Faithful Love

Todd Clippard, Burleson Church of Christ, Hamilton, AL

What comes to mind when you hear the word “love?”  In the English language, we have numerous uses for and nuances of this wonderful word.  We may speak of loving God, family, food, pets, sports, or country.  All of these types of “love” differ in some way from all the others.  This article will address three types of love: fickle love, false love, and faithful love.

Fickle love comes in many forms.  “Fickle” means to be flighty, lacking constancy or stability.  Some have a fickle love for others.  Their “love” is based upon what someone else can do for them.  Therefore, if the benefits cease to exist, or greater benefits may be found elsewhere, then their “love” is abandoned and directed to someone or something else.  One might think of the friends of the prodigal son in Luke 15.  Where were they when the money ran out?

Unfortunately, a lot of people “love” God with a fickle love.  If things are going well, or if God is perceived to be blessing folks materially, or so long as they can serve God on their terms, then love for God is shown. However, if things turn south, or if “something better” comes along (other activities, etc), then God is jettisoned and other things are pursued.

False love is based upon false premises.  It has no basis in reality or truth.  For example, some love others based upon a false idea of who they really are.  This happens to both men and women, particularly those who have been in abusive relationships and those who have lost their mate.  How many women fall in love with a man based upon a false perception of who the man is?   Perhaps in their desire to love and be loved, they are blind to the realities of the man’s character and intent.          Disappointment and disaster await at the end of such relationships.

As with fickle love, some people love a Jesus who does not exist.  They have a false perception of God, of Christ, and of religion in general.  All they want is the positive.  They want the God of love and grace, but forget about the God of judgment and the Jesus who demands we bear our cross daily (Luke 9:23).  Think about the three identifications given to Jesus in Acts 2:36.  He is called “Jesus,” “Lord,” and “Christ.” “Jesus” means, “savior” (Matthew 1:21), “Lord means, “master,” and “Christ” means “anointed one,” and has reference to His kingship.  Everyone wants to have Jesus as their savior, but how many are willing to truly accept Him as their master and king?  (cf. Luke 6:46).  If Jesus is our Master and King, we must be willing to submit to His will in everything.

Faithful love is just that...it is founded in FAITH.  It is based in FACT.  It is FIRM in its resolve, reflecting maturity and unwavering trust. It can withstand the storms and setbacks of life.  Best of all, it is love with a FUTURE.  It looks forward to what can be instead of to the past and what was.  This is the kind of love that is typified in marriage.  It is not so blind as to see (or expect) perfection, but strives for it in every way.  It recognizes the potential for growth and greatness in the days ahead.  It is also the kind of love Christians must have toward God.  It is based on the reality of God’s truth (John 17:17).  It is grounded in the promises of a faithful God (1 Corinthians 10:13; Titus 1:2; Hebrews 11:8-11).  It looks to a great and glorious future.  As children of God, we need to love this world and the things herein less and be committed to loving God more everyday.  The more we know God, the more we will love and appreciate Him (Psalm 116).

 Lauren Nichols, Eighth Grader, Jasper, AL

 If you asked someone on the street what they would do if they could change the world, I think most people would say, “feed the hungry, stop the wars, and make world peace.”  Not that those are not important things that the world needs, but the world needs so much more than those three things.

If I could change the world I would do many things. My first two priorities would be to try to make everyone love and know God, and make everyone love themselves and each other for who they are.

So many people in this world don’t love or know God.  If it weren’t for Him we wouldn’t even be here right now.  Everything we do needs to glorify God’s name.  I know for a fact that some of the things that are happening in this world are not bringing glory to God’s name.  This is evident in television shows and in movies.  The first thing that comes to my mind is the language.  It is disgusting to me how many people are taking God’s name in vain.  We now have to have a rating system on our television shows and movies because the language is so bad.  Every television show and movie should be suitable for all ages.  There is no reason for all of the cursing and sexual content that is in them.

The second thing that comes to my mind is the explicit showing of a lack of clothing on so many of the teenage girls.  The clothing issue hasn’t become a bad problem until about the last five years or so.  I don’t understand why so many girls would want to dress like that.  The other thing I don’t understand is why their parents would even let them walk out of the house dressed like that.  I know the girls probably think it looks good to be wearing short, tight tops and shorts, but I can tell them that it looks horrendous.  I wish girls would stop dressing in such an improper way.  God did not make this world for us to be walking around cursing and wearing improper clothing.

