Bible Study: James 4

Here is our first bible study in 2025! Migrating to this website caused a little delay in everything but it was worth it. As promised, we are going to have a bible study once a week for at least six months and we will then check how it is going with everyone or if there are things that need to be changed. As most of you will know, we use the Town A ( original context ) to Town B ( Application ) Bible Study method. I will try and make it short and if you need more notes, please let me know. I do encourage you though to try and do some digging into the word of God for yourself also because the aim is not to keep doing studies for you but that you may also learn to study the bible on your own.

James 4:1-3

Quarrels and Desires

Town A: Original Context

James is calling out believers for internal strife and conflict within the Christian community. He traces these quarrels not to external persecution but to unmet desires and selfish ambition.

" You desire and do not have, so you murder. You covet and cannot obtain, so you fight and quarrel."(verse 2)

Timeless Truth ( lessons and principles that we can still use today )

• Selfish desires, when unchecked, lead to relational breakdown and sin.

• Misaligned prayers are often rooted in worldly motivations.

Town B: Application

How does this apply to us today?

We often spiritualise our wants, but if we are being honest, many conflicts - at home, work or even at church - stem from pride and jealousy.

Reflection

• What recent conflict in your life may be rooted in personal desire?

• How do you approach God in prayer - seeking His will or your wants?

• Are there areas where your motives need refining before you pray?

James 4:4-6

Friendship With the World

Town A: Original Context

James uses a metaphorical language: " You adulterous people! " Drawing from Old Testament imagery, he rebukes the believers for compromising with worldly systems, likening it to spiritual adultery.

" Friendship with the world is enmity with God." (verse 4)

Timeless Truth ( lessons and principles that are still relevant today)

• Divided loyalty is offensive to God

• God wants our wholehearted devotion

• Grace is available to the humble

Town B: Application

Worldliness can be subtle - social status, entertainment choices, materialism, self centred ambition. God does not want part time followers.

Reflection

• What friendships with the world are tugging at your heart?

• Where is your loyalty divided between God and culture?

• How can you walk in humility this week?

James 4:7-10

Call To Repentance and Submission

Town A: Original Context

James outlines the process of spiritual realignment: submission, resistance, drawing near, repentance. He calls for internal sorrow over sin.

" Humble yourselves before the Lord and He will exalt you." (verse 10)

Timeless Truth

• Spiritual renewal starts with submission to God.

• True repentance involves both the heart and the will.

• God honours the lowly and resists the proud.

Town B: Application

Repentance is not a one time event but a posture. True humility transforms behaviour, speech and attitude.

Reflection

• Are you actively submitting to God in your daily decisions?

• What does 'drawing near to God' look like practically in your life?

• When was the last time you grieved your sin?

James 4:11-12

Speaking Evil of One Another

Town A: Original Context

James addresses slander within the church community. Speaking evil is not just gossip - it is a form of judgement that puts oneself above others and above the law.

" There is only one law giver and judge, He who is able to save and to destroy. But who are you to judge your neighbour?"

Timeless Truth

• Slander is rebellion against God's authority.

• Judging others from a place of pride is sin.

Town B: Application

Slander often hides behind 'concern' or 'venting.' We must guard our words and posture towards others.

Reflection

• How do you speak about others when they are not around?

• Have you judged someone recently instead of praying for them?

• How can your speech reflect humility and grace?

James 4:13-17

Arrogant Planning

Town A: Original Context

James rebukes the arrogance of making future plans without acknowledging the sovereignty of God. Life is fragile, like a vapour.

" If the Lord wills, we will live and do this or that." (verse 15)

Timeless Truth

• God is sovereign over all of life, including our plans.

• Presuming on the future without God is arrogance.

• Knowing what is right and not doing it is sin.

Town B: Application

Planning is not sinful - presumption is. Every decision should come with a humble, God -dependent mindset

Reflection

• How do you approach planning - career, finances, relationships?

• Do you live with a sense of dependence on God's will?

• What is one right thing you know you've been avoiding?

Honestly, James 4 is a surgical chapter! It cuts through pride, selfishness and double mindedness. But it is also an invitation to humble yourself so that God can lift you up.

Please use your bible when following this bible study. I have done verse mapping before and also word study. Check our free magazine also for more of this. You can download it from our shop.

Grace and Peace.