Articles
Important Questions - 17
“Do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity with God?” (James 4:4)
A number of rebukes in Scripture begin with “Do you not know …?” Like other questions we have explored, they are rhetorical, a commentary rather than inquiry. If a parent says, “Did you not know that jumping off the roof into the swimming pool was dangerous?” they are making a statement, not asking a question.
Likewise, James points out the nature of the wars, fights, covetousness and misguided prayers of his readers (4:1-3); they are born of carnality, making them enemies of God. James consistently attacks a two-faced faith, beginning in 1:6-8: praying in doubt. Other double-minded approaches faulted by James:
Achieving righteous outcomes by wrath – 1:20.
Hearing God’s word but not doing – 1:22-25.
Claiming spirituality but not bridling the tongue – 1:26.
Gathering for worship but despising the poor – 2:1-13.
Claiming faith with no corroborative works – 2:14ff.
Praising God but cursing those in His image – 3:9-10.
Saying “yes” when you mean “no” – 5:12.
We can sometimes hold contradictory positions by rationalizing away the discord. Let’s strive for consistency as we serve God.
