A Caring Community With a Global Vision to develop every person into a fully devoted follower of Christ
 
August 22, 2004
Rev. Rurel Ausley

How To Be A Peacemaker!
James 4:1-2


1. When was the last time you had a quarrel with someone, whether in your family, work or friend? What was the cause? How did you resolve it? In what ways have you discovered to be a peacemaker instead of a troublemaker? Do you currently have someone that you are out of fellowship with? What might you do to try to mend fences? How does peacemaking reflect our spiritual maturity?

2. James says that there are three wars going on in the world. Let's look at the three. First, is the war with each other. (4:1,11-12) What are the root causes of fights and quarrels between people? (4:1-3) What is it that God wants from his people? (Ps.133:1; John 13:34,35) Since we do have differing opinions and every vote is not unanimous, what is the difference in quarreling and disagreement? What are the conflicts that James mentions? (2:1-9; 5:1-6; 1:19-20; 3:13-18; 4:11-12) What was Jesus' prayer for us? (John 17:21)

3. So, why are we at war with one another? James says it is because we are at war with ourselves. (4:1-3) What are the battles going on inside a person? (4:1-2) What does James 3:16 have to say about this? What is the essence of sin? (Isaiah 53:6) Why is the battle of the heart "I will" vs. "Thy will"? Have you ever settled that battle? What happens if we allow that battle to continue? (1 Cor. 3:1-4) How can we cloak our selfishness in "spiritual garb"?

4. Thirdly, the real reason for all of this is that we are at war with God. (4:4-10) How are we at war with God? (4:4) What does it mean to be "friends" with the world? How does friendship with the world lead to loving the world? Why should we not conform to the world? (Rom. 12:2) What are we supposed to resist?

5. How can we overcome all of this and relate to ourselves, God and others? (4:7-10) How do we submit to God? (4:7) How is submission an act of the will? How can we draw near to God? (4:8) How can we humble ourselves before God? (4:9-10) Which of these things might you need to do today to be right with God?