James 4:1-5

Do not be filled with pride -- James 4:1-5 : Here James deals with the source or origin of altercations among brethren. He listed as causes of these wars and fightings: (1) a lust after worldly things, (2) too much stress on worldly pleasures, and (3) valuing too highly worldly friendships. Lust leads to wickedness, envy, hatred, and even murder. Christians must do what they can to win the war within. Within each Christian there is a conflict between worldly passions of the flesh, and God's spiritual principles that should be allowed to govern the soul.

These Christians kill with hatred, lust, evil words and a lack of prayer. Sincere prayer would have caused their willful selfishness to dry up in their hearts. Even when these brethren prayed they were motivated by selfish greed. God does not answer prayers prayed only for selfish gratification. (James 4:3)

Some had become guilty of spiritual adultery because of their strong love of and friendship with the world. These brethren had broken their marriage covenant with God by loving the world with a stronger love than they had for God Himself. When a person loves the world too much it draws away the love of that soul from the Almighty. The person, who, with purpose and intention, loves the world, turns away from the Creator. Lust for the world in a heart, and the indwelling Spirit of God in that same heart, is an impossible idea.