Chapter Summary

Rebuke of worldliness and exhortation to humility before God.

Discussion Questions for James, Chapter 4

1. James 4 discusses conflicts and quarrels among believers. How does the author trace the origins of these conflicts and what solutions does he propose for resolving them?
2. James 4:4 begins addressing the concept of friendship with the world being enmity with God. How does the author define "friendship with the world," and how might this conflict between worldly desires and devotion to God manifest in believers' lives?
3. James 4 speaks about the importance of humility and submitting to God. How does the author's perspective on humility contrast with human tendencies toward pride, and how can believers actively cultivate humility?
4. James 4:8 discusses the concept of "double-mindedness." How does the author explain the consequences of being double-minded and how might this affect believers' spiritual growth and stability?
5. James 4:6 teaches that God gives more grace when we are humble. How does this teaching align with modern cultures ideas of giving grace?
6. James 4:7-8 reads, "Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded." Why is submission and repentance (cleanse your hands) important in resisting the devil?
7. James 4 speaks about the fleeting nature of life and human plans. How might the author's perspective on life's brevity influence believers' priorities and the way they approach their goals?
8. James 4:11 begins teaching that believers should not judge believers. Why is this teaching important in life of the church? How does believers judging believers affect the witness of the church to non believers? How should the church correct believers' obvious disobedience against God's Word?
9. The concept of God's sovereignty and the human will is touched upon beginning in James 4:13. How does the author address the tension between submitting to God's will and making plans for the future? How does this tension act out in your personal life?
10. James 4:5 mentions that God becomes jealous over the spirit to be in the world. This teaches that there are many times we place the world before God. How much time in their daily lives should a believer give to God? Why that amount?

Key Words/Phrase

Lusts, v. 1.

Characters

God, Satan.

Strong Verse(s)

2, 3, 4, 7, 8, 10, 13, 14, 15, 17.