Verse
Context
A Warning against Pride
3And when you do ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, that you may squander it on your pleasures. 4You adulteresses! Do you not know that friendship with the world is hostility toward God? Therefore, whoever chooses to be a friend of the world renders himself an enemy of God. 5Or do you think the Scripture says without reason that the Spirit He caused to dwell in us yearns with envy?
Sermons






Summary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Ye adulterers and adulteresses - The Jews, because of their covenant with God, are represented as being espoused to him; and hence their idolatry, and their iniquity in general, are represented under the notion of adultery. And although they had not since the Babylonish captivity been guilty of idolatry; according to the letter; yet what is intended by idolatry, having their hearts estranged from God, and seeking their portion in this life and out of God, is that of which the Jews were then notoriously guilty. And I rather think that it is in this sense especially that St. James uses the words. "Lo! they that are far from thee shall perish; thou hast destroyed all them that go a whoring from thee." But perhaps something more than spiritual adultery is intended. See Jam 4:9. The friendship of the world - The world was their god; here they committed their spiritual adultery; and they cultivated this friendship in order that they might gain this end. The word μοιχαλιδες, adulteresses, is wanting in the Syriac, Coptic, Ethiopic, Armenian, Vulgate, and one copy of the Itala. Whosoever - will be a friend of the world - How strange it is that people professing Christianity can suppose that with a worldly spirit, worldly companions, and their lives governed by worldly maxims, they can be in the favor of God, or ever get to the kingdom of heaven! When the world gets into the Church, the Church becomes a painted sepulchre; its spiritual vitality being extinct.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
The oldest manuscripts omit "adulterers and," and read simply, "Ye adulteresses." God is the rightful husband; the men of the world are regarded collectively as one adulteress, and individually as adulteresses. the world--in so far as the men of it and their motives and acts are aliens to God, for example, its selfish "lusts" (Jam 4:3), and covetous and ambitious "wars and fightings" (Jam 4:1). enmity--not merely "inimical"; a state of enmity, and that enmity itself. Compare Jo1 2:15, "love . . . the world . . . the love of the Father." whosoever . . . will be--The Greek is emphatic, "shall be resolved to be." Whether he succeed or not, if his wish be to be the friend of the world, he renders himself, becomes (so the Greek for "is") by the very fact, "the enemy of God." Contrast "Abraham the friend of God."
John Gill Bible Commentary
Ye adulterers and adulteresses,.... Not who were literally such, but in a figurative and metaphorical sense: as he is an adulterer that removes his affections from his own wife, and sets them upon another woman; and she is an adulteress that loves not her husband, but places her love upon another man; so such men and women are adulterers and adulteresses, who, instead of loving God, whom they ought to love with all their hearts and souls, set their affections upon the world, and the things of it: the Vulgate Latin, Syriac, and Ethiopic versions, leave out the word "adulteresses": these the apostle addresses in the following manner; know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? that an immoderate love for the good things of the world, and a prevailing desire after the evil things of it, and a delight in the company and conversation of the men of the world, and a conformity to, and compliance with, the sinful manners and customs of the world, are so many declarations of war with God, and acts of hostility upon him; and show the enmity of the mind against him, and must be highly displeasing to him, and resented by him: whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God; whoever is in league with the one must be an enemy to the other; God and mammon cannot be loved and served by the same persons, at the same time; the one will be loved, and the other hated; the one will be attended to, and the other neglected: this may be known both from reason and from Scripture, particularly from Mat 6:24.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
4:4-10 James explains the causes of conflict: love for the world, divided loyalty, and arrogant criticism (4:11-12). He gives exhortations which will rectify these causes and lead to peace. 4:4 You adulterers: James uses this prophetic imagery (see, e.g., Jer 3:6; Hos 3:1) because his readers were seeking what friendship with the world could give them—social acceptance (Jas 2:1-4), prestige (3:1), or wealth (4:13). Divided loyalty toward God (4:8) is like adultery against one’s spouse. • In the ancient world, friend was used as a title for special and exclusive relationships (Luke 23:12, Herod and Pilate; John 19:12, Pilate as “friend of Caesar”; see also 1 Maccabees 2:18; 6:28). Both Moses (Exod 33:11) and Abraham were called friends of God (Jas 2:23; 2 Chr 20:7; Isa 41:8; cp. John 15:15). • The world consists of society that is opposed to God and his kingdom. The world is guided by earthly wisdom, not heavenly (Jas 3:15-17), and is characterized by evil desires, fighting, and killing (4:2-3).
