Go! And Ask for Wisdom
James 1:5 (NLT): “If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and he will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking.”
Introduction: The Simplicity and Power of Asking
We live in a world full of opinions, assumptions, and self-help philosophies. Social media offers endless advice. News cycles blur fact and fiction. Everyone claims to be an expert, yet confusion reigns. But in the midst of this noise, God offers something clear, trustworthy, and supernatural — His wisdom.
Not just information. Not just intelligence. But divine, spiritual insight.
Today, in our “Go! And…” series, we focus on this simple yet profound invitation from God:
“Go! And Ask for Wisdom.”
This is a call to trust, a call to prayer, and most importantly — a call to relationship with our generous Father through Jesus Christ.
1. Understanding the Context of James 1:5
James, the half-brother of Jesus, writes this epistle to Jewish believers scattered by persecution. They are under pressure, facing suffering, and trying to make sense of their new identity in Christ. In James 1:2–4, he encourages them to “consider it an opportunity for great joy” when they face troubles, because trials produce endurance and maturity.
Then comes verse 5: “If you need wisdom…” — and who doesn’t? — “ask our generous God.”
Greek: Sophia (s?f?a) - Means “skill in living” or “applied truth.” This is not abstract theory — this is divine direction for daily life.
Charles Stanley: “Earthly wisdom is doing what comes naturally. Godly wisdom is doing what the Holy Spirit compels us to do.”
In the middle of life's storms, when answers seem out of reach, God says, “Come. Ask. I will give you what you need.”
Proverbs 2:6 (NLT): “For the Lord grants wisdom! From his mouth come knowledge and understanding.”
2. God’s Character: Generous and Gracious
James describes God as generous, using the Greek word haplos (?p???), which means “freely, without finding fault.” He doesn’t scold or shame us for asking — He delights in giving.
Matthew 7:7–11 (NLT): “Keep on asking, and you will receive... your heavenly Father gives good gifts to those who ask him.”
God is not like us. We might grow weary of people’s questions. But God never tires of our dependence. In fact, He welcomes it.
Max Lucado: “God never says, ‘You should know better,’ when we ask for help. He says, ‘I’m glad you asked.’”
You are not bothering God when you ask for wisdom — you are obeying His invitation. You are stepping into the grace He freely offers.
A child learning to ride a bicycle wobbles and calls out, “Dad, help!” The father doesn’t fold his arms and say, “You should’ve figured this out!” No, he runs alongside, steadying, guiding, encouraging. That is what our Heavenly Father does when we ask for wisdom.
3. The Wisdom That Leads to Salvation
There is no greater wisdom than knowing this: we are sinners in need of a Saviour.
The ultimate act of divine wisdom was the sending of Jesus to rescue us.
1 Corinthians 1:18, 24 (NLT): “The message of the cross is foolish to those who are headed for destruction! But we who are being saved know it is the very power of God... Christ is the power of God and the wisdom of God.”
Greek: Moria (µ???a) Means “foolishness” or “absurdity.” To the world, the cross is nonsense — but to the believer, it is the pinnacle of wisdom and love.
Tim Keller: “The Gospel is this: We are more sinful and flawed in ourselves than we ever dared believe, yet at the very same time we are more loved and accepted in Jesus Christ than we ever dared hope.”
If you want to walk in true wisdom, it begins at the foot of the cross. There, the wisdom of God meets the mercy of God.
Proverbs 9:10 (NLT): “Fear of the Lord is the foundation of wisdom. Knowledge of the Holy One results in good judgment.”
4. Wisdom for the Everyday Christian Life
God’s wisdom isn’t reserved for preachers or scholars. It’s for you — in the workplace, the home, the school, the shop. It’s for parenting, budgeting, forgiving, leading, and serving.
Colossians 1:9–10 (NLT): “We ask God to give you complete knowledge of his will... Then the way you live will always honour and please the Lord.”
Corrie ten Boom, survivor of Nazi concentration camps, once said: “Never be afraid to trust an unknown future to a known God.”
She didn’t find wisdom in circumstances — she found it in Christ.
John Piper: “Wisdom is the practical knowledge of how to attain the greatest possible good.”
And what is the greatest good? God’s glory. In every decision, seek first the kingdom. That’s wisdom in action.
Gospel Presentation: The Wisdom of the Cross
Friends, hear me clearly: Jesus didn’t come to improve your life. He came to save it.
He lived a sinless life, died a sinner’s death, and rose in victorious power. He bore your shame so you could wear His righteousness.
Romans 5:8 (NLT): “But God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners.”
1 Corinthians 15:3–4 (NLT): “Christ died for our sins... He was buried, and he was raised from the dead on the third day.”
This is the wisdom that saves: trusting in Christ alone. His cross is your rescue. His blood is your covering. His resurrection is your victory.
Call to Action: Go! And Ask for Wisdom
Today I urge you:
Are you facing a crossroads? Ask God.
Are you drowning in uncertainty? Ask God.
Are you struggling in sin? Ask God.
But don’t just ask for answers — ask for Jesus. Because in Him are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge (Colossians 2:3).
Invitation to Salvation:
If you’ve never trusted Jesus as Saviour, this is your moment.
Pray from your heart:
“Lord Jesus, I need You. I confess my sin. I believe You died and rose again. Be my Saviour. Be my Lord. Give me wisdom to live for You. Amen.”
Benediction:
May the Lord bless you with His wisdom — wisdom that is pure, peace-loving, gentle, and full of mercy.
May you ask boldly, live faithfully, and follow Christ wholeheartedly.
Go, and ask for wisdom — and may your life bring glory to the name of Jesus. Amen.
