Series: Experience the Spirit
Romans 12
Living Sacrifices
1Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God—this is your spiritual act of worship.
2Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.
3For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the measure of faith God has given you.
4Just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function,
5so in Christ we who are many form one body, and each member belongs to all the others.
6We have different gifts, according to the grace given us. If a man’s gift is prophesying, let him use it in proportion to his£ faith.
7If it is serving, let him serve; if it is teaching, let him teach;
8if it is encouraging, let him encourage; if it is contributing to the needs of others, let him give generously; if it is leadership, let him govern diligently; if it is showing mercy, let him do it cheerfully.
Summary: In verse 2-8 we see the Apostle Paul here telling us how we need to transform our minds and our attitudes about life if we want to be spiritually mature. It compares to what the Apostle James says in chapter of his Epistle about listening to wisdom from below or wisdom from above.
Theme: The Body of Christ needs to learn to experience the Spirit in their everyday lives so that they grow spiritually. We can learn to experience true spirituality as we see the Spirit at work in our daily lives and activities.
As we learn to recognize the Spirit and embrace His Spirit spiritual growth will take place in our lives.
Sermon: Experience the Spirit through wisdom
James 3
Two Kinds of Wisdom
13Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show it by his good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom.
14But if you harbor bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast about it or deny the truth.
15Such “wisdom” does not come down from heaven but is earthly, unspiritual, of the devil.
16For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice.
17But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace–loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere.
18Peacemakers who sow in peace raise a harvest of righteousness.
Introduction:
Thesis: James speaks of two sets of attitudes. One focuses on negative attitudes and the other positive attitudes. One leads us to experiencing the Spirit in our choices and values of life while the other leads to bondage from our choices and values in life.
We have in this passage, James comparing two lifestyles one he calls a lifestyle based on "wisdom from above" and the other a lifestyle based on "wisdom from below." Vs. 14-16 speaks of wisdom from below or earthly wisdom and Vs. 17-18 speaks of wisdom from above which is from heaven.
Guernesey states this about the text, "We have found James’ description of the two sets of values very helpful in pinpointing the kind of values, attitudes, and behavior that make for healthy lives and relationships."
I add that gaining wisdom from above will help us experience the Spirit while taking wisdom from below will lead us away from experiencing the Spirit. One leads to spiritual maturity the other leads to spiritual bondage.
The Two Lifestyles one focused on experiencing the Spirit the other one based on grieving the Spirit.
I. A lifestyle based on "wisdom from below" does not bring spiritual maturity.
a. Earthbound values (A mind set)
A. James speaks here in 3:15 that "wisdom from below" is a value system that is "earthly", "Unspiritual", and "devilish."
1. Earthly is a word designated to mean standards of this earthly realm.
a. This mind set is one that is based on the value of: "Let’s do it to them before they do it to us." It represents the survival of the fittest mind set.
i.
b. It’s also expressed in "Win at all costs", "I will have the last word", etc.
c. This basic attitude or mind set sees life as a struggle. You really cannot trust the other person to want what’s best for you. In other words, you have to look out for number one, yourself, because no one else will. It’s a mindset that says they are out to get me.
d. When a marriage has this mind set, then it becomes like an inner city ghetto mind set of surviving at all costs.
2. The second characteristic of a mindset that gets wisdom from below is reflected in the word unspiritual or natural.
a. Barclay in his commentary notes that it is kind of like an animal instinct which snaps and snarls with no other thought than that of prey or personal survival.
i. It means acting like a wild animal.
b. Sound familiar? Have your arguments turned into dog fights with each one fighting to survive?
3. The third character of a mind set on "this earth" is one which is described as devilish, or demonic.
a. Remember, though, this can mean subtle deception like spoken of in
i. II Cor. 11:14: And no wonder, for Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light.
ii. Matt. 4: 1-11: 1 Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the desert to be tempted by the devil. 2 After fasting forty days and forty nights, he was hungry. 3 The tempter came to him and said, "If you are the Son of God, tell these stones to become bread." 4 Jesus answered, "It is written: `Man does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.’" 5 Then the devil took him to the holy city and had him stand on the highest point of the temple. 6 "If you are the Son of God," he said, "throw yourself down. For it is written: "`He will command his angels concerning you, and they will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.’" 7 Jesus answered him, "It is also written: `Do not put the Lord your God to the test.’" 8 Again, the devil took him to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their splendor. 9 "All this I will give you," he said, "if you will bow down and worship me." 10 Jesus said to him, "Away from me, Satan! For it is written: `Worship the Lord your God, and serve him only.’" 11 Then the devil left him, and angels came and attended him.
