James 4:2
Verse
Context
A Warning against Pride
1What causes conflicts and quarrels among you? Don’t they come from the passions at war within you?2You crave what you do not have; you kill and covet, but are unable to obtain it. You quarrel and fight. You do not have, because you do not ask.3And when you do ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, that you may squander it on your pleasures.
Sermons







Summary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Ye lust, and have not - Ye are ever covetous, and ever poor. Ye kill, and, desire to have - Ye are constantly engaged in insurrections and predatory wars, and never gain any advantage. Ye have not, because ye ask not - Ye get no especial blessing from God as your fathers did, because ye do not pray. Worldly good is your god; ye leave no stone unturned in order to get it; and as ye ask nothing from God but to consume it upon your evil desires and propensities, your prayers are not heard.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
Ye lust--A different Greek word from that in Jam 4:1. "Ye desire"; literally, "ye set your mind (or heart) on" an object. have not--The lust of desire does not ensure the actual possession. Hence "ye kill" (not as Margin, without any old authority, "envy") to ensure possession. Not probably in the case of professing Christians of that day in a literal sense, but "kill and envy" (as the Greek for "desire to have" should be translated), that is, harass and oppress through envy [DRUSIUS]. Compare Zac 11:5, "slay"; through envy, hate, and desire to get out of your way, and so are "murderers" in God's eyes [ESTIUS]. If literal murder [ALFORD] were meant, I do not think it would occur so early in the series; nor had Christians then as yet reached so open criminality. In the Spirit's application of the passage to all ages, literal killing is included, flowing from the desire to possess so David and Ahab. There is a climax: "Ye desire," the individual lust for an object; "ye kill and envy," the feeling and action of individuals against individuals; "ye fight and war," the action of many against many. ye have not, because ye ask not--God promises to those who pray, not to those who fight. The petition of the lustful, murderous, and contentious is not recognized by God as prayer. If ye prayed, there would be no "wars and fightings." Thus this last clause is an answer to the question, Jam 4:1, "Whence come wars and fightings?"
John Gill Bible Commentary
Ye lust, and have not,.... The apostle proceeds to show the unsuccessfulness of many in their desires and pursuits after worldly things; some might be like the sluggard, whose soul desireth all good things, and yet he has nothing, Pro 13:4 because he does not make use of any means, even of such as are proper and necessary, and ought to be used: ye kill, and desire to have, and cannot obtain; some, instead of kill, which seems not so agreeable, read envy; and then the sense is, they envy at the good and happiness of others, and covet after another's property, but cannot enjoy it; all such envy and covetousness are fruitless, as well as sinful: ye fight and war, yet ye have not; go to law one with another about each other's property; or rather, make a great stir and hustle to get the things of the world; rise early, and sit up late; strive who should get most, and quarrel about what is gotten, and seek to get all advantages of one another; and yet still have not, what at least is desired and strove for: because ye ask not; of God, whose blessing only makes rich: instead of all this worldly stir and bustle, and these strivings and quarrellings with one another, it would be much more advisable, and, in the issue, be found to turn to more account, to pray to God for a blessing on your endeavours; and to ask of him the good and necessary things of life, in submission to his will, and with thankfulness for what he has bestowed.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
4:2 you scheme and kill: Killing was the extreme, but logical, outcome of their rapacious attitude. Some of James’s readers might have followed the Jewish Zealot movement and engaged in murder to benefit their cause. Hostile attitudes and violent methods do not provide satisfaction—you can’t get what you want by them.
