1. Unfulfilled lives . . .
James 4:1-10

2. First Thoughts . . . Think of Christians with unfulfilled lives
Serving God is the key to satisfaction (Ecclesiastes 12:13)
James said they didn’t have something
This lesson is about examination
Self-examination (2 Corinthians 13:5)
Examination of the church

3. The Problem Influenced by those around them
Worldly wisdom (James 3:13-18)
Self-justification (1 Corinthians 1:18-21)
Lives were filled with all types of sin
Satisfying the flesh (James 4:1; Romans 8:1-7)
Corrupted by the world (Romans 12:1, 2)
A threat to purity (1 John 2:15-17)

4. The Problem The desire to be like the world is strong.
Immodesty (Genesis 3:7-21; 1 Timothy 2:8-10)
Lasciviousness (Mark 6:21-29; Galatians 5:19-21; 2 Peter 2:14)
Social drinking (1 Peter 4:1-5)
Other evils of gambling, pornography, etc.

5. The Effects Some were not praying at all
Tragedy (James 4:2; 1 Thessalonians 5:17)
A barrier (Isaiah 59:1, 2; 1 Peter 3:12)
Others were praying but to no avail
Asking but not receiving (James 4:3)
Hinders prayer (1 Peter 3:7)

6. The Effects They were now enemies of God
Friendship with the world (James 4:4)
Cannot afford it (Matthew 22:37)
Belong to God (1 Corinthians 6:19, 20)

7. The Solution Human wisdom fills man with pride
Gentiles (James 4:5, 6; Micah 6:8 Romans 1:18-32)
Opposes the proud (1 Timothy 3:6)
They needed to do several things
Submit to God (James 4:7, 8)
Resist Satan (1 Peter 5:8)
Be cleansed (1 John 1:9)

8. The Solution The goal was to draw near to God Mourn (James 4:9, 10)
Consider Corinth (1 Corinthians 5:1, 2, 13)
Do we mourn over sin?
Rejection (1 Peter 5:6; 2 Peter 1:11)

9. Final thoughts . . . Are your prayers being hindered?
Why not come and be cleansed?