As we try to navigate life in our fallen world, we are constantly confused by the situations we find ourselves in. We don't know what to do. We don't know where to turn. We don't even understand the reality of what's happening. Thankfully God gives us the lens of wisdomthrough whichto view the world, which provides clarity and an accurate picture of reality. But wisdom can seem like a difficult (if not impossible) virtue to attain. In our passage today, James teaches us the one sure-fire way we can all gain the wisdom we need. And the amazing thing is, it's a lot simpler than you'd think.
Application Questions
1. In what situations or suffering do you currently need wisdom?
2. What can help you practically remember who you're talking to when praying?
3. How often do you simply ask God for wisdom?
4. What would it look like to take time to think and listen with the glasses of wisdom on? What keeps you from doing so?
5. What keeps you from acting in the confidence of wisdom?
02. Navigating Suffering
“If wisdom is so important for navigating suffering, how do we get it?”
September 8, 2019
01. Joy and Suffering
September 1, 2019
James begins his book with a discussion of trials, because living faith is seen in unique ways in the midst of suffering. He wants us to understand that it is actually possible, through faith, to count trials as joy without pretending they don't hurt. And he teaches us how by showing us what trials look like, what they produce, and how these things lead to actual joy that runs deeper than the pain of trials. Application Questions 1. What are some of the multi-colored trials you have experienced or are experiencing? Have you seen those trials produce more endurance in you? 2. When you imagine yourself “lacking nothing,” what images pop into your head? How does that teach you what you think life is about? 3. What will it look like for you to “count it all joy” when you face trials this week?
03. Suffering and Eternity
September 15, 2019
James gives us examples of trials we face when he brings up“lowliness” : having little money, little power, and little social standing. He also discusses the rich, who enjoy more power, comfort, and respect. But James turns things upside down: he encourages the low to boast in their high position, and the rich to boast in their low position. He does it because he is aware of eternity, and what it holds for those who trust in Christ—and he wants us to be aware of it too. Application Questions 1. What are some things in your life that you boast in? 2. How could thinking of eternity change the way you look at your circumstances, whether “lowly” or “rich” ? 3. What are some ways you will be tempted to boast this week? How can you boast in Christ instead?
04. Sin and Temptation
September 22, 2019
Whenever we experience a trial, temptation always follows close on its heels. As a result, we tend to assume that the trial is the source of the temptation. Our kids'disobedience tempts us to be angry. The size of our home tempts us to discontentment. The response of our roommate tempts us to bitterness. But James teaches us that this is not where temptations ultimately come from. Temptation is caused by something far more internal. Application Questions 1. What do you tend to blame temptation on? What do you most often assume is the cause of your sinful thoughts, behaviors, or emotions? 2. What are some of the“over-desires” that most often fuel your self-serving choices? 3. How have you seen the indulgence in your temptations lead to death? 4. How is the gospel the key to remaining steadfast under trial? 5. How can you practically be reminded of the glory of the gospel in the moments when you face temptation?