James 4:2–3 — King James Version (KJV 1900) 2 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. 3 Ye ask, and receive not, because ye ask amiss, that ye may consume it upon your lusts. James 4:2–3 — New Living Translation (NLT)
Full Answer
What is the meaning of James 4 3?
For if our identity is in Christ, the intentions of the heart will align with the Word of God as it pertains to righteousness. But if our identity is wrapped up in our love of self, our heart's intentions will seek personal pleasure with no regard for the consequences that follow.
When you don't ask when you receive?
When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, that you may spend what you get on your pleasures. You adulterous people, don't you know that friendship with the world is hatred toward God? Anyone who chooses to be a friend of the world becomes an enemy of God.
What does the Bible say about not because you ask not?
0:331:42You Have Not Because You Ask Not | Joyce Meyer Ministries - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnswer is you have not because you ask. Nothing. If there's anything you want you ask God for it.MoreAnswer is you have not because you ask. Nothing. If there's anything you want you ask God for it.
What you ask you shall receive?
7 Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye. shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you: 8 For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh. findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened.
Can I ask God for anything?
Even though God knows what you want and need, He wants you to ask Him for it. God can answer vague prayers, but being specific creates a deeper bond between you and Him. Being specific does not guarantee that God will answer your request in the way you want Him to. He may have other plans for you.
What is the meaning of Ask and it shall be given?
This passage suggests that God will give whatever is needed to those who have the faith to ask for it.
When you pray believe that you will receive?
The scripture verse on this Bible is "Whatever you ask for in prayer believe that you have received it, and it will be yours, Mark 11:24.
Why do we pray amiss?
James 4:3 – “You ask and do not receive, because you ask amiss, that you may spend it on your pleasures.” How often do we pray for things that don't have anything to do with our immediate needs? Jesus walked this earth and never prayed for people's conveniences.
What does James mean in the Bible?
supplanterJames is a classic, traditional and Biblical name (Saint James, of course, was one of Jesus' 12 apostles) meaning "supplanter" or "replacer." It's derived from the Latin Jacomus which also means "may God protect."
What is the meaning of the first shall be last and the last shall be first?
In a general sense, “the first” are the privileged, prestigious, and selfish who get ahead in this life while defying God's commandments. But they will receive condemnation in the life to come. “The last,” though rejected by the world, will receive a great reward in heaven.
What is the right way to pray to God?
The Lord's Prayer (Matthew 6:9–13) is Christ's response....I hope they will encourage you to make 2022 a year of prayer.Know to whom you are speaking. ... Thank him. ... Ask for God's will. ... Say what you need. ... Ask for forgiveness. ... Pray with a friend. ... Pray the Word. ... Memorize Scripture.
How do we ask according to the will of God?
Understanding how to pray according to God's Will includes: 1) entrusting ourselves to God's loving authority; 2) focusing on God's priorities; and 3) listening to God's Spirit. We must learn humble obedience to listen to His Will and present ourselves to Him, eager to live out His purposes.
Who Is James Addressing?
Take a moment to read this whole thought in James, and as you’re reading ask yourself: who is James talking to?
Why Are You Asking? A Look at Motives
Looking closely at having not because of asking not reveals that the problem is not really in the asking. The problem is in the reason why you are asking.
The Negative Power of Coveting
This type of emotion is not only unhealthy, it is a catalyst that leads to fights, quarrels, and yes—even murder. I must remind you again that James is talking to Christians. The striking thing about this desire is that it comes from within you.
The Problem of Misplaced Desires
Another problem here is the object of the desires, or the things that bring you pleasure. It would be one thing if you were desiring to be more like Christ or to be filled with more of the Holy Spirit, those desires are not only beneficial to you but also to others. The desires James refers to are only beneficial to you.
How Does James 4:2 Read in Other Translations?
Looking at other translations can give greater clarity to the full meaning of any biblical verse. Consider these two translations:
The 3-Check Prayer Litmus Test
We have clearly seen in James that just praying is not enough. You must look closer at the motives you have. Because you do not ask is not the only reason you do not receive. To help you when you pray, I want you to check these three things.
A Closing Thought on Motives
Motives are so important, and sometimes we can be blinded and not see them in our own heart. Thankfully, God is not blind, and he is willing to expose motives if you ask him. So today, before you pray or do anything, let’s pray what David prayed: