presents
Pamphlet #5122 KCJames1-2
Do you seek wisdom from the Lord, i.e. from His Word?
Do you seek wisdom from the Lord, i.e. from His Word?
James 1:1
James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, to the twelve tribes which are scattered abroad, greeting.
Jacob, whose name means "supplanter" and whose name was changed to Israel, was of course the patriarch of the 12 tribes, the father of his twelve sons.
That should help put the context of this letter in a proper loving perspective, a father to his sons.
Here's the Strong's definition of James:
James = Iakobos, ee-ak'-o-bos, Greek 2385; the same as Greek 2384 (Iakob) Gr'cized; Jacobus, the name of three Israelites :- James.
And since we all ready noted that the timeframe for the instructions of this book is the last days just before the return of Christ, to those waiting patiently on the Lord's return, it follows that you must know where the scattered tribes are today, particularly the so-called 10 Lost Tribes!
James 1:2
My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations;
Note: "Divers temptations" are not allurements, but trials and distresses that test and purify your character and faith.
"Ok, brother James, give me just one good reason as to why I should be happy with all my problems!"
[3] Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience.
These are actually very comforting words to a servant of God who has true wisdom as we shall see in our next study.
Faith must be tested and our faith exercised so that we will be able to patiently "wait on the Lord", for as the Psalmist says, the rewards thereof are great indeed.
Psalm 37:34
Wait on the LORD, and keep his way, and he shall exalt thee to inherit the land: when the wicked are cut off, thou shalt see it.
Is that all?
James 1:4
But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.
Wanting nothing means that we have what we need, doesn't it?
Note: The level of patience we are talking about here is the spiritual patience of faith, of remaining steadfast in His Word and "waiting on the Lord" and not doubting or wavering about. In other words, it is much more than just the occasional natural emotional impatience experienced when that idiot driver in front of you goes slower than molasses in January (which is usually the speed limit) and you can't pass him (or her). Although, if that is symptomatic of your whole life then it would seem there are deeper problems and perhaps a personal inventory is called for, wouldn't you think? In that case, prayerfully pay even closer attention to this Book of James.
James 1:5
If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.
If you sincerely ask your Father for wisdom He will simply give it to you and He is not going to make you feel foolish or guilty and chide or taunt you.
But if you are not sincere, if you either don't believe He can or will fulfill His promises to you, or you are not willing to "wait patiently", then you are better off not asking Him at all.
You see, you will need some wisdom before you do your asking of God.
Why?
Well, wisdom needs to come first, because wisdom will determine what it is that you ask your Father for, i.e. whether it is something you can do or handle yourself or something which only He can provide.
Wisdom simply will not ask Him to brush your teeth or give you a new speedboat.
A true servant of God asks for those things that enable him or her to further their service to Him, i.e. according to His will.
[6] But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed.
But what does asking in faith mean?
Does it mean to ask for something, like a financial blessing, and then blindly believe (hope) He will answer you because some preacher said you must "believe" else God will not answer your prayer?
If you actually believe some yo-yo who says send him money to plant your "seeds of faith" and then he promises that God will bless you for it, you are in big trouble!
If that is your case, you already don't believe, and you not only show a lack of wisdom but you flaunt your stupidity!
You see, James is explaining that if you truly have wisdom, which you must ask for, which then God makes available to you by giving you the simple understanding of His Word in supplying your daily bread so that you may be nourished and grow to maturity, then the faith you have will manifest itself in the works which you do, else you have a dead faith.
And you see, if you are a deadbeat Christian with a dead faith, should you expect that He is going to be willing to answer your prayers?
In other words, men and women of "faith" don't just say they believe, they SERVE the Lord, they DO His work.
That is what a faithful and wise steward does!
Those are the Christians who receive the rewards!
Remember the parable we began with?
Luke 12:42
And the Lord said, Who then is that faithful and wise steward, whom his lord shall make ruler over his household, to give them their portion of meat in due season?
Are you?
What do you do for Him?
Do you seek wisdom from Him, i.e. from His Word?
What do you ask Him for?
Don't miss the next study in this Book of James.
He has some fantastic advice and words of comfort to always remember for those who will endure the temptations and trials which will test their faith in this final generation.
To study the Bible is the noblest of all pursuits;
to understand it, the highest of all goals.
We pray that with the guidance of the Holy
Spirit, you accomplish both.
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