James 1:5
If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.
Things to
think about:
The context for this verse is going through trials. A number
of us are wrestling with uncertainty and needing wisdom to make good decisions,
to be in God’s will.
o What
are you dealing with these days that requires God’s wisdom?
We have talked before about praying over “small” stuff and
we looked at Philippians 4:6 "Do not be anxious about anything, but
in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your
requests to God."
o Our
verse this morning tells us we “should ask God”. There is definitely a
place for things like advice from others, counseling from professionals,
reading books, etc.
o Do you
find that sometimes you turn to substitutes as you seek wisdom?
o Do you
have a success story you can share about asking for and receiving God’s wisdom?
Do you ever sometimes feel foolish asking God for help with
what to do? At this stage in life, do you ever wonder if maybe you shouldn’t
have more of it figured out by now?
o You’ll
have to forgive me for projecting my own insecurities onto you guys but I’m
praying somebody else feels this way too!
o Our
verse here says He gives generously, without finding fault
o More
than begrudgingly, more than the bare minimum, but with joy, liberality, and
enthusiasm He gives
o 2 Corinthians 9:7 - "Each of you should
give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under
compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver."
And then the promise – “and it will be given to you.”
o Numbers
23:19 says “God is not human, that he should lie, not a human being, that he
should change his mind. Does he speak and then not act? Does he promise
and not fulfill?”
o I’m sure
we can all recount an occasion when someone gave us their word and then didn’t
follow through
o So
then, He is able, willing, generous, and committed to giving you what you need.
In fairness, the following verses do come with a proviso for
this promise
o “But
when you ask, you must believe and not doubt, because the one who doubts is
like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. 7 That person should not expect to receive anything from the
Lord.”
o Why do
you think Scripture gives us this warning? What purpose does it serve?
o See
Genesis 15:6, Romans 4:18
Going back to our first question –
assuming you are dealing with one or more circumstances or challenges that
require God’s wisdom, how does our passage and discussion affect your course of
action?
Bar none, a beautiful study this morning! As I type this I am overhearing two guys at a coffee shop discussing the same verse! As I drove away after our study (with the car radio turned off) it settled in my Spirit even more! I began understanding better that God has given me His wisdom - that Jesus is the Wisdom of God and I have access to His Power by His Spirit! I believe! May my faith increase as I focus on remaining importunate on my knees, acting more fully on Christ's Wisdom, and trusting in His Providence in every arena of my life. Thank you!
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