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by Joseph W. Henderson
February 10, 2008 James 4:1-17
Introduction
What does worldliness mean from a biblical perspective? It’s a life that is lived from a carnal (or fleshly) perspective. A carnal Christian is a person who continues to live by the appetites of his fallen nature, which are in opposition to God. This state is very dangerous for a believer. The story of Samson can serve as a prime example. In summary, Samson violated his Nazirite vow in which he was set apart several times (Numbers 6:2). The Nazirite vow consisted of three prohibitions: (1) abstaining from wine and all products from the vine, (2) abstaining from the use of a razor, and (3) avoiding all contact with dead things. Samson allowed himself to fall victim to the seductive charms of a woman, Delilah. She proved to be his undoing, for she shaved his head and he lost his strength. Scripture declares that Delilah cried out to Samson saying "The Philistines are upon you!" Samson then responded as in former times to rise and slay his enemy, but something was quite different this time. He did not realize that he had lost his power (Judges 16:20). The same is true of carnal Christians. Their power of witness is gone, and their testimony is made ineffective.
Therefore, as believers, we should be very concerned about worldliness. The Bible clearly warns us not to become friends with the world (1 John 2:15-17) because it could lead to spiritual decay and demise. In our passage of study for today, James 4:1-17, "world," as used by James means, of course, human society apart from God. The thrust of the passage is that every Christian should resist succumbing to worldliness, which raises the question of how? In our passage, James makes several observations and answers the question regarding how to pull off this spiritual feat (not succumbing to worldliness).
James’ First Observation Deals with the Visible Evidence of Worldliness (James 4:1-3)
James illuminates the minds of his audience by suggesting that the passionate desires for worldly pleasures are the internal source of the external conflict in the church.
The Bible is replete with examples of this sinful mindset among some of the people of God. There are two examples that come to mind, in particular in Scripture, which speak to this very issue. One is the conflict between Abraham and Lot’s herdsmen, which led to their separation. As a result, Lot chose to reside amongst the people of the cities of the plains who were pagans filled with worldliness (Genesis 13:5-13). In addition, two of Jesus’ apostles wanted the privilege of being positioned at places of honor on the right and left hand of Jesus. The ten, upon hearing this request, became indignant and an attitude of resentment prevailed among them (Mark 10:35-41). Both of these incidents resulted in infighting. The Bible declares that “God is not the author of confusion” (1 Corinthians 14:33). Therefore, the source of their strife emanated from their inner most selfish desires and impure motives.
James says that petitioning God in prayer with wrong motives is another sign of worldliness, and that God is not obligated to answer such selfish requests. Therefore, we should constantly and earnestly evaluate our motives as we serve God. A pure heart should produce pure motives, which should produce prayer requests that are in harmony with God’s Word and will. However, if worldliness is allowed to exist in the life of a believer, it can lead to negative spiritual outcomes.
The Negative Spiritual Result of Worldliness (James 4:4-5)
One negative outcome of spiritual worldliness is being called an adulteress by God. James uses this term intentionally, for his audience would have understood quite clearly the intent and meaning behind its use. In Israel’s history, the people have often been unfaithful to God, especially in times of prosperity (Hosea 3:1; Isaiah 57:3, 7; Ezekiel 16:1, 23). The Bible declares that God is a jealous God (Exodus 20: 5). God does not like for His children to share their hearts with any other entity outside of Himself for worship (or life influence).
For example, Israel turned to idol worship after falsely assuming that something had happened to Moses while he was upon the mountain of God. They coerced Aaron into making them an idol to worship, and he complied (Exodus 32:1-6).
Moses returned, rebuked the people and punished many of them that had been unfaithful to God in this matter (Exodus 32:25-30). When we allow our hearts to wander away from God and pursue unrighteous friendship associations with the world, we become enemies of God, which is another negative outcome resulting from spiritual adultery. Jehovah doesn’t like unfaithfulness, and He will respond unfavorably towards it. Therefore, let us not allow our hearts to wander away from Him. Since men are totally depraved (completely sinful in all facets of being), their thinking is contaminated, too! James now turns his attention to a negative outcome that flows from the inner thoughts of a non- spirit-controlled mind, the spirit of malice.
