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5/12 Reading Portions: Numbers 21; Psalms 60-61; Isaiah 10:5-34; James 4
James 4:4
You adulterous people! Do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity with God? Therefore whoever wishes to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God.
ENMITY
Calling believers adulterous people may seem harsh at first; however, the context of James’ point must be direct. In the eighth verse of the first chapter, he challenges us not to be double-minded. In today’s verse, he challenges us not to be double-hearted. Idolatry is the chief of sins and adultery is simply perverse idolatry. This form of idolatry is taking something God meant for good, and unduly twisting its strength and appeal to make that thing, whatever it is, giving it greater honor and esteem than God had intended; and thus, causing that thing to compete with loyalty to Christ in our hearts. Although the world we live in supplies us with a place to live until the Lord returns, the world’s fallen system is something to be despised. To make friends with the corrupt world system, in all its lusts and unbelief, is adultery and enmity with God, or rather hostility toward Him. James speaks of God’s jealousy in the very next verse. God’s jealousy is not like ours. His is holy. His honor and glory are mankind’s greatest blessing and most supreme reward. For His people to give any of God’s creation, animate or inanimate, a place that is equal to or greater than Him, is adultery, plain and simple. Even friendship with the wickedness of this fallen world says to God that we oppose Him, reject His honor, and fight against His glory. We are most susceptible to this adultery when we’re doing well, walking along Easy Street, and another form of idolatry creeps in— pride, also known as arrogance or haughtiness. Pride is when we lift ourselves to a place equal to or greater than Christ Jesus. Yet God provides an escape for all this idolatry— faithfully and humbly clinging to the grace of God in Jesus Christ, whereas the pastor of Jerusalem also writes:
But He gives more grace. Therefore it says, “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” James 4:6
Hallelujah! What a Savior!
And when I’m doing well, help me to never seek a crown
For my reward is giving glory to You.
“Oh Lord, You’re Beautiful”
by Keith Green (1953-1982)
Amen, brother. Lord save us from our adulterous hearts.