Also, if I could change the world I would try to teach the world the gospel so everyone could go to heaven.  I know it would probably be impossible for just me to try to teach the world, but I am sure a lot of Christians would be willing to help.  So many people are caught up in their earthly things that they don’t realize that it’s not going to matter in heaven if they drove a BMW in high school, or if they were voted most popular.  So, I would try to help them all realize that.  While on earth, God commanded us to teach the gospel to every creature.  As a Christian, I am going to try to fulfill His commandments.

Another change I would make if I could change the world would be to make everyone love themselves and each other for who they are.  There is no need for women or men to be having cosmetic surgery to make themselves look better.  Some people are dying because of this.  The women don’t need nose jobs because their nose is too big, a breast enhancement because their breasts are too small, or a facelift because they are getting older and starting to see wrinkles.  Those are all things that these women could live without.  God made us this way for a reason; He does not want us to tamper with what He has given us.  Also, women and men are starving themselves on diets because they are not the ideal size.  I am not saying we need to over eat and kill ourselves.  I am just saying we need to take care of our bodies.

In conclusion, there are many things that I would do if I could change the world. I would try to make everyone love and know God, and make everyone love themselves and each other for who they are.  In the future if all these things happen, the world will be a better place.

Many things are not what they seem.  Truth and error, right and wrong, good and bad have been scrambled by the world. (Isaiah 5:20).  It should be our desire and prayer to be able to discriminate between things which differ (1 Kings 3:9; Hebrews 5:12-14).  It requires no little wisdom and knowledge to discern between things which are not identical.  Few people are close observers of the promises given or logical in their reasoning and deductions.  God calls upon men to reason with him, and we are to pray to be delivered from “unreasonable” men  (2 Thessalonians 3:2).  God holds men responsible for not reasoning correctly  (Mark 2:8).  False reasoning is often the fruit of a wicked heart.  When men do not care to see the difference between truth or from good and bad, or right and wrong, they are not likely to see it.  The devil blinds the minds of men when permitted by them to do so (2 Corinthians 4:3-4).  We should strive to see the difference in all things which really differ.  But we should not make a difference where there is none.

FAITH AND BELIEF

I once heard a sermon in which the speaker tried to show that faith is not the same thing as belief.  But before he finished, he forgot his own contention and quoted the statement to the jailer: “BELIEVE on the Lord Jesus Christ and thou shalt be saved, and thy house” (Acts 16:31).  Jesus said “These are written that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his name”  (John 20:31).  Here the faith that brings “life” is called, “Believing.” Abraham “BELIEVED GOD” and “IT” was “counted unto him for righteousness”  (Romans 4:3).  Of course, the word “faith” is a noun, while “believe” is a verb, but both mean the same thing, and are used interchangeably.  “But without FAITH it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must BELIEVE” (Hebrews 11:6).  “Be not faithless, but believing” (John 20:27).  According to the quibblers, the apostle should have said, “FAITH ON the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved;” but he, of course, properly used the verb form of the word and said, “Believe on the Lord,” etc.  Think of the absurdity of saying, “Without faith it is impossible to please him; for he that cometh of God must have FAITH THAT HE IS,” etc.  (Hebrews 11:6).  The difference between obedient FAITH and BELIEVING obediently, is the difference between “tweedledum” and “tweedledee.”  And the very people who see a distinction where there is none, are first to ignore differences where they do exist.

