Recorded June 7, 2026

Pastor Larry Stephens begins a new sermon series through the Letter of James on "Seeking Wisdom."

James 1:1-18, “Seeking Wisdom in Times of Turmoil, Doubt, and Temptation”

I. Seeking Wisdom: In Times of Turmoil (vss. 1-5)

II. Seeking Wisdom: In Times of Doubt (vss. 6-13)

III. Seeking Wisdom in Times of Temptation (vss. 14-18)

This letter was written around 45 AD, during a time of heavy persecution of the church. The letter was written to the scattered Christians who fled Jerusalem because of extreme persecution. James, the brother of Jesus, is the author of this letter.

James explains that trials produce a steadfast and unshakable faith. The word here is that testing and pressing through, pushing through, produces staying power. This is what James calls “the full effect.” We can find wisdom in times of turmoil, doubt, and temptation by being secure in the word, seeking godly counsel from others, praying, and learning when to speak and when to listen.

Doubting God is like being on the waves of the sea, driven by the wind. Sometimes we are close, and then we are away from the wisdom of God. Therefore, to be like the one who is secure in their ways, we can pray the scriptures and identify the difference between doubt and disbelief. Doubt is a fight of the mind seeking understanding, while unbelief is a deliberate refusal to trust God.

We have faith because He has given it. God does not cause temptation; He offers freedom. Jesus Christ came to die a sinner's death, rise again, offering salvation to those who will repent and call upon Him, not to be tossed about on a sea of doubt.

In our time of response, let us pray in these specific ways:

1. We will seek godly wisdom in difficult times, and its times of prosperity
2. We will seek to be steadfast or unmovable in our faith.
3. That God will help us with our doubts and alleviate unbelief.
4. When we are tempted, know it isn’t from God, but then for Him to remove temptation.
5. To offer a prayer of thanksgiving to God for giving us the greatest gift of all, Christ Jesus.