James week 2

We ended the last study by asking for something.  Do you remember what it was?

WISDOM…………now we move into verses 1:6-8

What are we talking about here?

Just about asking for wisdom or more?

If you’re truly seeking God’s will in a situation, he WILL point your feet in the right direction…but you have to 100% believe this!!!!

Here is a key point: He may point your feet, but you STILL HAVE TO MAKE THE FINAL DECISION!  No doubts!!!!!!!!!!!!

What does he mean that doubt will rock you back and forth like the sea?

I think it is actually simple.  No tricks.  I think he is being literal here….you will be tossed this way then that way etc…One minute thinking this…the next thinking this! 

What does it mean to be double minded?

It is like you literally have 2 minds!!  It is when you’ve prayed but do not fully trust GOD to answer, and you’re still leaning on yourself to do it!  Your thoughts wage war against each other in your head:  “God wants me to do this”……… “No the smart thing is to do this…..”.  Ever act this way?

Just like James says…you can get SO tied up in this that you RECEIVE NOTHING FROM THE LORD!

So….let’s say you’ve sought wisdom from the Lord.  You’ve asked for it.  How do you know you’ve gotten it?

Whether you feel brainy or not, you just have to believe!!!!!!!!!!

VS 1:9

Now we’re starting to sound like some Chinese fortune cookie proverb aren’t we?  At first glance this may sound like some sort of political, hocus pocus double talk!

What do you think James is talking about?  Where did this come from?

I think he may be talking about what it is we’re striving for!!!!  I think he is saying that we as Christians have to do it backwards from the world!    The world seeks first riches and fame….believing that it will bring us JOY, PEACE, and HAPPINESS.  But as God’s kids, we say that it is his JOY, PEACE, and HAPPINESS that make us rich. 

According to Jesus you can have these things for free. It makes no difference how rich you are, popular or talented you are!  John 10:10 I came that they may have life and have it abundantly….!

As such...we are promised the greatest riches of all:

            REV 3:21

            Rom 8:17

No wonder James tells us to take pride in our HUGE positions! 

VS 1:10-11

*** this is a little confusing.  What is he saying here?

Ever here of a simoon?  It is a weather phenomenon in the desert…it is a fiery wind that comes roaring out of the sky…IT IS SO HOT that it can literally kill any and all plant life in as little as one hour!! 

That is how easily riches can be destroyed!  And even if you make it through life with them…you can’t take them with you! (after all, have you ever seen a U-Haul behind a hearse? J)

But…many spend their entire lives trying to amass money and stuff.  Is this wrong?

NO!  But when you start putting it ahead of serving God or serving others….as soon as saving for that new car etc. becomes a higher priority than helping someone in need…YOU ARE IN TROUBLE (LUKE 6:13)!

So what do we do?  Just abandon efforts to make a living?!?!?!?

NO!!!!!!  But just don’t worry about it as much…He promises that if we seek him he will ALWAYS provide what you need!  READ MATT 6:33