James 1:4-5... (11.28.2010)

The first thing, I want to do today is look back at Colossians 1:9 to briefly refresh our memories concerning what Paul told the Colossians about wisdom (we spent almost a year in Colossians) :-)

"For this cause we also, since the day we heard, do not cease to pray for you and to desire that you might be filled with knowledge of His will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding"

*** Paul and James are both discussing wisdom in the Scriptures we are looking at this week. Here is our first question, "What is the difference between knowledge and wisdom?***

One of the lesson writers this week says, "Wisdom in Scripture always means knowledge of the course of that will please God."

QUESTION: Do you agree with our lesson writer?

I once heard a set of definitions and thought they were really good for Knowledge and Wisdom.

Knowledge is the facts.
Wisdom is seeing God in the facts.

An example is if your child is dying of a serious illness (that is the facts). If you approach your child's illness knowing God has a plan (that is seeing God in the facts).

Verse 5...the Greek tense of the word "ask" is a continual & repeated asking. This is not a "one time ask"

We learn four things about God in verse 5:

1) God is a God who gives. When we are in the midst of trials it is easy to forget God is a God who gives but He is.

2) God gives generously.

3) God gives generously to all. Look at the verse that is exactly what it says. However, when we are in the middle of a trial...we may agree God is a God who gives and He even gives generously but just not to me.

4) God gives without reproach...(to express disappointment in or displeasure with (a person) for conduct that is blameworthy or in need of amendment). God is not like us who wants to make sure our children, spouse, etc...are truly sorry and know how disappointed we are before we forgive them.