James very boldly describes the fruit and results that a carnal Christian gets from not walking close to God. There appears to be three primary thoughts in these verses.

I. The Works of the Flesh

The first result James mentions is “wars and fightings.” A Christian not right with God will often be contentious and divisive. These things are the result of the “lusts that war in your members.

II. The Prayers of the Flesh

Two types of believers are mentioned. The first one wants things but does not pray about them. They go to extremes to get what they want – possibly even killing for it.

The second group does pray, but they receive no answers – at least not the ones they want. They pray for their own benefit (“ye ask amiss”), to satisfy some lust not given by the Holy Spirit.

III. The Friendships of the Flesh

Here is where James, led by the Spirit of God, is the boldest. These believers had been more interested in serving the world and seeking what it offers rather than serving God and gaining eternal riches. James calls them “adulterers and adulteresses.”

By seeking what the world offers and not serving the One Who died to redeem us, we show our ingratitude in a most callous and wicked way. Believers are the Bride of Christ, and as such, we are to love Him supremely. Anything less is spiritual adultery, and the result is “whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God.”

For these sins, there is only one remedy. If these verses speak to you, we have the option to repent and ask God for His forgiveness. We can praise Him that if we are willing to turn from these wicked ways, that He will instantly forgive and our fellowship can be restored.

Are you walking close to God now? If not, why not remedy it right now?