Genuine Gifts (II)

Wisdom (James 1)

Many cannot handle trials

Many blame God Others patiently listen and learn

Wonderful woesJames 1:1-4

Winning wisdomJames 1:5-8

I. Context, 1-4 – Trials

Natural response to Ja.1:1-4 “Lord, give me wisdom!”

Overall context of James: faithTrue faith works

Lk.17:1-5 Ja.1:1-4 (Jn.6)

Faith is subjected to trials

Response to trials revealsstrong or weak faith

I. Context, 1-4 - Trials

II. Class, 5 – Any of you

“You” (Christians, v.1) Not all suffering is due to sin

Christians need wisdom Gospel is not insurance policy

“Any” (not a few) Solomon: Pro.4:5, 7

Luke 13 John 9 Job

I. Context, 1-4 - Trials

III. Condition, 5 –Lacking in wisdom

II. Class, 5 – Any of you

Don’t leave home without it

NT: capacity to understand; as result, to act wisely; practical use of knowledge

OT: instruction, training, understanding, wise dealing, discretion, learning

Pro.10:1; 13:1; 1 K.3

Moses, Ac.7:22 (ct. 7:10; 1 Co.3:19)Col.4:5

“Lack” wisdom (see v.4)

Silent killer Do I . . .

1. Accept wisdom in humility?

2. Avoid counterfeits? 3:13, 14-16…17

Christian may lack wit, looks, charm without serious consequences, but without wisdom...serious condition

I. Context, 1-4 - Trials

II. Class, 5 – Any of you

IV. Conditions, 5-8 –Let him . . .

III. Condition, 5 – Lacking In Wisdom

1Ask God, Mt.7:7-11

Implies fervency. Pro.2:3-62Ask God

Wrong sources – 1 Co.1:21-22; 2:4 Philosophy; experts; ‘science’

♦God gives ‘simply’ (Pro.10:22)

♦God will not reproach, rebuke (Mt.11:20; Hb.4:16)

1Ask God, Mt.7:7-112Ask God

Will be given God’s providence

♦Scriptures: Pro.; sermons; classes…

♦Experience: obey; learn from failures♦Examples: Parents; role models…

♦Advice of wise: Marriage / parenting…

1Ask God, Mt.7:7-112Ask God

3Ask in faith (6-7) Sea of Galilee; Mediterranean

• W/o doubting: divided in one’s mind; at odds w/ oneself, waver. Mt.21:21; Ro.4:20; Ac.10:20...11:2

1Ask God, Mt.7:7-112Ask God

3Ask in faith (6-7) God will not give to a doubter (7)

• Double-minded; divided loyalty, 4:8 • Unstable: restless, 3:8

John, Mt.11

Often the most devoted Christian knows the deepest darkness

Test of character: what you do in dark

“No trial troubles the child of God who knows God has a reason for allowing it”

Keep obeying

Keep praying

Keep trusting