What to Do When You Struggle to Obey

James 1:5-8

 

Introduction

Last week we looked at the command by James to look on trials as joy.  Scripture says we can do this because of the effect they will have, which is our Christian maturity.  We looked at the proper assessment of who we are which is what James calls a slave of Christ, the proper attitude which is counting trials as joy, and the proper effect of the trial which is our spiritual endurance.  I really want to obey but where do I begin? I believe we can all relate to the truth that understanding something and actually doing it are two different things altogether. Would God command something in which we are unable to obey in our own power? YES!!

1- Trials Require Wisdom (vs. 5)

God knows the first weapon we need to endure a spiritual battle, in a godly way, is wisdom.

            A- What is Biblical Wisdom?

Simply put, what Scripture is referring to when it uses the word wisdom is the ability to discern right from wrong, good from evil, with the intent on being obedient.  One scholar has said it this way: Wisdom is the endowment of the heart and mind which is needed for right conduct.

A biblical example- (1 Kings 3:5-12).

Paul also knew this definition of wisdom as he prayed for his beloved churches (Phil. 1:9-10; Col. 1:9-10).

            B- Where Do We Get Wisdom?

It can only come from somewhere outside of ourselves, James says, ask God. 

2- Trials Require Prayer (vs. 5)

            A- Ask God Expectantly

We are commanded to count trials as joy. We are also commanded to ask God for the means to count them as joy. Expect God to answer (Matt. 6:6).

            B- Ask God Repeatedly

We are to be persistent in our praying (Jer. 29:11-14). This word ask in the original language means to keep on asking.

            C- God Answers Abundantly

Our God is a giving God.  The problem doesn’t lie with God, it lies with us. We are not asking for wisdom with an attitude that pleases God, or we aren’t asking at all (Jas. 4:2).

James begins to tear away some of our preconceived notions about God.  We believe God is somehow like us. 

Perhaps we would give based on past performance.  We might give someone something and never let them forget it.  We might even remind someone how undeserving they are to receive our gift.  Not God.  He gives without reproach (Eph. 3:20 ).

God does not cast anyone in the teeth—Tyndale

God does not criticize the humble lest anyone should fear to come too often to God—Calvin

3- Trials Require Faith (vs. 6-8)

But let him ask in faith.

            A- One Must Ask in Faith

Believers already possess faith; however, this faith must be exercised.  The promise of wisdom is only given to those who have faith in God. One way to prove our faith is to keep on asking.  God will answer the faithful prayer for wisdom (Matt. 7:7-11; Heb. 11:1; 11:6).

            B- One Must Ask Without Doubting

Doubt is distrusting God.  Doubt exposes our lack of faith.  Really, what we are saying is we don’t believe God is who He says He is in Scripture and we are going to trust ourselves.  We trust ourselves before we trust God.  What kind of faith is that?

Doubters are torn between two masters.  Doubt exposes our idol worship. James knew that idols make for poor resources when experiencing real trials.  Since we have no wisdom inside ourselves, it is only from the true God, who loves us, that we can receive spiritual resources to endure real trouble.  Our faith and our doubts are both directed toward God.   One says I believe God is all sufficient, the other says, God can’t be trusted and I believe myself to be all sufficient. 

            C- Definition of a Doubter

He is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways.  To be double-minded is to have mixed thoughts.  It is to be pulled in two opposing directions.  The original language actually means a man of two souls.   I have read of a profane wretch that bragged he had two souls in one body, one for God and the other for anything --Manton

It truly is a divided loyalty, spiritual schizophrenia.

Our Lord taught on this very thing (Lk. 9:62; Matt. 6:24 ).

The prophet Elijah was facing an unstable nation of double-minded people. They worshipped the Lord, but they also worshipped the pagan gods (1 Kings 18:21 ).

God is looking for single minded faith (Lk. 7:2-10).

I really want to obey but where do I begin? Begin by asking God for wisdom and believing He will answer.