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Answer
In James 4:1–5, James discusses the origins of our disputes and conflicts. The signs include coveting what others possess and, even when we request instead of taking, doing so with impure intentions. James appears to link this behavior to aligning oneself with a worldly system that prioritizes self over God. Frequently, we strive to obtain through our own efforts and for our own purposes what only God can provide. Ultimately, these behaviors stem from selfish pride. James cautions his audience that pursuing these actions leads them to oppose God. Subsequently, just a few verses later, James encourages his readers to “draw near to God, and He will draw near to you” «Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded. », (James 4:8, NKJV).
After outlining the erroneous path, James juxtaposes it with the correct one: “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble” «But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble. », (James 4:6, ESV). Due to this principle, James urges his readers to submit to God and consequently resist the devil «Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. », (James 4:7). James even suggests that submitting to God (and resisting the devil) will cause the devil to flee. By focusing less on one’s self and on gratifying fleshly desires, by turning away from alignment with a God-opposing world system (or culture), and by resisting the devil, the Christian can overcome their three primary adversaries—these adversaries are the same three opp
Paul mentions components in Ephesians 2:1–3. Avoiding the three negatives may be simpler by focusing on the positive encouragement from James—“Draw near to God and He will draw near to you” «Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded. », (James 4:8).
When we move toward God, He draws closer to us. Although His Spirit already resides within believers, it is clear that we can still conform to the ways of the world, the devil, and the flesh. Conversely, if we are filled (or controlled) by His Spirit (as in Ephesians 5:17-19), then He produces fruit in us (Galatians 5:22-23). Paul expresses it as: “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly” «Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. », (Colossians 3:16, ESV). By shifting our focus from ourselves to Him, we become more submissive. This concept aligns with the idea of “drawing near to God and He will draw near to you” «Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded. », (James 4:8). By adjusting our priorities, desires, thoughts, and behaviors according to His guidance, we discover that we are walking with Him. Jesus discussed this in John 15, instructing His disciples to “abide” in Him «Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, eExcept you abide in the vine; no more can you, unless you abide in me.” (John 15:4).
While God has provided us many details about how to walk with Him, James puts things succinctly when he encourages his readers to “draw near to God and He will draw near to you” «Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded. », (James 4:8). It is easy to get lost in the theological details sometimes, as there are many and they are all important and useful (as 2 Timothy 3:16-17 reminds us). It is also good for us to see the simplicity of what God is asking us to do. He is asking for simple, quiet fellowship with Him. Recall that Jesus once reminded His hearers that His yoke was easy and His burden was light «For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.», (Matthew 11:30). God isn’t trying to complicate things for us, and He hasn’t made walking with Him burdensome. He reminds us that we need to draw near to Him and He will draw near to us.
