Wisdom
Notes
Transcript
Living Faith
Who is Jesus to you? Your KING?
The DIFFERENCE IN YOUR LIFE?
James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ (1:1)
Relate to Jesus for who He is—live out your faith.
“I AM” Statements of Jesus
John 6:35 — “I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me shall not hunger, and whoever believes in me shall never thirst.”
John 8:12 — “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”
Our faith in Jesus should affect our lives—be seen
It should alter our perspective about life’s problems
James 1:2–4 — Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, 3 for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. 4 And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.
Pointing us toward maturity, James then ADDS
James 1:5 — If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.
As we face life’s problems James anticipates that wisdom will be needed.
God’s wisdom is available. What is wisdom?
Webster—Wisdom is accumulated philosophic or scientific learning: it is KNOWLEDGE
It is the teachings of the ancient wise men
Biblical is wisdom is more than knowledge (applied)
BIBLICALWISDOM is God’s leadership in the everyday experiences of life—relational component
Proverbs 2:6 — For the Lord gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding . . . (Pr. 9:10)
WISDOM IS A PERSON--Alister Begg
WISDOM IS FOLLOWING JESUS’ LEAD
John 8:12 — “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”
1 Corinthians 1:30— 30 And because of him you are in Christ Jesus, who became to us wisdom from God, righteousness and sanctification and redemption,
If this is true, how do we follow Jesus lead?
Charles Sheldon— What would Jesus do?, IN HIS STEPS (1897) WWJD -- TOO SUBJECTIVE
TO MOVE TOWARD A LIFE OF WISDOM
THREE QUESTIONS—
What did Jesus do?
What did Jesus teach?
How is Jesus leading?
Colossians 1:9–10 — And so, from the day we heard, we have not ceased to pray for you, asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of his will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, 10 so as to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him: bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God;
James 1:5 — If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.
WISDOM IS AVAILBLE
WHEN IT COMES TO WISDOM . . .
THE GIVING GOD IS GENEROUS
GOD GIVES WITHOUT REPROACH
ASKING IS REQURIED (COMMAND)
James 1:5 — If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.
Why don’t we ask because we know what’s best (Pr. 3-7)
WE DON’T BELIEVE HE WILL LEAD—ask in faith
James 1:5–7 — If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him. 6 But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind. 7 For that person must not suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord
James 3:17 —But the wisdom from above is first pure (hagnos—hallowed/sacred), then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere.