James 4

March 27, 2023

Do the Right Thing

James 4.11-17

We need to be careful not to speak against or judge our neighbor. Doing so puts us at odds, not only with the law (love your neighbor as yourself) but even more terrifyingly…it puts us at odds with the Lawgiver and Judge, the only One who is able to save and destroy.

And when it comes to making plans, we should put the Lord at the center of them. That can be a pretty scary proposition…it may cause us to change our plans altogether, especially the ones we know He wouldn’t approve of. But when we put Him at the center, there’s a great chance that whatever it is, it will bring glory to Him. Remember, we’re not the main character in our story. He is. He has the right to call the shots. To set the agenda. Brings to mind Proverbs 3.5-6, “Trust in the LORD with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.”

pro rege

This post is based on a sermon from our James series. Download the podcast at: Central Christian Church Main Service, or follow us on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube or Twitter: @ccclancaster. You can also download our Central Christian app in the iTunes App Store.

March 20, 2023

The Source of Conflict

James 4.1-10

What is the source of (destructive) conflict among us? Well, it’s…us. Our pleasures raging war within our members. All of us looking out for number one. We all want to be the main character.

Of course that leads to some very ungodly behavior. And unfortunately when that happens, the church doesn’t look much different than the world. We don’t realize that our actions/words/attitudes/desires are tantamount to idolatry. We are choosing friendship with the world over friendship with God. Or we try to play both sides, but it can’t be done. We are either all in or all out.

If that’s you today, the good news is that James has laid out a pretty clear path from pride to humility, from friendship with the world to friendship with God. Submit, resist, draw near, cleanse and purify, repent, and humble yourself in the presence of the Lord. And He will exalt you.

pro rege

This post is based on a sermon from our James series. Download the podcast at: Central Christian Church Main Service, or follow us on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube or Twitter: @ccclancaster. You can also download our Central Christian app in the iTunes App Store.