SAVED BY FAITH VS. SAVED BY FAITH ONLY

When the Bible says we are saved by faith, many scramble this by adding the word, “Only” to the Lord’s word, and teach that we are saved by faith, “Only,” or faith, “Alone.”  Now, here is a real difference as wide as the poles.  The Bible actually denies their idea by saying it is, “Not by faith only” (James 2:24, 14).  When the Bible says a thing was accomplished, “By faith,” it does not mean faith only, or faith unexpressed by obedience to God.  For example, Paul says, “By faith the walls of Jericho fell down after they were compassed about seven days” (Hebrews 11:30).  Here they marched around the walls of the city seven days before they fell, “By faith.”  When the inspired apostle says they fell down, “By faith,” he means faith which included obedience to the conditions upon which the walls were to be thrown down.  Hence, the faith which brings the blessings of God upon his creatures, is faith which includes obedience.  Paul speaks of the gospel being preached unto all nations, “For the obedience of faith” (Romans 16:26).  We are saved “BY FAITH,” but it is not by faith “ONLY.”  In the great Commission, Christ said, “He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved”  (Mark 16:15-16).  And, of course, he was speaking of how to be saved by faith.  Hence, we are saved by faith, after faith has led us to be baptized (Colossians 2:12).  “Without faith it is impossible to please him.”  Hence, if baptism is not an act of faith, it does not please God.  Baptism being a part of the faith that saves, the fact that we are saved by faith does not exclude baptism from the conditions of salvation.  It is pitiable to see some partisan try to get rid of what the Bible says about the necessity of baptism by quoting scriptures which say we are saved “By faith” as though they excluded baptism from the plan.  A hundred passages saying we are saved “By faith” would not come in a million miles of teaching that we are saved by faith “Alone.”  Does the fact that the Bible says, “By faith the walls of Jericho fell down” exclude the fact they did not fall by faith until “After they were compassed about seven days?” (Hebrews 11:30).  Of course, the walls fell “By faith.”  The Bible says that.  But the Bible does not say they fell by faith alone, or the very moment they believed and started to obey.

FAITH ALONE NOT ENOUGH

There are two classes of believers referred to in the Holy Book. First, there are those who believe, but did not have enough faith to obey the gospel (John 8:30-44; 12:42-43).  Second, there were those whose faith led them to be “Baptized into Christ.”  They had the degree of faith which had forsaken the world and moved them to actually trust in Christ by obeying his gospel and relying upon his promise. Faithful Christians are often called “believers” (1 Timothy 4:12).  Believers who are saved are “baptized,” or “obedient believers.”  Paul says, “Ye are (Present tense) all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus.  For as many of you as have been (Past tense) baptized into Christ have put on Christ” (Galatians 3:26, 27).  The apostle did not say these people were saved out of Christ, by faith alone.  But he said they were children of God at the time he wrote these words concerning them.  Then he uses the past tense and says it was by a faith which led them to be baptized into Christ.  Note the order of the items emphasized.  “Ye are...children of God” (present tense).  Next he says “YE ARE” children of God “By faith in Christ Jesus.”  He says, “For as many of you as HAVE BEEN baptized into Christ have put on Christ” (Galatians 3:26, 27).  Then he says, “Ye are all one in Christ Jesus” (3:28.).  They are the children of God by faith because it was by faith that they had been baptized into Christ when they obeyed the gospel.  Yes, there is a difference in faith that saves, and in faith “only.”

 David Anguish, Southwind Church of Christ, Memphis, TN

From the early 1980s through the mid 90s, I taught Bible courses in a Christian school.  Near the end of that period, our administrators initiated ongoing training sessions to help us learn how to teach critical thinking skills.  They were responding to both research and anecdotal evidence that showed students were mastering a myriad of facts, but were not able to properly apply them to new situations.

After one meeting, I turned to an older colleague and asked, “How did you and I learn to think critically without all these methods?”  My point was not that we had not learned to think critically.  Rather, my intent was to point out that, as our culture had moved from a more literary focus to one driven by visual and emotional stimuli, we were required to actually teach what had once been learned within the give and take of living in a different world.  In other words, while the method used to teach critical thinking when he and I were in school was not as overt as that which is demanded today, there had been a method.

There’s a good reason for that.  Both then and now, there is a general recognition that, if people will experience the best life has to offer, they must learn how to think (which is the not the same as being told what to think).  That is something the Bible consistently emphasizes.  For example, the problem in the days of Noah was that “every intent of the thoughts of [man’s] heart was only evil continually” (Genesis 6:5, NASB).  According to Paul, the difference between the old pagan life and the life of Christians is that pagans were “darkened in their understanding” whereas Christians had “learned Christ” and so had been “renewed in the spirit of [their] mind” (Ephesians 4:18, 20, 23).  No wonder he stressed that the key to not being like the world is found in the metamorphosis that comes through “the renewing of your mind” (Romans 12:2). Philippians 4:8-9, our text for this study, emphasizes the same thing.

Goal: Why We Must Learn How To Think

Two phrases in verse 8 show us why we must learn how to think.  First, it is necessary if there is to be “any excellence.”  The Greek word here is aretē, “moral excellence, goodness” (A Concise Greek-English Dictionary of the New Testament, prepared by Barclay M. Newman, Jr., Bible Works 6 Computer Edition).  In Greek culture, it was the most comprehensive term for moral excellence and the central theme of Greek ethics.  In the New Testament, it is used only four other times, all in the writings of Peter (1 Peter 2:9; 2 Peter 1:3, 5), where the idea is that we will imitate a trait of God himself (notice especially the connection between 2 Peter 1:3 and 5), the same point Paul has in mind in our text.

