The Wisdom of God (James 1:2-8)
Gary McManus, 09/30/2018Part of the Life With Jesus is Better series, preached at a Sunday Morning service
September 30, 2018
James 1:2-8 (p. 1196 / p.1216)
The phrase, “wisdom of God” appears
in the New Testament 19 times.
The word wisdom is used in the Bible
over 100 times!
James makes clear. . .wisdom?. . .
ask God, who gives generously to all. . .
Simple. . .God’s wisdom is available to you.
--not blocks of knowledge
--not even memorized Bible verses
Wisdom is a WAY of doing things.
(Proverbs 29:11, James 1:20)
The wise (or wisdom) is not claiming to
have the knowledge already but rather
to be wise is to be humble enough to ask
God for direction.
(See James 4:2-3).
Jesus told parables about the wise. . .and the foolish.
The Apostle Paul warns the churches.
(Romans 11:25, 12:16)
(See also 1 Corinthians 14:12,
1 Corinthians 1:24, 1:30)
The Apostle also prays for wisdom
for the church! (Colossians 1:9)
Colossians 3:16:
Let the word of Christ dwell in you. . .richly. . .
but EXPRESS that same word of Christ in
WISDOM!
The wisdom is in expressing the truth of
Christ’s indwelling word. . .the wisdom is
teaching and admonishing done by ALL!
The Bible is certain that the truly foolish
person knows the truth but FAILS
to apply it to their own lives.
Ivory towers?
Be knowledgeable but what good does the
knowledge do anyone in the real world?
Take biology. . .or plant sciences.
Joseph knew none.
(See Genesis 39-45)
Pharaoh himself will say of Joseph:
“Since God has made all this known to you,
there is no one so DISCERNING and
WISE as you.” (Genesis 41:39)
James’ letter testifies that wisdom
is a test of living faith. (James 3:17)
Jesus said, “ask, seek, knock” (Luke 11:9-10)
This wisdom is available to you. . .
from the Holy Spirit. . .; make wisdom a lifestyle. . .
Proverbs 28:26: Stay safe in the Lord. . .
in His wisdom. Amen
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