Selfish strife, which is a form of worldliness, is sin.

We see this in three ways in our text.

1A.  First, IN THE WAY SELFISH STRIFE IS CAUSED

1B.    Notice the inquiry of James (4.1)

2B.    Notice the inquisition of James (4.2a)

3B.   Notice the insistence of James (4.2-3)

2A.  Second, IN THE WAY SELFISH STRIFE IS CORRECTED

1B.    First, by recognizing God’s principle (4.4)

2B.    Second, by responding to God’s provision (4.5-6a)

3B.    Third, by remembering God’s promise (4.6b)

3A.  Finally, IN THE WAY THE SELFISH ARE COMFORTED

“Notice how James relates this thing called comfort.

1B.    In verse 7, comfort is related to authority

2B.    In verses 8 and 9, comfort is related to separation

3B.    In verse 10, comfort is related to humiliation

4B.    Finally, in verses 11 and 12, comfort is related to retaliation