Wisdom for Trials

Wisdom for Trials
James 1: 5-12

Introduction

To be triumphant or victorious in the midst of trials, the Word of God tells us that we need wisdom. Though we need God’s grace, strength, or even deliverance from all the difficulties and trials in our lives, we need wisdom, which is the bible is the principal thing or the principal acquirement in life. (Prov. 4:7).

Illustration/Application: A Solomonic Story from Thrace
The event which made Solomon famous was his judgment between the two mothers. There have been a few stories similar to it. For example, the story of Arisphanes of Thrace and the three young men who claimed to be sons of the King of the Cimmerians.
Arisphanes ordered that each one hurl a javelin at the father’s corpse. Two of the young men at once obeyed. The third refused to do so, and him Arisphanes declared to be the true son and the successor to his father.
Encyclopedia of 15,000 Illustrations: Signs of the Times.

I. Wisdom (James 1:5)
A. The right use or exercise of knowledge; the choice of laudable ends, and of the best means to accomplish them. This is wisdom in act, effect, or practice. If wisdom is to be considered as a faculty of the mind, it is the faculty of discerning or judging what is most just, proper and useful, and if it is to be considered as an acquirement, it is the knowledge and use of what is best, most just, most proper, most conducive to prosperity or happiness. Wisdom in the first sense, or practical wisdom, is nearly synonymous with discretion. It differs somewhat from prudence, in this respect; prudence is the exercise of sound judgment in avoiding evils; wisdom is the exercise of sound judgment either in avoiding evils or attempting good. Prudence then is a species, of which wisdom is the genus. (Webster)
B. The wisdom mentioned in this context is the wisdom needed to go through trials properly. It is the wisdom to know God’s will in a given situation, to understand what God’s Word says about my situation, and to know how to act in that situation. “Wisdom in the Bible is a practical, down-to-earth virtue that provides its possessor with insight into the will and ways of God” (Expositor’s Bible Commentary)
C. What’s the difference between knowledge and wisdom?
1. Knowledge is knowing all the necessary facts and information.
2. Wisdom is the ability to properly use those facts and information.
D. Sources of wisdom:
1. God (Ex. 28:3; Deut. 34:9; 1 Kings 4:29; Job 28:12-28; 32:7-8; 38:36; Ps. 51:6; Pr. 2:7; Dan. 2:20-23; Acts 6:3; 2 Pet. 3:15).
2. The Scriptures (Deut. 4:6; Pr. 1:1-6; Col. 3:16).
3. Prayer (Eph. 1:17; Col. 1:9; Jas. 1:5).
4. Teaching and warning (Col. 1:28).
5. Wisdom is practical holy living (Pr. 1:2-4). (D. Cloud)

Illustration/Application: Lessons from Teardrops
Two little teardrops were floating down the river of life. One said to the other, “Who are you?” It replied, “I am a teardrop from a girl who loved a man and lost him. Who are you?” The first responded, “Well, I am a teardrop from the girl who got him!”
Life is like that. We cry over things we cannot have. If we only knew it, we would probably cry more if we had received them. Paul had the right idea when he said, “I have learned in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content” (Phil 4:11). (A Treasury of Bible Illustrations)

II. How to have Wisdom? (James 1:5-10)
A. Pray – Wisdom can be obtained from God alone. Only the Lord can give the wisdom needed so you can go through the trials. We need wisdom during trying times.
B. Asking God for wisdom is an important part of the believer’s prayer life (Job 28:12-23, Prov. 3:5-7, 1 Thess. 5:17). When you pray, it shows your total dependence and trust in Him and your inadequacy.
C. God gives liberally. He is not stingy with His blessings. He is ready to give all of the wisdom that we need in any trial.
D. God does not upbraid when we approach Him in faith. The Greek word translated “upbraid” (oneidizo) means to rebuke. It is also translated “cast in teeth” (Mat. 27:44), “reproach” (Lk. 6:22) and “revile” (Mat. 5:11). God does not reproach us for coming to Him as needy sinners and asking for His help, but He does upbraid us for unbelief and hardness of heart (Mk. 16:14). Christ also upbraided unbelievers for their lack of repentance (Mat. 11:20).
E. Ask in faith means with confidence in the goodness and mercy of God. God is kind and gracious, ready to help all who sincerely seek Him. Unbelievers or unsaved persons however, cannot expect answers
F. Nothing wavering means not doubting. The greatest enemy to answered prayer is unbelief.
G. James compares the doubting believer to the waves of the sea, up one minute and down the next. This is the experience of a double minded man and evidence of immaturity.

Illustration/Application: Spiritual requirements for gaining wisdom:
1. Reverence (Prov. 9:10)
2. Humility (Prov. 11:2, 15:33)
3. Teachableness (Prov. 9:9, 15:31, 19:20)
4. Diligence (Prov. 8:17, 2:4-5)
5. Uprightness (Prov. 2:7)
6. Faith (James 1:5-8).
Source: Unknown

III. Rewards in Exercising Wisdom in Trials (James 1: 9-12)
A. Trials make all believers equally dependent on God and bring them to the same level with each other. Rich and poor will experience trials or testing.
B. Poor Christians and rich Christians can rejoice and conclude that God is no respecter of persons, and that they both have the privilege of being identified with Christ.
C. Wisdom reveals the blessedness of the believer who endures testing, because it shows him that when he is approved as the result of his wise reaction to the testing, he shall be rewarded. The crown of life is the reward of those who love the Lord and prove it by trial even to death.

IV. Conclusion:
In the midst of trials and hardships in our lives, we need wisdom. It is the wisdom to know God’s will in a given situation, to understand what God’s Word says about my situation, and to know how to act in that situation. Our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ gives wisdom liberally to all who ask him in faith. Will you do that my friend? You should.