PREPARING FOR THE SERMON

May 19, 2024

James 4:1-12

Context:

            The pericope is bookended with conflict. James introduces the passage with a question about fighting and concludes with an admonition to avoid negative interactions.           

James 4:5 contains one of the most difficult passages to translate in the New Testament. The problems are twofold. First, it appears as though James is quoting a Scripture. It is not obvious what Scripture he references. The second issue stems in part from not knowing what verse James cites. If the original passage was known, the ambiguity of how to put the verse together would be solved. Greek case endings allow for different possibilities as evidenced by three or four primary ways English translations present verse 5. (CSB shows in the footnotes.)

            Theology is consistent throughout the Bible. The Bible also reads well as a whole. One verse leads to the next and should not be read without taking the surrounding verses into consideration. Without space here to elaborate as to why, I feel the best translation should read (1st alt in CSB footnotes and along with ESV and others):

“He (God) jealously yearns for the spirit He made to live in us”

Structure:

  • 1-10 “submit to God. Resist the devil” (v 7)
  • 11-12 “Don’t criticize one another” (v 11)

Theology:  dedication, lordship, worldliness, holiness

 

Some things to think about:

  • How are you tempted to be friendly with the world?
  • What steps do you take to actively resist the devil? When do? How do you? How often do you?