The Book of James: Wisdom
MAKING DECISIONS
“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. 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. That person should not expect to receive anything from the Lord. Such a person is double-minded and unstable in all they do.
Believers in humble circumstances ought to take pride in their high position. But the rich should take pride in their humiliation—since they will pass away like a wild flower. For the sun rises with scorching heat and withers the plant; its blossom falls and its beauty is destroyed. In the same way, the rich will fade away even while they go about their business.” James 1:5–11
PROBLEM
SOLUTION
PROMISE
THE PROBLEM: INDECISION
“A double-minded man is unstable in all his ways.” James 1:8
THREE WAYS INDECISION MAKES YOU UNSTABLE:
- UNSTABLE EMOTIONS
- UNSTABLE RELATIONSHIPS
- UNSTABLE SPIRITUAL LIFE
“That person should not expect to receive anything from the Lord.” James 1:7
WHAT'S THE SOLUTION?
“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.” James 1:5
ADMIT YOUR NEED
ASK FOR WISDOM
“If any of you lacks wisdom you should ask God.” James 1:5a
“It is the Lord who gives wisdom, from Him comes knowledge and understanding.” Proverbs 2:6
“You have not because you ask not.” James 4:2b
ANTICIPATE IT
“When you pray, if any of you lacks wisdom you should ask of God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you. But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt.” James 1:5–6a
THE KEY TO WISDOM IS PRAYER, THE CONDITION IS FAITH
“He who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind.” James 1:6b
THE PROMISE: GOD WILL GIVE IT!
“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.” James 1:5
LIFE'S GREATEST DECISION
- ADMIT I’M A SINNER
- BELIEVE THAT JESUS DIED ON THE CROSS FOR MY SIN
- CONFESS MY SIN TO HIM AND REPENT AND INVITE JESUS INTO MY HEART AS MY LORD AND SAVIOR
WHERE DO YOU NEED GOD’S WISDOM RIGHT NOW?