Our Desires vs. God’s Desire
I. The CAUSE of QUARRELS (4:1-3)
A. The WAR that Rages INSIDE (4:1-2a; Ti. 3:10-11; Prov. 20:3; Rom. 8:7)
B. Our FAILURE to ASK (4:2b; Matt. 7:7-8; John 15:7)
C. Our (NOT SO) Hidden AGENDAS (4:3)
II. An EXCLUSIVE Relationship (4:4-6; Amos 3:2; Hos. 3:1; Deut. 6:5)
A. Drawing a LINE in the SAND (4:4; Deut. 30:19; Josh. 24:15; Matt. 6:24; 1 John 2:15-17)
B. Does GREEN Look Good on GOD? (4:5; Ex. 34:14; Deut. 4:24)
C. The GRACE of a Faithful LOVER (4:6; 2 Tim. 2:13; Ps. 118:1-4; Hos. 3:1)
III. RIGHTING the ‘SHIP (4:7-10)
A. In the War on DESIRE, FOLLOW God’s Lead (4:7; Luke 24:22)
B. Walk the WEARY Road of REPENTANCE (4:8-9; 2 Cor. 7:10; Ecc. 7:2-5)
C. Follow in the STEPS of CHRIST (4:10; I Pet. 5:6; Phil. 2)
Questions for Further Reflection
1. Kid’s Question: Do you ever get in fights with your friends or your siblings? Why do you think that is?
2. Do you struggle with bringing your needs to God in prayer? If so, why do you think that is?
3. Between control, security, and affection, which is the greatest desire of your heart?
4. Spend some time in reflection. What types of attachments or aversions do you have to support your pursuit of happiness?
5. How do you feel about the exclusivity of God? Does the language of adultery and hatredseem over the top to you? What does this strong language teach us about God’s desire?
6. Have you ever felt a “healthy” jealousy? How does God’s jealousy (or zeal) make you feel?
7. Do a word study on the Hebrew word chesed. What does God’s loyal love mean to you?
8. What does it mean for you to submit yourself to God?
9. When have you experienced repentance? Are there things that God is calling you now torepent of?
10. James, Peter, and Paul all call us to humble ourselves. In what ways are we living out awisdom of the world that clashes against this wisdom from heaven?