish request. He prayed that he might find favor with King Artaxerxes, and be given permission to go to Jerusalem to help those there who had returned from Babylonian captivity. Notice that he pleads with the Lord for prosperity in this on the ground that he desired to fear the name of the Lord (Neh. 1:11). The Lord blessed him, and he was greatly used in the rebuilding of the city. He also greatly lifted the moral and spiritual tone of the people.

Not our lusts but His glory: One has said, "True prayer is not asking God to do what we want, but to ask Him to make us willing to do what He wants." In other words, we should pray like the Lord Jesus, "Not my will, but thine, be done" (Luke 22:42). In fact we need not ask Him much concerning things of our own. If we continually petition Him that we may live for Him and seek His glory and the welfare of His work, He will take care of our personal affairs. "Seek ye first the kingdom of God, and His righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you" (Matt. 6:33). If we take care of the Lord's business, He will take care of ours.

Selfish interests in the Lord's service: It is possible to be selfish in matters concerning the work of the Lord. This seems to have been very much so with the Christians to whom James wrote. Many of them were looking for preeminence in the assemblies of the Lord. The mother of John and James requested of the Lord that her two sons might sit one on His right hand and the other on His left when He came into His kingdom. Of this selfish request the Lord Jesus said, "To sit on my right hand, and on my left, is not mine to give, but it shall be given to them for whom it is prepared of my father" (Matt. 20:20-23).

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