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Double mindedness
This document discusses the concept of double mindedness as described in James 1:5-8. It defines double mindedness as being uncertain about decisions and going back and forth between options without making a choice. It then provides five ways to overcome double mindedness: 1) rely on God's word for guidance, 2) don't test God with "fleece" tests, 3) remember that God can redeem mistakes, 4) make a decision and commit to it, and 5) have faith even if the choice looks bad initially. The conclusion reiterates that readers should be sure their lives are right with God.
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Double mindedness
- 1.
- 2. James 1:5-8 5 Ifany of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him. 6 But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for he who doubts is like a wave of the sea driven and tossed by the wind. 7 For let not that man suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord; 8 he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways.
- 3. What is double-mindedness? Mostof us are double minded at times. We are uncertain about what to do, which way to go. We go back and forth and the result – we do nothing.
- 4. What is double-mindedness? Wehave too many sources of information. They often contradict each other. Friends will tell us what they think we should do. TV, books, magazines, preachers, teachers, friends, “experts”.
- 5. Many Blame God Todaywe often hear people say that God is leading them, telling them, speaking to them, guiding them. Some of their statements directly contradict the previous statement.
- 6. How to Overcome 1GET INTO THE WORD Psalm 119:105 Your word is a lamp to my feet And a light to my path. God leads us – through His Word. Hebrews 1:1-2a 1 God, who at various times and in various ways spoke in time past to the fathers by the prophets, 2 has in these last days spoken to us by His Son.
- 7. How to Overcome 2DO NOT PUT OUT FLEECE Remember Gideon (Judges 6:36-40) Dew on fleece only – not on ground Then dry fleece and wet dew on the ground Some people offer God tests. Man on a diet passing Krispy Kream Luke 4:12 And Jesus answered and said to him, "It has been said, 'You shall not tempt the Lord your God.' " Jesus quoted from Deuteronomy 6:16
- 8. How to Overcome 3WHAT IF I BLOW IT? What if I make a bad mistake or choice? Marriage / Divorce Choose the wrong career Make bad investments Remember the Prodigal Son? (Luke 15) Jeremiah 29:11 For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope.
- 9. How to Overcome 3WHAT IF I BLOW IT? Our mind can be filled with doubts Am I really saved? Was my baptism real? What if I am tempted and go back to the world? Matthew 11:28-29 28 Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 29 Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.
- 10. How to Overcome 4USE YOUR BRAIN – DECIDE! You can not straddle the fence. You must decide. 1 Kings 18:21 And Elijah came to all the people, and said, "How long will you falter between two opinions? If the Lord is God, follow Him; but if Baal, follow him." But the people answered him not a word. Make up your mind and serve God.
- 11. How to Overcome 5DON'T PANIC IF IT LOOKS BAD Consider all the options Make your choice Don't go back and dig up your doubts Some decide – then have second thoughts This is an example of double mindedness
- 12. Conclusion Each period ofworship we offer an “invitation” to be sure that your life is right with God. Do you need to obey the gospel in baptism? Have you wandered away from God? The invitation of Christ is open to you.