James 4:2
A Warning against Pride
1What causes conflicts and quarrels among you? Don’t they come from the passions at war within you?2You crave what you do not have; you kill and covet, but are unable to obtain it. You quarrel and fight. You do not have, because you do not ask.3And when you do ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, that you may squander it on your pleasures.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
2006 Heart-Cry - Journal Reading and Message
By Paul Washer14K58:20Living By FaithPSA 34:10JER 29:13MAT 7:7ROM 8:291CO 2:9HEB 11:6JAS 4:2In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the goodness of God and His plans for believers. He encourages young men to seek and avail themselves of God's promises through prayer and perseverance. The speaker shares a personal testimony of wrestling with a particular issue for many years and experiencing a breakthrough through prayer. He also highlights the faithfulness of God in providing for their ministry despite financial challenges. The sermon concludes with a reminder of the importance of relying on God alone and the abundance of promises in the Bible for believers.
Claiming the Power That Is in Christ
By David Wilkerson6.9K56:58Power Of The SpiritMAT 7:7MRK 11:24JHN 16:22JAS 4:21JN 5:14In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the power and authority that believers have in Christ. He encourages the congregation to claim this power and not be hindered by the forces of the enemy. Jesus assures his disciples that although he will go away, he will come back and they will see him again. He promises that the Holy Spirit will reveal all things to them and teach them. The preacher also highlights the importance of praying in Jesus' name and the assurance that whatever is asked in his name, the Father will give.
A Quiet Talk on Prayer
By William MacDonald6.0K33:41Prayer LifeJAS 4:2JAS 5:16REV 8:1In this sermon, the speaker reflects on a conversation he had with a young person who expressed the difficulty of living a life of faith in the United States. The speaker emphasizes the need to trust God completely and put oneself in a position where failure is only possible if God fails. He believes that by doing so, one will experience a powerful presence in their life and be able to impact others for God. The sermon then transitions to a discussion on prayer, highlighting the confidence believers can have in approaching God and the assurance that He hears and answers their prayers according to His will. The speaker also shares a personal anecdote about a situation where God provided food for him and his companion through the kindness of a stranger.
Enjoying Fellowship With God
By Alan Redpath4.6K30:12Fellowship With GodMAT 6:33MRK 11:24JHN 14:14JHN 15:7PHP 4:6JAS 4:21JN 5:14In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of prayer and highlights four basic principles of prayer. The first principle is the requisite of prayer, emphasizing that we need to ask God for what we need. The second principle is the extent of our prayer, stating that we can ask God for anything. The third principle is the condition of our prayer, which is praying in the name of Jesus. Lastly, the speaker discusses the promise of prayer, stating that God will answer our prayers. The sermon also provides practical suggestions for developing a disciplined prayer life, including acts of adoration, confession, thanksgiving, and supplication.
Prayer Causes Things to Happen
By John Piper4.4K03:21EPH 6:18PHP 4:61TH 5:16JAS 4:2This sermon emphasizes the profound impact of prayer, highlighting how prayers have the power to cause things to happen that would not occur if we did not pray. It challenges the notion that God's sovereignty negates the importance of prayer, emphasizing that prayer is a privilege that allows us to participate in God's divine plan and bring about events in the universe. The message urges believers to embrace this privilege and not neglect the opportunity to partner with God in shaping the course of events through prayer.
When Prayer Touches Glory
By Carter Conlon4.2K1:00:27PrayerMAT 6:7LUK 11:1LUK 11:9JAS 4:2In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the need for a transformation in our hearts, minds, and spirits. He prays for God to plant a new heart in him and to give him a renewed mind and spirit. The speaker then focuses on the Lord's Prayer, specifically on the phrases "give us, forgive us, lead us, and deliver us." He warns against turning our relationship with God into a predictable and empty repetition, and instead encourages a genuine and spontaneous connection with the Holy Spirit. The sermon concludes with a prayer for God's kingdom to come into our lives and for His will to be done.
A Much Better Way
By Jim Cymbala4.0K43:17Christian LifeMAT 6:19LUK 18:13ROM 7:7ROM 7:12HEB 8:10JAS 4:2REV 21:1In this sermon, the speaker shares the story of Louis Zamperini, a former Olympic runner who became a prisoner of war during World War II. Zamperini endured unimaginable suffering and torture at the hands of his captors, leading him to develop intense hatred and a desire for revenge. However, his life took a dramatic turn when he attended a Billy Graham crusade and encountered the message of forgiveness and redemption through Jesus Christ. This encounter ultimately transformed Zamperini's life, leading him to find healing and freedom from his nightmares and addictions.
