TEXT:  James 1:5-6, 1 Corinthians 1:24 (KJV)

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. ⁶ 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 (NASB²⁴ but unto them which are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God, and the wisdom of God.

The word of wisdom and of knowledge of God is the fundamental gift for all believers. Wisdom is the principal thing; … Also, it is not good for a person to be without knowledge…” Prov. 4:7,19:2 (NASB) As I said last week, quoting from the letter of Paul to the Ephesians. These gifts are for the building of the body of Christ, for personal growth, until we all attain to the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a mature man, to the measure of the stature which belongs to the fullness of Christ. As a result, we are no longer to be children, tossed here and there by waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, by craftiness in deceitful scheming; Ephesians 4:13-14 (NASB) These gifts are not for sooth saying, fortune telling or cunning craftiness of men. They are for your growth, edification, and strength in the Lord. We relate and worship God with His wisdom and power.

Jesus Christ, our perfect example dealt with all manners of situation with the wisdom, power, and love of God. With these gifts He confronted temptation, enemies, and challenges. He left us examples so we can do the same. John 13:125 He also worked the work of God obediently to the glory of God, doing good from start to finish. For example:

1. Jesus was tempted in all respect as we are today. Though himself was the embodiment of wisdom and power of God, Yet He applied the wisdom and knowledge of God to be victorious.  He would rather obey God than be deceived by Satanic suggestions. Temptation to sin is an attack we all face but we win by faith in Jesus Christ. God said, your wisdom is to know His word, obey and do accordingly. Deut. 4:5 By faith in the Lord we can be as wise and strong enough to deal with the 21^st century attacks, on our faith, hope, and love of God. You must personally know the word of God, understand His will, and have unwavering faith in Him to the end. Because the perilous times has become more so than in the days of the Apostle.  You must be wise (for yourself) if you do not want to be whisked away by the hurricane of strange doctrines of these evil days. Remember, Satan even tried to make Jesus to go for gold of life instead of the God of Heaven. All these things I will give you he said to Jesus if you will bow for the goods. But Jesus drew the sword of the spirit which is the words of wisdom and knowledge of God and He crushed the devil. By the Holy Spirit, the wisdom and knowledge of God abides in us to overcome perilous times.  You must draw your sword of the spirit by yourself, like Jesus. And for the growth of your body in Christ, Read, study, believe and pray the word of God and you will be strong.

• Jesus in His teachings demonstrated the following Characteristics of wisdom and knowledge: love of God and of his people, truth, humility, maturity, mercy, obedience to God, faith in God, and power of God, among others. The parable of the wise and foolish virgins is an example of what the wisdom and knowledge of God is all about. The wise one demonstrates hope, faith, and love of the bridegroom. They were well prepared even for the unexpected. This is the reason Jesus said, “Watch and pray” and Paul wrote “Pray without ceasing” The words of wisdom and knowledge of God are the unquenchable fuel in the fire and power of prayer. The people who know their God shall do exploit. They pray ceaselessly until something happened. You will enjoy and persist in prayer if know the God to whom you pray personally. Some people stop praying when their shopping cart is full, and some lose faith because they cannot find what they are looking for. But wise people will wait on the Lord and be strong in the Lord.

The Lord Jesus carried out his mission and ministry to the end with the wisdom and power of God. Like I said last week, the gift of Holy Spirit and the accompany signs operate with the wisdom and knowledge of God. So, be wise and be mature. The wisdom of this world is temporal and profits a little bit, but the wisdom of God which tends to godliness is profitable for all things since it holds promise for the present life and for the life to come.  1 Tim. 4:8 Next week we will learn from Jesus answers to Seven questions He was asked.? You must be wise in the Lord to answer real life questions, and the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. Please join us as we encourage one another in spirit and in truth. God bless you.