B. The scene here is where Satan tries to use sound reasonable dialog to seduce or coerce Jesus over to His thinking.
C. Note, he tempted Jesus with power, control, wealth and fame. Also note, words seldom thought of as demonic but yet are.
1. He was tempted by Satan with:
a. The lust of the flesh – Matthew 4:3 “…tell these stones to become bread.”
b. The pride of life – Matthew 4:5-6 “…If you are the Son of God, “he said, “Throw yourself down.”
c. The lust of the eyes – Matthew 4:8-9 “Again, the devil took him to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their splendor. ‘All this I will give you,’ he said, ‘if you bow down and worship me.’
i. See Chip Ingham’s book: Living on the Edge he states: In 1 John 2:15-17 we have the passage defining the word “World” with these three phrases:
1. He adds, Since these are not terms that we tend to use in everyday conversation, let me break it down for you:
a. The lust of the flesh = the passion ‘to feel’ – this is hedonism.
b. The lust of the eyes = the passion “to have” – this is materialism.
c. The pride of life = the passion “to be” – this is egotism and self-centeredness (Page 63).
ii. The reality check is the world’s wisdom or value system is expressed in these three statements.
iii. Satan desires to get us seduced into values which are based on a lifestyle that makes the pursuit of riches, comfort, or power and recognition, as the goal in life.
1. This system will not cause spiritual maturity and it will not lead us into experiencing the Spirit.
b. Earthbound Attitudes
A. In verse 14, James notes that a person who is influenced by the "wisdom from below" must subsequently deal with four attitudes:
1. Bitter Jealousy - "The word denotes one who is utterly convinced of his or her own beliefs; the word reflects the zeal with which a person always thinks he or she is right and cannot admit to ever being wrong." (Guernsey)
2. Selfish Ambition - This denotes the "me first" attitude. It’s a person who only thinks of his or her own immediate gain.
a. Idea in their head is "What’s in it for me?"
b. It’s my way or no way.
c. Attitude, "I never lose."
i. Illustration: The 100 Thing Challenge
Have you heard about the 100 Thing Challenge? It’s a "grass-roots movement in which otherwise seemingly normal folks are pledging to whittle down their possessions to a mere 100 items." It was started by on-line entrepreneur Dave Bruno who believes in this simple truth: "Stuff starts to overwhelm you." You should set aside a few minutes to read the whole article. It’s filled with interesting quotes and stories from folks who have taken on the challenge. I also found the section featuring professional organizer Julie Morgenstern to be engaging if only because of the acronym she lives by: SHED—"separate the treasures, heave the trash, embrace your identity from within, and drive yourself forward." Not sure I need to list for you the angles on this one, but here goes: materialism, consumerism, identity, the tension of treasures (earthly/kingdom). (From Preaching Today).
3. Boastful Spirit - Reflects the attitude of a person who consistently thinks they are better than others. These types assume their superiority over others based on various ideas, sex, education, money, race, age, etc.
a. In Gal. 3:28 he addresses this type of an attitude. 28 There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.
4. "Orientation toward lying" - Here James refers to people who represent themselves to be something they are not.
a. I Tim. 4:2: Such teachings come through hypocritical liars, whose consciences have been seared as with a hot iron.
i. Attitude is: "I will make you look bad and have me look good".
b. Illustration:
i. Keeping Uncle Sam Honest: A "Truth in Government Act" proposed by Representative Donald M. Fraser (D-Mn) would make it illegal for federal officials to lie to private citizens. Right now, Fraser says, honesty is a one-way street. "Under current law, it is a crime for a private citizen to lie to a government official, but not for a government official to lie to the people." Perhaps officials should take an oath of honesty when they are sworn in.
c. The Air Force cadets’ Honor Code: "I will not lie, cheat, or steal, nor will I tolerate anyone who does."
i. Christians should do the same!
T. S. We have learned what "wisdom from below" is. Now let’s look at "wisdom from above."
II. A lifestyle based on "Wisdom from Above" will help us to grow spiritually.
a. The seven objects of a heavenly value system.
A. Purity - means freedom from any hint of evil or morally blameless.
1. Illustration: Teen Virginity Is on the Rise
a. This statistic surprised a lot of people: teen virginity (not teen promiscuity) is on the rise. According to the National Survey of Family Growth, 29 percent of females and 27 percent males between 15 and 24 years old reported that they have never had sexual contact. That may not seem high, but it’s a five percent increase in virginity since the last survey in 2002. As one advocate said, "Many, many young people have been receptive to the message of delaying sexual activity." So you can tell teenagers, "No, everyone is not doing it; you are not alone." You can also tell adults, "Yes, teens do want to hear what we (and the Bible) have to say about sex." (From Preaching Today).