The Malice That Can Be Associated with Worldliness (James 4:11-12)
James now condemns those believers who have been overrun by thoughts and acts of malice towards their brothers in Christ. Specifically, he is condemning acts of slander and defamation of character of a brother in the faith. The underlining issue here is perpetuating unsubstantiated hearsay. We could also call this gossip. James is not saying that believers are forbidden from judging or confronting those Christians engaged in carnal lifestyles. We are instructed by Paul to render righteous judgments (1 Corinthians 6:1-8). However, there is one caveat: We are not allowed to judge another's action if we are hypocrites, guilty of the same offense (Matthew 7:3-5).
Jesus was often falsely accused. The religious leaders even sought liars to testify against Him (Matthew 26:59-62). Here’s some food for thought: if a person will talk (or gossip) about somebody to you, then that same person will talk about you to somebody else! Make it a life’s choice not to entertain or perpetuate unsubstantiated hearsay about others. David prayed in Psalm 19:13 that God would keep him away from presumptuous sins. James proceeds to deal with another area of worldly thinking, presumption.
The Presumptuous Folly of Worldliness (James 4:13-17)
As believers, we should never intentionally presume on God. Our lives are orchestrated by the Divine will of God. Since we do not know what tomorrow or even the next minute should bring, we should preference our statements in such a way that we are dependent upon the mercy and grace of God for its fulfillment. James encourages us to foster the mindset of “if it be the Lord’s will.” Pagans (or sinners) make plans all the time thinking that they are the one’s that control their destinies. However, James says that such a mindset is folly. The rich young fool in Luke 12:13-21 is a prime example. He made his plans to enjoy his wealth but did not realize that God would require his soul before he could really enjoy what he had stored up for the future. Wise Christians always submit their plans unto the Lord with the understanding that if He chooses to bless it it will come to pass (Proverbs 19:21). Never take God for granted. Finally, James provides us with ten imperatives (commands) that show us how not to succumb to worldliness.
The Biblical Cure for Worldliness (James 4:6-10)
How do we avoid succumbing to worldliness? First, he commands believers to submit to God. Submission to the will and authority of God is the primary key to victorious Christian living. All Christians have to resolve in their hearts to become subject to God’s will. Second, he commands us to resist the devil. We know that Satan wants all born-again believers to follow his example and rebel against God. No Christian is exempt from Satan’s schemes of seduction and temptations to commit sin. However, we must follow Jesus’ example in Matthew 4, the wilderness temptation in which Jesus fought off Satan through the masterful use of God’s Word. Third, he exhorts us to draw near to God. The Psalmist gives us a beautiful picture of this passionate desire when he says, “As the deer pants for the water brooks so my soul longs after thee. You, oh Lord, are my heart’s desire and I long to worship you.” Fourth, he declares that we are to wash our hands and purify our hearts. This act is symbolic of cleansing ourselves of sins of commission (willful) and omission (ignorance) through repentance. He commands us to grieve, mourn, and wail: to be sorrowful and broken before God with regards to sin and its devastating effects in the lives of people. Finally, James commands us to be humble before God. If one fulfills these imperatives, he will avoid more often than not, the lures of Satan to succumb to worldly influence and living.
In conclusion, the Prodigal Son is a prime example of what the devastating effects of worldliness can render. He demanded his inheritance from his father to engage in riotous living. With his money now squandered, so-called friends gone, and reduced to slum living in the pig pen, he came to himself. He said, “You know. I made a terrible mistake. Maybe my father might accept me back as a hired servant, for they live much better than this.” He turned towards home and to his surprise his father met him with open arms and welcomed him home. The father did not make him a servant. Instead, he told his servants to prepare for a welcome home party, and he further directed them to bring his son a robe, a ring, and a new pair of shoes. The destructive effect of worldliness is a bad thing for believers, but if they repent and return to God, He will perform a miracle in sin-sick lives, for God specializes in redeeming and recovering damaged lives. He’s a God of restoration! |
