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Evangelism

Vernon Advent Christian Church Message James Wisdom

Summary

FD, FE CFs - The Life of the Christ-follower -- James 1:2-15, by Pastor Bruce Burks Notes: There's not a day goes by that you/I don't need wisdom. Wisdom: "Knowledge and the capacity to make due us of it; discernment, judgment." (Webster's) Coleridge: "Common sense in an uncommon degree is what the world calls wisdom." Greek: "sophia" - "broad and full intelligence; skill in management of affairs" (of life) (Strong's) James 1:2-15 - The life of the Christ-follower Last week: full of varied trials, inevitable, indescriminate, to be counted as joy, because we believe that God is at work to test our faith and produce endurance in us, making us more like Christ. Today: Christ-follower should ask God for wisdom in the face of trials. We need wisdom everyday for many reasons. 1)Certainly for trials (context - what James was referring to): In order to discern God's purposes. Is this trial something He wants to eliminate through faith or does He wantr me to persevere through faith? - What are the areas of unbelief revealed through trial? - What are the areas of my life in which I need to grow up? - What steps do I need to take? - What temtations do I need to avoid (compromise, bad choices, anger, bitterness)? - What opportunities lie before me (grow, witness, be faithful)? Also need wisdom everyday for: - Discerning God's will, making life decisions. - Discerning God's blessings and making the most of them to His glory. - Avoiding and overcoming temptations. Need wisdom? Ask God! Believe He will give it. - God will always give wisdom to those who ask - often the most obvious and practical, but not always the easiest way. - Wisdom that God gives will always align with His word and character - James 3:13-18 - Believe and receive. Don't doubt God's heart or character; Don't disagree or reject God's wisdom. Double minded: "dipsychos" - "wavering, uncertain, divided in interest" (Strong's) Can be double minded in more ways than just dealing with trials. - Seeking God's will, but not doing God's will. - Wanting God's blessings, but not being obedient. - Asking God's help, but not trusting His heart. Fully devoted, fully engaged Christ-followers ask God for wisdom and follow the wisdom He gives.