: SuBMIT TO Gon IN LovE Lesson Scripture: James 4:1-10 Focus Scripture: James 4: 1-10 Key Verse: Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. ]ames 4:8 (NRSV) JAMES 4:1-10 (NRSV) 1 Those conflicts and disputes among you, where do they come from? Do they not come from your cravings that are at war within you? 2 You want something and do not have it; so you commit murder. And you covet something and cannot obtain it; so you engage in disputes and conflicts. You do not have, because you do not ask. 3 You ask and do not receive, because you ask wrongly, in order to spend what you get on your pleasures. 4 Adulterers! Do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity with God? Therefore whoever wishes to be a friend of the world becomes an enemy of God. 5 Or do you suppose that it is for nothing that the scripture says, "God yearns jealously for the spirit that he has made to dwell in us"? 6 But he gives all the more grace; therefore it says, "God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble." 7 Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. 8 Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded. 9 Lament and mourn and weep. Let your laughter be turned into mourning and your joy into dejection. 10 Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will exalt you.... 35 JAMES 4:1-10 (KJV) 1 From whence come wars and fightings among you? come they not hence, even of your lusts that war in your members? 2 Ye lust, and have not: ye kill, and desire to have, and cannot obtain: ye fight and war, yet ye have not, because ye ask not. 3 Ye ask, and receive not, because ye ask amiss, that ye may consume it upon your lusts. 4 Ye adulterers and adulteresses, know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God. 5 Do ye think that the scripture saith in vain, The spirit that dwelleth in us lusteth to envy? 6 But he giveth more grace, Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble. 7 Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. 8 Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded. 9 Be afflicted, and mourn, and weep: let your laughter be turned to mourning, and your joy to heaviness. 1 0 Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up.
KEY TERMS Adulterer: One who is faithless toward God, ungodly. Jealous: Passion about, a strong desire (God wants undivided loyalty). Submit: Place oneself under another; being humble. Resist: To withstand, oppose-take captive. Devil: The false accuser. Double-minded: Wavering, uncertain, doubting. Lament: Mourn. INTRODUCTION this stage can advance to the next two phases, norming (rules established) and performing (working together). These processes are not necessarily linear, and can be cyclic as new people are introduced to the group. Church members should anticipate conflict. However, they should know that humility and submission to God resolves conflicts TELLING THE BIBLE STORY Unlike most Bible books with emphasis on theology, James, the brother of Jesus, gives instruction on putting our faith into action. James addresses Christian behaviors such as controlling the tongue, proper ways to suffer, works motivated "Group Dynamic Theory" describes by our faith, and comforting the poor. In five stages in team development. One of these stages, storming, Church members should anticipate IS characterized by conflict. However, they tension and conflict. Storming negatively Should know that humilaffects morale and motivation and can lead to clique formation and disrespect toward leadership. Recognition that conflict is normal and utilization of good communication skills can help the group resolve issues. According to the theory, groups that successfully navigate through ity and submission to God resolves conflicts. 36 today's lesson, James provides guidance on conflict management. He outlines conflict's source, consequences, and resolution. appropriate Causes of Church Conflict (verses 1-3) In his role as pastor of the Jerusalem church (Acts 15:13-21 ), James witnessed several conflicts. Feeding the widows, requirement for Gentile converts, Paul's role, and Peter eating with uncircumcised
people all resulted in conflicts. James learned that these tension-filled struggles evidenced problems within a person. People wanted what others had, or something they believed had been denied to them. What made these conflicts even worse is that they had nothing to do with... God but and were motivated by personal gain. No Living in the Compromise (verses 4-Ba) James labels self-seeking, which inevitably leads to conflict, as adultery. Individualism is not biblical - it strives to get its own way - has no concern for others' needs - opposes Christian fellowship. James views those who exhibit selfish behaviors as God's enemies. God earnestly desires Christians to have the best. Allowing ego to rule instead of the Holy Spirit who lives within, translates into Christians missing God's unearned favor. God resists the proud but gives grace to the humble. Therefore, humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time ( 1 Peter 5:5-6). According to James, people get closer to God when they put their will under God's will. Life Under God's Authority (verses 8b-1 0) Repentance, indicating a change of heart 37 and mind, will change behavior. James admonishes those involved in conflict to cleanse themselves from the inside. From his perspective, they have two minds that are at odds. They should experience deep grief because of their self-centeredness. Sadness should replace cheerfulness. James understands the difficulty in destroying self-importance. Therefore, Christians should strive to become like Christ, who humbled himself even to the point of death (Philippians 2:8). This type of obedience leaves little time for frivolity, since it requires a great deal of effort. SANKOFA In 1816, at its founding, the African Methodist Episcopal Church established a Judicial Council. Bishop Richard Allen relates, "We deemed it expedientto have a form of discipline, whereby we may guide our people in thefearofgod, in the unity of the Spirit, and in the bonds of peace, and preserve us from that spiritual despotism which we have so recently experienced" (Bishop Richard Allen's autobiography is available through the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, and The Life Experiences and Gospel Labors of the Rev. Richard Allen is available from the AMEC Publishing House - www. amecpublishing.com). The Judicial Council is the highest judicatory body of the African Methodist Episcopal Church.
