How do I know if I am becoming a worldly Christian?

Outline—James 4:3–6

1. My prayer life will change (vv. 2b–3)
   1. It will be paralyzed (v. 2b)
   2. It will be ineffective (v. 3)
2. My walk with God will change (vv. 4–6)
   1. Spiritual regression: Adultery, hater, enemy (v. 4)
   2. Spiritual Conflict (vv. 5–6)

Take Home Points

• Covetous selfishness is an insult to God.
• Recognize that it is spiritual arrogance and pride that stands at the root of our indifferent prayerlessness. Only spiritual neediness, poverty and destitution drives us to our knees and draws us near to God.
• Just as covetous idolatry of the Old Testament times was spiritual adultery, so is the lustful, pleasure-seeking, self-gratifying Christian behavior of today.
• Spiritual adultery makes prayer impossible and unanswerable.

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Worldliness is the opposite of submission to God in life and spirit. When you stop fighting covetousness, and you give in to it, you still have the desires growing in your heart but have no way to fulfill those growing desires. The consequence: quarrels and hate.

Outline—James 4:1–2

1. Worldliness is warfare (v. 1)
2. Worldliness is rooted deep within (v. 1)
3. Worldliness is filled with danger (v. 2)
4. Worldliness is never satisfied (v. 2)
5. Worldliness baulks at restraints (v. 2)

Take Home Points

• Where has covetousness taken root in your heart?
• What steps do you need to take to have victory over this worldly behavior?
• Give thanks to God who promises to supply every need.

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Outline—James 3:13–18

1. Instruction in wisdom (v. 13)
   1. Self-examination
   2. Fruit inspection
   3. Making the grade
2. Wisdom that isn’t (vv. 14-16)—A by-product
3. Wisdom that is (v. 17)—A gift
   1. Weigh your heart
   2. Weigh your actions
   3. Verdict—Impartial success
4. Final Thoughts (v. 18)

Take Home Points

• What wisdom do you display? (Is it peace at any price?)
• What are you sowing; how are you sowing; what is the harvest?
• Trust God for fruit—keep planting!

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Outline—James 3:1–12

1. The power of the tongue (vv. 1–4)
   1. Warning (v. 1)
   2. Challenge (v. 2)
   3. Influence (vv. 3–4)
2. The peril of the tongue (vv. 5–8)
   1. Don’t be fooled by its size (v. 5)
   2. Big thing in a little package (vv. 5–6)
   3. Has a mind of its own (vv. 7–8)
3. The perversity of the tongue (vv. 9–12)
   1. Twists creation (vv. 9–10)
   2. Wisdom must be applied (vv. 11–12)

Take Home Points

• Measure your words before you produce them. What is the importance of one word?
• There are few sins a man commits where the tongue is not involved.
• Brother, you would never curse God, but do you do it unwittingly when you speak?

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