Friends of the World
James 4:4
"Ye adulterers and adulteresses, know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God."
Whoa! These are pretty strong words. So, what does this mean? Exactly what does it mean to be a friend of this world and why does James say that being a friend of the world makes us an enemy of God? Didn't God create the world for our pleasure? Didn't He give us dominion over all the earth through Adam (Genesis 1:26)? Can we not enjoy the material treasures of this earthly life?
Let's start our study by clarifying what a "friend of the world" really is...
Here, the Apostle John admonishes Christians to beware of the subtle deception that is prevalent among those in the church. There are some among the fellowship, who claim Christ, but do not show forth the fruit of being a Child of God, and therefore, these impostors are dangerous examples of the Christian faith. John calls those who walk in darkness, while claiming to be Christians, "liars" (1 John 1:6) because they make idolatry, fornication, covetousness, and lewd behavior seem acceptable to those true believers who seek to live a righteous life.
Let's start our study by clarifying what a "friend of the world" really is...
1 John 2:15-16
"Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the father is not in him. For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world."
1 Corinthians 5:6 -
"Your glorying is not good. Know ye not that a little leaven leaveneth the whole lump?"
We need to remember that it only takes a little sin (a little leaven)to lead us down the dark path of destruction. If we allow the lust of our flesh (our personal desires), the lust of our eyes (those things that are attractive to us), and our selfish pride (a know-it-all attitude) to dictate our behavior, we become guilty of being a "friend of the world", forfeiting God's covenant blessings that are rightfully ours, as Children of the King.
Galatians 5:24 -
"And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts."
In order for the Holy Spirit of God to have full lordship in guiding our day to day affairs, we must practice self-control; we must crucify the flesh. As believers, God has equipped us with His precious Holy Spirit who keeps us from being entangled by the snares of this world - providing we surrender to His leading.
Satan knows this, and so, he is on a relentless mission to tempt mankind with everything this world has to offer. The devil is called the "Prince of this World" and he is a master at making the things of this world glisten in such a way that we will fall prey to his gestures, if we are not privy to his tricks. God's enemy has one thing in the forefront of his mind... to kill, steal, and destroy God's creation (John 10:10). He is constantly trying to lure us into being ruled by our carnal (natural, fleshly) minds - instead of being led by our spirit man, as God intends. Just take one look at television, billboards, magazines, or movies and you will quickly see how advertisements make everything from laxatives to obnoxious reality shows appear to be glamorous.
My friend, we are spiritual beings who live in natural bodies. The Word of God clearly tells us that though we are "in" this world, we are not "of" this world (John 17:16). Instead, our citizenship is in the spiritual realm and, in fact, as born-again believers, our citizenship is in heaven! On earth, we are merely sojourners (strangers or foreigners) put here for a short time to do the will of God. This life is only a vapor compared to God's eternity. Our passage here on earth (as far as scripture reveals) is for the purpose of giving God glory; to fellowship with God; and to "pass the tests" of life that qualify us for heavenly rewards on the day of judgment (James 1:11).
1 Corinthians 6:15 -
"And what concord hath Christ with Belial? Or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel?
In the Bible, those who trust in the world's riches - the world's ideas and the world's methods - are called infidels. An infidel is someone who trusts in his or her natural senses more than they trust in the Word of the Lord. Really, an infidel is someone who does not exercise their faith; to put it simply, THEY DON'T TRUST GOD. Instead, they live in fear, trying to make things happen on their own accord in an effort to live a blessed life. The writer of Hebrews 11 tells us that, "without faith, it is impossible to please (God)." So, an infidel never pleases God, because he or she is always reacting in response to carnal instincts, instead of abiding and trusting in the Word of the Lord.
Some characteristics of an infidel include the following:
· One who is friends with the world because they fear man's opinion.
· One who is friends of the world because they fear a lack of material possessions.
· One who is friends of the world because they fear the unknown.
Be aware that "fear" can be a subtle unction. A person may not "feel" as though they are in fear, while in reality, it is their inner fears that cause them to doubt God and ultimately follow the world.
In 2 Corinthians 6:17, God tells us to "come out from among them, and be separate." While the inheritance of the Lord is , indeed, that of dominion, as well as, that of enjoying the fruit of the land, it has never been God's intent for us to be bound to the material aspects of the things of this world. Unfortunately, those who strive to be friends with this world are in the company of the vast majority, but God says that we - Christians - are to be separated from that majority. The Lord wants us to be free from the cares of this world in such a way that stress, guilt, and fear cannot torment our mortal bodies. In addition, He says that if we will first seek His Kingdom (His way of doing things), and His righteousness (fully trusting Him), then, all of these "things" that we need and even desire will be given to us (Matthew 6:33).
We need to rest in the fact that the Lord is not trying to withhold earthly pleasures and goods from us. On the contrary, His plan is to bless us with earthly and spiritual blessings, both now, as well as in the life to come (Mark 10:30; Luke 18:30 and 1 Timothy 4:8). It all boils down to us "trusting Him". When we trust Him with our lives, He takes care of us... and let me tell you, He does a much better job than we could ever do for ourselves.
So really, being a "friend of this world" is just another temptation from Satan. He is trying his best to rob each of us from our rightful inheritance by causing us to react with panic, fear, and doubt - instead of living in faith, peace, love and joy. The devil knows that once we get into the trance of idolatry (seeking to get things, instead of seeking to fellowship with God), we become enslaved to his evil authority. Satan's ultimate plan is to annihilate us. He wants to separate us from God in any - and every - way that he can.
The book of James is very short - only five chapters - but, I think it serves as a great place to begin to learn how not to be a friend of this world. I'd like to challenge you to read the book of James, and then, ask the Lord to speak to you about areas of your own life that may need pruning.
Galatians 2:20 -
"I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me."
Whatever it is that pulls at your carnal nature, I pray that you will be admonished to let go of this world's enticements, knowing that God wants to bless you - superabundantly! Remember, crucifying the flesh is something that all Christians must choose to do, daily. There will always be that temptation to follow the crowd, and the only way to overcome these earthly desires is to know God's Word, trust God's love, and abide in God's presence.
Yes, the Lord wants you blessed. He loves you and has great plans for you. Now, trust Him. Walk in the freedom of the spirit and don't worry about any of your needs. As you freely enjoy the provisions of this world that God allows into your life, rejoice, knowing that nothing has a hold on you! Truly, whom the Son sets free... is free indeed (John 8:36)!
Proverbs 10:22 -
"The blessing of the Lord, it maketh rich, and he addeth no sorrow with it."
In Christ,
Deborah Ross
Deborah Ross
Deborah Ross Ministries
Strengthening Families & Encouraging Women
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