Winning the War Within
September 1, 2013 Speaker: Ken Ramey Series: Daniel
Topic: Conflict Resolution Passage: James 4:1–3
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James 4:1-3
In this passage, James exposed the THREE CAUSES OF CONFLICT among Christians which reveal the real battle ultimately rages in the desires of our hearts (1 John 2:15).
1. UNCONTROLLED PASSIONS - We want it (v. 1)
Uncontrolled passions are manifest in several ways: lust of the flesh, lust of the eyes and the pride of life. These desires wage war inside of our souls (1 Peter 2:11), and they manifest themselves in our members - the parts of our bodies (Romans 6:13; Romans 7:23).
Uncontrolled passions are manifest in several ways: lust of the flesh, lust of the eyes and the pride of life. These desires wage war inside of our souls (1 Peter 2:11), and they manifest themselves in our members - the parts of our bodies (Romans 6:13; Romans 7:23).
2. UNFULFILLED PLEASURES - We don't get it so we fight or fuss about it (v. 2a)
The sins of uncontrolled passions begin in the heart. Passions can control us, and when they do, we will eventually devise sinful ways to obtain our passion and commit sinful acts when we can't or don't get what we want. These acts are usually hurtful or destructive in some way.
The sins of uncontrolled passions begin in the heart. Passions can control us, and when they do, we will eventually devise sinful ways to obtain our passion and commit sinful acts when we can't or don't get what we want. These acts are usually hurtful or destructive in some way.
3. UNANSWERED PRAYERS - We don't get it because we don't ask for it right (v. 2b-3)
When prayer is all about us instead of God, then we cannot expect to have them answered because our motives are probably not aligned with the will of God. Prayer should be God-centered instead of self-centered (Psalm 66:18), and God promises to answer only those prayers that are consistent with His will (Psalm 37:4). We should want our desires to be the same as God's desires.
When prayer is all about us instead of God, then we cannot expect to have them answered because our motives are probably not aligned with the will of God. Prayer should be God-centered instead of self-centered (Psalm 66:18), and God promises to answer only those prayers that are consistent with His will (Psalm 37:4). We should want our desires to be the same as God's desires.
Thank God for not gratifying all your desires, but wisely and lovingly denying them to you so you will find your fulfillment in Him. Ask God to help you trust Him to satisfy all your desires in Christ because ultimately He is all you need.
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