James One Mg 3
Notes
Transcript
James One Mg 3
James 1:5-8
Faith that Asks.
Faith that Asks.
A Favorite Bible Interaction
Jesus Heals a Demon-Possessed Boy
Mark 9:14-29
A father brings his demon-possessed son to Jesus
The disciples couldn’t cast it out.
Jesus is frustrated with the crowd.
“Bring the boy to me.”
The father explains the boy has these violent attacks
Then the father says: “Have mercy on us and help us, if you can.” V:22
What do you mean if I can?
Mark 9:24 (MSG) — 24 No sooner were the words out of his mouth than the father cried, “Then I believe. Help me with my doubts!”
No sooner were the words out of his mouth than the father cried, “Then I believe. Help me with my doubts!”
“Help with my unbelief”
“Help with my unbelief”
It’s hard to criticize the father
Why? We are just like it.
The uncertainty of life
Life constantly puts us in situations where we don’t know what to do
There is no lack of problems – it’s a lack of wisdom.
James doesn’t shame us for needing help – he invites us to ask.
God gives wisdom generously, but we must ask with a settled trust, not a divided heart.
1.
The Invitation to Ask
The Invitation to Ask
“If any of you lack wisdom?”
James 1:5 (NLT) — 5 If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and he will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking.
If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and he will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking.
What is biblical Wisdom?
What is biblical Wisdom?
We can know the facts.
We can get good advice.
Apply some common sense.
BTW the post office doesn’t make sense it makes stamps.
But this passage is deeper than that.
Wisdom Is God’s Perspective Applied to Life
Not just knowing the truth - But knowing what to do with truth.
You see – knowledge = facts
Understanding = meaning
But wisdom = right action
Proverbs 9:10 (NLT) — 10 Fear of the Lord is the foundation of wisdom. Knowledge of the Holy One results in good judgment.
Fear of the Lord is the foundation of wisdom. Knowledge of the Holy One results in good judgment.
Biblical wisdom starts with God at the center, not self.
Wisdom is seeing life the way God sees it—and responding the way God says.
Verse 10 says “The fear of the Lord” wisdom flows from reverence and surrender
Matthew 7:24 (NIV) — 24 “Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock.
“Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock.
Puts them into practice!
Builds a house not the sand but on the rock!
A Simple Definition
A Simple Definition
“Biblical wisdom is the God-given ability to see life from His perspective and respond in obedient faith.”
That compass can’t be right.
Listen, God and His Holy Spirit are you compass.
God has given you an invitation to ask.
Do you ask?
Ask right now.
2.
God is generous, not reluctant
God is generous, not reluctant
“Ask our generous God”
Try this on for a definition of a generous God.
God proves His goodness by giving you material blessing, health, and success—especially in response to your faith, words, or giving.
Blessing = financial increase, physical health, visible success
Giving to God (money, faith declarations) → triggers return blessings.
God’s generosity is measured by what you receive outwardly
“Sow a seed, reap a harvest”
“Sow a seed, reap a harvest”
Is that the teaching of James 1:5?
If you said yes, you would be wrong.
Here’s the issue—it narrows God’s generosity down to temporary, visible things.
It makes generosity “transactional”
“If I do this, God will do that”
What it really says.
What it really says.
James 1:5 (CEB) — 5 But anyone who needs wisdom should ask God, whose very nature is to give to everyone without a second thought, without keeping score. Wisdom will certainly be given to those who ask.
But anyone who needs wisdom should ask God, whose very nature is to give to everyone without a second thought, without keeping score. Wisdom will certainly be given to those who ask.
What about sowing a seed?
God gives without a second thought.
Without keeping score!
Why Does God Give?
Why Does God Give?
God is Good.
God is Good.
You don’t earn God’s generosity.
This is why you ask in faith v:6
If you define God’s generosity by what’s in your hand, you’ll miss what He’s doing in your heart.
No Shame in Asking
No Shame in Asking
“He will not rebuke you for asking.”
Shame is a weapon the devil uses very effectively against us.
Where does shame first show itself?
The Garden of Eden
The Garden of Eden
Genesis 3:10 (NLT) — 10 He replied, “I heard you walking in the garden, so I hid. I was afraid because I was naked.”
He replied, “I heard you walking in the garden, so I hid. I was afraid because I was naked.”
We have been hiding from God ever since.
Shame a barrier to prayer.
God will never say “Why are you coming to me?”
Sin causes us to hide
The enemy doesn’t have to defeat you—he just has to shame you into silence.
But remember God is good.
**What have you stopped asking God for because you feel ashamed?**
Salvation – Your assignment – Grace – Peace – Wisdom
“Help me with my unbelief”
“Help me with my unbelief”