A Warning against Pride
3And when you do ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, that you may squander it on your pleasures. 4You adulteresses! Do you not know that friendship with the world is hostility toward God? Therefore, whoever chooses to be a friend of the world renders himself an enemy of God. 5Or do you think the Scripture says without reason that the Spirit He caused to dwell in us yearns with envy?
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
America's Need
By Vance Havner7.4K41:25AmericaJHN 8:32ROM 7:4ROM 12:1JAS 4:4In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the hardships and trials that he has faced in his preaching journey. He mentions being beaten, struck, shipwrecked, and facing various perils. Despite all these challenges, he remains committed to the care of the churches. The preacher then focuses on the importance of knowing the truth and how it can set one free. He highlights the need for faith that continues and follows the path of the Lord, referencing verses from John 8 and Romans 12.
God Is Trying to Get at That Thing in You
By David Wilkerson5.6K1:01:32JudgmentDEU 11:18DAN 9:10MAT 6:332CO 6:14EPH 5:11JAS 4:41JN 2:15In this sermon, the preacher, inspired by the Spirit of God, reveals the reason for the ruin of the city. He explains that sin was the cause, specifically the mixing of the holy seed with the world and its system. The preacher then shares his personal journey of searching his heart and realizing that God is going after something in him. He emphasizes the importance of repentance and turning away from sin, particularly the sin of being tied to the world. The preacher believes that God is giving America a little time and space to repent, but expresses concern over the nation's failure to address issues like abortion.
Sharing the Grief of God
By David Wilkerson5.1K54:39PSA 97:10AMO 6:1MAT 6:33ROM 12:91CO 5:9EPH 5:11JAS 4:4In this sermon, the preacher begins by thanking God for his blessings and acknowledging Jesus and the Holy Ghost. He asks for forgiveness for forgetting what God has done and prays for open eyes and understanding. The preacher expresses a desire to remain humble and broken before God's word and asks for cleansing and surrender of sins and unbelief. He emphasizes the need to know God's heart and to live for Him, expressing a desire to weep with God and do things His way. The preacher concludes by discussing the importance of grieving over sin and compromise in the church, highlighting the need for genuine sorrow and repentance.
Running the Right Race (Birmingham Conference)
By David Wilkerson4.3K46:23Running The RaceDependence on the Holy SpiritMAT 6:33ROM 8:51CO 9:242CO 4:2GAL 1:6PHP 3:142TI 4:7HEB 12:1JAS 4:41JN 2:15David Wilkerson emphasizes the importance of running the right race in the Christian life, distinguishing between the spirit race, which leads to Christ, and the flesh race, which leads to worldly success. He warns that many Christians, including pastors, are caught up in the flesh race, leading to spiritual exhaustion and shipwrecked lives. Wilkerson calls for a return to dependence on the Holy Spirit and a commitment to preaching the uncompromised gospel of Jesus Christ. He encourages believers to seek a deeper relationship with God, reminding them that true success is found in Christ alone, not in worldly achievements. The sermon concludes with a call to stand firm in faith and not compromise the truth of the gospel.
The Deception of Christian Rock Music Clearly Defined
By Zac Poonen4.3K10:24MAT 7:15JHN 4:241CO 10:31GAL 5:16COL 2:81TI 6:10JAS 4:41JN 2:151JN 4:1REV 3:15This sermon emphasizes the danger of replacing the Holy Spirit with worldly influences like Christian rock music, money, and psychology in churches today. It challenges the focus on material gain over spiritual growth and warns against imitating worldly trends rather than seeking the guidance of the Holy Spirit. The speaker highlights the importance of discernment, root issues, and staying true to the standards set by Jesus, rather than conforming to worldly standards for acceptance or popularity.
