True Wisdom Series

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**NOTE: THIS IS A CONCEPT OUTLINE FOR THIS MESSAGE. GRAPHICS AND MULTIMEDIA ARE AVAILABLE TO SUPPORT THIS SERIES.

:: Powerful Words

• Words indicate our direction

• Words create or destroy life in others

• Words display what is in our heart

When we begin the process of controlling our words, we are allowing God to transform us and create new life within us. This new life is founded in God and is led by his wisdom. James leads us this morning into a discussion about this wisdom that comes from God.

James has argued up to this point that our faith, our heart, and our words are all evidence of God’s work in us. James also argues that true wisdom – the wisdom that God gives us so that we can live in a way that pleases him – is also an evidence of God’s work and also requires active demonstration.

We often view wisdom as abstract, intangible knowledge gained through the accumulation of experience that should increase my standing and status so that I can fully enjoy life. But James’s view of wisdom is different. He believes that wisdom is essential so that I can fully enjoy and live out my faith. In chapter 3, James teaches that:

• Having wisdom does not automatically lead to the “Good Life”

• Wisdom can be corrupted by selfish ambition and personal desires

• True wisdom benefits others

• True wisdom honors God and leads others to him

:: Letter of James

[James 3:13-18]

If you are wise and understand God’s ways, prove it by living an honorable life, doing good works with the humility that comes from wisdom. 14 But if you are bitterly jealous and there is selfish ambition in your heart, don’t cover up the truth with boasting and lying. 15 For jealousy and selfishness are not God’s kind of wisdom. Such things are earthly, unspiritual, and demonic. 16 For wherever there is jealousy and selfish ambition, there you will find disorder and evil of every kind.

17 But the wisdom from above is first of all pure. It is also peace loving, gentle at all times, and willing to yield to others. It is full of mercy and good deeds. It shows no favoritism and is always sincere. 18 And those who are peacemakers will plant seeds of peace and reap a harvest of righteousness

:: Living the Good Life

[James 3:13]

If you are wise and understand God’s ways, prove it by living an honorable life, doing good works with the humility that comes from wisdom.

[Proverbs 1:7, 3:5-7]

Fear of the Lord is the foundation of true knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and discipline.

Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take. Don’t be impressed with your own wisdom. Instead, fear the Lord and turn away from evil.

:: Corrupting Wisdom

Being guided by God’s wisdom leads to a life that honors him. That direction changes when we corrupt God’s wisdom for our own benefit.

[James 3:14-16]

But if you are bitterly jealous and there is selfish ambition in your heart, don’t cover up the truth with boasting and lying. For jealousy and selfishness are not God’s kind of wisdom. Such things are earthly, unspiritual, and demonic. For wherever there is jealousy and selfish ambition, there you will find disorder and evil of every kind.

• The corruption of wisdom is accompanied by this process:

o We become worldly

o We become unspiritual

o We are given over to evil

• When we corrupt wisdom, our lives are led from a path of righteousness to ungodliness

• Wisdom becomes corrupted when we attempt to use it solely for out own benefit

• The corruption is the result of personal desires and selfish ambition

• Godly gifts that are used only for my benefit – outside of God’s intent and plan - can become corrupted and lead to death

:: True Wisdom

[James 3:17-18]

But the wisdom from above is first of all pure. It is also peace loving, gentle at all times, and willing to yield to others. It is full of mercy and good deeds. It shows no favoritism and is always sincere. And those who are peacemakers will plant seeds of peace and reap a harvest of righteousness

True wisdom flows from a pure heart

• Philippians 4:8-9 – “Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, what ever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable – if anything is excellent or praiseworthy – think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received, or heard from me, or seen in me – put into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.”