TOPIC:‌“The Heavenly Gift For Holy Growth”

                 by Rev. Dr. Reg Dunlap

 

TEXT:‌James 1:1-8

 

‌‌“If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all

without finding fault, and it will be given to him” (James 1:5, NIV).

 

‌In the Bible verses before us James, the brother of our Lord, is talking about the subject of trials and the wisdom that will enable the Christian to avoid the pitfalls which lie in their path as they travel through life on this planet. The question is raised: What is the purpose for such wisdom? There seems to be a clear connection between the words of James in verse 5 and what he has discussed in the previous three verses about the trials and temptations of those who are followers of Jesus Christ. And when James writes of wisdom he is speaking about that spiritual ability, that spiritual discernment, that spiritual discretion that enables the believer to judge soundly and relate intelligently to life an its problems.

 

‌James wants his readers to receive wisdom into the divine purpose behind their trials, and the practical insight as to how this could lead to godly living. It is receiving that spiritual knowledge, given by God the Holy Spirit, as how to live the Christian life in loving communion with Jesus Christ. It is the God-given understanding to help the believer to live a victorious life of holiness and righteousness in the midst of such trials. Let us give our attention to this heavenly gift of wisdom for holy growth.

 

I.

 

‌Consider, first of all, that wisdom is a DEFINITE gift that must be RECEIVED. It is not something we achieve or accomplish by ourselves. It is a gift from God for a divine purpose. Listen as James brings this truth to light in verse 5: “If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him.”

 

‌If we as Christians do not know how to meet any particular problem we have only to come humbly and seriously before God who will give us the needed wisdom without making us feel foolish or guilty. I like the way The New Living Translation renders these words: “If you need wisdom - if you want to know what God wants you to do - ask Him, and He will gladly tell you. He will not resent your asking” (v. 5). That's God's promise to us. We Christians never need to stumble along in the dark because God's wisdom is available to all who ask for it. The problem is we don't ask for it. We make our own decisions without relying on God for His help or direction.

 

‌Let's get it down: To those believers who feel confused and frustrated over how . . .