The Mantle of Elijah - Part 1
By David Wilkerson3.5K30:092KI 2:92CH 7:14ISA 6:8JHN 14:12ROM 12:21CO 10:11EPH 5:162TI 1:6JAS 4:41PE 5:8This sermon focuses on the story of Elijah and Elisha from 2 Kings 2, highlighting the passing of the mantle from Elijah to Elisha and the desire for a double portion of God's Spirit for each succeeding generation. It emphasizes the need for greater faith, miracles, and anointing of the Holy Spirit in our lives today. The journey of Elijah and Elisha through Bethel and Jericho symbolizes the challenges and societal issues we face, urging us to discern the spiritual condition of our surroundings and seek revival.
Apostasy/healing/prosperity?
By Zac Poonen2.7K03:47PRO 28:13MAT 6:33MRK 8:36JHN 8:32JHN 14:62TH 2:32TI 4:3JAS 4:41JN 1:8This sermon delves into 2 Thessalonians chapter 2, emphasizing the warning about the last days and the deception that will lead many Christians astray. It highlights the danger of prioritizing earthly prosperity over holiness and seeking physical healing above deliverance from sin, which is considered a falling away from the true faith. The speaker challenges the prevalent focus on material wealth and physical healing in modern Christianity, contrasting it with the teachings of Jesus and the apostles.
All to Jesus Compilation (Full Version)
By Compilations2.5K27:17ISA 6:3MAT 6:24MAT 11:28MAT 16:24LUK 9:23LUK 14:262CO 5:17GAL 2:20PHP 3:8JAS 4:4This sermon emphasizes the importance of true surrender to Jesus Christ, highlighting the need to move beyond a superficial understanding of salvation to a deep, transformative relationship with Him. It challenges believers to prioritize Christ above all else, including relationships, ambitions, and worldly desires. The sermon underscores the necessity of encountering the holy, sovereign God and living solely for His glory, forsaking all for the sake of following Christ wholeheartedly.
Ten Shekels and a Shirt - Part 1
By Paris Reidhead2.4K09:57JDG 17:6PRO 14:12MAT 6:24JAS 4:41JN 2:15This sermon delves into the story of Micah in Judges 17, exploring the consequences of mixing worldly practices with worship of God, the dangers of compromising one's faith for personal gain, and the importance of seeking God's will rather than doing what seems right in our own eyes. It highlights the need for true devotion and obedience to God, even in the midst of societal pressures and temptations.
Be Not Conformed to the World
By William Fitch2.2K37:42MAT 5:13JHN 17:14ROM 12:2JAS 4:42PE 1:41JN 2:15In this sermon, the preacher discusses the conflict between the Church and the world. He emphasizes that the Church is called to be different from the world and not conform to its ways. The preacher references Jesus' teachings, stating that there will always be hostility between good and evil, and that the Church will face increasing opposition. He also mentions the story of the pilgrims in John Bunyan's "The Pilgrim's Progress" as an example of how the Church should stand out from the world. The preacher concludes by quoting St. Paul's exhortation to not be conformed to the world, but to be transformed by renewing the mind.
Losing the Love for Jesus Christ and Compromising With the World (Clip)
By David Wilkerson2.0K04:45MAT 6:24ROM 12:2JAS 4:41JN 2:151JN 2:17This sermon emphasizes the importance of maintaining love for Jesus Christ above all else, highlighting how the pursuit of selfish desires and worldly attachments can lead to turning away from God. The speaker warns against becoming an enemy of God by prioritizing worldly pleasures over a relationship with Jesus, stressing that love for the world diminishes love for Jesus. The message addresses issues of adultery, idolatry, and the dangers of replacing love for God with love for worldly things.
Between the Two (Compilation)
By Compilations2.0K03:59Compilation1KI 18:21MAT 6:33LUK 9:62ROM 6:142CO 6:17HEB 13:13JAS 4:4In this sermon, the preacher addresses the issue of people who claim to love God but still engage in sinful behaviors. He emphasizes the need for believers to fully commit to following God and not be caught in a state of indecision. The preacher urges the congregation to step outside of the comfort of religious rituals and seek a genuine relationship with God. He warns that being caught between two kingdoms, trying to have the best of both worlds, leads to powerlessness and a lack of victory in the Christian life. The sermon draws from biblical references, such as Hebrews 13:13 and 1 Kings 18:21, to support the message.