Second, learning how to think is necessary if there is to be “anything worthy of praise.”  “Worthy of praise” translates one word, epainos, “praise, commendation, approval” (Newman).  It appears eleven times in the New Testament.  Sometimes, it refers to the praise that is to be given to God (Ephesians 1:6, 12, 14; Philippians 1:11), but more often it refers to the commendation or approval that comes to those who follow God (Romans 2:29; 13:3; 1 Corinthians 4:5; 2 Corinthians 8:18; 1 Peter 1:7; 2:14).  It is in the latter sense that Paul uses it in our text.

Important as these words are for understanding why we must learn how to think, they are not all this text teaches about the matter.  In verse 9, Paul expresses his hope that “the God of peace will be with you.”  Peace (eirēnē) is an important term in the context (see verse 7) and can rightly be considered the goal to which “excellence” and “praise” point.  Since it is an important concept throughout the Bible, we will do well to study this word in more detail.

“Peace” is used throughout the Old Testament (about 280 times) in the sense of a religious idea, a gift from God (e.g., Isaiah 45:7;  Psalm 125:5;  Numbers 6:26).  It is especially important in the prophetic writings, where prophets sent by God are messengers of peace who bear good news that make peace “synonymous with salvation and victory”, an emphasis that is often “messianic in character” (see Isaiah 52.7; 32.17-18) (Ceslas Spicq, Theological Lexicon of the New Testament, trans. James D. Ernest, 1:428-429).  That messianic emphasis makes Jesus’ use of the term all the more significant (see e.g., Matthew 10:12-13; Luke 7:50; 8:48; John 20:21).

That understanding helps us see why peace would be important in the teaching of those who follow the Christ, but we still have not determined what the Hebrews meant by the word.  Spicq explains:

“... it is always synonymous with tranquility. [In the LXX] [e]irēnē almost always translates the Hebrew š~lôm; the sense of the root is ‘be well, complete, safe and sound,’ and šālôm expresses ‘the state of a being who lacks nothing and has no fear of being troubled in its quietude; it is euphoria with security.  Nothing better can be desired for oneself and for others’” (Spicq, 427).

In practical terms, the Hebrews thought of peace in much the same way as the Greeks, as “the state of a person who is not troubled or disturbed, who is tranquil” (Spicq, 426) (see Phil 4.7).

When we add the idea of peace to excellence and praise, we understand that it is when we learn how to think that we imitate the moral excellence of God, are commended to him, and thus experience the tranquility of soul that sustains us no matter our circumstances (see Phil 4.10-13).

Process: The Effort We Must Invest in Thinking

This peace-filled imitation of God that leads to our commendation does not come about by accident, but only as we “think on these things” (ASV).  The word is logizomai, translated “meditate” in the NKJV.  This is helpful for our understanding, but is insufficient for really seeing Paul’s point.  As Frank Stagg put it, “Paul means more than meditation.  ‘Think about it’ is really to reckon or take into account, not just reflecting upon, but allowing the things considered to affect one’s course of action” (Frank Stagg, Philippians, Broadman Bible Commentary, 11:214).  The NASB helps with its rendering, “dwell on.”

Beyond this definition, notice the grammar here.  The verb is an imperative, a command to be obeyed.  It is in the present tense, suggestive of a habit of life.  Paul intended for his readers to make a purposeful, sustained effort to think good thoughts.  This is vital for experiencing the excellence, praises and peace already discussed.

Verse 9 reinforces the point, stressing that this thinking is active, i.e., we are to do the things envisioned with the goal of getting them right.  The behavior envisioned had been modeled by Paul, something the Philippians had “learned and received and heard and seen.”  Furthermore, it was behavior they were to “practice” repeatedly  (the word is prassete, another present imperative verb).  All of this serves to show us that we will not learn how to think by “drifting into it,” but by serious devotion to consistently thinking the right things.

Content: The Best Things for Our Thoughts

It is in light of Paul’s goal and the process for learning how to think that we must consider his list of the kind of thoughts that lead to excellence, praises and peace.  As we do so, we are reminded that the reason so many evil things happen in our world is because the thoughts of so many are evil.  In other cases, it is because their thoughts are trivial and empty, incapable of developing the kind of character that pleases and imitates God.  In contrast, Paul teaches us to be proactive by thinking positive thoughts.

