Faith and Wisdom: A Continuous Journey

This is the manuscript of the sermon preached at Christ Church Sunday September 28, 2025.  

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. (James 1:5 NIV)

We are all fellow travelers on this journey of faith, and as fellow travelers we stand at a crossroads in life every single day. The world around us is a loud, bustling marketplace of ideas, strategies, and quick fixes.

This world constantly whispers, "Lean on your own understanding. Trust in your intellect, your experience, your hard-earned knowledge." This path promises self-sufficiency and control. Yet, the foundational truth of our faith calls us to a radically different way. Trust in God is the first, vital act of faith—a humble admission that our own understanding is finite and flawed, and that God's perspective is infinite and perfect.

Scripture Reading: 

James 1:2-8 NIV [2] Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, [3] because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. [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. [6] But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt, because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. [7] That person should not expect to receive anything from the Lord. [8] Such a person is double-minded and unstable in all they do.

Sermon

Text

James 1:5 (NIV) "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."

We are all fellow travelers on this journey of faith, and as fellow travelers we stand at a crossroads in life every single day. The world around us is a loud, bustling marketplace of ideas, strategies, and quick fixes. 

This world constantly whispers, "Lean on your own understanding. Trust in your intellect, your experience, your hard-earned knowledge." This path promises self-sufficiency and control. Yet, the foundational truth of our faith, calls us to a radically different way: 

Proverbs 3:5-7 NIV says  [5] Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; [6] in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight. [7] Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord and shun evil.

This is a humble admission that our own understanding is finite and flawed, and that God's perspective is infinite and perfect.

Isaiah 55:8-11 NIV [8] “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the Lord. [9] “As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts. [10] As the rain and the snow come down from heaven, and do not return to it without watering the earth and making it bud and flourish, so that it yields seed for the sower and bread for the eater, [11] so is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.

Recognizing that "His ways are not our ways" can be both humbling and freeing. It frees us from the pressure of having to figure everything out on our own and encourages us to rely on His guidance. It also reminds us that what may seem like a setback or a closed door from our limited viewpoint might actually be a divinely orchestrated step toward something far greater.

But what does this trust in the Lord look like in practice? It’s not a passive surrender. It's a dynamic engagement, a seeking. And this is where wisdom enters the conversation. 

The world sees wisdom as the accumulation of human knowledge. The dictionary definition of "wisdom" generally centers on the ability to apply knowledge, experience, and good judgment to make sound decisions. It goes beyond simply having facts (knowledge) and involves using that information in a way that is sensible, right, and effective.

The Bible, however, reveals wisdom as a divine gift. Here’s our text again. 

James 1:5 (NIV) "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."

Faith and wisdom are not two separate roads; they are two sides of the same coin. Faith is the trust that opens our hearts to God, and wisdom is the light He shines on our path as we walk. REPEAT

Let's explore this relationship between faith and wisdom more deeply.

1. Faith is the Foundation; Wisdom is the Building.

In the world of engineering and architecture, a strong foundation is non-negotiable. It's the most critical part of a building for several reasons:

• The first is Load Distribution: A foundation's primary job is to support the entire weight of the structure—including the building itself, its occupants, furniture, and environmental loads like snow or wind—and distribute that weight evenly to the ground. Without this, the building would sink or collapse.

• A song foundation provides Stability and Longevity: A proper foundation prevents the building from shifting, settling unevenly, or cracking. It also protects against moisture intrusion and helps the structure withstand forces from natural disasters like earthquakes, floods, or high winds.

• Any weakness in the foundation will inevitably lead to problems throughout the rest of the building. Cracks in the foundation can cause misaligned doors and windows, cracks in the walls, and even a compromised roof.

Just as a physical building needs a stable base to withstand storms, our lives need a firm foundation in faith and God's will to remain stable in the face of life's challenges.

Maintaining a strong spiritual foundation is essential for building a life of purpose and resilience. 

Without faith, we would never even think to ask God for guidance. We would simply rely on our own judgment, making decisions based on what seems logical or advantageous in the moment. But when we have faith—when we believe that God is good, that He loves us, and that He has a purpose for us—we are compelled to seek His mind on the matter. 

Proverbs 9:10 NIV reminds us The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.

This "fear" is not terror, but profound reverence and awe, a recognition of God's majesty that compels us to listen to Him. This is where true wisdom begins—not in a university lecture hall, but on our knees in prayer.