Do You Want Revival? (Compilation)
By Compilations1.9K22:05CompilationGEN 17:5EXO 33:14ISA 57:15ISA 59:20ISA 61:1DAN 3:16JAS 4:4In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the need for revival among young people and the cost that comes with it. He highlights the importance of being prepared to work tirelessly and selflessly for the sake of spreading the word of God. The preacher explains that Jesus came because humanity was in a state of sin and desperate need of help. He encourages the audience to turn away from sin and seek the Lord, being willing to let Him expose and transform their hearts. The preacher also emphasizes the need for personal revival before expecting revival among family and friends, and the willingness to serve and disciple others.
Intoxicated With Babylon-Chapter One
By Steve Gallagher1.8K09:03BabylonMAT 6:33MAT 22:37ROM 8:5GAL 5:16JAS 4:41JN 2:15REV 1:9In this sermon, the speaker discusses the concept of the world and its influence on believers. He refers to the apostle John, who witnessed a spiritual battle between the forces of light and darkness. The speaker explains that the world represents everything sinful that the fallen human nature desires. He emphasizes the importance of not loving the world or its sinful desires, as they are not from the Father but from the world. The speaker warns that living a life devoted to the things of this world while calling oneself a Christian is deceptive and contrary to Scripture.
The Only Thing
By Sandeep Poonen1.8K51:28MAT 13:45LUK 9:23LUK 14:33JHN 3:30JHN 16:13ACT 2:38ROM 8:29PHP 3:8JAS 4:4REV 2:4This sermon emphasizes the need to make Jesus the only thing that matters in our lives, not just a great thing or the main thing. It challenges listeners to seek a deep immersion in the Holy Spirit, count the cost of discipleship, and earnestly seek fellowship with those who desire only Jesus. The speaker shares personal reflections on the journey of making Jesus the sole focus amidst the distractions and idols of the world.
Temptation of Christ
By William Fitch1.8K29:20JHN 16:331CO 15:57EPH 6:122TI 3:16JAS 4:41PE 4:171JN 3:9In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the need for wholehearted obedience to Christ in the midst of tragic and dark times. The church is called to be purified and judgment should begin within the house of God. The sermon highlights the enmity between loving the world and worshiping the God of this world, which leads to bondage and defeat. The preacher also reminds the church that Jesus has overcome the prince of this world, but many Christians struggle because they haven't fully surrendered to God. The sermon encourages the church to remember that behind the allure of the world is the prince of this world, and it is his temptation to turn believers away from God.
I Want to Be Among Those (Compilation)
By Compilations1.7K03:37CompilationMAT 6:331CO 10:212CO 6:17EPH 5:111TI 6:102TI 4:3JAS 4:4In this sermon, the speaker urges listeners to run away from certain types of churches and teachings that do not align with the true message of the Gospel. He emphasizes the importance of avoiding churches that focus solely on success, prosperity, and self-improvement, as well as those that prioritize the glorification of men over Christ. The speaker also warns against churches that lack the Bible, the cross, soul-searching, repentance, and the mention of the blood of Jesus. He encourages listeners to flee from churches where worship is cold and where they can comfortably remain in their sins. Additionally, the speaker advises running away from preachers who use manipulative tactics to gain money and those who promote division between races and cultures.
Manifest Presence - Part 1
By Richard Owen Roberts1.7K28:10MAT 6:33MAT 28:20HEB 13:5JAS 4:1JAS 4:4In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the concept of drawing near to God and the different forms of divine presence. He emphasizes that the distance between God and ourselves is not always equal, as stated in James 4:8. The preacher highlights that there are various reasons why God may not be as present among individuals or churches, such as quarrels, conflicts, and wrong motives in prayer. He also mentions the importance of cultivating the presence of God, which can have a greater impact than any organization. The sermon concludes by discussing the three forms of divine presence: essential presence, cultivated presence, and manifest presence.
Two Churches: Babylon and Jerusalem
By Zac Poonen1.7K57:57LUK 16:13JAS 4:4REV 17:5REV 18:4This sermon delves into the concept of Babylon as a corrupt system that infiltrates Christianity, leading believers astray with worldliness, materialism, and false doctrines. It emphasizes the need to come out of this corrupt Christianity, focusing on devotion to Christ, obedience to God's word, and avoiding the traps of money, politics, and music that can lead to spiritual downfall. The message highlights the importance of being part of the true bride of Christ, ready in simplicity and purity of devotion.
