Some causes of contention, besides those mentioned in the foregoing chapter, and to watch against them v. The life application bible commentary series provides versebyverse explanation, background, and application for every verse in the new testament. This is what causes fights and quarrels among them. James 4 what causes quarrels and what causes fights. Kenneth wuest the germans have a word for it, zeitgeist, the spirit of the age. Here, in chapter 4, james says to these very readers that a worldly, unspiritual road is the very one they have been following. God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble. James says, ye ask, and receive not, because ye ask amiss. In addition, it gives personal help, teaching notes, and sermon ideas that will address needs, answer questions. James 4 commentary albert barnes notes on the whole bible.
Do they not come from your desires for pleasure a that war in your members. They must pay the wages to the hired workers for the work that they have done. You are just a vapor that appears for a little while and then vanishes away. Commentaries for james chapter 4 applications for the church today. The book of jude is a tiny book, tragically neglected by students, yet overflowing with fascinating old testament references and allusions. Rather than simply not harming others, the bible actually obligates us to actively do what is right. When you judge the law, you are not keeping it, but sitting in judgment on it.
Part of the reason for this is that james is like proverbs in that many of its verses really stand alone in their content. Matthew henry 18 october 1662 22 june 1714 was an english commentator on the bible, who published his works in 1706, sixvolume exposition of the old and new testaments 17081710 or complete commentary, provides an exhaustive verse by verse study of the bible, covering the whole of the old testament, and the gospels and acts in the new testament. Yet you dont have what you want because you dont ask god for it. We are taught to abandon the friendship of this world, so as to submit and subject ourselves entirely to god v. The epistle of james chapter four objectives in studying the chapter 1 to gain insight into the source of wars and fighting, even among brethren 2 to see the importance and means of befriending god, of not speaking evil of brethren, and planning for the future with the lords will in mind summary james asks his readers to consider the.
Many subjects are handled quickly and succinctly in the book. James 4 commentary james burton coffman commentaries on. Jude is written for the end times, for the end of the church age. You may even wish to write the questions down on a separate piece of paper before you begin. Introduction prior to 1539, if one had said, turn with me to the first chapter of the book of james, there would have been a great rustling of pages in the congregation, with many puzzled looks. In james 4 there is a logical progression throughout. James begins this verse by questioning those addressed of the source of their fighting. The origin of wars and contentions, and the wretched lot of those who are engaged in them, james 4. The purpose of jamess discussion of the tongue and wisdom appears in this next section.
The book of james niv audio holy bible high quality and best speed book 59 duration. They had kept back the wages of the workers who worked in their fields. James chapter 4 barnes notes on the new testament on. Allow yourself several lines between each question.
James 4 what causes quarrels and what causes fights among. James 4 commentary matthew henry commentary on the. There were struggles in the christian community james was writing to. It shows what happens to christians and churches when they chose to live for selfish desires and for the things of this world rather than god. Cautions against proud behaviour, and the mischief of an unruly tongue. An evident allusion to the sermon on the mount, matthew 7. Indeed, you would not have found the book of james included among the new testament books at all.
Do they not come from your desires for pleasure that war in your members. As you read this chapter of james keep the following questions in mind. Much of our thinking and behavior is shaped by what we can see of present. James will treat the problem of riches in the next chapter. To what extent is your life directed by the knowledge that christ is coming back. All people, regardless of wealth, social standing or any other condition, who make their life plans without respect to the will of god are the ones remonstrated. Here are cautions against corrupt affections, and love of this world, which is enmity to god. James, the father of the other apostle judas luke 6. When people follow this road, they try to get what they want for themselves, frustrated by the people standing in their way. Top 5 commentaries on the book of james ligonier ministries. The sermonic nature of this epistle is quite pronounced in this chapter, as in the third.
In addition, it gives personal help, teaching notes, and sermon ideas that will address needs, answer questions, and provide insight for applying gods word to life today. And to break gods commands, is to speak evil of them, and to judge them, as if they laid too great a restraint upon us. The friendship of the world is enmity with god, james 4. All detraction and rash judgment of others are to be. Up to that time, you would not have found the book where it is today in any english translation.
The book of james, chapter 4 free bible commentary. The law of moses says that employers must be good to their workers. Jan 27, 2016 a reading from the book of james chapter 4. James 4 commentary gracepoint berkeley church devotions. James 4, new american standard bible nasb the bible app. The book of james is a website dedicated to the study of the epistle letter of james in the new testament. When you have finished reading the chapter devote several minutes to your answers. James chapter 4 coffmans commentary of the new testament. Yet the writer of this letter is the same james who received a special resurrection appearance of jesus 1 corinthians 15. As james says, it is sin to know the right thing to do, and choose not to do it james 4. Douglas webster is very helpful in telling us to see james as a spiritual director for the church.
James 4 commentary matthew henry commentary on the whole. Jews, we can easily understand that, while some truly believed and confessed their belief that jesus was the christ, yet, as these christians followed the jewish ordinances, mere professors might do as much without the least vital change being proved by their works. There is first a section directed against worldliness in the church james 4. It is not necessary to apply these verses through james 4.
James 4 commentary by admin on september 19th, 2010. Each person wanted their own way and their own advantage. Some of the readers had probably been members of the church in jerusalem, but they had scattered into many locations because of the persecution that arose after the death. J ames is a book that many of us know random verses from, yet we tend to not really know the book that well.
Here in chapter 4 the context is the same see notes on 4. Different bible translations of the letter of james and other bible study resources are available. James 4, new international version niv the bible app. The false wisdom that comes from envy and selfish ambition produces disorder 3. James chapter 4 small group starter questions james is still talking to christians. Commentary on the book of james by matthew henry new. James is a book that many of us know random verses from, yet we tend to not really know the book that well. You want what you dont have, so you scheme and kill to get it. The chapter closes with an affirmation that to him that knows how to do good and does it not, to him it is sin, james 4. The honesty of the gods word is apparent in that it does not concern itself with political correctness. There is fighting among them, which is a direct result of worldly wisdom james 3.
It is related to the improper use of the tongue as in chapter 3. The book of james a detailed commentary basic training bible ministries page 4 the greeting 1. Chapter 4 begins by addressing this worldly wisdoms affect on the brethren james is addressing. James the son of alphaeus, another of the twelve disciples matthew 10. Hosea chapter 4 kjv king james version 1 hear the word of the lord, ye children of israel.
It is likely that james was the first new testament book written, perhaps around a. The epistle was probably written before the gentile congregations. You are jealous of what others have, but you cant get it, so you fight and wage war to take it away from them. The reaction of living faith to selfish strife james 4. The chapter also presents a unique aspect of christian ethics. Jam christian bible study resources, dictionary, concordance and search tools.