PROVEN: A Faith that's Practical, Prudent, and Patient Responding to Trials (James 1:2-15) Responding to the Word (James 1:16-27) Holding faith in Jesus Christ in a way that’s consistent with true faith (James 2:1-26) Showing true faith in Jesus Christ by demonstrating works (James3:1-18) By taming the tongue (James 3:1-12) By discerning who’s wise (James 3:13-18) By addressing the source of conflict (James 4:1-12) What is James talking about in the passage before us? I can test the genuineness of my (true) faith by my works… …like the character of my tongue (3:1-12) …like the character of my wisdom (3:13-18) …like the character of my worldliness (4:1-17) Why do I… …speak (communicate) the way that I do? (3:1-12) …decide (choose) the way that I do? (3:13-18) …want (desire) the way that I do? (4:1-17) Do I have… …a tongue that’s been shaped by heaven? (3:1-12) …a wisdom that’s come from heaven? (3:13-18) …a humility that’s submissive to heaven? (4:1-17) Addressing the Source of Conflict “What causes quarrels and what cause fights among you?” “Is it not this, that your passions are at war within you?” How does this work (i.e. our passions equal war)? Why don’t we get it (i.e. what we want)? What actually is going on (i.e. behind our passions? “Or do you suppose it is to no purpose…” conflicts < passions < adultery < pride Will you apply James’s pathology of conflicts to yourself? Will you accept the reality of the results that you find?