Why are there wars?

Psalm 2:1-4; James 4:1-4

Introduction

1. From the beginning of recorded history – wars

2. Pax Romana (Latin for Roman peace)

   1. 120 years with no major war

   2. 27 BC to 180 AD (Christ's life and establishment & spread of church)

3. Why do the nations rage? (Psalm 2:1)

4. Where do wars come from? (James 4:1)

Answers: From Answers on Yahoo

1. That person has something i want and they won't give it to me

2. I hate those people so lets get rid of them

3. Those people are standing in the way of progress

4. His great-great-great-great grandfather killed my great-great-great-great grandfather

5. I'm not going to get picked on anymore by anyone. I'LL do the picking on.

Bible Answers: James 4

1. Desires / Lusts / Greed / Covet (1-2)

   1. Most wars are caused by desire, lust, greed

   2. Hitler – WWII

   3. Gulf War in Kuwait

   4. Vietnam / Korea

2. Don't get what we want – failed to ask (2)

   1. I want it – He did not give it to me

   2. Ahab wanted Naboth's vineyard – 1 Kings 21

3. Ask amiss – for wrong purpose or reason (3)

   1. Selfish motive

   2. Revenge motive

4. Friendship with the world / worldliness (4)

   1. Are we more loyal to the world or to God?

   2. Seek Kingdom and His righteousness? Matthew 6:33

Bible Answers: Psalm 2

1. Plot a vain thing

2. Think you are strong / powerful

   1. Daniel 4 – Nebuchadnezzar – learned God is in charge

   2. 2 Corinthians 12 – Paul's thorn in the flesh

3. Take counsel AGAINST the Lord

   1. Fail to seek God's wisdom in the matter

   2. Learn God's wisdom – then ignore it

   3. Figure out how to work against God's will

Conclusion:

1. Personal – social – family – church – same answer applies

2. Seek God and His will FIRST

3. Seek God, Pray for God's will be done, obey God