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"A double-minded man..."

Text: James 1:8

A FIRM WORD

The Apostle James was very forthright in the way he wrote. With very crisp words he brought this discussion to a swift end.

“For let not that man suppose that he will receive
anything from the Lord; he is a double-minded man,
unstable in all his ways.”
James 1:7-8

1. “For let not that man suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord”

a) The petitioner may be under the illusion that God might still grant his petition.

b) James is very clear and strong in his assertion that God will not honour such prayers.

c) The doubter will not receive anything from the Lord.

2. A description of the man who doubts

a) “He is a double-minded man”

i) On the one hand, he hopes that God will answer his petition.

ii) On the other hand, he doubts that God will give him what he prayed for.

b) “Unstable in all his ways”

i) This is a huge rebuke of the petitioner.

ii) He is described forthrightly as “unstable”.

IN THE CONTEXT OF PRAYING FOR WISDOM

Is it possible to pray that God would grant us wisdom? Would God grant wisdom in accordance to the faith of the petitioner? The answer must be a resounding “Yes!”

1. Finding encouragement in the Lord’s word

a) Paul prayed for the Ephesians to be granted wisdom (Ephesians 1:17-18).

b) He understood that this was a special work of the Holy Spirit.

c) He prayed earnestly for this wisdom to be given.

2. Practising praying with faith

a) Dare to ask for wisdom from the Lord.

b) Do your part in seeking for wisdom (Proverbs 1-9).

c) Examine your heart and mind as you pray- whether there is that faith.

d) See how the Lord would grant wisdom to you bit by bit.

e) Rejoice in the Lord’s answer to your prayer of faith.