2. Wisdom is Faith in Action.

Once we ask for wisdom, what does it look like when God gives it? It’s rarely a booming voice from the heavens telling us exactly what to do. More often, it's a quiet discernment, a clarity of thought, and a sense of peace about a decision that is in alignment with His will. God's guidance often comes as quiet discernment rather than dramatic revelation.

Here’s an example from the life of the prophet Elijah read the entire background in 1 Kings 18 and 19.

Elihh had experienced his greatest public victory for the Lord. He successfully challenged the 450 prophets of Baal on Mount Carmel to a decisive contest, proving that Yahweh, not Baal, was the true God. God answered Elijah's prayer by sending fire from heaven to consume a water-soaked sacrifice, and then Elijah executed the prophets of Baal. 

When wicked Queen Jezebel, heard what Elijah had done, she sent a messenger to him, swearing she would have him killed within a day. Despite his incredible courage and faith on Mount Carmel, this direct and personal threat caused Elijah to be overwhelmed with fear. He immediately fled for his life.

Elijah ran south into the wilderness. He became completely dejected, exhausted, and felt utterly alone. When Elijah reached Mount Horeb, he went  into a cave. The word of the Lord came to him, asking, "What are you doing here, Elijah?" Elijah expressed his deep distress, feeling that he was the only prophet of the Lord left and that the people had completely forsaken God's covenant and were seeking his life.

1 Kings 19:11-13 NIV [11] The Lord said, “Go out and stand on the mountain in the presence of the Lord, for the Lord is about to pass by.” Then a great and powerful wind tore the mountains apart and shattered the rocks before the Lord, but the Lord was not in the wind. After the wind there was an earthquake, but the Lord was not in the earthquake. [12] After the earthquake came a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire. And after the fire came a gentle whisper. [13] When Elijah heard it, he pulled his cloak over his face and went out and stood at the mouth of the cave. Then a voice said to him, “What are you doing here, Elijah?”

The Holy Spirit works internally as a teacher and guide, providing the "clarity of thought" and helping us to discern what aligns with the teachings of Christ, rather than relying on external, booming commands.

John 14:26-27 NIV [26] But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you. [27] Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.

Paul’s prayer for the church in Colossae was that they would be “filled with the knowledge of his will through all the wisdom and understanding that the Spirit gives” 

Colossians 1:9 NIV For this reason, since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you. We continually ask God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all the wisdom and understanding that the Spirit gives, 

This wisdom allows us to apply God's truth to our daily lives. It helps us navigate complex relationships, make ethical choices, and discern His purpose in the midst of uncertainty.

The story of King Solomon is our perfect illustration of this principle. When God offered him anything, Solomon did not ask for power or riches. 

1 Kings 3:5-9 ERV (Easy to Read Version) [5] While Solomon was at Gibeon, the Lord came to him at night in a dream. God said, “Solomon, ask me what you want me to give you.” [6] Solomon answered, “You were very kind and loyal to your servant, my father David. He was faithful to you and lived a good, honest life. And you showed him the greatest kindness when you let his son take his place as king. [7] Lord my God, you have made me the king in my father’s place, but I am like a small child. I don’t have the wisdom I need to do what I must do. [8] I am your servant here among your chosen people. There are so many that they cannot be counted. [9] So I ask you to give me the wisdom to rule and judge them well and to help me know the difference between right and wrong. Without such great wisdom, it would be impossible to rule this great nation.”

The ERV explicitly uses the word "wisdom" in verse 9 (rather than "discerning heart" or "understanding mind") to clearly convey the meaning of Solomon's request.

Solomon asked for wisdom. Because he had the faith to prioritize God’s purpose over his own desires, God not only granted his request for wisdom but also blessed him abundantly with what he did not ask for. 

Solomon’s wisdom was so renowned that people from all over the world, including the Queen of Sheba, traveled to hear him speak and witness his judgment. 

1 Kings 10:1-2 NIV[1] When the queen of Sheba heard about the fame of Solomon and his relationship to the Lord, she came to test Solomon with hard questions. [2] Arriving at Jerusalem with a very great caravan—with camels carrying spices, large quantities of gold, and precious stones—she came to Solomon and talked with him about all that she had on her mind. 

His wisdom led him to write thousands of proverbs and songs, much of which is found in the biblical books of Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, and the Song of Solomon.

Because he sought God's will first, Solomon was also blessed with unimaginable riches. The Bible describes his wealth in great detail, noting that he made silver "as common in Jerusalem as stones" and that his golden shields and other possessions were of immense value.

