I am trying very hard to understand James 4:4 but am having difficulty doing so.
I publish a newsletter that goes out to several thousand people. In that letter, I often warn people of problems that are going on around the world that could effect them and their families. I am concerned that I am going against James 4:4 by involving myself and my readers with 'worldly' things. On the other hand, the Bible speaks clearly to the responsibilities of the 'Watchmen'. Can anyone help me with a better understanding. The LAST thing I want to do is to go against my Lord Jesus. Help please.
Michael on James 4. Let me offer an opinion. I think that what James 4:4 is getting at, is that our desires should not be set on questionable pursuits that set Christ aside. For example, it is perfectly fine to engage in all legitimate activities in society. God orders society and sets up guidance for governments. Some people have an ambition to become great at something they do. Sports is a good example. Politics is another. And business is also a necessary endeavor in our lives. We live in a secular society. Not everyone feels the same about the God of the Bible and the standards Christians live by. But it is those standards that I think this verse makes reference to.
As Christians, we are to put Christ and everything He stands for first in our heart. We must not abandon His precepts. When we shove Christ and the Biblical principles we ought to live by aside, we are essentially abandoning Him for things we think are more valuable or desirable. But there is a fine line here that we have to understand. Commitment to certain "secular" endeavors, does not mean you have abandoned Christ. I might be fully committed to my job, but I haven't replaced Christ with it. My desire is not that object, in place of Christ.
We should also be mindful that we are all sinners and will continue to sin until Christ comes. But we all have different interests and talents. Not everyone is going to have the ambition to preach. Not everyone can. So, my thinking is, we can't divorce ourselves from the reality around us. But whatever it is we are involved in, do it without hypocrycy.
But to really understand James, we have to study the history and events of the time. We can't just take James 4 at face value. We have to ask, What was going on that prompted James' statement? An Adulterer is one that sneaks around with other people, while trying to maintain a semblance of faithfulness, propriety and legitimacy with others. Is a good modern equivalent called being a Two-faced hypocrite?
Michael, my understanding of Js 4:4, is James' harsh word to predominantly Jewish Christians about their carnality. You can see some of their sins in other parts of his letter, particularly for their lack of works which should be a hallmark of their faith. So, in chapter 4, James addresses their lust for worldly goods: their behaviour resembles those who don't belong to God (like what we see today - a good message to add to your newsletter). To have 'stuff' is not bad, but to lust after it to the point where they behave like God isn't the reason for their existence, is what is concerning James which forces him to call them "adulterers & adulteresses": for their spiritual fornication in this regard.
Your Newsletter is there to inform & warn people & so this verse that you question does not apply to you as you are not engaging in or encouraging people to acquire the offerings of this world at all cost. The fact that you want to alert folk to this fact is admirable as very few do it, or even dare to do it. Press on brother.
Thank you Chris. I do sincerely appreciate you taking the time to answer my question about James 4; it is very much appreciated. I'm learning. Do take care.
Michael as long as you uplift Christ in the message and show in the Bible what the world is doing is wrong, my opinion you are doing the Lord's work. But I am a nobody to the world.
Ephesians 5:11 And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather (EXPOSE) reprove them.
"First" We as ( Gentiles have to remember, The Jews are God's chosen people. The Gentiles have no part in God's covenant (Law) no matter what some try to say. Jesus had no earthly ministry with the gentiles. Read Matthew 10:5- what Jesus commanded his twelve disciples, not to go to the Gentiles Nation. However, after the Cross, shedding Jesus Christ blood for the whole world, NOT FOR JUST SOME: Jame's was a Jew, he was writing to his people. Remember all that is in the bible is not for us. It is there for our learning; Paul is our teacher for the Gentiles. Throw out Pau's scriptures there is nothing for the Gentiles Nation. For the Jews promises are earthly, Gentiles are spiritual. ALL believers in God's word are in the body of Christ, Jews, and Gentiles. God will finish up his covenant with the rest of his people, (Jews) in the millennium: But we all have to believe God's word to be saved, that is the only way and ask forgiveness, for our sins. Remember just because we are saved does not mean We are perfect here on earth.
