Following Jesus 152

Following Jesus: The Progress of the Pilgrim.

“If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him. But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind. For that person must not suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord; he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways.” (James 1:5-8 ESV)

What should be our prayers as we face difficulties? This leads the believer to the discipline of joy. Vs. 5-8.

We begin by seeking God and making our requests to Him. What should we be asking God for as we face various trials? We must ask for wisdom: “Let him ask of God, (see above) who gives…

What is God’s response to the believer in Christ when that person requests God’s wisdom? He will generously give wisdom to that person. Unreservedly. Without bargaining. Indiscriminately (To all).

Neither will God criticize the individual for making such a request. God will not scold us for asking for wisdom. Rather, He assures the person praying that they will assuredly receive wisdom from God. No wisdom is ever withheld from the believer who asks.

Proverbs 3:5-7 – “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not unto your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will direct your paths. Be not wise in your own eyes.”

Job 28:12-23, 28 – “Where shall be wisdom be found? And where is the place of understanding? Man does not know its value nor is it found in the land of the living. The deep says, ‘It is not in me.’ And the sea says, ‘It is not with me.’ It cannot be purchased for gold. Nor can silver be weighed for its price. It cannot be valued in the gold of Ophir, in precious onyx or sapphire. Neither gold nor crystal can equal it. Nor can it be exchanged for jewelry of fine gold. No mention shall be made of coral or quartz, for the price of wisdom is above rubies. The topaz of Ethiopia cannot equal it not can it be valued in pure gold.

From where then does wisdom come from? And where is the place of understanding? It is hidden from the eyes of all living and concealed from the birds of the air. Destruction and Death say ‘We have heard a report about it with our ears.’

God understands its way and He know its place. And to man He said, ‘The Fear of the Lord that is wisdom, and to depart from evil is understanding’.”

“Job had made the connection that others would not; supernatural wisdom to understand the trials of life is not available in the world around us. If you need wisdom, you must acquire it from God. While the specific features of God’s wisdom may not be revealed to us the beginning and the ending of wisdom is to revere (fear) God and avoid sin (Psalm 110:10; Proverbs 1:7; 9:10; Ecclesiastes 12:13-14) while leaving the unanswered questions to Him in trusting submission. All we can do is trust and obey and that is enough wisdom.” John MacArthur

Proverbs 2:6 –11- “For the LORD gives wisdom; and from His mouth come knowledge and understanding. He stores up sound wisdom for the upright. He is a shield to those who walk uprightly. He guards the paths of justice and preserves the way of His saints. Then you will understand righteousness and justice, equity and every good path. When wisdom enters your heart and knowledge is pleasant to your soul, discretion will preserve you, understanding will keep you.”

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