James 1:5-8

James 1:5-8
The U.I. vs. P.I.
U.I.- Unuseful Information P.I.-Practical Information=Wisdom from God There is a big difference between INTELLIGENCE and WISDOM. There are a lot of ways to get information in the world, especially with the Information Superhighway. Literally, the sky is the limit when it comes to getting information on something you may need. Not all the information is useful & practical for our day-to-day living. Such as, how a chunk of sand becomes silicon and then becomes a microchip. Then they stick it on a plastic board that becomes a computer motherboard. How about this, think about how the computer works with nothing but numbers between 0 and 1. Any order you input into your computer will be converted into these two numbers and calculated and translated into computer language. So, did this information make your life easier? But P.I. is using that computer in our lives for the glory of God. See the difference? Verses 5-8 can be divided in two sections: First in v5, we find that wisdom comes from God. Second in v6-8, we find the consequence of doubting God’s intention for giving us His wisdom. A. WISDOM FROM GOD
	James 1:5 If any of you lacks wisdom (Greek - Sophia), let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach (In NLT: “He will not resent your asking.”) and it will be given to him.
1) The definition of Wisdom The wisdom we talk about here is “Sound judgment about the practical things of daily life, in all aspects of Christian living.” God is the source of wisdom as power, and wisdom is given to men through the fear of the Lord.
	Ps 111:10 The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom; A good understanding have all those who do His commandments. His praise endures forever. Job 28:28 And to man He said, ‘Behold, the fear of the Lord, that is wisdom, And to depart from evil is understanding.’”
The wisdom God gives is not necessarily information on how to get out of trouble but rather insight on how to learn from one’s difficulties. It is not more information about how to avoid times of testing but instead a new perspective on trials. The wisdom of God begins with a genuine reverence for the Almighty and a steadfast confidence that God controls all circumstances, guiding them to His good purposes. The Book of Proverbs is full of wisdom from the man who was the wisest in human history. It talks about everyday conduct in business, family and social relations, and elementary morality. Wisdom is bound up with doing the will of God.
	Deut 4:6-7 Therefore be careful to observe them; for this is your wisdom and your understanding in the sight of the peoples who will hear all these statutes, and say, ‘Surely this great nation is a wise and understanding people.’
Apostle Paul called Jesus “the Wisdom of God” (1 Cor 1:24 & 30), and said that in Him all the treasures of wisdom are hidden (Col 2:3).
	James 1:4 But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.
I don’t like to say this and nor like to admit this, but there is no other substitutes for us other than trials and tests to bring us His character. Thus we have to be willing to learn about His character. We are suppose to get into His Word, and get on our knees to pray, and facing the trials with His strength by applying the Word in our lives. Otherwise we would be nothing more than whining babies. No Pain, No Gain!!!!!! God would not do anything, unless we give Him our permissions to do His work in us. If we refuse to work with God, we cannot grow spiritually. There are many thousands of people who believe this way. We are supposed to give everything to God, not just taking something from Him when we need. "You may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing" - This does not mean we become perfect like God. But become mature and growing. Can you imagine that if our spiritual condition become into a form of physical condition so that we can see? We will be able to see many of us in malnutrition, or deformed or unbalanced growth. "lacking nothing"-The simplest way to win in our trials and tests is growing up in the Lord by praying to Him, trusting Him, and obeying Him. Isa 40:31 But those who wait on the Lord Shall renew their strength; They shall mount up with wings like eagles, They shall run and not be weary, They shall walk and not faint.
	1 Cor 1:24 but to those who are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. 1 Cor 1:30 But of Him you are in Christ Jesus, who became for us wisdom from God--and righteousness and sanctification and redemption-- Col 2:3 in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.
I’d like to suggest that we take a good look at the Church of Smyrna from the Book of Revelation. Because this particular church went through a great deal of persecution. Instead of becoming bitter, they became a better church as an example to us. The city of Smyrna was a proud and beautiful Asian city closely aligned with Rome and eager to meet its demands for emperor worship and the city with a very busy port. Like the city of Ephesus, it had a great deal of import and export in that city and this brought abundance of wealth to its people. Their main export item was myrrh. The interesting thing about myrrh is that it does not bring forth sweet fragrance until it get crushed and broken. The church of Smyrna was persecuted by three groups of people: first, a large and actively hostile yet non-religious Jewish population made it extremely difficult to live there as a Christian; and second, the group of people who follow Roman emperor worship. The Smyrna’s Christians didn’t buy meat or any food which were offered to idols from meat markets. This was bad for Smyrna’s economy. So the people in the city of Smyrna who were very much oriented to money, hated Christians. This brought poverty to Smyrna Christians. Third, the group of people who worship idols including emperors of Rome didn’t care for Christians. This is an epistle of Jesus Christ who wrote seven letters to each church which have not only types and characters of modern churches, but also exact alignment with the history of the church. The church of Smyrna was famous for Polycarp’s martyrs, who was the pastor of the church for many decades. 2) How do we get God’s wisdom The theme of James is about being mature Christians as we already talked about. It is a HOW-TO MANUAL. Verses 2-4 show the concepts. Here in v.5-8 shows the ‘HOW-TO’. The end of v.4 says, “not lacking anything.” In v.5, “If any of you lacks wisdom,” this shows the method of obtaining wisdom. PRAY & READ THE WORD!!!! Prayer and reading the Word help attain such wisdom. The majority of the epistles begin and end with an exhortation of prayer. B. IF WE DON'T
	James 1:6 But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, (1)for he who doubts is like a wave of the sea driven and (2)tossed by the wind.
Not only wisdom for each and every situation but also the main principles behind each wisdom. Doubting means “to be divided in one’s mind” or “to debate.” The term does not describe a momentary doubt but a divided allegiance, an uncertainty. What are the main principles of God? God loves people; God sent His only Son to die and take away our sins with His death and resurrection; God forgives us for our sins; God is with us no matter what kind of tough situation comes along; God provides all we need according to His riches in His glory; God keeps His promises, etc. When we doubt His wisdom and the principles behind His wisdom, we are doubting His character. Some Bible teachers use these verses to convince people to “CLAIM IT AND BELIEVE IT. IF YOU HAVEN’T GOT IT, ITS BECAUSE YOU DON’T HAVE FAITH.” In a way that is true. Most of their requests are about their health and wealth, but they don’t consider God’s plans for their lives. If we don’t believe and we doubt the basic principles of God’s Word and His wisdom, it is easy for the enemy and his representatives to come by and put confusion in our minds. Faith, unwavering Faith, that stands Sure and Undisturbed in all the storms of life, is the condition of Prevailing Prayer. All things are possible to him who believes.
	Mark 9:23 Jesus said to him, “If you can believe, all things are possible to him who believes.”
	James 1:7 For let not that man suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord;
Those people who don’t believe and who doubt the basic principles of God’s Word and His wisdom, because of their lack of wisdom from God, will give up or choose their own way to get their own goal instead of God’s way and God’s will.
	James 1:8 he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways.
Double minded is literally “two souls.” If one part of a person is set on God and the other is set on this world, there will be constant conflict within. C. APPLICATIONS The wisdom that comes from God is not to make us know about the future or give us an easy life on earth, but it is for us to endure. When we understand God’s principles (His promises, love, mercy, and forgiveness) and His willingness to help us in difficult situations, we will be able to endure trials and tests and consider it pure joy knowing that God is with us every step of the way.

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