Comments on: James 4:8c

By: Jeremy Vaught

Jeremy Vaught — Tue, 28 Apr 2009 22:30:07 +0000

Grant, thanks for the clarification. I appreciate it. Now I see I really should have read the commentary on James 1:8 first. oops

It is good to get a deeper understanding of the idea of “double minded”. Simple on the surface, but when looked at more thoroughly, becomes not so simple.

Thanks again!
Jeremy

By: Grant

Grant — Tue, 28 Apr 2009 20:17:03 +0000

Jeremy, yes the Greek word is the same as 1:8 cf. http://versebyversecommentary.com/2000/07/15/james-18/?dropdown_book=46

The literal translation is two-souled but the metaphorical idea is uncertainty; this is a person who cannot come to a conclusion about what he believes. This issue relates more to our faith. It is an issue of not being sure about what we believe. This will result in a very weak Christian life.

The idea of lukewarm in Revelation is different. See my commentary there: http://versebyversecommentary.com/1998/11/22/revelation-315/ The passage there has to do with passion for fellowship with the Lord versus seeking our own desires.

By: Jeremy Vaught

Jeremy Vaught — Tue, 28 Apr 2009 13:56:45 +0000

Hi Dr. Grant,
Question. I came across this post by trying to find out more information about “double minded” and I really appreciate the “two souled” clarification. (I’m assuming that is the literal translation) So when the Bible talks about double minded in other places like James 1:8, and Psalms 119:113, is it this same, “two soul” concept?

And this may be stretching it too far, but do you have a thought on how double minded relates to Revelations 3:16 “So, because you are lukewarm – neither hot nor cold – I am about to spit you out of my mouth.”

As I just wrote this out, it seems lukewarm is more convictionless, whereas double minded is more opposing motivations, possibly resulting is lukewarm behavior. But I suppose God is more interested in our motivations first and that will drive our actions.

Well, I’m rambling and confusing myself even more.

So the final part of my actual question. “Double minded,” or “two souled,” doesn’t this describe all of us, our fleshly desires, and our desire to become more Christlike? So wouldn’t our double mindedness be more of a sliding scale as we daily need to die to ourselves (reduce or not act on our fleshly desires) and allow Christ to increase. And as long as we do this, over time that scale continues to move toward the Christlikeness end, and away from our fleshly desire end. Rather than an all-or-nothing, single mind vs. double mind? Which would mean that a single minded individual is simply a mature Christian.

You are the Dr. here. I’m just laying down some thought’s I’ve had while I’m studying. But would love your thoughts.

Thanks for the commentary! I love the blog format so there can be discussion.

Have a fantastic day!