Rob you are dancing on the edge of HERESY. Obviously you have not trekked the beginning to the end of the Bible, a whole lap.
You need a good concordance and a reference Bible with columns down the center of the pages. Then you will be equipped to study GOD's WORD.
God has a comprehensive end time plan for Gentiles (non-Jews), Jews, and Messianic Jews (believe Jesus is the Messiah they missed). Also the Two Witnesses, 144,000 Jewish evangelists, evangelizing angels.
We want to assist if we can. That's why we're here: to learn and to be helpful with the Light we possess. Be a blessing to others :D
I don't want to have to go head to head on "Jews vs Gentiles' every day. I figure that God, the Creator has it all worked out, already. He wrote it and He will perform it.
There's Jehovah Witnesses, Christian Scientists, 7th Day Adventist's, pre-Trib, Mid-Trib, Post-Trib..... you get my drift?
I get weary with arguing. If it's confusing, You came to the right place. We love to study.
Several of you have taken the time to answer my questions about James 4 and I want you to know how very, very much I appreciate your doing so. I'm living a life that is trying to 'catch up' with the things I did not study when I was younger - and answers and comments like those I have received from you do a tremendous amount of good in that education. Thank you. Thank you all for your input so very much. God bless each and everyone of you.
I publish a newsletter that goes out to several thousand people. In that letter, I often warn people of problems that are going on around the world that could effect them and their families. I am concerned that I am going against James 4:4 by involving myself and my readers with 'worldly' things. On the other hand, the Bible speaks clearly to the responsibilities of the 'Watchmen'. Can anyone help me with a better understanding. The LAST thing I want to do is to go against my Lord Jesus. Help please.
As Christians, we are to put Christ and everything He stands for first in our heart. We must not abandon His precepts. When we shove Christ and the Biblical principles we ought to live by aside, we are essentially abandoning Him for things we think are more valuable or desirable. But there is a fine line here that we have to understand. Commitment to certain "secular" endeavors, does not mean you have abandoned Christ. I might be fully committed to my job, but I haven't replaced Christ with it. My desire is not that object, in place of Christ.
We should also be mindful that we are all sinners and will continue to sin until Christ comes. But we all have different interests and talents. Not everyone is going to have the ambition to preach. Not everyone can. So, my thinking is, we can't divorce ourselves from the reality around us. But whatever it is we are involved in, do it without hypocrycy.
But to really understand James, we have to study the history and events of the time. We can't just take James 4 at face value. We have to ask, What was going on that prompted James' statement? An Adulterer is one that sneaks around with other people, while trying to maintain a semblance of faithfulness, propriety and legitimacy with others. Is a good modern equivalent called being a Two-faced hypocrite?
Your Newsletter is there to inform & warn people & so this verse that you question does not apply to you as you are not engaging in or encouraging people to acquire the offerings of this world at all cost. The fact that you want to alert folk to this fact is admirable as very few do it, or even dare to do it. Press on brother.
Michael
Ephesians 5:11 And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather (EXPOSE) reprove them.
You need a good concordance and a reference Bible with columns down the center of the pages. Then you will be equipped to study GOD's WORD.
God has a comprehensive end time plan for Gentiles (non-Jews), Jews, and Messianic Jews (believe Jesus is the Messiah they missed). Also the Two Witnesses, 144,000 Jewish evangelists, evangelizing angels.
We want to assist if we can. That's why we're here: to learn and to be helpful with the Light we possess. Be a blessing to others :D
I don't want to have to go head to head on "Jews vs Gentiles' every day. I figure that God, the Creator has it all worked out, already. He wrote it and He will perform it.
There's Jehovah Witnesses, Christian Scientists, 7th Day Adventist's, pre-Trib, Mid-Trib, Post-Trib..... you get my drift?
I get weary with arguing. If it's confusing, You came to the right place. We love to study.
May Jesus bless you.
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