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.
In the famous story of Daniel in the lions’ den, we learn about being blameless and see again that God reigns and rescues.
The conclusion to the first half of Ephesians is a prayer for believers to have strength to know Christ’s love.
Children should obey their parents in the Lord while their parents nurture them in the education and correction of the Lord.
