Wisdom & Prayer

Sermon Overview

We continue our series break from the Epistle to the Hebrews as we persevere through the typhoon season.

Our message this week focuses on wisdom and prayer, that we would keep in steadfast faith no matter the circumstance, and that we would tune our hearts in prayer, seeking God for wisdom on how to navigate through the situation and move forward. Based on James 1:1-8.

Dr. Ed Pilapil Jr. Senior Pastor

James 1:1-8 NASB

1 James, a bond-servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ,

To the twelve tribes who are dispersed abroad: Greetings.

2 Consider it all joy, my brothers and sisters, when you encounter various trials, 3 knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. 4 And let endurance have its perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.

5 But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him. 6 But he must ask in faith without any doubting, for the one who doubts is like the surf of the sea, driven and tossed by the wind. 7 For that person ought not to expect that he will receive anything from the Lord, 8 being a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways.

Notes

James, a half-brother of the Lord Jesus, wrote to Jewish believers. He was a known leader in the Jerusalem Church. However, James identified himself as a bond-servant of the Lord (v.1). He wrote to Jewish believers dispersed to different places. His apparent intent was for the believers to persevere under persecution.

Persecution could be the leading cause of the dispersion, and it could take the form of economic, social, and religious oppression. Thus, James wanted to encourage and instruct them on how they can live their faith amid the persecution.

After greeting them, James immediately instructed them to consider it joy when they face different kinds of trials. We can presume that he was not talking about jumping for joy because of trials, but rather, to have the right perspective, and probably, to master their emotions.

2 Consider it all joy, my brothers and sisters, when you encounter various trials, 3 knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. (v.2-3)

James gave the reason why they should consider it all joy. The reason is that the testing of their faith produces endurance. And endurance leads to maturity in Christ. God’s purpose for trials is maturity. Trials teach patience and perseverance. Moreover, it can make us spiritually stronger.

4 And let endurance have its perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.

Instead of panic, worry, and fear, the believers were to consider the trials as joy. With the biblical perspective, believers will not easily worry. But they learn to trust the Lord’s purpose for the trials.

James proceeded to encourage them to pray for wisdom if they lack it. He focused his encouragement on the nature of God. James explained that God is generous when it comes to wisdom.

5 But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him.

Yes, God is generous, and God would like to give wisdom to all who ask. However, James made it clear that we should pray in faith, with no doubting. The one who doubts is unstable like the wave of the sea. And that is unacceptable.

6 But he must ask in faith without any doubting, for the one who doubts is like the surf of the sea, driven and tossed by the wind.

The one who doubts God’s generosity in giving wisdom will not receive anything from the Lord. One should be single-minded when approaching the Lord in prayer. The one who doubts is double-minded, always wondering if the Lord will genuinely give wisdom.

7 For that person ought not to expect that he will receive anything from the Lord, 8 being a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways.

Application

The instruction and inspiration of James to the Jewish believers apply to us today. Therefore, let us listen well and learn. When we face trials, we can either wallow in despair or endure by following God’s word.

1. Have the right perspective when it comes to facing trials. We should consider it all joy when we face trials because we know God’s purpose for them. God’s purpose is to develop our endurance that will lead to maturity. We should see it more of a training program.

2. Next, we should ask for wisdom to endure the trials and wisdom to solve our problems. Instead of asking God to remove the trial, which He most likely will not, we may instead ask Him for wisdom. His wisdom will help us endure, and it will help us persevere.

3. Lastly, there is no room for doubt. We should not doubt God’s generosity when it comes to wisdom. It is His nature to bestow wisdom. If we doubt, we shall not receive the promised wisdom. But if we believe, God will give us wisdom in His way and in His time.