PROVEN: The Letter of James

No. 18 | Addressing the Source of Conflict, pt. 2

By Danny Capon, June 15, 2025

PROVEN: A Faith that's Practical, Prudent, and Patient

  1. Responding to Trials (James 1:2-15)
  2. Responding to the Word (James 1:16-27)
  3. Holding faith in Jesus Christ in a way that’s consistent with true faith (James 2:1-26)
  4. 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 (James 4:1-12)?

How can believers know where conflicts come from and how to address them?

  • “Do you not know…?” (James 4:4)
  • “Or (is it) to no purpose that the Scripture says…?” (James 4:5-6)

How should we respond to this (i.e. James’s tracing of our conflicts)?

  • “Submit yourselves therefore to God.” (James 4:7)
  • “Cleanse…and purify…” (James 4:8b)
  • “Be wretched and mourn and weep….” (James 4:9)
  • “Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will exalt you.” (James 4:10)
  • “Do not speak evil against one another…” (James 4:11-12)

Will you accept the reality of the results of James’s pathology?

Will you apply James’s prescription to yourself?