Sermon Central
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Earthly Wisdom Vs. Godly Wisdom Series
Contributed by Jeffery Anselmi on Nov 28, 2017 (message contributor)
Summary: We have to decide whose wisdom we are going to follow. James gives us a great breakdown of what the world has to offer verses what God has to offer.
• SLIDE #9
A. The roots of earthly wisdom.
• The ground in which earthly wisdom is bred is in the ground of bitter jealousy and selfish ambition.
• Why would this be true?
• It is because of the nature of earthly wisdom. Earthly wisdom tells you that life is all about YOU. Happiness is all about YOU. The world revolves around YOU.
• The holy trinity is in play, the ME, MYSELF, and I are in play.
• Bitter jealousy and selfish ambition are conditions of the heart. They are conditions that one who follows the wisdom of the world will possess.
• The word JEALOUS can be used in a positive manner as in enthusiastic commitment, but when that context is used the word is translated ZEAL.
• Our context makes is obvious the word is not to be taken in that manner here. The word BITTER would be a small hint.
• Many times the word JEALOUSY is used for those who are enthusiastically committed to their own advancement at the expense of others: “envy” or “jealousy”
• If we realize that earthly wisdom tells us that life is all about ME, then it stands to reason that I would display jealousy toward the success and achievement of others.
• The other term, SELFISH AMBITION also fits this theme.
• This word pictures one who would try to do anything to get their way, to promote their cause, even if it means doing it in an unethical way.
• This makes a person become willing to use divisive techniques to get what they want. It is a win at ALL costs mentality!
• We are told that if the wisdom we follow is rooted in bitter jealousy and selfish ambition, we ought not boast that we possess the real thing.
• Look at verse 15 with me.
• SLIDE #10
• James 3:15 (ESV) 15 This is not the wisdom that comes down from above, but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic.
• SLIDE #11
B. The characteristics of earthly wisdom.
• WE have three adjectives that describe the characteristics of earthly wisdom.
• The source is of course earthly. It belongs to those who desire to live as those of the world would choose to live.
• We are told it is unspiritual, meaning it belongs to the natural world instead of the heavenly realm.
• We are told it is demonic. This is the type of wisdom that Satan employs to get people to follow his ways verses Gods.
• Verse 16 reveals more to us.
• SLIDE #12
• James 3:16 (ESV) 16 For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every vile practice.
• SLIDE #13
C. The fruits of earthly wisdom.
• DO you think that if you have a bunch of people just looking out for themselves that you would have this happen?
• When everyone is looking out for number one, there will be disorder.
• SPORTS-WORK EXAMPLES
• Every vile practice pictures an evil from which no good can come. People who cater to selfish ambition need never expect to develop any fruit which is godly, righteous, or helpful to others.
