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James 4:1-3
James gives us examples of the wisdom of this world as we begin chapter 4 of his letter. Reflecting back on James 3:14-15 we see what makes up the wisdom of this world as he states, “But if you have bitter envy and self-seeking in your hearts, do not boast and lie against the truth. This wisdom does not descend from above, but is earthly, sensual, demonic.” So, James now asks the question in James 4:1 of “Where do wars and fights come from among you?” He then gives us the appropriate answer to the question, “Do they not come from your desires for pleasure that war in your members?” James explains that in the wisdom of this world we have desires that are not from God, but from Satan who rules this sinful world through a belief system that may look like the things from above/heaven, but are only false copies such as lust instead of love; selfishness instead of service; and war instead of peace.
James tells us that we do not have because we do not ask of God (James 4:2d) and that when we do ask, we do not receive because we ask with wrong intentions (James 4:3).
This is an example of the wisdom of this world.
One of the biggest misconceptions, I believe, of the Bible, and reasons in which people are turned away from having faith in God is that the Bible’s instructions are for those who put their faith in God through salvation in Jesus whom He sent to save the world from sin. Don’t get me wrong as the wisdom of the Bible is also to lead lost souls to Jesus. The problem is that lost souls look to the Bible for answers while continuing to live in the sinful nature with no intentions of getting their lives right with God through the salvation – the gift – He offers to us to first save us from the sin that we are caught up in, that we may then, after putting God first in our lives and seeking His will for our lives, may receive His blessings on and in our lives. This does not mean that we will never again experience trials and tribulations, but that by having faith in God, He will now help us through our physical lives leading us to spiritual eternity – in Christ. We must remove ourselves from the lusts and desires of this world to a redemptive life of repentance and faith in our Savior Jesus who has made it possible for us to love one another and seek peace…even while living in a sinful world; Jesus is the overcomer and we can only overcome this world through our faith in Him. Put your faith in Him today and watch how His love will take over your life – in Christ!
Dear LORD,
Satan is relentless and he will always be trying to trick us with the lusts and desires of this world. Please help us to see that whether we are putting our faith in Jesus for the first time, or have had faith in Jesus for many years, it is only through Jesus that we may overcome the wiles of the devil and experience the love and peace that you have for us – in Christ. In Jesus name I pray, amen.