James mentions two of them in his brief five chapter letter. And, there actually is mention of a third.
First of all, we are told in James 1:17 Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning.
Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above. The Lord gives from above, His good and perfect gifts. The word good, means that which is of benefit, and or simply good things. So, that's the first thing. Rather then God tempting us to sin ( as some were apparently thinking and saying ......see James 1:13 ) James declares that God gives us good gifts. These gifts come from above.
By the way, the spiritual gifts of God are listed all through the New Testament. You can find a detailed list of them in 1st Cor 12, Eph 4, and 1st Peter 4.
These gifts are given to us to benefit the body of Christ, to build up the body of Christ, and we are to use them to serve the Lord. Incidentally, these gifts are not natural abilities, but rather supernatural abilities given to us by the Holy Spirit. Again, see 1st Cor 12.
Secondly, and seen in James 3:17 But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality and without hypocrisy.
God gives wisdom from above. He tells us how to live and, shows us how to approach the practical day to day issues and circumstances and challenges of life. God helps us by giving us His wisdom. The wisdom that is from above is explained to us, and defined in great detail in James 3:13-18.
There are eight specifics given to us about this wisdom.
1. God's wisdom is pure.
2. God's wisdom is peaceable.
3. God's wisdom is gentle.
4. God's wisdom is willing to yield.
5. God's wisdom is full of mercy.
6. God's wisdom is full of good fruits.
7. God's wisdom is without partiality.
8. God's wisdom is without hypocrisy.
Finally, in closing off this section about God's wisdom, James tells us that "the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace" See James 3:18.
And, that last and third thing that comes down from above.....it is a specific that the Lord gave to Elijah the prophet when he prayed. We are told "the heaven gave rain" , and as a result, the earth produced it's fruit. James 5:18 And he prayed again, and the heaven gave rain, and the earth produced its fruit.
But, I think there is a lesson for us here. God is able to give good gifts into your life, good and perfect gifts, and, He is able to give you wisdom. And, when the Lord gives these things into your life, your life produces fruit. Just like the earth produced fruit in Elijah's day.
When we look up so to speak, we are looking through Christ, into the heart and face of God. He has a good intention for you. He gives good things to you. He has good thoughts towards you, not evil thoughts. He has plans for your life that He wants to bring about. He wants you to be fruitful. He will make you that way.
Would you pray with me right now? Father, You are good, and You give good gifts, You give perfect gifts, and You give heavenly, Divine wisdom. Thank You for what You give to us. You want to bring fruit in our lives. Thank You for Your plan for us. May You find us receptive and cooperative with you. We love You, in Jesus name. Amen.....
Pastor Bob Grenier
Calvary Chapel Visalia
Application/Promises
1. Keep looking to God.
2. He is looking at you.
3. Remember, He loves you.
4. Don't be mistaken, He has a good intention for you.
5. The Bible teaches us all of the above.
6. We have examples of how God works in the Bible.
7. God does not change.
8. God is with you in Christ.
9. May God bless you abundantly.
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