Introduction

Good morning, dear friends. It's a joy to gather together in the house of the Lord, isn't it? It's a privilege, a blessing, a divine appointment, to come together as one body, one church, one family, united in our shared love for Christ.

Today, we find ourselves standing at the threshold of a profound passage of Scripture, James 3:13-18. It's a passage that beckons us, inviting us to peer into the very heart of wisdom. Not the wisdom of this world, but the wisdom that comes from above, the wisdom that is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere.

Let's allow the words of the apostle James to wash over us, to seep into our hearts, to shape and mold our understanding of what it means to live a life that is pleasing to God. "Who is wise and understanding among you? By his good conduct let him show his works in the meekness of wisdom. But if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast and be false to the truth. This is not the wisdom that comes down from above, but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every vile practice. But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere. And a harvest of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace."

These words, penned by James, the brother of Jesus, are as relevant today as they were when they were first written. They challenge us, confront us, and compel us to examine our lives in the light of God's wisdom.

As we prepare to delve deeper into this passage, I'm reminded of the words of the great preacher Charles Spurgeon, who once said, "Wisdom is the right use of knowledge. To know is not to be wise. Many men know a great deal, and are all the greater fools for it. There is no fool so great a fool as a knowing fool. But to know how to use knowledge is to have wisdom."

What a profound truth! Wisdom is not merely about acquiring knowledge, but about applying that knowledge in a way that reflects the heart of God. So, as we stand on the precipice of this deep and rich passage, let's bow our heads in prayer. Dear Heavenly Father, we thank You for Your Word, which is a lamp unto our feet and a light unto our path. We ask that You would open our hearts and minds to the truths contained within this passage. May Your Holy Spirit guide us and teach us, that we might grow in wisdom and understanding. And may our lives be a reflection of Your wisdom, a wisdom that is pure, peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere. We ask this in the precious name of Jesus. Amen.

Transition. Now, let's turn our attention to our first point: The Perception of God and the World...

Perception of God and the World

When we consider the perception of God and the world, we are drawn into a complex and multifaceted discussion. This is a topic that touches on the very core of our faith and our understanding of reality. It's about how we see God, how we see the world, and how these two perceptions intersect and interact.

Let's start with our perception of God. How do we see Him? Is He a distant, impersonal force, or is He a loving, intimate Father? Is He a harsh judge, or is He a merciful savior? Our perception of God shapes our relationship with Him. It influences how we pray, how we worship, and how we live our daily lives.

But our perception of God is not formed in a vacuum. It is shaped by a multitude of factors, including our upbringing, our experiences, our culture, and our personal study of the Bible. It is also shaped by the Holy Spirit, who reveals God to us and helps us to understand His nature and His will.

Now, let's consider our perception of the world. How do we see the world around us? Is it a place of hope and opportunity, or is it a place of despair and danger? Is it a playground, or is it a battlefield? Our perception of the world shapes our interactions with it. It influences how we live, how we work, and how we relate to others.

But our perception of the world, like our perception of God, is not formed in a vacuum. It is shaped by a multitude of factors, including our experiences, our education, our culture, and our worldview. It is also shaped by the Bible, which provides us with a unique and divine perspective on the world and its workings.

Now, let's consider the intersection of these two perceptions. How does our perception of God influence our perception of the world, and vice versa? This is where things get really interesting.

For example, if we see God as a loving Father, we are likely to see the world as a place where His love is at work. We are likely to see His grace is available, and where His purposes are being fulfilled. We are likely to see the world as a place of hope, opportunity, and potential.

On the other hand, if we see God as a harsh judge, we are likely to see the world as a place of judgment. Or, as a place of punishment and retribution. We are likely to see the world as a place of fear, danger, and despair.

Similarly, if we see the world as a place of hope and opportunity, we are likely to see God as a source of hope and opportunity. We are likely to see Him as a God who is actively involved in the world, who is working all things together for good, and who is eager to bless and prosper His children.

On the other hand, if we see the world as a place of despair and danger, we are likely to see God as a source of comfort and protection. We are likely to see Him as a God who is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.

So, our perception of God and our perception of the world are closely intertwined. They influence each other, they shape each other, and they reflect each other. But here's the key: Our perceptions are not always accurate. They are not always in line with reality. They are not always in line with the truth.

This is why James challenges us to seek the wisdom that comes from above. This is why he urges us to reject the wisdom of this world, which is earthly, unspiritual, and demonic. This is why he calls us to embrace the wisdom that is pure, peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere.

This wisdom, this divine wisdom, has the power to transform our perceptions. It has the power to align our perceptions with reality, with truth, with God's perspective. It has the power to free us from the distortions and deceptions of the world, and to bring us into a deeper, richer, more accurate understanding of God and His world.

So, let's seek this wisdom! Let's pursue it with all our hearts. Let's allow it to shape our perceptions, to guide our thoughts, and to direct our actions. And let's trust that as we do, we will grow in our understanding of God, of the world, and of our place in it.

Now, let's consider four aspects of this wisdom that James describes.

Pursuit of Divine Wisdom

As we continue to immerse ourselves in the wisdom of James, we find ourselves drawn to the pursuit of divine wisdom ... View this full PRO sermon free with PRO