What causes fights and quarrels among you? Don’t they come from
your desires that battle within you? You desire but do not have, so you kill.
You covet but you cannot get what you want, so you quarrel and fight.
You do not have because you do not ask God. When you ask,
you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, that you may
spend what you get on your pleasures.
James 4.1-3
In Acts 17:11, the passage begins with the statement, "Now the Berean Jews were more noble-minded than those in Thessalonica," and concludes by elucidating the reason: "for they eagerly received the message and diligently examined the Scriptures daily to verify whether what Paul said was true." This biblical verse underscores the importance of critically evaluating any claims or teachings about the Scriptures. Additionally, it highlights a crucial lesson about the significance of enthusiasm and thoughtful consideration in the learning process.
I've noticed a common trend among Christians to have a figure to listen to and learn from—a person regarded as a fount of knowledge. This tendency can escalate to a point where dissenting with them induces discomfort and a feeling of committing a grave error. This phenomenon is approaching a juncture where biblical preachers are transforming into celebrities. It appears that the inclination to have a celebrity figure contributes to a passive acceptance of teachings as truth, leading to a complacent state devoid of enthusiasm and thoughtful consideration in "eagerly receiving the message and diligently examining the Scriptures." Within these three verses, three educational principles emerge: the use of questions to think, the provision of answers that lead you to think, and explanations that necessitate thoughtful reflection.
The author initiates (v.1) a series of questions designed to encourage self-reflection and thoughtful consideration. These questions bring focus to the internal struggles and desires that can potentially lead to conflicts. The use of rhetorical questions serves the purpose of engaging, emphasizing, and prompting reflection. Despite the author's awareness of the answers, the intention is for the reader to absorb and apply the content by processing it in their own life. In verse 2, the author begins providing answers to the earlier questions. Notably, he does so in a manner that encourages the reader to engage in thoughtful contemplation about their own life. Rather than simply delivering information, the author prompts readers to grapple with a reality they confront daily: "You covet but cannot obtain; so you quarrel and fight." This revelation underscores that the root issue lies in the act of desiring itself. He ends (v.3), bringing an explanation but leading to reflection, by saying, “You do not have because you do not ask God. When you ask, you do not receive because you ask with wrong motives.” As observed in the conclusion, the essence of the matter is the heart—a personal issue that requires attention (Mat. 6.33).
Reflecting on James 4:1-3, it becomes evident that the essence lies in the directive to "eagerly receive the message and diligently examine the Scriptures." God desires a personal relationship with His children, emphasizing that merely accepting content from a celebrity figure is not the intended path. A proficient preacher is one who guides individuals toward eagerly receiving the message and diligently examining the Scriptures. This involves teaching principles and encouraging personal reflection within the text-scripture, rather than imposing personal theological opinions. A preacher who spends more time expounding their views, rather than seamlessly integrating the text into people's lives, might be veering off course, turning into a celebrity, fostering a fan club mentality rather than cultivating a noble-minded approach akin to the Berean Jews.
Eduardo Mendes
Founder and President
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