Prayer - Living Alright
By A.W. Tozer3.2K44:03PrayerJAS 4:2JAS 5:16In this sermon, the preacher discusses the current state of the church and how it is being taken advantage of by politicians and those seeking personal gain. He emphasizes the need for the church to be restored and revived, so that it can be a powerful force for God. The preacher then focuses on the topic of prayer, using three texts from the Bible to highlight its importance. He encourages the congregation to pray fervently and without ceasing, emphasizing the effectiveness of the prayers of a righteous person. The preacher also expresses his love for young people but criticizes the older generation for not truly knowing and experiencing God, leading to a lack of respect from the youth.
(Basics) 53. Not Praying as Hypocrites Do
By Zac Poonen3.0K11:41GEN 1:27PSA 55:17MAT 6:5JHN 10:271TH 5:17JAS 4:2In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes that prayer is not a ritual or a mere repetition of words. Instead, it is a heartfelt communication between a child and their father. The speaker refers to Jesus' teaching in Matthew 6:5-6, where Jesus emphasizes the importance of the state of one's heart during prayer rather than the specific words used. The speaker warns against being a religious actor, someone who prays in public to impress others, and encourages genuine and private prayer. The sermon concludes by highlighting that prayer is not just about asking for things, but about enjoying time spent with God and listening to Him.
Immersed in the Holy Spirit
By Zac Poonen2.8K1:05:221SA 10:6MAT 7:7LUK 11:13JHN 17:10ACT 1:8ROM 8:9ROM 8:15JAS 4:2This sermon emphasizes the importance of seeking the Holy Spirit with a sincere heart, surrendering all areas of our lives to God, and being open to His transformative work. It highlights the need to yield every room in our hearts to Jesus, seek Him earnestly, and believe in His eagerness to fill us with His Spirit. The speaker encourages a deep commitment to Christ's lordship, a continuous walk with God, and a hunger for a consistent life filled with the Holy Spirit.
How the Spirit Leads Us - Part 4
By Zac Poonen1.7K08:57PSA 51:10ISA 64:8EZK 36:25LUK 11:13ACT 1:8ROM 8:9GAL 5:16JAS 4:2This sermon emphasizes the importance of depending on God to fulfill His promises in the New Covenant, contrasting it with the limitations of the Old Covenant. It highlights the need to believe and receive all that God has promised, especially the transformation through the Holy Spirit's indwelling. The message underscores the power and necessity of the Holy Spirit in living a victorious Christian life and the importance of seeking, valuing, and walking in the Spirit to experience God's fullness and blessings.
I Press Toward the Mark
By Earl R. Clark1.6K48:01CallingMAT 6:33MAT 7:71CO 9:24EPH 3:20PHP 4:19HEB 12:1JAS 4:2In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes that Christ is the ultimate goal and focus for believers. He encourages everyone to participate in the race towards this goal, emphasizing that all can reach it with the help of God. The speaker urges listeners to keep their eyes fixed on Christ and not be distracted by others. The sermon concludes with the reminder that God has a purpose for each individual and that it is their responsibility to use their time on earth to share the message of Christ with others.
The Battle of Familiarity
By Carter Conlon1.3K45:50PSA 37:4PRO 3:5ECC 2:10MAT 7:71CO 12:4EPH 3:20PHP 4:132TI 1:6HEB 12:1JAS 4:2This sermon addresses the battle with familiarity, exploring why it becomes a struggle and how it leads to boredom. Drawing from Ecclesiastes, the speaker warns against becoming bored with the blessings of God and emphasizes the importance of stirring up the gifts of God within us. The message highlights the need to ask, seek, and knock for strength, joy, and supernatural empowerment to overcome familiarity and remain faithful to God's calling.