2. God at the Grammys: Pop Stars on Faith
a. Why do so many popular musicians mention God—and yet their faith doesn’t seem to impact their morality? That’s the question raised by this Wall Street Journal article. Lady Gaga says that a "higher power" has been "watching out for me." The hip-hop artist Diddy says, "God is my gang." And Eminem claims that he believes in God and prays. The author refers to pop stars’ "self-styled spirituality that can be overlaid on any religion and has nothing to do with morality." It might be easy to judge pop stars, but I wonder where our talk about Jesus doesn’t match our life under Jesus. (From Preaching Today).
B. Peaceful - In James there is an earthly wisdom that seeks to hurt others. But we are able to seek wisdom that brings people closer together and closer to God.
1. Illustration: “We Come in Peace"
a. The motto of the Apollo 11 flight was "We come in peace for all mankind." This motto was on the plaque which was deposited on the face of the moon. The landing was on the Sea of Tranquility. Armstrong and Aldrin found a tranquil and peaceful scene on the moon. There never had been any humans there to disturb the peace.
C. Gentle - It is a person who knows how to forgive, when strict justice would allow condemnation. It is the person who tempers justice with mercy.
1. Sometimes decisions need to be made that recognize that people are always more important than things.
2. News That Illustrates: March 14, 2011
a. A Rare Display of Humility and Grace
At a recent high-profile event in Washington D.C., a dinner guest mistook Four-star Army General Peter Chiarelli for one of the waiters. Chiarelli, the No. 2-ranking general in the U.S. Army hierarchy, was in full dress uniform. Apparently, the guest, who only saw his striped pants, assumed he was a waiter and asked him to get her a glass of wine. Rather than take offense, in good humor Chiarelli dutifully went off, found the wine, and poured her a glass. The guest was mortified once she got a good look at his uniform. She apologized profusely, but Chiarelli took it in stride and invited her to his family’s home for dinner. If only we could all rise above offense and respond with such a gracious spirit. (From Preaching Today).
D. Reasonableness - It means willing to listen, willing to be persuaded, skilled in knowing when to wisely yield.
1. Romans 12: 1, 2: Dear Friends, God is good. So I beg you to offer your bodies to Him as a living sacrifice, pure and pleasing. That’s the most sensible way to serve God. Don’t be like the people of this world, but let God change the way you think. Then you will know how to do everything that is good and pleasing to Him.
E. Full of mercy and good fruits - This has to do with a kind of mercy that results even when the other person has brought the problem upon himself or herself.
F. Unwavering quality - It’s the ability of being calm in the storms, being stable in turmoil, etc. The ability to be steady, operating according to settled absolutes.
1. This person is settled upon those Biblical values and beliefs by which he or she intends to chart his or her life.
2. Romans 12: 9-21:
a. 9 Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. 10 Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves. 11 Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. 12 Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. 13 Share with God’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality. 14 Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. 15 Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. 16 Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited. 17 Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everybody. 18 If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. 19 Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: "It is mine to avenge; I will repay," says the Lord. 20 On the contrary: "If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head." 21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.
G. A lack of hypocrisy - This is the quality of being real, not plastic, not phony.
1. By taking the blame when it is our fault by being genuine.
Conclusion:
James 3: 17, 18
"But the wisdom that comes from above leads us to be pure, friendly, gentle, sensible, kind, helpful, genuine, and sincere. When peacemakers plant seeds of peace, they will harvest justice." (CEV)
Knowledge can be memorized, Wisdom must think things through.
Wisdom is the something that enables us to use knowledge rightly.
Wisdom resists group pressures, thinks for itself, and uses sound judgment.
Wisdom from above sees things through God’s eyes and starts with purity and ends with purity.
We need to listen to His wisdom and not the wisdom from below.
Illustration: "Jeopardy!" and Intelligence vs. Wisdom
We’ve all heard plenty about "Watson," the computer that’s been beating human opponents in a round of "Jeopardy." This story will continue to raise numerous questions about humans vs. machines. But an insightful blog post from a rabbi takes a unique angle: can a computer acquire wisdom? Biblically speaking, wisdom involves more than spouting the right answers. Wisdom implies knowing how to ask the right questions. And according to Rabbi Mitelman, only human beings know what questions to ask in the first place. This article provides some profound thoughts on wisdom, human dignity, and even how to study the Bible.
