10-04-2026 Sermon Title: ASK GOD AND BELIEVE
Primary Scripture: James 1:5–8 (NKJV) Supporting Scriptures: Proverbs 3:5–6; 1 Kings 3:5–12; Matthew 7:7–11; Hebrews 11:6; James 3:13–18
James 1:5-8
5 If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him. 6 But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for he who doubts is like a wave of the sea driven and tossed by the wind. 7 For let not that man suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord; 8 he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways.
Central message: When we face trials, difficult decisions, and uncertain circumstances, God invites us to ask Him for wisdom. But we must approach Him with sincere faith rather than a divided heart.
WHAT DO YOU DO WHEN YOU DON'T KNOW WHAT TO DO?
Have you ever found yourself in a situation where you simply didn't know what to do? Family issues, Health, Financial, Work problems
AS A BELEIVER…….
We can go directly to God!
We don't have to pretend that we have all the answers.
We don't have to depend entirely on our own understanding.
Proverbs 3:5
Trust in the Lord with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding;
6 In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall [b]direct your paths.
God has invited us to ask Him for wisdom.
But James also teaches that there is a right way to approach God.
We must ask in faith, with hearts that are genuinely committed to trusting Him.
1. WHEN YOU LACK WISDOM, ASK GOD
"If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God..."
Notice that James does not say, "If any of you lacks intelligence."
He does not say, "If any of you lacks education."
Note! If Education was the answer, WHY ARE WE IN THE PREDICTMENT WE’RE IN THIS COUNTRY AND WORLD..
He says, "If any of you lack wisdom."
There is a difference between knowledge and wisdom.
Knowledge is knowing what the Bible says.
Wisdom is understanding how to apply God's Word to the circumstances of life.
Knowledge can tell you that you should forgive someone.
Wisdom helps you understand how to pursue forgiveness while maintaining appropriate boundaries.
HOW DO WE RECEIVE AND APPLY GOD'S WISDOM TODAY?
James' teaching is practical. He wants believers to experience God's guidance in their everyday lives.
So how do we apply this passage?
First, we must recognize our need for wisdom.
Pride tells us that we already know everything we need to know.
Humility acknowledges that God's understanding is greater than ours.
Second, we must develop a consistent prayer life.
Don't wait until a crisis develops before seeking God's guidance.
Cultivate the habit of bringing your decisions, concerns, relationships, and responsibilities before Him.
Third, we must study God's Word.
God's wisdom will never require us to abandon the truth He has revealed in Scripture.
The Bible provides principles that help us distinguish between wise and foolish choices.
Fourth, we should seek mature, godly counsel.
God often uses other believers to help us recognize things we may have overlooked.
Seeking counsel does not demonstrate a lack of faith.
It can be an important expression of wisdom.
Finally, we must be willing to obey.
There is little benefit in asking God for guidance if we have no intention of following His instruction.
Wisdom is not simply knowing what is right.
It is putting that knowledge into practice.
CONCLUSION: LORD, GIVE ME WISDOM!
Remember the situation James was addressing.
He was writing to believers who were experiencing trials.
They were facing difficulties that tested their faith.
Some were struggling financially.
Others were experiencing injustice.
Still others were dealing with conflict, temptation, and spiritual uncertainty.
James did not tell them that faith would eliminate every problem.
He did not promise that every difficulty would immediately disappear.
Instead, he directed their attention toward the God who gives wisdom.
And that same invitation is available to us today.
When you don't know what to do, ask God.
CLOSING PRAYER
Heavenly Father,
We come before You today acknowledging that we need Your wisdom.
Lord, there are situations in our lives that we do not understand. There are decisions before us that seem difficult, relationships that need healing, and circumstances that challenge our faith.
Forgive us for the times we have relied entirely upon our own understanding instead of seeking Your guidance.
Teach us to approach You with humility and genuine faith.
Give us wisdom in our homes, our church, our workplaces, and our communities.
Help parents as they raise their children. Guide those who are caring for aging loved ones. Strengthen those who are facing financial difficulties, and comfort those who are struggling with uncertainty about the future.
Father, when the storms of life arise, keep our hearts firmly rooted in Jesus Christ.
When we are confused, lead us toward Your truth.
When we are afraid, remind us of Your faithfulness.
When we are tempted to follow our own desires rather than Your will, give us the courage to obey.
May our faith become stronger, our hearts become more devoted to You, and our lives become living testimonies of Your grace.
In the precious name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior, we pray.
Amen.
I realize that everyone is comfortable with a public profession of faith in Jesus. If you want the opportunity for salvation is a small intimate environment
Reach out to us by calling of texting 336-338-8037 or southplainfieldfriends.org/ click on contact us and we will guide you through the next steps.
If you’re ready to surrender your life to Christ and to be a part of a loving community of people (THAT AREN’T PERFECT) But will Love you
Say this prayer with me
Jesus,
I know that I need You.
I believe You died for my sins
and rose again to give me new life.
Today, I turn from my old ways
and give my life fully to You.
Please forgive me of my sins,
change me,………and lead me ……from this day forward.
I trust You as my Savior,
Thank You for loving me and saving me.
Amen.
If you said this prayer and truly believe it in your heart, we believe that you are a Christian.
Luke 15:10
10 In the same way, I tell you, there is rejoicing in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents.”
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