The Cure for Conflict

The Cure for Conflict

James 4:1-10

1. The Problem Starts Within Me (1-3)
A) You have an unmet desire that you are willing to sin to get. (2-3)

2. The True Conflict is Between Me and God. (4-5)

3. The Cure for My Conflict Requires:
A) My Heart Humbled (6b-9)

B) God’s Grace Given to Me. (6-10)
1. God’s Presence (8a)
2. God’s favor returned (8b)
3. God’s strength to pursue reconciliation (James 3:16-18)
i) Confess my sin and seek their forgiveness (Matthew 5:24)
ii) Confront their sin and grant my forgiveness (Matthew 18:15-35)

For the Next Lesson: James 4:1-10

The Cure for Conflict

1. Read verse 1a. Where have you seen conflicts? What are the typical responses to the cause of arguments and fights (think “I was just hungry” or “I don’t feel well”)? Is that really the cause or simply an influence? It is good news that God didn’t create robots but rather humans made in his image. We are all responsible for our actions. The good news of Jesus is that he restores our sinful hearts!

2. Read verses 1-3. Where does James say the cause of our arguments come from? Why is it significant to understand that it comes from within us? What are some good desires that we often have (think “I desire to be respected” or “I desire independence”)? What happens to those good desires according to James? What does James mean when he says “you murder” (Matthew 5:21-22)?. What do we learn about prayer in this passage? Why does God sometimes not give us exactly what we pray for?

3. Read verses 4-5. When we “worship” our personal desire, we commit spiritual “adultery” with God. James uses forceful language to convey the seriousness of this spiritual adultery or simply idolatry. Make a list of labels you see James use in verses 1-5 for us (i.e. Murderer). Take a minute and recall an argument or fight with someone. Is James right in his description of conflict? (Consider 1 John 1:8-10 & Matthew 7:1-5) We learn in verse 5 that the Holy Spirit desires our fidelity to Him. Why?

4. Read verses 6 -10. Who does God give grace to? What steps does James give in humbling yourself? Why is it important to remember your own salvation in Jesus Christ? Why is it important to restore your fellowship with God before you seek reconciliation with your brother or sister in Christ? What does reconciliation look like in “the grace of God” (think Matthew 5:24 & 18:15ff)? Is there anyone in your life that you need to seek reconciliation with? Have you humbled yourself to God first?