1 Kings 10:21, 23, 27 NIV [21] All King Solomon’s goblets were gold, and all the household articles in the Palace of the Forest of Lebanon were pure gold. Nothing was made of silver, because silver was considered of little value in Solomon’s days. 

[23] King Solomon was greater in riches and wisdom than all the other kings of the earth. 

[27] The king made silver as common in Jerusalem as stones, and cedar as plentiful as sycamore-fig trees in the foothills. 

He became a king of unparalleled honor and influence, with no rival among the kings of his day.

This story beautifully illustrates the principle that when we align our priorities with God's will and seek His wisdom above all else, He is not only faithful to grant our righteous requests but often blesses us abundantly in ways we never even thought to ask for.

Ephesians 3:20-21 NIV [20] Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, [21] to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.

3. There is Danger in Human Wisdom Alone.

When we lean on our own understanding without seeking God's wisdom, we often fall prey to fleeting desires and shortsighted solutions. The Bible warns us about this. 

Proverbs 14:12 NIV There is a way that appears to be right, but in the end it leads to death.

Human wisdom, when disconnected from God, can be cunning and manipulative. 

James 3:13-16 NIV [13] Who is wise and understanding among you? Let them show it by their good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom. [14] But if you harbor bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast about it or deny the truth. [15] Such “wisdom” does not come down from heaven but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. [16] For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice.

In contrast, the wisdom from God is the kind of wisdom that builds up, restores, and reflects the very character of God.

James 3:17 NIV But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. 

This continuous process of seeking God's guidance and aligning our priorities with His is the very essence of our walk with Him. It's a daily, sometimes hourly, practice of saying, "Lord, I don't know what to do, but I trust You. Please give me Your wisdom."

So, I urge you today:

• Humbly admit your need for God's wisdom. Don't pretend to have all the answers.

• Cultivate a heart of faith, trusting that God is a generous giver of wisdom who desires to lead you.

• Make a habit of seeking His guidance through prayer, through His Word, and through the counsel of wise, godly people.

Let us build our lives not on the shifting sands of human understanding, but on the solid rock of faith, illuminated by the unwavering light of God’s wisdom.

Prayer

 The world offers us a path of self-sufficiency and human wisdom, but we recognize its limitations.

Lord, we confess that we often lean on our own understanding. We get caught in the noise of the world, relying on what seems right in our own eyes. Forgive us for the times we have tried to build our lives on a foundation of sand, forgetting that You are the solid rock.

We thank you for the truth found in your Word, that a strong foundation of faith is essential for a life of purpose and resilience. And we thank you for the promise that when we lack wisdom, we can simply ask, and you will give generously without finding fault.

We now ask for that divine wisdom. Help us to cultivate a spirit of reverence and awe for you, for we know that the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. Guide our steps, clarify our minds, and fill our hearts with a discernment that comes from Your Spirit.

Just as you blessed Solomon abundantly for seeking your will, we trust that you are able to do exceedingly, abundantly, above all that we ask or think. May the wisdom you give us be pure, peace-loving, considerate, and full of good fruit.

Strengthen our faith, so that our trust in you is not passive, but a dynamic, daily walk. Help us to build our lives not on fleeting desires, but on your eternal truth. We dedicate ourselves to you, Lord, our foundation and our guide.

In the mighty name of Jesus, we pray. Amen

From Me to We

 

This is the manuscript of the sermon preached at Christ Church Sunday September 21, 2025.  

Just as a body, though one, has many parts, but all its many parts form one body, so it is with Christ. (Corinthians 12:12 NIV)

In a world that celebrates the individual—your personal brand, your unique journey, your success story—it’s easy to believe that our faith is a private, solitary matter. We're taught to build our own kingdom, to pursue our own interests, to climb the ladder of personal achievement. This self-centered narrative can creep into our spiritual lives, leading us to focus on our own salvation, our own blessings, and our own struggles.

But the Gospel reveals a different truth. It calls us out of our isolation and into a community, into a unified body. Spiritual life isn't a solo expedition; it's a shared journey. We are not just individual stars in the night sky; we are a constellation, connected by divine light.

It’s a move that takes us from a mindset of "me" to one of "we." This isn't just about being a little nicer or more outgoing; it’s a radical reorientation of our hearts.