Whenever disputes occur with clergy or laity, The AME Church Book of Doctrine and Discipline details procedures for resolution. If a person disagrees with the Bishop's decision, they can appeal to the Judicial Council, which is our appellate court. Abiding by determination made at any stage of the process,._r:equires an individual to do what James commands -demonstrate humility. Peace CASE STUDY agreements LIFE APPLICATION A song popular in the 1980s posed a question: I wonder what kind of church would my church be, if every member was just like me? (https://www.letssingit. com/mullins-lyrics-what-kind-of-churchspkrmp6) Whether we want to admit it or not, we can be a source of conflict. When we want to have our own way or want someone to do or say things our way this can lead to disagreements. Instead and solutions to Christians must show of valuing everyone's violence, whether it be humility. gifts and talents, we war or gun violence, often excludes youth. Recently, practitioners propose that youth and young adults must be included in the mediation and peace process. Typically, programs and peace agreements are designed without input from those most involved. While not specifying exactly how, The United Nations Security Council (UNSC) Resolution 2250 on youth, peace, and security, adopted in 2015, urges member states to include youth in peace processes: https://www.un.org/ press/en/2015/sc12149.doc.htm Maybe the best method of ending violence in our communities is for adults to realize we are not the experts. If we humble ourselves, perhaps younger voices can be heard. sometimes assume our way is "the" right way. Next time you insist upon your right or decide someone else is not doing it the way you would, ask yourself, is my pride clouding my view? Remember, it was pride that caused Lucifer/Satan to fall from heaven (Isaiah 14:12-14, Luke 10: 18). Christians must show humility. Too often conflicts arise in our churches over trivial matters - colors for annual days - assigned solos - seats in the sanctuary-food. When we find ourselves embroiled in one of these discussions, before it becomes heated it would be beneficial to remember Paul's advice - humble yourself. 38
should be handled? What cultural factors teach people to think of self before considering others? SUMMARY Conflicts occur. When they arise in the church, James advises that they happen because of Christians' selfishness and adoption of worldly culture. Instead of being self-seeking, Christians should submit their will to God. Dissensions.. QUESTIONS make room for Satan's destructive What prevents us from surrendering to God in every area of our lives? forces. James recommends an antidote to conflict that includes true heartfelt repentance, spiritual transformation, and Which internal attitudes and thoughts humility. contribute to church conflict? How do you think conflicts in AME churches CLOSING DEVOTIONS Write a letter to God listing at least three ways you will strive to keep peace. Sing: "Blessed Be the Tie that Binds": https:/ /www.youtu be. com/watch?v OG5P396XMuw Prayer: Dear Lord, forgive me for being self-centered. Help me not to create conflict by things I say or do. Help me to become humble, to put your will above mine. In Jesus' name. Amen. HOME DAILY BIBLE READINGS January 7..January 13 Monday Tuesday Matthew 23:1-11 (One Teacher, Many Students) 1 Corinthians 12:19-26 (Members Depend on Each Other) Wednesday Matthew 5:21-26 (Solve Conflicts One to One) Thursday Friday Saturday Sunday Psalm 42 (Longing for God's Help) Romans 6:1-14 (Walk in Newness of Life) James 4:13-17 (Boasting an Insult to God) James 4:1-10 (Godly Approach to Worldliness) 39