WHY MANY WILL NEVER HAVE WHAT THEY SAY

DOUBLE MINDEDNESS

What Does It Mean to Be Double-Minded? The term double-minded comes from the Greek word dipsuchos, meaning “a person with two minds or souls.” It’s interesting that this word appears only in the book of James (James 1:8; 4:8). Bible scholars conclude that James might have coined this word. To grasp the full meaning of this word, it is best to understand how it is used within its context. James writes of the doubting person that he is “like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. That man should not think he will receive anything from the Lord; he is a double-minded man, unstable in all he does” (James 1:6–8). A doubter is a double-minded person. Jesus had in mind such a person when He spoke of the one who tries to serve two masters (Matthew 6:24). As such, he is “unstable,” which comes from a Greek word meaning “unsteady, wavering, in both his character and feelings.” A double-minded person is restless and confused in his thoughts, his actions, and his behavior. Such a person is always in conflict with himself. One torn by such inner conflict can never lean with confidence on God and His gracious promises. Correspondingly, the term unstable is analogous to a drunken man unable to walk a straight line, swaying one way, then another. He has no defined direction and as a result doesn’t get anywhere. Such a person is “unstable in all he does.” Those who are double-minded do not have the faith spoken of in Hebrews 11:1, 3: “Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.… By faith we understand that the universe was formed at God’s command, so that what is seen was not made out of what was visible.” We cannot be both “certain” and doubting, as is the double-minded person. One part of his mind is sure of something, while the other part doubts. It brings to mind the “pushmi-pullyu” of the Dr. Doolittle stories, an animal with a head at either end of its body and which was constantly trying to walk in two directions at once. Such is the double-minded man. God will not grant His blessings upon those who are double-minded. As Jesus pointedly declared, “No one can serve two masters. Either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other” (Matthew 6:24). God and the things of this world are of such opposite natures that it is impossible to love either one completely without hating the other. Those who try to love both will become unstable in all their ways. God is a jealous God (Exodus 34:14) and will not accept a service that is divided with Satan.

Got Questions Ministries, Got Questions? Bible Questions Answered (Bellingham, WA: Logos Bible Software, 2002–2013).

27. HONOR (Exodus 20:7) The most common way of people taking the Lord’s name in vain is by living a dual life

I. DOUBLE LOVING—Isa. 29:13 A. Loving God, yet loving sin? (Many people want to live in sin now, but have God when they die) B. Loving God, yet hating your brother? (Danger of the grudge, bitterness, hard feelings) C. Loving God, yet no devotional life? (Time for pleasure, friends, etc., but no time for God) D. Loving God, yet living an indifferent life? (God requires faithfulness) E. Loving God, yet not surrendered? (Complete surrender, time, body, mind, etc.)

II. DOUBLE LONGING—1 John 2:4 A. Desire for God and sin both?—Matt. 6:24 B. Desire for God and the world both?—1 John 2:15–17 C. Desire for sinful friends and Christian friends?—2 Cor. 6:17 D. Desire for God and pleasure both?—1 Tim. 5:6 Let your language be longings for God—Isa. 42:1–2; Matt. 5:6

III. DOUBLE LIVING—James 1:8; 4:8 A. Double-minded person is unstable—Rev. 3:14–22 (The Bible calls them lukewarm—you can’t depend upon them) B. Double-minded person is unconcerned—Prov. 29:18 (No desire, or vision for the lost world in sin) C. Double-minded person is unconsecrated—John 6:66–68 (Serving the Lord for what they can get, not what they give) D. Double-minded person is unfaithful to God—Rev. 2:10 (Must be faithful until death) E. Double-minded person is unsure—James 1:6 (I’ll try, I’ll hope attitude—must be sure) Lesson from the life of Daniel, who purposed in his heart not to defile himself—Dan. 6:10. Paul said, “Be an example”—1 Tim. 4:12. This is the best way to keep from “taking His name in vain”

Croft M. Pentz, 52 Simple Sermon Outlines, Sermon Outline Series (Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Book House, 1968), 45–46.

What Does It Mean to Take the Lord’s Name in Vain? Although many people believe taking the Lord’s name in vain refers to using the Lord’s name as a swear word, there is much more involved with a vain use of God’s name. To understand the severity of taking the Lord’s name in vain, we must first see the Lord’s name from His perspective as outlined in Scripture. The God of Israel was known by many names and titles, but the concept embodied in God’s name plays an important and unique role in the Bible. God’s nature and attributes, the totality of His being, and especially His glory are reflected in His name (Psalm 8:1). Psalm 111:9 tells us His name is “holy and awesome,” and the Lord’s prayer begins by addressing God with the phrase “hallowed be your name” (Matthew 6:9), an indication that a reverence for God and His name should be foremost in our prayers. Too often we barge into God’s presence with presumptuous “to-do lists” for Him, without being mindful of His holiness, His awesomeness, and the vast chasm that separates our nature from His. That we are even allowed to come before His throne is due only to His gracious, merciful love for His own (Hebrews 4:16). We must never take that grace for granted. Because of the greatness of the name of God, any use of God’s name that brings dishonor on Him or on His character is taking His name in vain. The third of the Ten Commandments forbids taking or using the Lord’s name in an irreverent manner because that would indicate a lack of respect for God Himself. A person who misuses God’s name will not be held “guiltless” by the Lord (Exodus 20:7). In the Old Testament, bringing dishonor on God’s name was done by failing to perform an oath or vow taken in His name (Leviticus 19:12). The man who used God’s name to legitimize his oath, and then broke his promise, would indicate his lack of reverence for God as well as a lack of fear of His holy retribution. It was essentially the same as denying God’s existence. For believers, however, there is no need to use God’s name to legitimize an oath as we are not to take oaths in the first place, letting our “yes be yes” and our “no be no” (Matthew 5:33–37). There is a larger sense in which people today take the Lord’s name in vain. Those who name the name of Christ, who pray in His name, and who take His name as part of their identity, but who deliberately and continually disobey His commands, are taking His name in vain. Jesus Christ has been given the name above all names, at which every knee shall bow (Philippians 2:9–10), and when we take the name “Christian” upon ourselves, we must do so with an understanding of all that signifies. If we profess to be Christians, but act, think, and speak in a worldly or profane manner, we take His name in vain. When we misrepresent Christ, either intentionally or through ignorance of the Christian faith as proclaimed in Scripture, we take the Lord’s name in vain. When we say we love Him, but do not do what He commands (Luke 6:46), we take His name in vain and are in danger of hearing Him say to us, “I never knew you. Away from me” in the day of judgment (Matthew 7:21–23). The name of the Lord is holy, as He is holy. The name of the Lord is a representation of His glory, His majesty, and His supreme deity. We are to esteem and honor His name as we revere and glorify God Himself. To do any less is to take His name in vain.

Got Questions Ministries, Got Questions? Bible Questions Answered (Bellingham, WA: Logos Bible Software, 2002–2013).