The Truth About Divine Connection
Join Apostle Jaa as he teaches a dynamic word on divine connection taken from the book of James verses 4:1-8
Introduction to James
James, the half-brother of Jesus (biological son of Mary and Joseph)
The year 2026 / 5786 suggests a time when God is dealing with mankind, often highlighting the 'number of the flesh' (6).
2 You 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.
3 And when you do ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, that you may squander it on your pleasures.
4 You adulteresses! Do you not know that friendship with the world is hostility toward God? Therefore, whoever chooses to be a friend of the world renders himself an enemy of God.
5 Or do you think the Scripture says without reason that the Spirit He caused to dwell in us yearns with envy?
6 But He gives us more grace. This is why it says: “God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble.”
7 Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.
8 Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded.
I. Conflicts & Battles Amongst Christians
James begins by addressing the internal struggles that lead to external strife within the Christian community.
A. Carnality: The Internal War
These conflicts often stem from carnality, an internal war within the believer regarding the lust of the flesh.
This is a battle for control, where our desires clash with God's will.
No two believers who are walking in the Spirit of God towards each other can live with wars and fights.
Examples of this internal struggle include:
- A selfish spirit
- An unsatisfied life
- Constant conflicts with others
2 You 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.
II. Re-evaluating Our Prayer Life
Our connection with God is deeply reflected in our prayer life. James highlights two critical issues.
A. No Prayer
Some believers simply have no prayer life. This leads to a significant spiritual deficit.
No prayer life is no power at all.
B. Selfish Prayer
Others pray, but their prayers are selfish, driven by personal desires rather than God's will.
To pray effectively, we must:
- Align our will with His
- Ask God to accomplish His will on this earth
Effective prayer requires alignment
3 And when you do ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, that you may squander it on your pleasures.
11 The Pharisee stood by himself and prayed, ‘God, I thank You that I am not like the other men—swindlers, evildoers, adulterers—or even like this tax collector.
12 I fast twice a week and pay tithes of all that I acquire.’
13 But the tax collector stood at a distance, unwilling even to lift up his eyes to heaven. Instead, he beat his breast and said, ‘God, have mercy on me, a sinner!’
14 I tell you, this man, rather than the Pharisee, went home justified. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but the one who humbles himself will be exalted.”
Obstacles to Divine Connection
James identifies specific attitudes and relationships that hinder our closeness to God.
1. Adulteresses: Unfaithfulness
This strong term points to spiritual unfaithfulness. In a covenant relationship, God is the Husband and we are His Wife.
Any devotion given to the world instead of Him is spiritual adultery.
2. Friendship with the World
True friendship with God is based on obeying His Word. Friendship with the world, however, is enmity with God.
What is the world?
- It is not the physical planet.
- It refers to the societal, cultural, and moral systems influenced by sin, selfishness, and rebellion against God’s authority.
3. Envy & Pride
These destructive forces directly oppose God's nature and block His grace.
When we exhibit pride:
- God resists: He acts as an active adversary, blocking our ways or allowing us to face consequences.
- Blocks grace: Pride hinders the flow of divine favor, while humility opens the door to God's help.
- Conflict with God: Pride causes individuals to rebel against God’s laws.
The Path to Connection: Submission
James provides a clear directive for overcoming these obstacles.
To “SUBMIT” means willfully aligning your life, will, and desires under God’s authority.
This requires an active surrender—a conscious decision to obey God’s commands and follow His leadership.
When people surrender their pride and submit to God, it will force the devil to flee.
III. Draw Near to God
This is both an invitation and a promise. Just as a friend invites you to their home and you promise to come, God extends an invitation with a guarantee of His presence.
To draw near means to concentrate on Him, focusing our attention and affection on God.
A. Benefits of Drawing Near to God
When we actively seek closeness with God, our lives are transformed:
- It helps us resist the devil.
- It helps us become pure.
- It helps us to sorrow for sin.
- It helps us speak well of others.
- It helps us to think of eternal things.
