God Is Jealous (James 4:1-5:6)

James 4:1-5:6 (also read Matthew 5:5, 6:19-21, and 7:1-5) reveals at least four ways that we can provoke God’s jealousy and/or that unbelievers can provoke God’s wrath.  First, we can ask for our other gods to be fed in our prayers.  Second, we can exalt ourselves as lawgiver and judge.  Third, we can go through life boasting about tomorrow.  And the fourth is a way unbeliever’s might provoke God’s wrath: oppressing the poor.  The question is not whether you like the idea of God as a jealous judge.  That kind of question would be exalting yourself as a judge of God’s word.  The question is whether or not you will humbly submit to the one who is a jealous judge.

New audio link.