The Spirit that Dwells in Us James 4:5

As James continued to share with the people within “the twelve tribes scattered abroad” about where “wars and fightings” come , he referred to those who are “adulterers and adulteresses” who had the “friendship of the world” and thereby became “the enemy of God”. In chapter four and verse five of his letter, James referred to “the scripture” as he asked his readers about “the Spirit that dwells in us” where we read:

Do you think that the scripture says in vain, The spirit that dwells in us lusts to envy?

The verse begins, “Do you think that the scripture says in vain,...” James began with the words, “Do you think” which means “are you of the opinion or suppose, account, repute and judge” “that the scripture” which refers to “the written portion or section of the Holy Scripture” “says” or “speaks, affirms, maintains, exhorts, advises, commands and directs” “in vain” which means “of no purpose or aim”. James questioned whether his readers thought the “Holy Scriptures” “affirm and advise” in a manner of “no purpose or design”.

The verse goes on to say, “The spirit that dwells in us lusts to envy?” James continued, “The spirit” or “the third person of the triune God, the Holy Spirit who is coequal and co-eternal with the Father and the Son” “that dwells in us” which means “settles, inhabits, pervades, prompts and governs within James and his readers” “lusts” or “longs for, desires, pursues with love and harbors forbidden desires” “to envy” which means “ill-will and jealousy as detraction and spite”? The “Holy Scriptures” tell us about the wicked “desires” that lead to “ill-will” that are within all of us”.

When we consider these words of James, we cannot deny the “wicked desires” and “lusts” that are with every person. Therefore, when they are not brought under the Lordship of Jesus Christ, they result in “wars, fights, disputes, arguments and quarrels”. Perhaps we should examine our own hearts truthfully in light of the “scriptures” and know that without the Lord Jesus Christ ruling and reigning in our lives, contention reigns, disputes rule and “irreconcilable differences” become the norm of the day. May the Holy Spirit of God bring this truth to the forefront of our hearts.

Next time James shares how God “gives more grace”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

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