Keys to Overcoming Trials and Troubles (James 4-5)

Scripture reading – James 4; James 5

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* Please note that words and phrases in brackets are the author’s amplification.

Continuing our study of trials, troubles, and temptations, we consider today’s Scripture reading from James 4 and 5. Our devotional focuses on James 4.

James 4

James 4 opens with a provocative question: “From whence [where] come wars [battles; conflicts] and fightings [disputes; quarrels] among you?” (James 4:1). Sadly, that question was not addressed to the unsaved but to those who professed to be believers and were members of the church. Nearly two thousand years later, churches still ask the same question, as some remain embroiled in conflicts and disagreements.

Why do conflicts arise among believers when they are commanded to love one another? (James 4:1-3)

We noted in James 3 that the tongue is a primary source of trouble in friendships, marriages, families, and churches (James 3:2a, 6, 8). An unbridled, undisciplined tongue will exasperate, infuriate, and sow envy and strife. Unfortunately, the “tongue” is no longer confined to whispers and gossip. The 21st century has given the tongue new ways to express itself, sowing discord and provoking conflict through texts, emails, blogs, and social media posts.

Unsurprisingly, the “wars and fightings” of the 21st century stem from the same source as those of the 1st century. James wrote, “Come they [“wars and fightings”] not hence, even of your lusts that war in your members?” (James 4:1b). James identified unfulfilled, selfish desires as a root of frustration. He wrote, “Ye lust, and have not: ye kill, and desire to have, and cannot obtain… ye ask amiss, that ye may consume it upon your lusts” (James 4:2-3).

Why are so many church members frustrated and unhappy? (James 4:4-6).

Although the 1st century was very different from ours, with our technology, conveniences, and amusements, the issue remained the same. Spiritual infidelity (“adulterers and adulteresses”) and worldliness produced unhappiness (James 4:4-6). James warned that embracing the world and its sinful lusts (1 John 2:15-17) will make you “the enemy of God” (James 4:4). Walk humbly, and the Lord promises grace. But be forewarned: “God resisteth the proud” (James 4:6; Proverbs 3:34; 1 Peter 5:5). 

Ten Commands to Overcome Temptation (James 4:7-10)

James presented us with the problem (man’s sinful pride), but did not leave us hopeless. Recognizing that trials and temptations are ever-present, James gave ten commands that encourage a righteous response to trials and troubles (James 4:7-10).

1. “Submit yourselves therefore to God,” by accepting His sovereign authority in your life (James 4:7a).
2. “Resist the devil” by opposing him, and “he will flee from you” (James 4:7b).
3. Maintain an intimate fellowship with the LORD: “Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you” (James 4:8a).
4. “Cleanse your hands, ye sinners,” forsaking sinful deeds and submitting to His Word (James 4:8b).
5. “Purify your hearts.” Maintain spiritual integrity, for a “double-minded” man is unacceptable to God (James 4:8c).
6. “Be afflicted,” broken over your sin (James 4:9a).
7. “Mourn,” expressing genuine sorrow over sin (James 4:9b).
8. “Weep,” shedding tears as an outward expression of sorrow (James 4:9c).
9. Set aside silliness, and “let your laughter be turned to mourning, and your joy to heaviness” (James 4:9d).
10. “Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up” (James 4:10).

Closing Thoughts (James 4:11-17)

Believer, you are neither exempt from nor insulated against trials; however, you have something the world does not—the Lord. He longs for you to submit to His will, obey His Word, and cling to Him. Remember, unhappiness and conflict arise when we speak evil of one another and judge one another (James 4:11-12), and when we become proud and self-sufficient, boasting of tomorrow as though it were ours (James 4:13-16).

May you never forget that your life is “even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away” (James 4:14). Be wise, acknowledge God’s sovereignty, and say, “If the Lord will, we shall live, and do this, or that” (James 4:15). May you “Trust in the LORD with all [your] heart; and lean not unto [your] own understanding” (Proverbs 3:5).

Study Questions

1. James traces “wars and fightings” among believers to “your lusts that war in your members.” Think of a recent conflict at home, at church, or online. What desire underlies it? (James 4:1).

2. James 4:2-3 says we “have not, because ye ask not” or “ask amiss.” What does it look like to bring our desires to God in prayer rather than fighting for them? (James 4:2-3).

3. James describes the “friendship of the world” in strong terms, calling it “adulterers and adulteresses” and “the enemy of God.” Why does he portray worldliness as spiritual unfaithfulness (1 John 2:15-17)? What are some subtle ways a believer can grow friendly with the world today? And what hope does the phrase, “he giveth more grace” (4:6) offer the humble (James 4:4-6)?

4. Of the ten commands in James 4:7-10, which do you find hardest to obey, and why?

5. James warns against speaking evil of a brother (4:11-12) and against boasting about tomorrow (4:13-16). How does saying “If the Lord will” (4:15) change how we plan our lives and speak about others?

Copyright © 2026 – Travis D. Smith 

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