THE EPISTLE OF JAMES

Faith In Prayer – James 1:5-8

James1:5-8

But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him. But he must ask in faith without any doubting, for the one who doubts is like the surf of the sea, driven and tossed by the wind. For that man ought not to expect that he will receive anything from the Lord, being a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways.

I. We Should Ask God For Wisdom

Psalm 51:6 -- Behold, You desire truth in the innermost being,And in the hidden part You will make me know wisdom.

God desires that we be wise

Psalm 111:10

“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom; A good understanding have all those who do His commandments; His praise endures forever.”

Wisdom can only be obtained through fear of God.

Proverbs 2:6-7

For the Lord gives wisdom; From His mouth come knowledge and understanding. He stores up sound wisdom for the upright; He is a shield to those who walk in have peace.”

Proverbs 3:13

We are blessed by God’s wisdom.

Proverbs 3:13 -- How blessed is the man who finds wisdomAnd the man who gains understanding.

How God Answers His Children

Verse 5 -- …who gives to all generously…

God gives liberally to all His children

God Does Not Rebuke

Vs. 5 – “…and without reproach…”

God will not scold His children for asking to receive His blessings.

God may not answer doubters

vs. 7 – “For that man ought not to expect that he will receive anything from the Lord….”

Lack of faith could result in lack of positive response from God.

III. We Must Ask In Faith

Vs. 6 – “But he must ask in faith without any doubting…”

Why would we doubt?

Troubles associated with doubt

vs. 6-7 Waves of the sea Driven by the wind Tossed about Double minded Unstable in all

ways

Prayer Promises In Scripture John 14:13 – “Whatever you ask in My

name, that will I do, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son.

Romans 8:26-27 – “In the same way the Spirit also helps our weakness; for we do not know how to pray as we should, but the Spirit Himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words; and He who searches the hearts knows what the mind of the Spirit is….”