What Kind of Wisdom Do You Want?

James 3:13-18

13 Who is wise and understanding among you? Let them show it by their good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom. 14 But if you harbor bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast about it or deny the truth. 15 Such “wisdom” does not come down from heaven but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. 16 For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice.

17 But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. 18 Peacemakers who sow in peace reap a harvest of righteousness.

James 1:5-8

5 If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you. 6 But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt,because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. 7 That person should not expect to receive anything from the Lord. 8 Such a person is double-minded and unstable in all they do.

What Kind of Wisdom Do You Want

Message #8: What Kind of Wisdom Do You Want?
James 3:13-18; 1:5-8
Every 2nd Sunday we are going to focus on this goal at our Sunday morning worship service together:

GOAL: To create an environment where we can grow deeper in our connection with Jesus and one another so that we might experience the life-changing difference that Jesus makes in a more significant way.

This time is for you to slow down and focus. Sit comfortably, alert, and relaxed. Try, if you can, to put away your thoughts of the day and ready yourself to listen. Some of you may never have done this in a setting like this. That’s okay. We live a time where we need to draw closer to Jesus than ever before. Our Lord is longing to give you more of Himself. We take this morning to tune into Him. Here is how we are going to teach you a practice of old that has helped many followers of Jesus draw closer to him through reading, reflection, and response. So grab some bread and juice for communion and prepare yourself to draw close to Jesus.

READ: James 3:13-18; 1:5-8 13
3:13-18 Who is wise and understanding among you? Let them show it by their good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom. 14 But if you harbor bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast about it or deny the truth. 15 Such “wisdom” does not come down from heaven but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. 16 For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice. 17 But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. 18 Peacemakers who sow in peace reap a harvest of righteousness.

1:5-8 - 5 If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you. 6 But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt, because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. 7 That person should not expect to receive anything from the Lord. 8 Such a person is double-minded and unstable in all they do.

REFLECT: Today you will hear the same passage from James 3:13-18 & 1:5-8 read three times. After each time it is read, we are going to give you 3 minutes of silence to reflect on it. This is an opportunity to allow God to speak to your mind and heart through His Word and the Spirit He has placed within you. Feel free to take any notes during this time of what God may be speaking to you about. Your thoughts and notes…

RESPOND: Is there anything specific God has laid on our heart today that you want His help to respond to? Can you think of a time when God gave you wisdom… either through your time with Him… or through another person… or in a dream. Is there an experience where God gave you wisdom?

COMMUNION TIME
Hear the words of the institution of the Holy Supper of our Lord Jesus Christ: The Lord Jesus, on the night of his arrest, took bread, and after giving thanks to God he broke it, and gave it to his disciples, saying: Take, eat. This is my body, given for you. Do this in remembrance of me. In the same way he took the cup, saying: This cup is the new covenant sealed in my blood, shed for you for the forgiveness of sins. Whenever you drink it, do this in remembrance of me. Every time you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the saving death of the risen Lord, until he comes.

Closing Prayer: “Thank you, Jesus, for the gift of your life and love to us. We do not take lightly this sacrifice. We also rejoice that we now have freedom to live by your Spirit in a whole new way! We are more than conquers because of your presence in us! Thank you for your forgiveness to us. Thank you for real peace in the midst of difficulties…for real joy beyond the circumstances we face. We love you, Jesus. Thank you for showing us what true life is all about in you! In your name, Jesus. Amen.”