Morning Moments

JAMES Devotional Outline with Notes (cont)

INTRODUCTION
I. Wisdom's Wealth 1:1-32

James is to the New Testament what Proverbs is to the Old Testament. We are told in Proverbs, "Wisdom is the principal thing, therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding" (Pro 9:1). "Happy is the man that fineth wisdom, and the man that getter understanding" (Pro 3:13). "For wisdom is better than rubies; and all the things that may be desired are not to be compared to it" (Pro 8:11).

Some have defined wisdom as the application of knowledge. Gothard defined wisdom as "seeing things from God's perspective and responding accordingly." There can be no question that this world offers wisdom, but it is selfish, sensual, although sometimes "successful". But God's wisdom is pure and noble and sees life from God's perspective which is for the betterment of humanity. The world is more concerned with what we do, what we accomplish, what we want and think, BUT GOD is concerned we how we think and feel and choose; how we live and move and have our being. His desire is that we function according to our Creator's design with understanding and wisdom - the comprehension of the why and how life works.

A. Comes Through Servitude 1:1

[1:1 HCSB] James, a slave of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ: To the 12 tribes in the Dispersion. Greetings.

Jesus said, "I came not to be served but to serve and to give..." We are to live as our Master and Lord! Having previously commented on this verse, I will only now emphasize the need for Christians to develop the spirit of servants, for there is entirely too much pride and arrogance among us. Pride is the most subtle of sins and God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble. I must admit that regardless of the temptations I have faced in my life, pride has been the most deceptive and devastating. We don't mind being called slaves, we just don't like being treated like slaves - and that is pride.

If we serve God we MUST serve others!

This epistle is no doubt, as has been said, Jewish in flavor, but Christian in principle. May we who walk in FAITH see wisdom in our WORKS.

BLESSINGS!
(to be cont)

B. Comes Through Suffering 1:2-8
C. Comes Through Submission 1:9-18
D. Comes Through Separation 1:19-32