How to Gain (True) Wisdom James 1:5-8
James 1:5-8 If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him. 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. For that person must not suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord; he is a doubleminded man, unstable in all his ways. (ESV)
Key Words Paul Peter John James
James 1:5 If any of you lacks wisdom (and you do!)
Where Wisdom Come from God If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all (1:5)
Romans 1:21-22 For although they knew God, they did not honor him as God or give thanks to him, but they became futile in their thinking, and their foolish hearts were darkened. Claiming to be wise, they became fools. (ESV)
Proverbs 9:10 The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is insight. (ESV)
1 Corinthians 1:18-20 For the word of the cross is folly to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. For it is written, 'I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and the discernment of the discerning I will thwart.' Where is the one who is wise? Where is the scribe? Where is the debater of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world? (ESV)
Wisdom in James If you think you are wise you are mistaken. If you are looking for wisdom in yourself, you ll be disappointed, for true wisdom comes only from heaven, not from man s making. If you are rejecting God, you are a fool, for he is the source of wisdom. Absolute wisdom is rooted in the absolute truthfulness and character of the creator of wisdom God.
How you Get Wisdom By Asking God If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God (1:5)
Wisdom Defined Good judgment based on knowledge Webster
Biblical Wisdom Defined True wisdom is the keen spiritual discernment which enables the Christian to make correct moral judgments and face life in a way consistent with the will of God. Biblical wisdom, then, is the appropriate application of the knowledge of the will of God.
James 1:5 If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God. (ESV)
Matthew 7:7-8 Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and the one who seeks finds, and to the one who knocks it will be opened. (ESV)
Luke 18:3-8 And there was a widow in that city who kept coming to him and saying, Give me justice against my adversary. For a while he refused, but afterward he said to himself... this widow keeps bothering me... will she not beat me down by her continual coming.... And will not God give justice to his elect, who cry to him day and night? (ESV)
To Whom Wisdom Is available To All Who Ask in Faith If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God but let him ask in faith, with no doubting (1:5-6)
James 1:6-8 For the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind. For that person must not suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord; he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways. (ESV)
Double-minded (Dipsychos) Coined by James. This is the only use in ancient literature. It literally means, two-souled. Often translated double minded, two-minded, or a mind divided. My paraphrase: when it comes to your faith, don t have a multiple personality.
Hebrews 11:6 And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him. (ESV)
Application Some are struggling with problems & maybe even questioning God. Don t turn from God, diligently seek God for wisdom in your trials.
Application Some are struggling with problems & maybe even questioning God. Don t turn from God, diligently seek God for wisdom in your trials. Some are having Christian principles challenged by the so-called wisdom of the day. Don t settle for pseudo-wisdom. Seek true wisdom.
Application Some are struggling with problems & maybe even questioning God. Don t turn from God, diligently seek God for wisdom in your trials. Some are having Christian principles challenged by the so-called wisdom of the day. Don t settle for pseudo-wisdom. Seek true wisdom. True wisdom begins with God and is available to those who genuinely seek him; who seek his will for their life; and who continually ask.
How to Gain (True) Wisdom You must not only believe in God s ability, but also in his willingness to respond. You must earnestly seek him and with determination, ask for his wisdom.