1. Genuine Gifts (II) Wisdom (James 1)

2. Many cannot handle trials  Many blame God  Others patiently listen and learn Wonderful woes James 1:1-4 Winning wisdom James 1:5-8

3. I. Context, 1-4 – Trials

4. Natural response to Ja.1:1-4  “Lord, give me wisdom!” Overall context of James: faith True faith works Overall context of James: faith True faith works Lk.17:1-5Ja.1:1-4 (Jn.6) Faith is subjected to trials Response to trials reveals strong or weak faith

5. I. Context, 1-4 - Trials II. Class, 5 – Any of you

6. “You” (Christians, v.1)  Not all suffering is due to sin  Christians need wisdom  Gospel is not insurance policy “Any” (not a few)  Solomon: Pro.4:5, 7 Luke 13John 9Job

7. I. Context, 1-4 - Trials III. Condition, 5 – Lacking in wisdom II. Class, 5 – Any of you

8. Don’t leave home without it  NT: capacity to understand; as result, to act wisely; practical use of knowledge  OT: instruction, training, understanding, wise dealing, discretion, learning Pro.10:1; 13:1; 1 K.3 Moses, Ac.7:22 (ct. 7:10; 1 Co.3:19) Col.4:5 Moses, Ac.7:22 (ct. 7:10; 1 Co.3:19) Col.4:5

9. “Lack” wisdom (see v.4)  Silent killer  Do I... 1. Accept wisdom in humility? 2. Avoid counterfeits? 3:13, 14-16…17 Christian may lack wit, looks, charm without serious consequences, but without wisdom...serious condition

10. I. Context, 1-4 - Trials II. Class, 5 – Any of you IV. Conditions, 5-8 – Let him... III. Condition, 5 – Lacking In Wisdom

11. 1 Ask God, Mt.7:7-11  Implies fervency. Pro.2:3-6 2 Ask God  Wrong sources – 1 Co.1:21-22; 2:4  Philosophy; experts; ‘science’ ♦ God gives ‘simply’ ( Pro.10:22) ♦ God will not reproach, rebuke (Mt.11:20; Hb.4:16) ♦ God gives ‘simply’ ( Pro.10:22) ♦ God will not reproach, rebuke (Mt.11:20; Hb.4:16)

12. 1 Ask God, Mt.7:7-11 2 Ask God Will be given  God’s providence ♦ Scriptures: Pro.; sermons; classes … ♦ Experience: obey; learn from failures ♦ Examples: Parents; role models … ♦ Advice of wise: Marriage / parenting … ♦ Scriptures: Pro.; sermons; classes … ♦ Experience: obey; learn from failures ♦ Examples: Parents; role models … ♦ Advice of wise: Marriage / parenting …

13. 1 Ask God, Mt.7:7-11 2 Ask God 3 Ask in faith (6-7)  Sea of Galilee; Mediterranean W/o doubting: divided in one’s mind; at odds w/ oneself, waver. Mt.21:21; Ro.4:20; Ac.10:20...11:2

14. 1 Ask God, Mt.7:7-11 2 Ask God 3 Ask in faith (6-7)  God will not give to a doubter (7) Double-minded; divided loyalty, 4:8 Unstable: restless, 3:8 Double-minded; divided loyalty, 4:8 Unstable: restless, 3:8

15. John, Mt.11  Often the most devoted Christian knows the deepest darkness  Test of character: what you do in dark  “No trial troubles the child of God who knows God has a reason for allowing it” Keep obeying Keep praying Keep trusting