Wisdom for Life – Sermon Outlines

I am using the following outline for a 5-week series of messages on James.

Theme: In Christ we find the wisdom to grow through life’s tests.

1. Wisdom is Needed for Life’s Trials, James 1.
   1. We need wisdom to be steadfast in life’s trials, vv. 1-11.
   2. We need wisdom to be victorious in life, vv. 12-18.
   3. We need wisdom to apply God’s Word, vv. 19-27.
2. Wisdom is Quick to Hear, James 2
   1. Wisdom is quick to reject hypocritical behavior, vv. 1-7.
   2. Wisdom is quick to remember the holy law, 8-13.
   3. Wisdom is quick to require holistic faith, vv. 14-26.
3. Wisdom is Slow to Speak, James 3.
   1. Wisdom is slow to speak because of the tongue’s power, vv. 1-5.
   2. Wisdom is slow to speak because of the tongue’s perniciousness, vv. 6-12.
   3. Wisdom is slow to speak because of the tongue’s progeny, vv. 13-18.
4. Wisdom is Slow to Become Angry, James 4.
   1. It is not a slave to worldly passions, vv. 1-6.
   2. It is submitted to Christ’s lordship, vv. 7-12.
   3. It is subject to God’s will, vv. 13-17.
5. Wisdom is Sure to Apply God’s Word, James 5.
   1. Wisdom understands the fate of the sinner, vv. 1-6.
   2. Wisdom understands the future of the saint, vv. 7-11/13.
   3. Wisdom applies the faith of the seeker, vv. 12/14-20.