Waver-Winds or the Enemies of Stability in Faith (Sermon Outline)

Message delivered at the Oriya Fellowship, Cox Town, Bangalore, May 29, 2011

TEXT

James 1:5-8 If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him. (6) But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for he who doubts is like a wave of the sea driven and tossed by the wind. (7) For let not that man suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord; (8) he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways.

When we are surrounded by a difficult situation, we need the wisdom of God. But, one must be able to listen and obey the wisdom of God by faith.

Winds that Bring Wavering

1.COVETOUSNESS – Balaam (Num.22; 31:8; 2Pet.2:15; Jude 11; Rev.2:14). The one who loves money cannot listen from God. Covetousness brings wavering.
2.CIRCUMSTANCES – Peter (Matt.14:28), Abraham (Rom.4:18-20). If one looks at circumstances, one can't walk by the wisdom of God.
3.CONFUSEDNESS – Mixed Multitude, Israel in the wilderness, (Ex.12:38; Num.11:4; 1 Cor.10, Heb.4:1; Jude 5). If you're listening to too many voices, the chances are you may get confused. Focus on what God has said, is saying, and follow His directions alone. Do not look at the world, do not be influenced by its negativism nor skepticism, nor follow its proposals. Stick to faith and divine wisdom.
4.COMPARISONS – Asaph, Psalm 73. As long as you keep looking at how people of the world are faring, you may miss on God's peace and joy. Do not compare. Seek God and live.