Key passages: James 1:1-6; 3:13-18
SERMON OUTLINE
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. (James 3:17)
The Need for Wisdom (James 1:1-6)
- Difficulty Situations
- Difficult Decisions
- Wisdom defined
Wisdom Lessons (James 3:13-18)
- Solomon
- Jesus (Matthew 12:42)
- Real Wisdom _______________________________
Differing Examples of Wisdom (James 3:13-18)
- Wisdom from the Earth
- Wisdom from Above
Self-Evaluation
- How do you relate to people?
- How do you spend your time?
- Have you asked God for wisdom?
- Are you learning from Jesus?
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
- This week we are looking at the book of James on the topic of wisdom. Before you begin, take some time to pray, asking God to speak to you through this time.
- Read James 1:1-6 aloud. What are some reasons why the audience in James might be in need of wisdom?
- James writes that difficult in life is to be expected. What instances have you either experienced or are currently experiencing where you feel the need for wisdom? Pause…take time and listen to one another and to pray for one another.
- In 1 Kings 3, Solomon asks for wisdom and then solves a matter by using the wisdom that he has been given. If you were to ask for one thing from God, would it be wisdom? Discuss.
- Read Matthew 12:42. Jesus states that the Queen of Sheba traveled to hear from Solomon. Now the only person in the history of the world that was wiser than Solomon is alive and the people aren’t listening to him. What are some reasons why people didn’t listen to Jesus? How frustrating must this have been for Jesus?
- Read James 3:13-18. James goes and defines wisdom for his audience. There are 2 types of wisdom. Wisdom from Above and Wisdom from the Earth. Who are the different authors of these wisdoms?
- Wisdom from the earth chases after the worlds trophies. What are some of the world’s trophies that you have chased after during your life? When a person has this type of wisdom, who do they tend to focus on?
- Wisdom from above chases after heaven. Who are some people that have made an impact in your life that exemplified this type of wisdom? What is the focus of people that have this type of wisdom?
- There are 4 questions provided that can help each of us to evaluate which wisdom we are gravitating towards in our life.
- How do you relate to people?
- How do you spend your time?
- Are you asking God for wisdom?
- Are you learning from Jesus?
- Every day in our lives, we face decisions. We have the amazing opportunity to go to the throne in heaven and ask God not just for an answer, but also for wisdom. Wisdom is something we all need. It is a gift that God is willing to give. Real wisdom chases heaven. What are you chasing?