1:8 – he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways.
1:8. he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways. – A man who requests not only wisdom but wavers in his intent of the prayer is not going to be blessed by God.
Double-minded - is translated in the Greek as dipsuchos (Strong’s 1374). Taken from two Greek words dis which means ‘twice’ and psuchos which means ‘a soul,’ it literally means ‘two-souled.’
Unstable – This word has the meanings of inconsistent, restless and disorderly.
The Bible is full of warnings regarding the ‘double-mindedness’ of those who serve God with their lips but their heart is far removed. Elijah challenged the people to serve either Baal or the Lord (1 Kgs 18:21). We can have flattering lips and be double-hearted (1 Ch 12:33). In New Testament writings the qualifications for a deacon included that they must be reverent and not double-tongued (1 Tim 3:8). False teachers are able to easily entice unstable souls, who in turn twist the scripture to their own destruction (See 2 Pet 2:14 with 3:16).
God is after the person who will seek Him with his whole heart. In fact there is a blessing for those who do (Ps 119:2 with Matt 22:37). God will pour His favour of answered prayer on the believer who trusts with his whole heart.
Unstableness is the opposite of faith. In verse 4 James wrote that the goal of Christian living (through trials) is to result in being whole and perfect. Now he counters that by stating that double-mindedness is the opposite. A major theme of the book of James is that of purity of intention.
I don’t know if I should comment or not!
I am so confused
September 6, 2006 at 6:48 am
Double minded point to a person lack of understanding who they are with God. It point to a place of insecurity in the basics of renewing the mind. Do you doubt How important you are as an individual to the Father? This uncertanity leads you to ask for things amiss not realizing Gods thoughs toward you are good. That he created you with a purpose that will fullfill the deepest inner desires of your heart.
Be made perfect in love
Sharon Daniels
November 3, 2006 at 5:15 am
Wow…this is so amazing…thanks for this. it has really helped me because my girlfriend keeps telling me I am doubleminded.. deciding on one thing in the morning and another in the afternoon.
I am also confused. I turn out to keep falling to sexual sin and it sucks. I pray and a few minutes after that I fall. I don’t know why I can’t just surrender it all to God…due to this battle, it affects my decision making a lot in other areas of life…I am afraid of losing my soon to be wife due to this trait. Ladies love security especially in decision making. God help me…Pray for me
istopped
October 12, 2011 at 12:06 am
istopped
October 12, 2011 at 12:07 am
Truth…this is an excellent scripture James drops off some valuable nuggets and some helpful tips for healthy Christian living and a life that brings God Glory…..I’m teaching a five week class on leadership and I’ve got to use this outline…..Thanks!!!!!
Vincent Grove
April 6, 2012 at 10:18 am
Thanks for stopping by Vincent. Feel free to use this study for your class. It’s what the Word is about. You download this entire study of James from Lulu. http://www.lulu.com/content/717710 Be blessed!
Mark
April 6, 2012 at 10:39 am