Eastern Hills Baptist Church
Sermon Series: James - A Faith that Works
Welcome to Eastern Hills Baptist Church
We are so glad that you decided to join us in worship today. Here at Eastern Hills we realize that we are all in different places on our journey with Christ, and that's okay. Whether you are a seeker, looking for answers, or a long-time follower of Christ, you are welcome here.
James 1:1-8 CSB
1. Wisdom - What is It?
James has been called "The Proverbs of the New Testament"
Wisdom helps us respond to the problem of pain. "Consider it a great joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you experience various trials, because you know that the testing of your faith produces endurance" (James 1:2-3)
Wisdom helps us connect life's daily decisions with life's big questions.
Wisdom helps us discover the real secret of success, as God uses everything for our good, to conform us to the image of Christ. "And let endurance have its full effect, so that you may be mature and complete, lacking nothing" (James 1:4).
Matthew 5:48 CSB
Wisdom is practical knowledge. It is being so in tune with how God has arranged the world that you make responsible and righteous decisions. It helps us navigate the problem of pain and the secret of success by connecting life's daily decisions with life's big questions.
2. Where does it come from?
(a) the wisdom of James comes from James
James 1:1 CSB
John 7:3-5 CSB
1 Corinthians 15:3-7 CSB
When we read Jacob's letter, we read the letter of someone who turned from skeptic to servant, and someone who practiced what he preached.
(b) the wisdom of James comes from Jesus
References to Jesus are surprisingly few - the least in the whole New Testament! But...
"The influence of the teachings of Jesus on the epistle of James is astounding! There is not one section of the Sermon on the Mount that James does not reflect, and there is not one section of James that does not reflect the teachings of Jesus" - Morgan, A Theology of James, 37.
When we read the letter of James, we are reading the closest thing to Jesus himself writing us a letter.
(c) the Wisdom of James comes from God
James 3:13-18 CSB
3. How do we get it?
James 1:5-8 CSB
By asking, admitting our ignorance.
But asking in faith. Trusting these things:
His knowledge. Do we hear God but then look for better options?
His grace. Do we think He is mad at us?
Discuss with others:
1. Do we value wisdom? What's the source of your wisdom - is it gold or fool's gold?
2. How can God's wisdom help us endure hard times?
3. How could holding a grudge against God keep us from learning from him? How could receiving God's love help us learn from him?