The New Nature Vs. the Old

Do ye think that the scripture saith in vain, The spirit that dwelleth in us lusteth to envy? (James 4:5)

Have you ever experienced a moment when you realized you were envious of someone else’s life or success, even though you are a believer? James, the pastor of the church in Jerusalem at the time, wrote this. James’ letter was not directed at new believers or the world at large; he was addressing Christians who had been filled with the Holy Spirit, walked in miracle power and were taught the Word.

How does this happen to believers? As humans, we are tri-part beings. We are spirits (that’s the true essence of us), we possess souls (our minds, wills, and emotions), and we live in bodies (our earthly suits). Our spirits are instantly transformed into brand-new creations when we accept Jesus. However, our souls and bodies are not changed instantaneously. Paul wrote in his epistle to the church of Corinth that our souls are “being” saved (1 Corinthians 1:18 AMP). It’s a lifelong process.

This is why, despite being saved, filled with the Holy Spirit, and empowered, we still need to combat envy, competition, and resentment toward others. These feelings and the desire to act on them do not align with our new nature, and we are responsible for bringing them into alignment.

The good news is that we do not have to confront these challenges alone. Through the ministry of the Spirit of Grace, the Holy Spirit offers us strength, wisdom, guidance, and comfort when negative emotions emerge. Lean on Him, trust in Him, and follow His path.

Practical Application

When you notice an emotion or thought rising within you that shouldn’t be present, don’t ignore its existence. Stop and acknowledge it; don’t remain silent. Speak out, saying something like, “Lord, I see envy within me. I surrender this feeling to you. Fill me with contentment.” Do this for any unwelcome feeling that conflicts with your new nature.

2 Corinthians 5:17; Romans 1:29

Look Within, Not Around

From whence come wars and fightings among you? come they not hence, even of your lusts that war in your members? Ye lust, and have not: ye kill, and desire to have, and cannot obtain: ye fight and war, yet ye have not, because ye ask not. Ye ask, and receive not, because ye ask amiss, that ye may consume it upon your lusts.  (James 4:1-3)

It’s easy to look around and judge others. Pointing out the mistakes and flaws we see makes us feel good, allowing us to overlook the areas we need to fix in our lives. James wrote this to challenge believers to look inward rather than outward when feelings of self-righteousness, envy, or jealousy arise.

James’ church was full of seasoned believers, yet there remained a significant issue of competition, arguments, jealousy, and even hostility among the believers toward one another.

Some people use their judging of the shortcomings of certain Christians as a reason to avoid involvement in church altogether. They might say, “Well, I know several people who claim to be Christian, but they are just hypocrites.” However, it is important to understand that God will not judge based on comparison. He won't place you among others and say, “Well, compared to them, I guess you’re good.” No. Each of us will stand individually before God, and at that moment, we cannot use the actions of others as an excuse for our inaction. God will examine our hearts, actions, and motivations.

Rather than comparing ourselves to others, we should channel that energy into reflecting on our relationship with God.

James wrote to inform Christians that our prayers are hindered when we judge others and attack them. You don’t want your prayers to be obstructed. God desires our prayers to align with His vision and His heart.

Practical Application

Live intentionally and ask God where you need to grow. He’s not asking you to be perfect, but He expects you to diligently address the areas you may neglect. Ask the Holy Spirit about the aspects He sees that require change.

2 Corinthians 5:10; Revelation 20:12

Count it All Joy

My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations. (James 1:2)

I’m sure you’ve had moments when life seemed to be hitting you not just from one direction but from all sides. James used the term “divers,” meaning many-faced or many-faceted attacks. In those moments, it's easy to let discouragement, anger, and jealousy take over our thoughts and attitudes. Yet, in James 1, he wrote a powerful message about what believers are called to do instead: Count it all joy.

Now, you need to understand the context and world in which this was written. Christians faced intense persecution, and Jewish Christians suffered even more as anti-Semitism swept through the Roman world. These believers encountered real-life hardships and separations as they scattered to protect themselves from death.

James wrote to these believers, explaining that this wasn’t random, it wasn’t a mistake, and it was methodical. Satan brings life's difficulties to distract, discourage, and make us doubt God’s plan. He can’t take your anointing, gift, or call, but he can try to divert your attention from it and instead get you to focus entirely on him and how negative this situation is. Trials and problems don’t simply occur because we have done something wrong. Those difficulties often arise because we have received the Word of God, and the enemy wants us to abandon it immediately.

James wasn’t suggesting that we enjoy suffering. He was saying that we can choose to focus on and receive joy as the fruit of the Spirit, coming from our time in the presence of God, instead of concentrating on how fiercely the enemy is fighting. When you face trials, remember it's not because you've failed—it's because you're growing.

Practical Application

Stop talking about how bad the devil is. Stop wasting your time on problems, worries, and the mess. When you feel tempted, say aloud, “I have the joy of the Lord.”  Receive His joy and walk in it.

Mark 4:17, Matthew 13:21