James 1:5-18

Introduction

Last week we discussed having joy in the midst of trials and how going through trails makes us more like Christ with greater endurance.

God allows us to go through trials so that we can be more like his son.

James 1:5-8 - Godly Wisdom

James 1:5–8 ESV

5 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; 8 he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways.

This is specifically talking about wisdom

To be wise in biblical terms is to know and understand godliness, to do what is pleasing to God.

Proverbs 1:7 ESV

7 The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and instruction.

Do not misunderstand this: God is not slot machine that we stick “faith coins” into and get a prize

When we ask for wisdom we should ask without fear that God will not give it to us

Wisdom in situations

Wisdom on what to do next

We do not want to show up to pray for rain and not bring any umbrellas

James 1:9-11 - Lowly Boasting

James 1:9–11 ESV

9 Let the lowly brother boast in his exaltation, 10 and the rich in his humiliation, because like a flower of the grass he will pass away. 11 For the sun rises with its scorching heat and withers the grass; its flower falls, and its beauty perishes. So also will the rich man fade away in the midst of his pursuits.

The lowly though financially poor will be spiritually rich

We should not strive for earthly wealth but rather spiritual wealth. The earthly wealth will eventually pass away

The pursuit of the pursuit

James 1:12-15 - Steadfast under trial

James 1:12–15 ESV

12 Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him. 13 Let no one say when he is tempted, “I am being tempted by God,” for God cannot be tempted with evil, and he himself tempts no one. 14 But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire. 15 Then desire when it has conceived gives birth to sin, and sin when it is fully grown brings forth death.

The ultimate crown of life is the one we receive when we stand strong in the faith until the end.

God will not let any of his people fall away.

Perseverance of the saints

Preservearance of the saints

James outlines the darkness of our own hearts

God is not the one creating the desires in you - it is your own evil desires

Sin left unchecked brings death

What are you desiring?

James is making the connection back to what he was previously discussing

Is it the wisdom of God?

Is it worthless worldly pursuits?

James 1:16-18 - Every Good Gift

James 1:16–18 ESV

16 Do not be deceived, my beloved brothers. 17 Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change. 18 Of his own will he brought us forth by the word of truth, that we should be a kind of firstfruits of his creatures.

Every Good Gift

We only bring pain to ourselves

All good things come from above

Everything good within us is the work of God

All other things are our own doing

We self sabotage constantly and shipwreck ourselves

No Variation or shadow due to change

God does not change

God does not change his mind

This is comforting because it means that God will never change his mind on how he feels about us.

Once you have been set free from sin you are free indeed

Though you may stumble and fall—God still holds you in his hands