Two questions on James

[faceofbear]

1) James 4:5 ("Or do you think Scripture says without reason that he jealously longs for the spirit he has caused to dwell in us), where is James quoting from?

2) How do the double-minded purify their hearts (James 4:8)?

 

[Michie]

1) James 4:5 ("Or do you think Scripture says without reason that he jealously longs for the spirit he has caused to dwell in us), where is James quoting from?

I think he was summarizing truths found in OT Scripture. Not a particular passage.

2) How do the double-minded purify their hearts (James 4:8)?

Returning wholeheartedly to God without looking back. Not have a foot standing in both worlds.

 

[Rhamiel]

1) James 4:5 ("Or do you think Scripture says without reason that he jealously longs for the spirit he has caused to dwell in us), where is James quoting from?

2) How do the double-minded purify their hearts (James 4:8)?

I am not sure for the first part
we can not repent without grace from God, we can not go to Him on our own, but God gives His graces to people and it is up to them to accept it and to go to Him

 

[faceofbear]

How do we 'go to Him?' I've heard the phrase many times. Even in Protestant theology, but I never really understood what it meant to 'go' and in fact found in contradicting, or counter-productive (how can you go if God requires nothing -- in Protestant soteriology)to a Protestant point of view.

 

[Michie]

How do we 'go to Him?' I've heard the phrase many times. Even in Protestant theology, but I never really understood what it meant to 'go' and in fact found in contradicting, or counter-productive (how can you go if God requires nothing -- in Protestant soteriology)to a Protestant point of view.

Pray. Be singleminded & determined to do our best. Have faith & do what is right.

We stumble or fall, we pick ourselves up again & look to God.

Rinse, repeat.

 

[faceofbear]

But, sorry if I'm missing it, how can I become single minded? I am double minded in all things and dont know what to do.

 

[LinuxUser]

Pray, is the biggest thing from one who was double minded. I was not sure about should I be Catholic or Protestant and lived in both worlds

 

[Michie]

But, sorry if I'm missing it, how can I become single minded? I am double minded in all things and dont know what to do.

If you are looking for perfection, not being tempted to go back to whatever pulls you away from God, I'm afraid thats not going to happen.

It may become lesser with time. But not being doubleminded is more of an effort on our part to keep the faith & follow it.

Praying gives us strength to do that. Regardless of feelings.

If we all relied on our feelings & temptations as a barometer of our faith journey, I think most of us would have dropped out long ago.

We pick up that cross & follow Him regardless of feelings or thoughts. We pray & we keep putting one foot in front of the other.

 

[ebia]

1) James 4:5 ("Or do you think Scripture says without reason that he jealously longs for the spirit he has caused to dwell in us), where is James quoting from?

It doesn't appear to be a direct quote from anything - or, at least, from any source available to us now. Even though it's framed as though it should be a quote from canonical OT.

 

[Michie]

"Virtues are formed by prayer.
Prayer preserves temperance.
Prayer suppresses anger.
Prayer prevents emotions of pride and envy.
Prayer draws into the soul the Holy Spirit, and raises man to Heaven."
-- St Ephraem

 

[Rhamiel]

God loves us and wants us to go to Him
to repent of our sins, to live holy lives of prayers and good works, helping others
we can do no good thing on our own, everything is from the Grace of God
but we are free to reject His grace and to keep on sinning
but that is not good

 

[faceofbear]

I just feel stuck in Romans 7. A pre-converted Paul state. I want to do good, but when I do, its mostly out of pride, and even so, I want to do evil things as well. What are some prayers that are helpful? ive just been saying the Lords prayer since Jesus said God knows what we need.

 

[faceofbear]

How do I know if I'm acting in grace or if my flesh is trying to be righteous?

 

[Michie]

I just feel stuck in Romans 7. A pre-converted Paul state. I want to do good, but when I do, its mostly out of pride, and even so, I want to do evil things as well. What are some prayers that are helpful? ive just been saying the Lords prayer since Jesus said God knows what we need.

I think just pouring your heart out to God is your best solution. As well as not relying on your feelings so much. We do what we do out of love for God regardless of whatever we are feeling at the moment. You have to trust God & just do the best you can.

 

[Michie]

How do I know if I'm acting in grace or if my flesh is trying to be righteous?

By seeking approval for your good works or making a show of it.

Like I said, stop relying on your doubts & take it to God.