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Why We Fight and Quarrel
In Lesson 6 of our study of James, we discussed the use of our tongue and how it can get us in all kinds of trouble. James even says that if we control our tongue, we are perfect. But, unfortunately, we know we are not!
As we continue in James, he identifies many more problems we need to overcome to serve God. Problems such as fighting and quarreling. Nothing is easy in our walk with the Lord. We must always be on guard against sin in our lives.
In the fourth chapter of James, he deals with a common problem in the church today and in our lives. Why do we fight and quarrel?
What root problem keeps us from enjoying the blessings Jesus has purchased for us?
The greatest blessings after salvation are the promises of joy and peace. Paul says in Romans 15:13 NKJV, “Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.”
But unfortunately, many Christians lose these blessings.
At Peace
Of all people, Christians should be at peace with each other. We are all purchased with the blood of Jesus and ordained by God to do good works. Jesus tells us that our love for one another will mark us as His.
Notice, Jesus makes it a commandment in John 13:34-35 NKJV . 34 A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another. 35 By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.”
Everyone should know us as His disciples by our love for one another.
Instead, we find James addressing a church problem that still exists today. Some are claiming the name of Christ and yet not letting go of the world. He asks them a question and then answers it for them and us.
James 4:1-2 NKJV says, What causes fights and quarrels among you? Don’t they come from your desires that battle within you? 2 You desire but do not have, so you kill. You covet but you cannot get what you want, so you quarrel and fight. You do not have because you do not ask God.
Over the years, I have seen many people leave the church and the fellowship of believers because of quarrels. Very few had anything to do with the purpose of the church. Yet in some cases, it killed the local church.
Not only does it destroy the witness of the church in the community, but at times even causes the minister to give up. This is especially true of young ministers because they do not have the experience to deal with division in the church and unfaithful members.
Why You Fight and Quarrel
James is clear that the problem is within us, not someone else. It is our desires for wrong things that battle within us. When we do not get what we want, we may not be willing to kill physically, but we can undoubtedly damage others.
We covet many things, some physical and some mental. At times we covet someone else’s position in the church. Perhaps we want to serve or get a lead part in a church program. The point is that we want what we want and are willing to hurt someone else to get it.
Instead of going to God and asking Him to show us what we should do in His Church, we decide. And, of course, we can not be wrong. The old saying, ‘it is our way or the highway,’ comes to mind.
Fighting and quarreling in the church kill its effectiveness in fulfilling its primary mission. That goal is to reach the lost! Fighting and quarreling even keep us from receiving what we ask from God. We can not ask God because we are so busy trying to get our way.
Prayers Go Unanswered
Brothers and sisters have often asked me why God was not answering their prayers. I usually respond with a question, “Are you praying for what God wants?”
One of my oldest memories of praying for something was a bicycle for Christmas. I did not understand any of the principles of prayer, but I knew that God could do all things. So I asked for what I wanted, a bicycle.
James 4:3 NKJV tells us why that is the wrong way to pray. James says, 3 When you ask, you do not receive because you ask with wrong motives, that you may spend what you get on your pleasures.
God is always faithful in answering your prayers when you pray in line with His will. Prayer is a tool to bring you closer to God and what He wants for you and your life.
Our first job
Our first job in prayer is to seek God’s will. Then, when we know His will, we can pray with confidence and start seeing our prayers answered positively.
God wants to work through you. It is His chosen method. So when our motives are correct, and we are not just praying to get our way, He will answer. You may even see an extraordinary miracle.
However, when you devote yourself to God, you will automatically be at odds with the world. Although this is a good thing, there is a cost and a reward.
As you start seeing your prayers answered, you will also see the world negatively respond to you. You will find that you take a more positive stand against evil around you. But, when you do, the world will lash back. You may even find church friends that turn away from you.
Remember
James started this chapter with warnings about fighting and quarreling. As your prayer life improves, you will find you are less involved with the above. However, you may find yourself under attack within the church by those who are not there to serve the Lord.
Jesus says in John 15:20 NKJV, “Remember the word that I said to you, ‘A servant is not greater than his master.’ If they persecuted Me, they will also persecute you.”
It was the religious leaders who were fearful of Jesus. He was presenting a new and different way to come into God’s presence. He advocated the complete surrender of our will to that of God and that we were to give ourselves over to serving others.
You can join us anytime. Following are links to the Previous Lessons from James: Faith Grows Through Trials – Lesson 1, Tempted by God – Lesson 2, Doers of the Word – Lesson 3, Impartial – Lesson 4, Faith – Works What Saves – Lesson 5, The Untamable Tongue – Lesson 6, Fighting and Quarreling – Lesson 7, Friendship with the World – Lesson 8, What is submission to God? – James Lesson 9, Judging and Boasting – James Lesson 10, Rich in What? – James Lesson 11, Be Patient and Persevering – James Lesson 12 and the last Critical Points of James – James Lesson 13