Daily Devotions
James
"The Spirit who dwells in us..."
Text: James 4:5
THE HOLY SCRIPTURES
James held a very strong understanding of the Scriptures. The following are some of the expressions used in his epistle.
1. The Word James 1:21, 22, 23
2. The perfect law of liberty James 1:25
3. The royal law James 2:8
4. The Scripture James 4:5
THE APPLICABILITY OF THE SCRIPTURES
James also believed that the Scriptures should be applicable to life.
“Or do you think that the Scripture says in vain,
‘The Spirit who dwells in us yearns jealously?'”
James 4:5
1. “Or do you think that the Scripture says in vain”
a) Citing of the Scriptures
i) James certainly knew the Scriptures.
ii) It was authoritative.
iii) It was valid for doctrine and for life.
b) The Scriptures
i) They were not written in vain.
ii) They were meant to be read and understood.
iii) They were meant to be consciously obeyed.
2. “The Spirit who dwells in us”
a) The indwelling of the Spirit of God was prophetically promised (Joel 2:28-29; Isaiah 44:3).
b) This was further reinforced by the teachings of Jesus (John 3:5-8).
c) The Apostle Paul is in full agreement (Ephesians 1:13-14).
3. “Yearns jealously”
a) The Spirit of God does not inhabit the true believer in a dormant manner.
b) He is actively involved in making us holy (1 Peter 1:2).
c) He yearns within us jealously.
With holy jealousy, the Spirit of God yearns to make us godly and not worldly. This work of the Spirit is felt by every true believer. He may fall into sin from time to time, but the Spirit who works within will bring about repentance and a return to the Lord God for cleansing and revival.