James 1:4–5
4 Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be
mature and complete, not lacking anything. 5 If
any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all
without finding fault, and it will be given to you.
INTRODUCTION
Life
is full of choices—some small, some life-changing. At the center of every
decision is one spiritual need: discernment—the ability to recognize what is
true, right, and God-honoring. James reminds us that wise discernment is not
automatic; it is formed through perseverance, maturity, humility, and a heart
willing to seek God.
Let
us walk through James 1:4–5 and see how God shapes us into people of wisdom.
1. LET PERSEVERANCE FINISH ITS WORK
James
1:4a — “Let perseverance finish its work…”
Romans
5:3–4; 3 Not only so, but we[a] also glory in our
sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; 4 perseverance,
character; and character, hope.
Hebrews
10:36
36 You need to persevere so that when you have done the
will of God, you will receive what he has promised.
Teaching:
James says that discernment is not gained in comfort but in continuing
through trials. Perseverance is the training ground where God sharpens
spiritual judgment. When we don’t quit, God builds something in us that we
could never develop in ease.
Illustration:
A young athlete training for a marathon wants quick results. But the coach
insists she keep running long distances even when she feels tired. Over time
her body adapts, endurance builds, and what was once impossible becomes
natural.
In the same way, when we stay faithful through emotional, spiritual, or
financial pressure, God is preparing our hearts to discern His will more
clearly.
2. MATURE AND COMPLETE IN GOD’S WISDOM
James
1:4b — “…so that you may be mature and complete…”
Ephesians
4:13–14: 13 until
we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of
God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness
of Christ.14 Then we will no longer be
infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there
by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of
people in their deceitful scheming.
Colossians
1:28, 28 He is the one we
proclaim, admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom, so that
we may present everyone fully mature in Christ.
Teaching:
Spiritual maturity is not simply knowing Bible verses—it is learning to
apply God’s wisdom to life. Mature people discern because they:
1.
listen,
2.
submit
3.
obey.
They
are not tossed by emotions or confusion.
Illustration:
Think of a craftsman who has matured in his trade over many years. He can look
at a piece of wood and immediately see where it needs shaping.
Others
may guess, but he knows.
Likewise, the more we walk with God, the more accurately we discern
situations—relationships, decisions, temptations—because our spiritual senses
are trained by experience in His Word.
3. NOT LACKING ANYTHING
James
1:4c — “…not lacking anything.”
Psalm 23:1 The Lord is
my shepherd, I lack nothing.
2
Peter 1:3, 3 His divine power has given us everything we need for a
godly life through our knowledge of him who called us by his own
glory and goodness.
Teaching:
To “lack nothing” does not mean life becomes problem-free. It means God equips
us with everything we need to make wise and faithful decisions—strength,
clarity, grace, peace, and direction. A discerning believer is spiritually
sufficient in Christ.
Illustration:
A soldier going into battle without proper equipment is vulnerable. But a fully
equipped soldier stands with confidence.
God equips believers with everything needed for discernment—His Word, His
Spirit, and His promises—so we are not spiritually unprepared.
4. IF ANYONE LACKS WISDOM, ASK GOD
James
1:5a — “If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God…”
Supporting Scripture: Proverbs 3:5–6 Trust in the Lord with all
your heart and
lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways
submit to him, and he will make your
paths straight.[a]
Jeremiah
33:3, 3 ‘Call to me
and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do
not know.’
Teaching:
James assumes there will be moments we do not know what to do. The wise admit
their need. Discernment begins with humility—recognizing that human
understanding is limited and seeking God’s counsel in everything.
Illustration:
A professional mechanic once encountered a strange engine problem he couldn’t
diagnose. Instead of pretending he knew, he consulted the manufacturer’s
manual—and found the exact solution.
We
too have a “Manufacturer.” When life’s problems confuse us, we go back to the
One who designed us.
5. GOD WILL GIVE WISDOM Generously
James
1:5b — “…who gives generously to all without finding fault…”
Proverbs
2:6, For the Lord gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and
understanding.
Matthew
7:7–11, 7 “Ask and it will be given to
you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. 8 For everyone who asks receives; the one who
seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened.
9 “Which of you, if your
son asks for bread, will give him a stone? 10 Or
if he asks for a fish, will give him a snake? 11 If
you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children,
how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask
him!
Teaching:
God is not stingy with wisdom. He does not give hints, fragments, or puzzles—He
gives generously. He wants His children to make decisions that honor Him. When
you sincerely ask, God will direct your steps.
Illustration:
A teacher once told her class, “Whenever you need help, raise your hand. I want
you to succeed.” Some students hesitated out of fear, but whenever someone
asked, she gladly explained.
God is that Teacher—eager, willing, and joyful to give wisdom to those who seek
it.
6. GOD DOES NOT FIND OUR FAULTS
Text:
James 1:5c — “…and it will be given to you.”
Psalm 103:10–12, he does not treat us as our sins deserve or
repay us according to our iniquities. 11 For as high as
the heavens are above the earth, so great is his
love for those who fear him; 12 as far as the
east is from the west, so far has he removed our
transgressions from us.
Romans
8:1, Therefore,
there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus,
Teaching:
When we come to God for wisdom, He does not shame us for past failures, poor
decisions, or confusion. God does not say, “You again?” or “You should know
better.” He welcomes us as beloved children.
Wise discernment grows because the Father’s heart is gracious, not condemning.
Illustration:
A child repeatedly struggles with math and keeps coming to her father for help.
The father never scolds; he patiently guides her each time.
This is God’s disposition toward us—patient, loving, gentle. Because He does
not find fault, we can keep returning for more wisdom.
CONCLUSION: WALKING IN WISE DISCERNMENT
James
teaches that wise discernment is not a one-time gift but the fruit of
perseverance, maturity, humility, and dependence on God.
Proverbs
13:20 Walk with the wise and become wise, for
a companion of fools suffers harm.
We discern well when we:
endure
faithfully,
grow
into maturity,
walk
equipped,
admit
our need,
ask
God boldly, and
trust
His gracious heart.
May
we become people who live not by impulse or fear, but by God-given wisdom.
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