James starts by looking at a problem taking place in the church: quarreling and fighting. He digs down to expose the root of that problem, that the passions of the people in the church put them at odds with the passions of others. This exposes the real problem, that they are trying to love the world and worldly things as well as God. After James has exposed this issue in their hearts, he calls them to repent and receive God’s grace.
Sermon Discussion:
- What is the root problem of the quarrels and fights in the church?
- What is the main reason James’ readers couldn’t keep the commandment to love their neighbor?
- What are our passions?
- Why can we not love both God and the things in the world?
- How does loving God more than anything affect the relationships we have with others?
- What does it mean to be double minded?
- What is the difference between our jealousy and God’s jealousy?
- What does this letter tell us to do if we are giving our heart to anything other than God?
- What are the things in your life that are competing with God to be your master?