Privilege and Power of Prayer
By William MacDonald1.2K39:37JAS 4:2JAS 5:161JN 5:14REV 8:3In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the incredible truths found in the Word of God. They use the expression "enough to blow your socks off" to describe the impact of these truths. The speaker also shares a personal testimony of praying for a fellow Navy member for 50 years, who eventually passed away. They believe that their prayers had an effect on the person's conscience. The sermon also highlights the power of prayer and how it can move the hand of God to do things that He otherwise wouldn't have done. The speaker references James 4:2 and James 5:16 to support this belief.
Can a Christian Commit Suicide?
By Tim Conway1.2K32:19PSA 34:17ISA 41:10MAT 27:5MRK 3:281CO 6:91CO 10:13HEB 12:1JAS 4:21JN 2:3REV 21:4This sermon addresses the question of whether a Christian can commit suicide, highlighting that suicide is self-murder driven by unfulfilled desires. It explores biblical examples of suicide and the implications of such actions on one's faith and salvation. The speaker emphasizes the need to trust in God's grace and endure suffering, rather than resorting to self-will and unrighteousness. Suicide is portrayed as a dishonorable and sinful act, contrasting with the call to find rest and satisfaction in Christ.
Standing in the Gap for a Lost World by K P Yohannan
By K.P. Yohannan1.1K31:39EZK 22:30MAT 7:7MRK 11:24EPH 6:18PHP 1:41TH 5:16JAS 4:2This sermon emphasizes the power and importance of prayer, highlighting how prayer is a privilege that allows believers to stand in the gap for others and influence the destiny of nations. It explores the mystery of God's plan for His people to partner with Him through prayer, showcasing examples of how prayer can lead to miraculous interventions and life transformations. The speaker encourages a shift in perspective towards prayer, viewing it as a joyful conversation with God that activates His power to change situations and bring about His will.
Child-Like Prayer
By Basilea Schlink93904:35Radio ShowMAT 7:7JAS 4:2In this sermon, Basilia Schlenk discusses the power of childlike prayer and the promise that God has given to those who approach Him with trust and simplicity. She emphasizes the importance of asking God for our needs and not being afraid to come to Him with even the smallest requests. Schlenk reminds listeners that God desires to be a loving Father to us and wants us to bring all of our needs to Him. She also acknowledges that sometimes God may withhold an answer or a gift in order to teach us something or to bless us even more abundantly in the future.
Mark - He Watches Over His Own
By J. Glyn Owen75442:31CareMAT 6:33MRK 4:35MRK 6:45JAS 4:2In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the constant vigilance and watchfulness of Jesus over his followers. He highlights that Jesus, as the Lord of creation and time, never sleeps or slumbers. The preacher uses the incident of Jesus walking on water to rescue his disciples as an example of Jesus' watchfulness. He explains that Jesus saw the disciples struggling in the boat during the first watch of the night and eventually went to them during the fourth watch. The preacher encourages the audience to trust in Jesus' ability to see their struggles and come to their aid, even if they haven't explicitly asked for help.
All That Jesus Taught Bible Study - Part 27
By Zac Poonen60325:21JER 29:13MAT 7:7MAT 19:26MAT 28:18LUK 11:5LUK 18:1EPH 4:32JAS 4:2This sermon emphasizes the importance of fulfilling the Great Commission by making disciples and teaching them to obey all that Jesus commanded. It highlights the high standard set by Jesus in the Sermon on the Mount, showing that living up to it is impossible without God's help. The message encourages believers to ask God for the power of the Holy Spirit to live according to His standards and to seek Him wholeheartedly, persistently, and in faith. It also stresses the need to pray not just for material things but for spiritual growth, holiness, and the ability to serve others with the gifts of the Holy Spirit.
