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"Where do wars and fights come from among you?"

Text: James 4:1

CONFLICTS IN THE WORLD

Wars have been so much a part of human history. Battles have been fought at all levels. Millions of lives have been lost in conflicts. Would mankind ever learn that war is never a solution?

CONFLICTS IN THE CHURCH

Sadly, conflicts are also noted in the Church. James sought to address this problem in his usual candid manner.

“Where do wars and fights come from among you?
Do they not come from your desires for pleasure
that war in your members?
You lust and do not have. You murder and covet
and cannot obtain. You fight and war.
Yet you do not have because you do not ask.”
James 4:1-2

1. “Where do wars and fights come from among you”

a) “Wars and fights” represent conflicts.

b) These are not conflicts of the physical kind where people are literally killed.

c) But these are nevertheless conflicts of grave concern for the church.

2. James offers a painful answer

a) The word “members” is a reference to the many parts that make up the human being. For example:

i) Thoughts

ii) Desires

b) “Desires for pleasure”

i) These could be normal.

ii) But in this context, it is sinful.

c) Conflicts come about

i) Because personal desires are not met.

ii) That leads to frustrations and conflicts with others.

3. Lust, murder, covet, fight, war

a) These were the things some were engaged in.

b) Obviously, they did not include God in their hearts and plans.

c) They had failed to seek God in prayer.

d) The Lord had not given them the things they wished to have.