First, our thoughts should be “true” (alēthē), referring to that which is real or genuine.  These are the things that can deliver on their promises, not those that are illusory and deceptive.

Second, they should be “honorable” (semna), serious, of good character, worthy, respectable.  These are things that are majestic and awe-inspiring, things that have about them a holiness and dignity, unlike the things that are flippant and attractive to the light-minded.

Third, our thoughts should be “right” (dikaia), conforming to the character and will of God, things that are concerned with being in a right relationship with God.

Fourth, they should be “pure” (hagna), holy, chaste, innocent.  The word was used in the LXX to refer to ceremonial purity and later to that which is morally undefiled.

Fifth, our thoughts should be “lovely” (prosphilē), or pleasing.  These are thoughts that are the opposite of those that focus on the bitter, vengeance or criticism (in other words, what sells papers and yields strong ratings!).  Instead, Paul would have us focus on things that are naturally attractive and good.

Sixth, our thoughts should be of “good repute” (euphēma), well-sounding, praiseworthy, attractive.  The word literally means “fair-speaking” and so is a good word to remind us to focus on things that are positive.

Conclusion

A preacher friend had a poster in his study, given to him by a military aviator, that said, “Keep looking up.  That’s where the Lord is.”  That is essentially what Paul says as he tells us how to think.  What is accomplished by such thinking is the development of life that imitates and draws praise from God, a life that allows us to experience the quiet tranquility of soul that comes from being right with Him.  That happens only as we allow Him to teach us how to think. 

Johnny Ramsey, Weatherford, TX

When we come to the end of life, and look back, we will finally realize that our choices along the pathway spelled success or failure.  Decisions made, day by day, will determine our destiny.  So many people overlook the importance of monumental moments when everlasting repercussions take center stage.  We often allow blockbuster decisions to be taken lightly as we nonchalantly tend to forget that we will after awhile certainly reap what we sow!  How Christians need to pray for wisdom to discern properly and perceptively what we are building for eternity. But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy (James 3:17).

Too many times we pitch our tent toward Sodom when  we think we are really being sharp enough to choose an easy road to prosperity.  We often double our troubles looking for gold at the end of a rainbow that actually  proved to be a mirage of our own vanity. “Don’t wait for something to turn up; get a spade and dig for it.”

There have been tremendous decisions and choices in my own life that totally changed and blessed the course of my sojourn on earth.  Certainly this is true of all of us.  Let me share a few of mine with you as we take a little journey down memory lane.

Great Moments

(1) The Day I decided to be a gospel preacher. Fifty years ago when I committed the rest of my life to proclaim the glad tidings was of monumental importance.  For half a century this divine romance has been a joy beyond description.

(2) The Day I began to read and study the Bible personally was one of the best times of my entire existence.  The adventure of going through the Scriptures made a profound change in my thinking and allegiance.  I learned truths that demanded loyalty and change.  New courage burned in my soul (Jeremiah 15:16, 20:9).  The desire to compromise so as to be popular no longer overwhelmed my emphasis in life.  Thank God for the power, splendor and beauty of the sacred text! God is my strength and power: and He maketh my way perfect (2 Samuel 22:33).

(3) The Day I began to look seriously for a godly mate for life. This is such a vital point and some preachers have blundered in this matter while others of us have been blessed immeasurably with a spiritual wife that contributes mightily in our labors for Christ.  Materialistic women who crave fancy houses, furniture, clothing and cars can be the downfall for potentially successful evangelists.  A worthy woman is valuable indeed (Proverbs 31).  Making a wise choice herein encourages the mandate of Philippians 4:13…I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.

(4) The Day I promised God I would give more generously to His cause was a very important milestone.  Malachi informs us that we really rob ourselves when we are stingy with the Lord.  So many covetous and greedy folk never invest enough in the cause of Christ to be in partnership with heaven.  Mundane interests captivate such brethren and they are never truly in love with the Savior.  Luke 6:38 says: Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom.  For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again.

(5) The Day I realized the Parable of the Talents demanded our very best.  This is the most challenging parable of all to me.  We will give an account someday for what we could and should have done!  Mediocre effort will not be tolerated.  Some preachers are lazy and get by on less than their best.  We all need to truly launch out into deeper matters for God and not ever be content to rest on past laurels.