God's Strength & Faithfulness
By Robert B. Thompson6021:05:35MAT 5:18LUK 18:1ROM 16:202CO 1:201TH 5:17JAS 4:2In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of taking advantage of the upcoming difficult times to grow spiritually and help others. He believes that American Christians are too comfortable and need to become more serious with God. The preacher also discusses the brutal treatment of captives and how it should serve as a wake-up call for Christians to prioritize prayer and sacrifice for the gospel. He urges the audience to redeem their time and avoid wasting it on trivial pursuits, emphasizing the need to bear fruit in their lives. The sermon concludes with a reminder that God will ultimately crush Satan and that believers should trust in Him for guidance and provision.
Laying Hold of the Lord in Prayer
By Tim Conway60102:432CH 7:14PSA 127:1JHN 15:5ACT 1:8EPH 6:10PHP 4:131TH 5:17JAS 4:2JAS 5:16This sermon emphasizes the importance of Christians being able to call upon the Lord in prayer to bring down the power of God, as it is God's presence that shakes the foundations of the kingdom of darkness. The speaker highlights the need for God to come in revival, conversions, and the growth of churches, stressing that it is through prayer that Christians can lay hold of God's arm and empower their spiritual warfare. The message underscores the necessity of humble dependence on God for empowerment in all aspects of life, warning against relying solely on theological doctrines like Calvinism without active prayer and seeking God's presence.
How to Get What You Want
By Gary Wilkerson9350:03Christian LifeGod's AbundanceDesires of the HeartPSA 37:4EPH 3:20PHP 4:19JAS 4:2Gary Wilkerson emphasizes that God not only meets our needs but also delights in fulfilling our wants, encouraging believers to embrace their desires without guilt. He shares personal anecdotes to illustrate how God can exceed our expectations, as seen in the story of a woman who found a better apartment than she imagined. Wilkerson challenges the notion that wanting is inherently selfish, asserting that God desires to bless us abundantly. He encourages the congregation to eliminate evil desires, illuminate good ones, and take action towards their aspirations, reminding them of the goodness of God as a loving Father who wants to give good gifts to His children.
Hungering for Righteousness in Our War Against Lust, Part 1
By Mike Bickle281:03:58Spiritual WarfareRighteousnessPSA 19:11MAT 5:6MAT 7:14MAT 16:24LUK 4:13EPH 6:12COL 3:52TI 2:20JAS 4:21PE 2:11Mike Bickle emphasizes the necessity of hungering and thirsting for righteousness in our battle against lust, highlighting that this internal war requires our active cooperation with God's grace. He explains that while we have a part to play in denying ourselves and making quality decisions, we must also seek divine help through prayer and fasting to overcome the temptations that arise. Bickle stresses the importance of preemptive prayer, urging believers to ask God for strength before facing temptation, rather than only seeking forgiveness after falling. He warns against the dangers of complacency and encourages a proactive approach to spiritual warfare, reminding us that true victory comes from a deep connection with God and a commitment to purity. Ultimately, he calls for a serious commitment to self-denial and the pursuit of holiness as essential to experiencing God's presence and power.
How to Respond to Global Crisis
By Mike Bickle271:01:08Corporate WorshipIntercessionPSA 2:8ISA 30:18HEB 7:25JAS 4:2Mike Bickle emphasizes the critical role of corporate intercessory worship in responding to global crises, asserting that God's governance is released through the prayers of His people. He explains that while some events in God's plan are predetermined, many outcomes depend on the faithful intercession of believers. Bickle calls for a collective return to God through solemn assemblies, highlighting the necessity of prayer and repentance to avert judgment and receive God's mercy. He stresses that the church must recognize its responsibility in the face of sin and crisis, and that true intercession is a powerful weapon against the challenges facing nations today.