Scripture Reading

1 Corinthians 12:12-27 NIV [12] Just as a body, though one, has many parts, but all its many parts form one body, so it is with Christ. [13] For we were all baptized by one Spirit so as to form one body—whether Jews or Gentiles, slave or free—and we were all given the one Spirit to drink. [14] Even so the body is not made up of one part but of many. [15] Now if the foot should say, “Because I am not a hand, I do not belong to the body,” it would not for that reason stop being part of the body. [16] And if the ear should say, “Because I am not an eye, I do not belong to the body,” it would not for that reason stop being part of the body. [17] If the whole body were an eye, where would the sense of hearing be? If the whole body were an ear, where would the sense of smell be? [18] But in fact God has placed the parts in the body, every one of them, just as he wanted them to be. [19] If they were all one part, where would the body be? [20] As it is, there are many parts, but one body. [21] The eye cannot say to the hand, “I don’t need you!” And the head cannot say to the feet, “I don’t need you!” [22] On the contrary, those parts of the body that seem to be weaker are indispensable, [23] and the parts that we think are less honorable we treat with special honor. And the parts that are unpresentable are treated with special modesty, [24] while our presentable parts need no special treatment. But God has put the body together, giving greater honor to the parts that lacked it, [25] so that there should be no division in the body, but that its parts should have equal concern for each other. [26] If one part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honored, every part rejoices with it. [27] Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it. 

Text: 

Today, I want to talk about one of the most profound shifts we can make in our lives. It’s a move that takes us from a mindset of "me" to one of "we." This isn't just about being a little nicer or more outgoing; it’s a radical reorientation of our hearts. 

In a world that celebrates the individual—your personal brand, your unique journey, your success story—it’s easy to believe that our faith is a private, solitary matter. We're taught to build our own kingdom, to pursue our own interests, to climb the ladder of personal achievement. This self-centered narrative can creep into our spiritual lives, leading us to focus on our own salvation, our own blessings, and our own struggles. 

But the Gospel reveals a different truth. It calls us out of our isolation and into into a unified body. Spiritual life isn't a solo expedition; it's a shared journey. We are not just individual stars in the night sky; we are a constellation, connected by divine light.

The Apostle Paul makes this incredibly clear in his letter to the Corinthians, part of which was our reading today. Paul wrote what is our text for today

1 Corinthians 12:12 NIV Just as a body, though one, has many parts, but all its many parts form one body, so it is with Christ. 

The shift from "me" to "we" is about recognizing that we are parts of a whole, and that we are indispensable to one another.

The Necessity of Faith for Unity

Our natural human state often defaults to a self-centered perspective. We are wired for survival and self-preservation, which can lead to a focus on personal needs, security, and success above all else. This "me" mindset is like a fortress built on self-sufficiency. It makes us hesitant to be vulnerable, to share burdens, or to celebrate other people’s victories wholeheartedly.  

Moving beyond this requires a conscious choice—an act of faith. Faith is not just a belief in God; it's a trust in His design for us and the church. It's the conviction that our individual purpose is found in serving each other. 

I admit that this conviction runs counter to our fleshly desires, which is why it's so challenging. We need to trust that giving of ourselves—our time, our resources, our emotional energy—is not a loss, but a gain. We have to believe that when we contribute to the well-being of the whole body, we ourselves are made more whole.

Faith in Action: The "We" Mindset

Faith is what allows us to break down these walls. It’s the conviction that we are not alone, that God has woven us into a magnificent tapestry of believers. Faith is what enables us to see the person next to us not as a competitor, but as a sister or brother, a vital part of the same body.

Jesus himself modeled this for us. He didn’t come to save isolated souls; He came to reconcile the world to God and to each other.

John 3:16 NIV For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. 

Jesus’ prayer for His followers was for their unity. In John 17:21, He prayed, "that they may all be one, just as you, Father, are in me, and I in you, that they also may be in us, so that the world may believe that you have sent me." 

Do you see the weight of that? Our unity—our shift from "me" to "we"—is a key to the world believing in Jesus. A  unified church is our most powerful testimony.

The shift to a "we" mindset isn't passive; it's a living, active faith. It's not just about believing in unity, but living it out in our daily lives. Like the mirror of God’s word that we talked about last week. 

James 1:23-25 NIV Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like someone who looks at his face in a mirror and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like. But whoever looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues in it—not forgetting what they have heard, but doing it—they will be blessed in what they do.

 

When we come to the Scriptures, we are looking into a mirror that reveals our true spiritual condition. The Word of God doesn’t just show us what we do, but it shows us why we do it. It exposes our motives, our desires, our hidden sins.  We see a reflection of our failure to live up to God’s holy standard. We see our anger, our selfishness, our pride, and our tendency to retaliate.  We are called to be doers of the Word. We are called to actively seek to love our neighbor as ourselves, and yes, to love our enemies and pray for those who persecute us, to move from “me” to “we.

