INTRODUCTION
• SLIDE #1
• Wisdom is defined as prudence, discretion, the capacity to understand. It is what leads us to act wisely in life. Wisdom being able to apply knowledge in a way that pleases God.
• Now, when you think about life from the Christian perspective there are basically two paths of wisdom by which we can walk. We can choose to follow God’s wisdom or we can choose to follow the wisdom the world affords us.
• Today I want us to take some time to examine this important subject. We need to make sure that we really know the difference between the earthly and Godly wisdom so that we can tell which path we are really on.
• I believe there are many who may not be on the path they think they are, I know there was a time where I struggled with this and at times still do.
• Let us turn to James 3:13-18.
• In the context James has just addressed the perils of being a teacher, but the application of this passage fits all of us.
• SLIDE #2
• James 3:13 (ESV) Who is wise and understanding among you? By his good conduct let him show his works in the meekness of wisdom.
• SLIDE #3
SERMON
I. Where do I really stand on the wisdom scale?
• I like the question James poses in verse 13. Who is wise and understanding among you?
• This is a good question because how many of us want to be not wise?
• It is hard to find a self-professed fool. Most people have an elevated and unrealistically high opinion of their wisdom, although they might not say so.
• They believe they are just as “savvy” as the next person and that their opinion is usually better than anyone else’s. In this day of relativism, such perception is virtually universal. (MacArthur Jr.)
• The real heart of the question is who among us is wise in his understanding of Christ.
• How can we tell if we are truly wise and understand Christ and what the implications of our faith are? Here are a couple of ways that are found in verse 13.
• SLIDE #4
A. Our conduct will reveal our commitment.
• I can I determine where I am in my faith? My conduct will reveal my true commitment. My conduct will show if I truly understand God and that I truly understand the implications of what it means to follow Jesus.
• How do I know if I am a good husband or good father? Well, I tell my wife I am a good husband and I tell my daughters I am a good father correct?
• NO, I SHOW THEM!
• The word “CONDUCT” denotes ones’ manner of life. It deals with the one arranges their life.
• Would it not make sense as to WHY our conduct is important?
• Our conduct shows where are heart is invested.
• The word “GOOD” denotes something that is beautiful, attractive.
• Our conduct should be something that points people to Jesus.
• SLIDE #5
• Matthew 5:16 (ESV) 16 In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.
• Our conduct speaks volumes as to where our heart is. The conduct shows that we love the Lord enough to try to live a life that is pleasing to him.
• Verse 13 reveals another tangible way we can assess our level of understanding.
• SLIDE #6
B. Our attitude will reveal our heart.
• show his works in the meekness of wisdom
• Not only are the actions important to God but the attitude behind the actions are equally important to God.
• The actions of true wisdom display humility or meekness. Ancient Greek moralists thought meekness was a virtue that could easily become a weakness, making one a victim. In the New Testament, however, the word is always positive.
• Jesus describes Himself as meek or gentle in Matthew 11:29.
• When we have a heart for God, the things we do for God are done with a proper attitude.
• We cannot claim we have wisdom; it is self-evident and is measured by the depth of our heart and character.
• SLIDE #7
• Let’s examine the wisdom spoken of in verses 14-16
II. The wisdom of the world.
• In order to do a comparison of the two types of wisdom we need to know what each one is all about.
• The wisdom the world offers has some distinct elements. First let us look at verse 14 for the first element.
• SLIDE #8
• James 3:14 (ESV) 14 But if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast and be false to the truth.
• 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.
• Let us now turn to verse 17 so we can see a different way of life.
• SLIDE #14
• James 3:17 (ESV) 17 But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere.
• SLIDE #15
III. The wisdom from above.
• There is a HUGE difference between Godly wisdom and earthly.
• Let’s start by looking at the character traits of Godly wisdom.
• SLIDE #16
A. The character traits of Godly wisdom.
• The list is impressive.
• The FIRST quality the one that is above all is that Godly wisdom is PURE.
• Both God (1 John 3:3) and His Word (Ps. 12:6) are "pure".
• True wisdom produces only what is holy and "pure" (not the evil things mentioned in the context). The adjective often has the quality as an ethical term of the "clean" or holy inward moral attitude: Phil. 4:8; 2 Cor. 11:2; 1 Pet. 3:2.
• We also see that Gods wisdom is peaceable as opposed to confusion.
• When we are all looking out for each other and are looking to do what is best for all, it brings a harmony and a sense of teamwork. Being peaceable means that we are not given to conflict, we are not looking for a fight.
• "Open to reason" ordinarily means "obedient," or "compliant," "open-minded," "yielding to entreaty." Its etymology leads back to the meaning "of good (i.e., easy) persuasion." (The Living Word Commentary Series)
• The other traits point toward a wisdom that allows and leads to realize there is more to life than taking care of number one!
• It makes us become the people that God wants us to be and it makes us be the kind of people others want to be around.
• SLIDE #17
• Let’s conclude with verse 18.
• James 3:18 (ESV) 18 And a harvest of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace.
• SLIDE #18
B. The blessings of Godly wisdom.
• In the end what do you get from employing Godly wisdom in your life as opposed to earthly?
• Godly wisdom produces a continuing cycle of righteousness which is planted in peaceful relationships with God and in many cases with man.
• SLIDE #19
• Isaiah 32:17 (ESV) 17 And the effect of righteousness will be peace, and the result of righteousness, quietness and trust forever.
• Ultimately when we choose God’s wisdom over the wisdom of the world our life now and our life spent in eternity will be much better!
CONCLUSION
• We all have a choice to make each day. Is our life going to just be about me ore I am going to strive for something more fulfilling, something of a higher call?
• Life WILL be empty and unfulfilled when spent on self.
• God gives you the choice, His way or the world’s way.
• His way is the best and will lead to even greater things!
