What if "friendship with the world" in James 4:4 isn't about your music playlist or your movie choices? In this episode, Wes McAdams and Marcus Stenson reexamine one of the most misunderstood phrases in the New Testament. Drawing on the Greco-Roman patronage system—where wealthy benefactors offered "gifts" in exchange for loyalty and allegiance—they argue that James is confronting something far deeper than a moral checklist. He's warning an oppressed church community against selling their allegiance to rich and powerful patrons instead of trusting Jesus as their sole protector and provider. From Old Testament parallels with Israel's political alliances to modern applications in the workplace, online tribalism, and partisan politics, this conversation will challenge you to ask: Can my loyalty be bought?
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Transcript
Friendship with the World
What Does James 4:4 Mean?
Links and Resources
Radically Christian
The Radically Christian Podcast, hosted by Wes McAdams and Marcus Stenson, invites listeners on a journey of learning to love like Jesus. Whether you are a seasoned Christian or a new Christian, you will enjoy these Bible studies and spiritual conversations. Each week, Wes and Marcus have conversations about life, faith, and Scripture. Though the topics vary from week to week, the goal of every conversation is the same, learn to love God, our neighbors, and even our enemies as Jesus does.
The Radically Christian Podcast, hosted by Wes McAdams and Marcus Stenson, invites listeners on a journey of learning to love like Jesus. Whether you are a seasoned Christian or a new Christian, you will enjoy these Bible studies and spiritual conversations. Each week, Wes and Marcus have conversations about life, faith, and Scripture. Though the topics vary from week to week, the goal of every conversation is the same, learn to love God, our neighbors, and even our enemies as Jesus does. 
