Brothers and Sisters in the Lord,
“What causes quarrels and fights among you?”
This is the divinely inspired question that greets us as we begin reading the fourth chapter of the Epistle of James. Upon encountering this rhetorical query in the first verse, one might initially think of those relational discombobulations that we experience in our homes. After all, each of us can easily relate to “quarrels” and “fights” with our family members. No home is without such tension and the constant reminder that we are not just sinful, but that our sinfulness is particularly revealed by our inherent selfishness. The same goes for our relationships with our extended families, friends, and our neighbors. On this side of the fall (Genesis 3), relationships have been tricky at best, and always polluted and devilishly influenced by the trouble we have with our Creator. Alienation from Him equals estrangement from other people.
But when James raises this pointed question he first has in mind our relationships within the body of Christ—our spiritual family. And with a surgeon’s skill, he is probing and prodding his readers in order to get them thinking about the true source of relational strife in the Church. Why do we argue? Why do we get angry with a brother or sister in Christ? Why do we allow our feelings to get hurt so easily? What causes so many local churches to split? Why isn’t there more love and harmony among those who have been made new in Christ, and are the recipients of God’s eternal love and soul-cleansing mercy?
Well, the answer he provides will drive us all to the mirror, much in the same way as when James addressed the source of temptation in chapter one (v. 14). Here he says that our relational problems stem from our “passions” (4:1), and the “war” these desires ignite “within” our own hearts. And then, with the fires of lust-driven warfare blazing away, the resulting damage is pretty ugly indeed (1:2-3).
On Sunday, we will begin our look at this most convicting passage from the little Epistle known for its down-to-earth practicality. As you prepare for worship and the preaching of God’s Word, you might begin your review of this section at James 3:13, and then read all the way to 4:12.
I know the Lord has a powerful Word for us this week, and I look forward to our worship together!
Special Thanks to Mr. Cliff Smith
Last Sunday we welcomed Mr. Cliff Smith to our Adult Sunday School Teaching rotation. Cliff joins Dr. Bud Lancaster and Mr. Crawford Dillon as teachers for our class on ‘The Blessing of Humility.’ Cliff, and his wife Thelma, have been members of CPC for over two years now and we are so thrilled that the Lord has sent us such a gifted Bible teacher. Cliff has a Master of Divinity degree from Birmingham Theological Seminary and, as far as I know, is the first student in the history of the Seminary to defend a theological paper at the annual meeting of the Evangelical Theological Society. We are so very thankful for Cliff’s willingness to serve in this way. Praise the Lord for His great provision, and please keep Cliff in your prayers as he has opportunity to teach us.
Connecting With the Catechism
Here are our questions and answers from the Shorter Catechism for memorization this week:
Quest. 10. How did God create man?
God created man male and female, after his own image, in knowledge, righteousness, and holiness, with dominion over the creatures.
Gen. 1:26-28
Col. 3:10
Eph. 4:24.
Quest. 11. What are God’s works of providence?
God’s works of providence are, his most holy, wise, and powerful preserving and governing all his creatures, and all their actions.
Ps. 145:17
Ps. 104:24
Isa. 28:29
Heb. 1:3
Ps. 103:19
Matt. 10:29-31
I love you all and have you in my heart always,
Mike