Remember Lot's Wife
By Walid Bitar1.6K43:15WorldlinessSpiritual ReadinessGEN 19:26MAT 6:21MAT 24:44LUK 17:32ROM 12:2HEB 10:26JAS 4:42PE 3:111JN 2:15REV 3:15Walid Bitar emphasizes the critical warning from Jesus to 'Remember Lot's wife,' illustrating the dangers of worldliness and the futility of relying on religious privileges for salvation. He recounts the story of Lot's wife, who, despite her privileged position, disobeyed God's command and looked back at Sodom, resulting in her destruction. Bitar urges the congregation to reflect on their own spiritual readiness and the importance of genuine faith over mere religious affiliation. He challenges young people to consider what they are doing for eternity, rather than just for their temporal lives. The sermon serves as a call to repentance and a reminder of the urgency of being prepared for Christ's return.
Two Churches-Babylon and Jerusalem
By Zac Poonen1.5K57:57PSA 15:4LUK 16:13GAL 1:4JAS 4:4REV 18:4REV 19:2This sermon delves into the concept of Babylon as a corrupt system that infiltrates Christianity, leading believers astray with worldliness, materialism, and false doctrines. It emphasizes the need to come out of this corrupt Christianity, focusing on devotion to Christ, obedience to God's word, and avoiding the traps of money, politics, and music that can lead to spiritual downfall.
The Dispensation of the Gospel - Lesson 2
By Robert Wurtz II1.5K30:04MAT 6:24ROM 6:6ROM 8:13GAL 2:20GAL 5:24JAS 4:41JN 1:9In this sermon, the speaker introduces the topic of being born again of the Spirit and discusses the three types of sinners: the careless sinner, the awakened sinner, and the convicted sinner. The speaker emphasizes that a born-again believer's nature is incompatible with the world and that they should have no use for it. The sermon also highlights the importance of avoiding worldly influences and continuously seeking God to maintain a holy lifestyle. Additionally, the speaker addresses the dangers of covetousness and the lust of the eye, emphasizing the need to resist illegal and illicit experiences.
(Rebuilding the House of the Lord) 4. a New Phase as Ezra Appears
By Roy Hession1.5K53:01EzraGEN 12:1EXO 20:3EZR 7:27EZR 8:21EZR 9:1MAT 6:33JAS 4:4In this sermon, the speaker discusses the journey of the Israelites from Babylon to Jerusalem, which took them four months on foot. Despite the risks of being robbed or ambushed, they successfully completed the journey and delivered their wealth to the priests in Jerusalem. The speaker emphasizes the importance of having confidence in God, as exemplified by the river Ahava, which is named after a brother who finds his confidence in God. The sermon also highlights the need for repentance and not presuming on past blessings, as demonstrated by the speaker's own experience of panicking and realizing the depth of study required for the scriptures. The overall theme of the sermon is the restoration of the temple and Jerusalem, seen as a symbol of personal and corporate revival.
Recipe for Personal Revival
By Bill McLeod1.4K33:04Personal RevivalPSA 51:5HOS 1:2HOS 14:7ROM 3:10ROM 5:20JAS 4:4In this sermon, the preacher discusses the concept of personal revival and its connection to Christian growth. He emphasizes that genuine revival leads to real growth, using Hosea 14:7 as a reference. The preacher highlights the sinful nature of humanity, stating that even though we may acknowledge the sinfulness of the world, we often fail to recognize our own sinful hearts. He quotes Isaiah 40 and Psalm 14 to emphasize the emptiness and vanity of mankind. The sermon concludes by emphasizing the need for personal revival and the recognition of our sinful nature.
