The Riddleblog

“Draw Near to God” - The Eighth in a Series on the Book of James (James 4:4-12)

Context, Context, and Context

When people cite verses from the Book of James, often times they cite them from our text–the middle portion of James chapter 4. Not only do we often hear the words of James 4:8, “draw near to God and he will draw near to you,” used as an evangelistic appeal (incorrectly, I might add), but many Christians are familiar with the verses “God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble” (James 4:6) and “resist the devil and he will flee from you” (James 4:7). It is remarkable how often these verses are lifted from their context and used in ways in which James likely did not intend. Therefore, it is important to treat these verses in the overall context of James’ epistle, so as to understand them correctly, because these verses not only warn us of the danger of allying ourselves with the world, and judging others, but these same verses also direct us to seek the grace of God, which he has freely promised to give us in the person of his son.

We now come to James chapter 4. Since we have much ground to cover–even though there are only nine verses in our passage–I want to briefly put this section of James into context before we get started. With the Book of James context is everything. It is very important that we understand the background to this letter as we work through it. We also need to keep in mind the purpose for which this letter was written, as well as the date and background of the author, who in this case, is the brother of our Lord Jesus Christ, and who is writing to persecuted Jewish Christians scattered throughout Palestine and Syria.

Based upon the various exhortations we find in the Book of James, we can see some of the issues which were troubling the congregations to which he is writing. James recounts how professing Christians were discriminating against the poor and showing favoritism to the rich. James tells us why it is so important for us to tame our tongues (because our words can be so destructive), as well as explaining why we must seek wisdom from above (so that we do not rely upon the wisdom of this age). James has warned us of the dangers of worldliness, which is thinking and acting like those non-Christians who were persecuting the churches. In chapter 4, James addresses the question of Christian behavior in terms of considering our fundamental alliance with God and his saving purposes in Jesus Christ. If we are allied with God through faith in Christ, we cannot behave as though we were allied with those who hate the gospel.

The Fruit of Justifying Faith

As James has already established in chapters 1 and 2, good works are the fruit of justifying faith. While God has brought us forth from death to life through the preaching of the gospel (James 1:18), and then implanted that word within us (1:21), James has also pointed out how evil passions remain within every Christian even after they come to faith in Christ (4:1). Christians must continue to struggle against these passions and strive to obey the commandments of God (4:1 ff). While the law of God exposes our sins and demonstrates that we are law-breakers (2:10), once we trust in Jesus Christ (who has died for all our sins and whose own perfect law-keeping is credited to us through faith), the commandments of God reveal to us those things we must do, now that we are Christians (2:12). This is what James means when he exhorts us to be doers of the word, and not mere “hearers” only (1:22). Christians must strive to obey the commandments of God, and in doing so, we “do” those good works which are the proof that we have placed our trust in Christ. This is what James is getting at when he says that we are not justified by faith alone, but that our faith in Christ is completed by our good works.

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The Epistle of JamesKim RiddlebargerApril 29, 2026James 4:4-14, Draw Near to God, Resist the devil, WorldlinessComment

“Like a Roaring Lion” (1 Peter 5:1-14) – Words from Peter to the Pilgrim Church (Part Eleven)

There is one thing American Christians do not like–to submit to the authority of church officers. In one survey, 90% of American Christians opined that the church has no authority to declare whether or not someone is a Christian. Yet, all the evangelical theologians asked to comment on the poll results found themselves numbered among the 10% who rightly noted that Jesus himself gave to the church the keys of the kingdom (Matthew 16:17-19), as well as explaining the precise steps for the church to take when someone’s doctrine and conduct do not match that required of those who name the name of Jesus.[1]

There is also one thing about which American Christians are thoroughly confused–the power and tactics of the devil between the time Jesus defeated Satan while suffering upon the cross, and our Lord’s second advent at the end of the age. Ironically, Peter discusses both the role of elders in governing Christ’s church, as well as Satan’s opposition to Christ’s rule through his appointed church officers, in our text, verses 1-14, of 1 Peter chapter 5.

The Importance of the Office of Elder

In this exposition and the next we will discuss the 5th and final chapter of this remarkable epistle, bringing our study of this epistle to an end. Although the final chapter of 1 Peter contains only 14 verses, there is enough significant material here, I felt it best not to rush through this section and only touch briefly on the matters which Peter addresses. In wrapping up this epistle, the apostle Peter gives us wise counsel about the purpose of suffering, as well as introducing us to a proper understanding of church government (the importance of elders in ruling Christ’s church). Yet, Peter does so in the context of the devil’s efforts to attack the people of God. So, this exposition will address the office of elder, and how a proper understanding of the church and its officers is the bulwark against the schemes and attacks of the devil. Next time, Lord willing, we will conclude our exposition of 1 Peter by addressing how we as Christians ought humble ourselves before God, while casting all of our cares upon him.

In light of the reality that the chapter on ecclesiology is usually the least read section in any good systematic theology (because American Christians tend not to be interested in the doctrine of the church, which explains why there are so many church hoppers and public scandals), I begin by pointing out that the doctrine of the church is a major theme throughout the New Testament. Jesus called disciples and then commissioned them to take the gospel to the ends of the earth, in the process making disciples and establishing churches, which, in many ways, are modeled upon the synagogues of Israel. These new churches are to be ruled by elders who ensure the gospel is preached, the sacraments are administered according to the word of God, and that all things are done decently and in good order (1 Corinthians 14:40).

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I PeterKim RiddlebargerJuly 10, 2023Elder rule, The binding of Satan, Resist the devil Comments