Esther: Beauty Preparations for the Bride
By Mike Bickle2552:55Authority in PrayerPreparationEST 2:12EST 4:14PSA 27:4SNG 4:16ZEC 12:10MAT 6:16MAT 11:28ROM 8:26JAS 4:2REV 22:17Mike Bickle emphasizes the significance of the Book of Esther as a model for the church's role in the end times, portraying the church as a bride prepared in beauty and intimacy with God. He highlights that Esther's preparation involved both suffering (the oil of myrrh) and joyful encounters with God (the fragrant perfumes), which are essential for the church to operate in authority during crises. Bickle stresses that the church must engage in prayer and fasting to cultivate a spirit of prayer, which is vital for spiritual authority and effectiveness in the world. He calls for believers to downsize their lives to prioritize this preparation and intimacy with God, as it is crucial for fulfilling their divine purpose. Ultimately, the sermon encourages the church to embrace its identity as the bride of Christ, prepared for the return of the King.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Ye lust, and have not - Ye are ever covetous, and ever poor. Ye kill, and, desire to have - Ye are constantly engaged in insurrections and predatory wars, and never gain any advantage. Ye have not, because ye ask not - Ye get no especial blessing from God as your fathers did, because ye do not pray. Worldly good is your god; ye leave no stone unturned in order to get it; and as ye ask nothing from God but to consume it upon your evil desires and propensities, your prayers are not heard.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
Ye lust--A different Greek word from that in Jam 4:1. "Ye desire"; literally, "ye set your mind (or heart) on" an object. have not--The lust of desire does not ensure the actual possession. Hence "ye kill" (not as Margin, without any old authority, "envy") to ensure possession. Not probably in the case of professing Christians of that day in a literal sense, but "kill and envy" (as the Greek for "desire to have" should be translated), that is, harass and oppress through envy [DRUSIUS]. Compare Zac 11:5, "slay"; through envy, hate, and desire to get out of your way, and so are "murderers" in God's eyes [ESTIUS]. If literal murder [ALFORD] were meant, I do not think it would occur so early in the series; nor had Christians then as yet reached so open criminality. In the Spirit's application of the passage to all ages, literal killing is included, flowing from the desire to possess so David and Ahab. There is a climax: "Ye desire," the individual lust for an object; "ye kill and envy," the feeling and action of individuals against individuals; "ye fight and war," the action of many against many. ye have not, because ye ask not--God promises to those who pray, not to those who fight. The petition of the lustful, murderous, and contentious is not recognized by God as prayer. If ye prayed, there would be no "wars and fightings." Thus this last clause is an answer to the question, Jam 4:1, "Whence come wars and fightings?"
John Gill Bible Commentary
Ye lust, and have not,.... The apostle proceeds to show the unsuccessfulness of many in their desires and pursuits after worldly things; some might be like the sluggard, whose soul desireth all good things, and yet he has nothing, Pro 13:4 because he does not make use of any means, even of such as are proper and necessary, and ought to be used: ye kill, and desire to have, and cannot obtain; some, instead of kill, which seems not so agreeable, read envy; and then the sense is, they envy at the good and happiness of others, and covet after another's property, but cannot enjoy it; all such envy and covetousness are fruitless, as well as sinful: ye fight and war, yet ye have not; go to law one with another about each other's property; or rather, make a great stir and hustle to get the things of the world; rise early, and sit up late; strive who should get most, and quarrel about what is gotten, and seek to get all advantages of one another; and yet still have not, what at least is desired and strove for: because ye ask not; of God, whose blessing only makes rich: instead of all this worldly stir and bustle, and these strivings and quarrellings with one another, it would be much more advisable, and, in the issue, be found to turn to more account, to pray to God for a blessing on your endeavours; and to ask of him the good and necessary things of life, in submission to his will, and with thankfulness for what he has bestowed.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
4:2 you scheme and kill: Killing was the extreme, but logical, outcome of their rapacious attitude. Some of James’s readers might have followed the Jewish Zealot movement and engaged in murder to benefit their cause. Hostile attitudes and violent methods do not provide satisfaction—you can’t get what you want by them.