Since James is the likely the oldest writing of the New Testament, it appears from James 4:1-17 that church conflicts have been around almost as long as the Christian church has existed. Instead of treating fights as a normal part of church life, this text exposes their causes and provides the solution. Some of the words are blunt, but they are necessary to drive us to God’s grace, which is greater than all our sin.
Because of God’s work of salvation in us, we need to work out our salvation.
New life in Christ includes submission to governmental authorities, love for the other, and putting on Christ for all to see him.
If you have ever compared your life to someone else’s (who hasn’t?), you need to hear Jesus’ reply in John 21:20-25 to Peter’s curiosity...