Intoxicated With Babylon-Chapter Three
By Steve Gallagher1.4K09:50BabylonGEN 13:10MAT 6:33LUK 12:341TI 6:10HEB 11:8JAS 4:41JN 2:15In this sermon, the speaker discusses the influence of worldly culture on the church and how it can deceive and weaken the faith of believers. He uses the story of Lot and his family in Sodom as an example of the consequences of turning away from God and embracing the things of this world. The speaker emphasizes the importance of living a life of faith and consecration like Abraham, who was determined to follow and obey God no matter the cost. He also challenges lukewarm Christians to examine their hearts and prioritize their love for God over the love for worldly things.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Ye adulterers and adulteresses - The Jews, because of their covenant with God, are represented as being espoused to him; and hence their idolatry, and their iniquity in general, are represented under the notion of adultery. And although they had not since the Babylonish captivity been guilty of idolatry; according to the letter; yet what is intended by idolatry, having their hearts estranged from God, and seeking their portion in this life and out of God, is that of which the Jews were then notoriously guilty. And I rather think that it is in this sense especially that St. James uses the words. "Lo! they that are far from thee shall perish; thou hast destroyed all them that go a whoring from thee." But perhaps something more than spiritual adultery is intended. See Jam 4:9. The friendship of the world - The world was their god; here they committed their spiritual adultery; and they cultivated this friendship in order that they might gain this end. The word μοιχαλιδες, adulteresses, is wanting in the Syriac, Coptic, Ethiopic, Armenian, Vulgate, and one copy of the Itala. Whosoever - will be a friend of the world - How strange it is that people professing Christianity can suppose that with a worldly spirit, worldly companions, and their lives governed by worldly maxims, they can be in the favor of God, or ever get to the kingdom of heaven! When the world gets into the Church, the Church becomes a painted sepulchre; its spiritual vitality being extinct.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
The oldest manuscripts omit "adulterers and," and read simply, "Ye adulteresses." God is the rightful husband; the men of the world are regarded collectively as one adulteress, and individually as adulteresses. the world--in so far as the men of it and their motives and acts are aliens to God, for example, its selfish "lusts" (Jam 4:3), and covetous and ambitious "wars and fightings" (Jam 4:1). enmity--not merely "inimical"; a state of enmity, and that enmity itself. Compare Jo1 2:15, "love . . . the world . . . the love of the Father." whosoever . . . will be--The Greek is emphatic, "shall be resolved to be." Whether he succeed or not, if his wish be to be the friend of the world, he renders himself, becomes (so the Greek for "is") by the very fact, "the enemy of God." Contrast "Abraham the friend of God."
John Gill Bible Commentary
Ye adulterers and adulteresses,.... Not who were literally such, but in a figurative and metaphorical sense: as he is an adulterer that removes his affections from his own wife, and sets them upon another woman; and she is an adulteress that loves not her husband, but places her love upon another man; so such men and women are adulterers and adulteresses, who, instead of loving God, whom they ought to love with all their hearts and souls, set their affections upon the world, and the things of it: the Vulgate Latin, Syriac, and Ethiopic versions, leave out the word "adulteresses": these the apostle addresses in the following manner; know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? that an immoderate love for the good things of the world, and a prevailing desire after the evil things of it, and a delight in the company and conversation of the men of the world, and a conformity to, and compliance with, the sinful manners and customs of the world, are so many declarations of war with God, and acts of hostility upon him; and show the enmity of the mind against him, and must be highly displeasing to him, and resented by him: whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God; whoever is in league with the one must be an enemy to the other; God and mammon cannot be loved and served by the same persons, at the same time; the one will be loved, and the other hated; the one will be attended to, and the other neglected: this may be known both from reason and from Scripture, particularly from Mat 6:24.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
4:4-10 James explains the causes of conflict: love for the world, divided loyalty, and arrogant criticism (4:11-12). He gives exhortations which will rectify these causes and lead to peace. 4:4 You adulterers: James uses this prophetic imagery (see, e.g., Jer 3:6; Hos 3:1) because his readers were seeking what friendship with the world could give them—social acceptance (Jas 2:1-4), prestige (3:1), or wealth (4:13). Divided loyalty toward God (4:8) is like adultery against one’s spouse. • In the ancient world, friend was used as a title for special and exclusive relationships (Luke 23:12, Herod and Pilate; John 19:12, Pilate as “friend of Caesar”; see also 1 Maccabees 2:18; 6:28). Both Moses (Exod 33:11) and Abraham were called friends of God (Jas 2:23; 2 Chr 20:7; Isa 41:8; cp. John 15:15). • The world consists of society that is opposed to God and his kingdom. The world is guided by earthly wisdom, not heavenly (Jas 3:15-17), and is characterized by evil desires, fighting, and killing (4:2-3).