As Galatians 5:6 says, "For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision has any value. The only thing that counts is faith expressing itself through love."

Our faith is the engine that drives us to love one another in tangible ways.

So what does this look like in practice?

• It means sharing burdens. 

Galatians 6:2 NIV Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ. 

When a part of the body suffers, the whole body suffers. 

Imagine a family with two parents and three children. One of the children, let's say the youngest, becomes seriously ill with a fever and flu.

• The "suffering part" is the sick child. They are physically unwell, uncomfortable, and in pain.

• The "whole body" is the rest of the family.

While only one person is physically sick, the entire family suffers as a result:

• The parents suffer from worry and stress, spending sleepless nights tending to the child. They may have to take time off work, altering their daily routines and facing potential financial strain.

• The siblings suffer from a disruption to their normal life. They might miss out on planned activities, have to be quieter around the house, and worry about their sibling's health. The attention of the parents is focused on the sick child, which can affect the other children's emotional well-being.

• The family's communal life suffers. Meals might be less structured, plans for outings are canceled, and the overall atmosphere is one of concern and anxiety.

In this scenario, the individual suffering of the sick child is not contained. It ripples outward, affecting the emotions, actions, and well-being of the entire family unit. The family's health, peace, and harmony are all diminished because one part is in pain. This perfectly illustrates how a single member's suffering is a shared burden for the entire "body."

Faith prompts us to reach out, to listen, to offer a helping hand, a word of encouragement. It's the opposite of thinking, "That’s their problem, not mine."

• It means celebrating together. When one part is honored, the whole body rejoices. Faith teaches us to celebrate a friend’s promotion as if it were our own, to cheer for a brother’s spiritual growth. It's the opposite of envy.

• It means serving together. We are all given gifts for the common good. Some of you are the "eyes" of the church, seeing needs others miss. Some are the "hands," working behind the scenes. Others are the "voice," offering wisdom and comfort. When we operate from a "we" mindset, we don't just use our gifts for our own glory; we use them to build up the entire church.

1 Corinthians 12:7 NLT says A spiritual gift is given to each of us so we can help each other. 

This clearly shows that the gifts the Holy Spirit gives are not for personal use but are a "manifestation of the Spirit" given to individuals for the purpose of helping the church ("the common good").

Here are  two more;

1 Corinthians 14:12 So it is with you. Since you are eager for gifts of the Spirit, try to excel in those that build up the church."

Romans 12:4-5 For just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, so in Christ we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others

These scriptures provide a clear and consistent message: spiritual gifts are divine endowments given by the Holy Spirit to individual believers, but their ultimate purpose is to bring encouragement, strength, and unity to the church as a whole. They are a means for us to live out our faith in the church and our community and align our actions with God's will for His people.

A Continuous Journey

This isn't a one-time decision; it's a continuous process that requires daily self-reflection and an openness to God's guidance. It means intentionally laying down our own agendas and trusting that God’s will is for the flourishing of the entire community, not just our individual lives. It means embracing the difficult but rewarding work of forgiveness and reconciliation when we inevitably hurt one another.

The call of the Gospel is to step out of our fortresses of self-sufficiency and into the beautiful and interdependent life of the body of Christ. This is the life to which God calls us—a life of shared burdens, collective joy, and a faith that expresses itself through a profound, self-sacrificial love for one another. Let's not just be individual believers, but a unified body—the very embodiment of Christ on earth.

Let's pray.

Gracious God, we thank You for the message we have heard today, a message that reminds us that we are not meant to walk this spiritual journey alone. We confess that we often default to a mindset of "me"—focused on our own needs, our own struggles, and our own comfort. Forgive us for the times we have built walls instead of bridges, for the moments we have seen others as competitors rather than fellow members of Your body.

Lord, we ask for a profound shift in our hearts. By the power of Your Holy Spirit, help us move from "me" to "we." Give us the faith to trust Your design for church, to believe that our individual purpose is found in serving each other. Help us to lay down our self-centered agendas and to embrace the beautiful, messy reality of being Your Church.

May we be doers of Your Word, actively carrying one another's burdens, celebrating each other's victories, and using our gifts not for our own glory, but for the common good. Help us to practice the self-sacrificial love that is patient, kind, and not easily angered—the love that keeps no record of wrongs and rejoices in the truth.

We commit to this continuous journey, trusting that You will guide us every step of the way.

In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, we pray. Amen.