Bible Text: James 4:1-10 | Preacher: Pastor Steve | Series: Mighty in His Power
Hebrews 11:27 It was by faith that Moses left the land of Egypt, not fearing the king’s anger. He kept right on going because he kept his eyes on the one who is invisible.
Hebrews 12:1-2 And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus…
James 4:1-3 Where do wars and fights come from among you? Do they not come from your desires for pleasure that war in your members? You lust and do not have. You murder and covet and cannot obtain. You fight and war. Yet you do not have because you do not ask. You ask and do not receive, because you ask amiss, that you may spend it on your pleasures.
God reveals what is IN us!
James teaches us that it is our desires (hēdonē); a person who pursues his or her own pleasure. The word “war within you” is (strateuō) from which we get the word strategy and war.
Paul gives us a personal testimony of this internal warfare. See Romans 7:7-25.
Our Desires LEAK OUT
What is the gateway to interpersonal, relational conflict?
The inability to forgive yourself and forgive others!
We tend to use our anger to push people away.
Ephesians 4:26-27 Be angry, and do not sin: do not let the sun go down on your wrath, nor give place to the devil.
Real People quotes:
I push people away because I am afraid they will hurt me.  By pushing them away I hurt them and me.  No matter how hard I try I can’t stop.
That’s what I do…push people away.
The Downward Spiral of Our Desires
Without submission to God, our desires lead us down a path that will harm us and those around us. (James 4:1-3)
What are the Consequences?
These things hold us back from becoming all that God intends/desires for us
These things prevent the WHOLE Body of Christ from advancing forward in its mission of proclaiming the Gospel of Jesus Christ
Hinders our prayer life individually and corporately
Establishes a life-pattern of distrust, insecurity, unhealthy stubbornness and rebellious attitudes
These things affect our mates, children, and other family and friends often in devastating ways
How does real change take place?
It is the result of a MAP.
Motivation, Accountability and Planning
Pride and Lust
The Twin Destroyers of Healthy Relationships
James 4:4-5 Adulterers and adulteresses! Do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity with God? Whoever therefore wants to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God. Or do you think that the Scripture says in vain, The Spirit who dwells in us yearns jealously?
Our Relationship with God is Compared to a Marriage Relationship
Ephesians 5:22-33
Pride
God is opposed to the proud.
Proverbs 16:5 Everyone proud in heart is an abomination to the Lord; though they join forces none will go unpunished.
Proverbs 16:18-19 Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall. Better to be of a humble spirit with the lowly, than to divide the spoil with the proud.
Ezekiel 28:14-16 I ordained and anointed you as the mighty angelic guardian. You had access to the holy mountain of God and walked among the stones of fire. You were blameless in all you did from the day you were created until the day evil was found in you. Your rich commerce led you to violence, and you sinned. So I banished you in disgrace from the mountain of God. I expelled you, O mighty guardian, from your place among the stones of fire. Your heart was filled with pride because of all your beauty. Your wisdom was corrupted by your love of splendor. So I threw you to the ground…
God’s Gives Greater Grace!
James 4:6-7 But He gives more grace. Therefore He says:  God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble. Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you.
James 4:8-10 Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded. Lament and mourn and weep! Let your laughter be turned to mourning and your joy to gloom. Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and He will lift you up.
James 4:1 …it’s our fights and quarrels and our desires
VERSUS
James 4:10 Humble yourself before the Lord and he will lift you up