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He Is With You

the way [is] not being fond of money, enough that he is with you for he himself says, 'I will never leave you nor forsake you' (Hebrews 13:5)


To find that it is enough that he is with us, that he will never leave nor forsake us, is very profitable for those who seek the way.

The deceit of earthly riches is one way the devil tries to choke out our growth. We loose our way if we are fond or love money, as the love of money is the root of all evil and we can not serve two masters as we will only be devoted to one. Other ways the devil tries to defeat us is to afflict us so that we are burdened down by anxieties and cares of this world, and through persecution. Things that become deeply rooted in our lives become like walls impossible to overcome. But God offers a way and he is powerful above all that we can think or imagine. 

any wise and understanding among you? From your good way of life show his works in gentleness of wisdom (James 3:13)

James writes that the purpose of endurance has the intended work to mature us (James 1:4). And if we lack wisdom to find the way to endure ask God in faith and he will supply (James 1:5). Every good gift and maturing gift comes down from our heavenly Father so that according to his plan he brings us forth through the word of truth so we exist fruit of his creation (James 1:17-18). We are a new creation in Christ according to his plan so that we mature into the likeness of the image of Christ. The source of our boasting and the demonstration of God's power through weakness will distinguish God's wisdom from that of men.

According to James, wisdom comes from the God of lights being revealed to the ones who ask in faith. How do we receive wisdom? Firstly, the source of God's wisdom is Christ (1 Corinthians 1:30-31). Secondly, we must be rooted and founded in faith and love (Ephesians 3:17; Colossians 2:7) so to grow up to endure the thorns. Thus the word is implanted in us so that it grows up to bear fruit (James 1:21). Thirdly, we receive the word in meekness. Lastly, it is gift, an effect of grace so it is not according to works, lest we boast.* This is how we mature, becoming a doer and not a hearer only.  

all good gifts and all maturing gifts exist from above coming down from the Father of light... (James 1:17)

What does wisdom look like? The Sunday school answer is Jesus, the more practical answer is that every good gift of wisdom that comes down is so that we mature. The gifted wisdom provides the way; the way out of temptation, the way to deal with persecution, distress, and affliction... Wisdom points us to true north, establishing us in the way. The practical application of wisdom comes through God's power and the knowledge of Jesus. 

Not only is Jesus our wisdom, and righteousness and redemption but he is also our sanctification (1 Corinthians 1:30-31). When we are saved, we are given all for life and godliness through the knowledge of him (2 Peter 1:3). This understanding takes a huge burden off our shoulders and puts them on God's. We know the key to godliness and life is based upon maturity through the "knowledge of him." It is through the knowledge of him because he is our wisdom so that we grow in grace and in knowledge of him, maturing into the statute of his image through the knowledge of him (2 Peter 3:18; Ephesians 4:13-16). This is what God purposed in Christ Ephesians 1 tells us.

what then shall we say in response to these things? if God is for us who can be against us (Romans 8:31). 

Wisdom from God penetrates head knowledge into the experiential of God's promises and power. For example a practical application of wisdom that God has shown me which gets me through persecution and offense, is to know that God is with me. If he is for me who can be against me? To know that he cares and is with me is a powerful realization of his sovereignty and power. Wisdom that comes down from above gives us practical ways to endure hardships. Sometimes we might not receive wisdom the first time so the trial is repeated. It is God who justifies and condemns, not men. It is a powerful thing to know that he is with you, that nothing, nor no one, neither tribulation, nor distress, nor persecution... nor death, nor life... nor powers, nor rulers... can separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus (Romans 8:34-39). He is with you.





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