At The Heart of Faith's Work (4:1-12) | James: Faith at Work

What keeps you from peace?In week 9 of our series on James, we arrive at one of the most confrontational passages in the New Testament. James asks, "What causes quarrels and what causes fights among you?" His answer is not about the other person, the circumstances, or even the truth — it is about the war within us: frustrated desire met with twisted passion.This sermon moves through James 4:1-12, confronting the way we ask God without submitting to Him, the way we pursue lesser loves as if they were ends, and the way we treat God as a genie or a distant power instead of the One who longs for us in covenant.James accuses us of adultery — not first against ourselves or others, but against the One faithful to us. And yet even there, grace is greater. At the heart of the work of faith is a humility that does not think less of ourselves, but thinks of ourselves less — so that we find ourselves totally infatuated and consumed by the One who gives all to us.Questions for Reflection:Who am I devoted to? Myself? God? Someone/thing else?In what ways does my faith lead to my humility, and therefore, to grace?What would tomorrow look like if I responded devotedly to faith at work within me?Scripture References: James 4:1-12, James 1:3-4, James 1:9, James 1:17, James 1:19-20, James 3:13-18, James 3:14, Hebrews 11:1, Matthew 5:21-22, Matthew 11:28-29, Psalm 24:1-6Voices/Quotes: Douglas Moo, TPNT Commentary on JamesSermon Notes & Liturgy | James: Faith at Work---Tired of consumer Christianity? So are we.Come rest in Jesus. Sundays at 10:10AM642 Brookhurst Dr, Dallas, TX 75218.Christ City Church is a faith family following Jesus together in east Dallas.Learn more at www.christcity.lifeFollow us on...IG: @christcitylifeX: @christcitylifeTH: @christcitylifeFB: christcitychurchdallasYT: @christcitylife