(6) The Day I fully realized the debt I owed to godly parents. It seems to take awhile to express the deep gratitude we should have known for many years for the great example of godliness faithful parents passed on to us.  I personally admire my Dad and Mother for all they contributed in the spiritual realm to my betterment.  If I am lost in Judgment, it will not be their fault.  If I walk a golden street in glory it will be mainly because of their loyalty to Christ!

(7) The Day prayer became more meaningful. As a youth my mind wandered in the assembly when prayer was offered.  Concentration and dedication often eluded me.  Such attitudes blocked spiritual progress. I am profoundly ashamed of that.  What blessings were missed due to indifference and neglect.  Sadly, I basically prayed when I was scared or wanted something.  Studying the Bible caused me to find brilliant prayers (Psalms 51; Daniel 9; and John 17) as well as tremendous verses and instructions on the subject.  In the past three decades the privilege and power of prayer excite and warm my heart. The Lord is thy keeper: the Lord is thy shade upon thy right hand.  The sun shall not smite thee by day, nor the moon by night (Psalms 121:5-6). What a beautiful concourse to heaven is the precious avenue of prayer!

(8) The Day I learned the value of adversity.  We cannot always live on big rock candy mountain.  Some kids never grow up as they expect everything to “come up roses” with never any storm clouds on the horizon.  Spoiled by indulgent parents, who overly protect them, such children have a difficult time maturing.  When obstacles come these unrealistic offspring buckle and fall apart.  Christianity promises adversity (Acts 14:22; John 16:1, 2) as a blessing that draws us near to the heart of God for guidance and solace. If there were no difficulties there could be no triumphs. . . .

Paul was a better servant because of his trials as a Christian (2 Corinthians 12:7-9).  At the end of our time on earth we will look back and see that what we deemed dark days molded our days into a closer walk with the Savior.

Someone has wisely told us that it is not enough to have the right aim in life if we never pull the trigger.  Let us make wise decisions and then actively pursue the road that leads to life eternal.  Notice these majestic words of inspiration: For we know that if our earthly house of this tabernacle were dissolved, we have a building of God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens (2 Corinthians 5:1).

The choices we make today will have repercussions in the world to come (Mark 10:30).

James says that wars come from within—from lusts.  It may be lust for power, pleasure, prestige, position or for possessions.  More serious than wars among nations are wars among the members of the body of Christ.  James discusses three wars that human beings have: war with God, war with others, and war within ourselves (James 4:1, 4).

All three of these wars hurt God and His cause, for friendship with the world is enmity with God.  Our wars hurt the church because many, as a result of wars within the church, become dissatisfied and begin thinking that they might find “more” in the world.  Wars within the church hurt individuals and can damn our souls. 

Worldliness is the root cause of war!  Whenever people yield to the appeal of the flesh and begin to exalt worldly things above spiritual things they begin to engage in immoral acts and follow worldly ways.  The general attitude of worldliness can destroy our relationship with God and His people.

Note James’ discussion of wars and worldliness in James 4:1-5.  Fourteen times in the first four verses the emphasis on “self” is noted.  When self gets in the way of God we begin emphasizing our own desires for pleasures that are unlawful in the sight of God.  In fact, our lustful desires elevate self above God (4:2).  Our desires become so strong we will satisfy them by any means possible.  James probably used the word “kill” in a figurative sense to imply infighting among Christians.  When we do this we have left God out of our plans.

It is so easy to think only of ourselves even in our prayers and ask for God’s help with the wrong motives.  We might be tempted to ask “that we may consume it upon your lusts” (4:3).  This is another symptom of allowing ourselves to be deceived by the world (4:4).  If we serve self as our god then we are committing spiritual adultery against God if we are part of the church, the bride of Christ (cf. 2 Corinthians 11:2; Romans 7:1ff; Ephesians 6:31, 32).  The ways of the world and God’s way are diametrically opposed and we cannot love both (Matthew 6:24).

God is a jealous God (Exodus 20:5) and demands faithfulness.  James 4:6-10 emphasizes God and submission to Him.  We should accept God’s grace (4:6) for we are saved through grace (Ephesians 2:8; Hebrews 4:16). 

We should be obedient to God (4:7) by submitting to His will.  By doing so we declare that we’re on the Lord’s side and oppose the devil with all our might.  As we obey God we become more like Him (4:8).  God is our close personal companion if we obey Him from the heart (Romans 6:17) and humble ourselves before Him (James 4:9, 10).

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