Introduction:

1. There should be no conflict amongst those who belong to the Lord (Psalms 133:1; John 17:20-23; Ephesians 4:1-3).

2. Observation and the Bible account show that things are not always as they should be (Luke 9:46ff; 1 Corinthians 1:10-11; 6:1-8; 2 Timothy 4:14).

3. In James 4:1-12, we see three kinds of conflicts we may face as well as the necessary steps to overcoming said conflicts.

Discussion:

I. Three Types of Conflict

A. Wars and fights with others (vs. 1a, 11-12; Galatians 5:15)

B. Wars within ourselves (vs. 1b-3; Romans 7:22-24; 1 Peter 2:11)

C. Wars with God (vv. 4-6; Romans 1:28-30; 8:7).

II. The Root Cause of These Wars

A. James identified the cause of our wars with peers and with God as the war with our fleshly desires within.

B. Our worldly lusts prompt us to do things that are contrary to our brethren and our God.

C. Pride is the underlying cause of these selfish pursuits.

D. Therefore, God resists the proud (4:6; 1 Peter 5:5; Proverbs 8:13).

III. Keys To Victory: Submission and Resistance

A. God resists the proud, but He gives grace to the humble (vs. 6).

1. Pride is an impediment to every Christian pursuit.

2. Only the humble can submit to God (vs. 10).

B. If we draw near to Him, He will draw near to us (vv. 7-8)

C. At the same time we resist and drive away the devil (vs. 8; Matthew 4:3-11; Ephesians 4:27; 1 Peter 5:8-9).

D. This results in clean hands, pure hearts, and single minds (vs. 8).

Conclusion:

1. The wisdom from above grants peace with God and humanity.

2. This only happens when we submit to God and resist the devil.

3. This is the only way to end wars with our peers, ourselves, and our God.