Valleys in motivation James 4:13-17

Some are Double-Minded

Some are double-minded he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways. James 1:8

The double-minded person has not fully committed himself to Christ I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me. Galatians 2:20

His mind is not set on things above 1 If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God. 2 Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth. 3 For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. Colossians 3:1-3

He seeks to serve the Lord and the devil “No one can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or else he will be loyal to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and mammon. Matthew 6:24

Temptation Keeps Some from Really Doing God’s Will

Temptation Keeps Some from Really Doing God’s Will 13 Let no one say when he is tempted, “I am tempted by God”; for God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does He Himself tempt anyone. 14 But each one is tempted when he is drawn away by his own desires and enticed. 15 Then, when desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, brings forth death. 16 Do not be deceived, my beloved brethren. James 1:13-16

Devil “entices” men to do wrong. 4 Then the serpent said to the woman, “You will not surely die. 5 For God knows that in the day you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.” Genesis 3:4-5

Devil “entices” men to do wrong. 24 By faith Moses, when he became of age, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh's daughter, 25 choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God than to enjoy the passing pleasures of sin, Hebrews 11:24-25

People become so involved in wrong-doing that they lose the desire to do right 12 Beware, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief in departing from the living God; 13 but exhort one another daily, while it is called “Today,” lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin. Hebrews 3:12-13

People become so involved in wrong-doing that they lose the desire to do right Take heed to yourself and to the doctrine. Continue in them, for in doing this you will save both yourself and those who hear you. 1 Timothy 4:16

Self-Deception often produces the valley between knowing and doing

Adam blamed his wife and God Then the man said, “The woman whom You gave to be with me, she gave me of the tree, and I ate.” Genesis 3:12

One may deceive himself into believing that he will be one exception to the rule. who “will render to each one according to his deeds” Romans 2:6 For there is no partiality with God. Romans 2:11

One may deceive himself into believing that he will be one exception to the rule. So then, because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will vomit you out of My mouth. Revelation 3:16

One may deceive himself into believing that he will be one exception to the rule. 19 Brethren, if anyone among you wanders from the truth, and someone turns him back, 20 let him know that he who turns a sinner from the error of his way will save a soul from death and cover a multitude of sins. James 5:19-20

Trust in the Future often leads to the valley between knowing and Doing

Trust in the Future often leads to the valley between knowing and Doing 13 Come now, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will go to such and such a city, spend a year there, buy and sell, and make a profit”; 14 whereas you do not know what will happen tomorrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapor that appears for a little time and then vanishes away. 15 Instead you ought to say, “If the Lord wills, we shall live and do this or that.” 16 But now you boast in your arrogance. All such boasting is evil. 17 Therefore, to him who knows to do good and does not do it, to him it is sin. James 4:13-17

There is a delusion of a convenient season Now as he reasoned about righteousness, self-control, and the judgment to come, Felix was afraid and answered, “Go away for now; when I have a convenient time I will call for you.” Acts 24:25

Jesus had to work while it was day, we must also. I must work the works of Him who sent Me while it is day; the night is coming when no one can work. John 9:4

Lessons for us today

How can the gap be closed? 13 Come now, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will go to such and such a city, spend a year there, buy and sell, and make a profit”; 14 whereas you do not know what will happen tomorrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapor that appears for a little time and then vanishes away. James 4:13-14

How can the gap be closed? Therefore, to him who knows to do good and does not do it, to him it is sin. James 4:17

conclusion 1. We must not hold to the future as if there will always be more time, there may not be. 2. Act and live for God today, while you can.