Untitled Sermon

James 1:7

Lord who is it that you would not bless. What did that person do?

That man - that person is one that has wavering faith.

So looking at verse 6

When you ask in faith that means that you are fully persuaded that God can and He will give it to you.

When you are wavering that means we are going between we belief and unbelief. The children of Israel were guilty of this. They partly believed God’s power but they leaned nore on their unbelief and that actually limited God.

Romans 4:20 “He staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief; but was strong in faith, giving glory to God;”

Driven by the wind - those are the outside forces that influence our belief. The status of our bank account, the conditions at home, what the doctor has told us, so on and so on.

Tossed - however is our own instability within. What we allow our mind to tell us.

James 1:6

That not receiving anything does not mean that God still does not take care of you. God said that He will supply our needs according to those reaches in glory. Philippians 4:19

Philippians 4:19 KJV 1900

But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.

So God makes provision for our food and clothing. That’s just who He is because of Grace and Mercy. Even when we don’t make all the right choices in how we allocate the resources God gives to us He still makes a way for us.

Here we are looking at those specific things we are praying for and asking in prayer. If you are wavering you shall not receive anything much less wisdom.

James 1:8

Double minded is not about our minds. It’s like being double souled. One is directed toward God and the other to something else. What is that that pulls you away? When you waver you are unstable. Not unstable as hypocrite saying one thing but doing the other. This is a person that is fickle. Change frequently.

The word "fickle" is overwhelmingly negative, describing someone or something as unstable, unreliable, and prone to sudden, inconsistent changes in loyalty, affection, or interest. While sometimes the changes might be merely puzzling, the core meaning implies a lack of dependability, often leading to annoyance or inconvenience for others. 

Can God depend on us to praise Him? Can He depend on us to believe? Can He depend on us to take Him at his Word? If we are wavering and not believing God to do what He is able to do how much affection are we showing Him. Are we loyal and speaking well of Him while we are waiting? Are we loyal and praising in and out of season? Can we have faith? Which means believing what we can’t see?

Oh Lord help today. I do not want to annoy God.

James 1:9-10

Here there is no respect of persons. The poor and the rich are on equal footing. The poor rejoice because they are an heir of God. It’s not based on what they have. The rich man is stripped of his goods for Jesus sake. They are made sanctified through their trials.

James 1:16

God does not tempt us with evil.

James 1:17

The first gift is referring to the act of giving. The second is the gift is perfected when it is given.

Why Does God Bless Us?

God blesses people out of His inherent love and desire for their good, but more significantly, to demonstrate His glory and to inspire others to know and worship Him. 

Blessings are given to make the recipients a blessing to others, sharing God's provisions, love, and salvation with those in need. 

Additionally, blessings can be a response to obedience and a way to reveal God's presence and provision in the world, even if the reasons are not always understood

To Show His Love and Grace: God's blessings flow from His heart of love and are an extension of His grace and mercy toward humanity, even those who don't deserve it. 

To Be a Blessing to Others: God blesses people so that they can share those blessings with others, whether it's material possessions, relationships, or spiritual gifts, to point people to Him. 

For His Own Glory: The ultimate purpose of God's blessings is to bring glory to Himself. When people see God's blessings in our lives, it should evoke wonder and awe, causing them to recognize and worship Him. 

To Reveal His Ways and Salvation: Blessings serve as a means for God's ways, justice, and salvation to be made known to the world. 

As a Response to Obedience: God often blesses simple obedience and childlike dependence, though His definition of blessing might differ from ours. 

For His Pleasure and Delight: It brings joy to God's heart to bless His creation. 

The Greater Purpose

A Foundation for Witnessing: Our blessings are not just for personal comfort; they are tools to share God's goodness with the world. 

To Foster Generosity: God gives blessings so that we don't hoard them but instead pass them on to those in need, fostering a spirit of generosity and compassion. 

To Fulfill a Divine Plan: The blessings of God are part of a larger, divine purpose to see His salvation and truth spread among all peoples. 

Our prayers and belief for God to Bless us should not be selfish!!