Walk the Talk: A Men's Bible Study in JamesSample

Take Cover

Conflict is as old as humanity itself. In fact, it might even predate the fall of man as we know it.

We see a world of violent conflict blowing up all around us. For some, this is seen when we watch or read the news, for others it might be taking place outside their doorstep. We see relational conflict all around us in families, at workplaces, in schools or at recreational clubs and events. Even at church we see how interpersonal conflict tear things and people apart.

But what we don’t see is probably the greatest conflict and instigator of other conflicts, and that is the conflict we have within. The personal conflict with our desires and spiritual battle with darkness. This is the seed that bursts forth into all other conflict as well. Either because we are not content in our own being and state of mind, or because we allow the darkness to infiltrate our desires and then ignite sinful behaviors, which in turn lead to all other abovementioned conflicts.

James tackles this topic at its root, reminding us that it’s our hearts and minds giving way to temptations and selfish desires, that lead to other inner conflict and conflict with others. Afterward, leaving a trail of destructive behaviors and dark patterns in our lives.

However, the solution is simple. Take Cover!

When bombs go off all around us, we take cover. When we face outnumbering odds, we like to know we’re covered. When we find ourselves in difficult situations, we welcome any cover we can get. So why don’t we take cover for the inner spiritual battles that build up to a world of other troubles?

James gives us a simple four-step plan to take cover, but also triumph and conquer:
Submit, Repent, Resist, and Stand!

1.Submit. Alone we are basically useless against the schemes of the devil. But as soon as we submit to God, confessing our need of his protection and guidance, He’s got us covered! Submit, draw close, and stay close, in relationship with God.

2.Repent. Then, along with submission goes repentance. This doesn’t mean we live guilt-stricken lives hoping to get closer to God by continuously feeling bad. No, it means we recognize our sin and shortcoming, take responsibility for our actions, and allow the Holy Spirit to change our thoughts and behaviors.

3.Resist. Now we are at the dual! Only we have the Big Gun behind us while the enemy has only his six-shooter aimed at us. Now we can resist! For we are in a place of authority, under the great Authority of Christ, giving us both the upper hand and higher ground when facing the devil and his schemes.
So, chase the hound of hell back where he should go!

4.Stand! James then concludes this reasoning saying that God exalts those who humbles themselves. In the end, the only way we can stand before God, take a stand in this life, and stand against whatever the world and darkness throw at us, is to humbly take cover under the wings of the Almighty!

Reflect on the following…

1. What does friendship with the world look like?
How is it different from having friends with worldly views?

2. In which practical ways should you submit and repent to God, and resist and stand against our enemy, the devil?

3. What do you specifically need prayer for today? Pray about it…