Series: Jesus’ Half Brother- James [#7]
WISE AND UNDERSTANDING
James 3:13-18
Introduction:
In 2009, I had to get a pacemaker. While the pacemaker I received back then was “state of the art”; it is not now. On Monday, I had to have my pacemaker battery changed out. I waited all day for my procedure because I was the last surgery of the day for my Cardiologist. I went into the surgical room around 2:15 and the actual surgery began a little after 2:30. I was awake and talking to everyone in the operating room. It took the Cardiologist about 10 minutes to remove the old battery and connect the new device. Then, the Pacemaker Technician spent about 10 minutes fine tuning the settings with what appeared to be a video game controller. Once it was set, the Cardiologist glued me together; and I was done.
My new device allows me to do many things that the old one would not- I can have a MRI, go through metal detectors; and best of all, I have a wireless device that checks my pacemaker every night. I tell you all of this to say, the amount of technological advancement in 13 years is amazing. This is all happening due to the vast amount of knowledge that is prevalent in our world. However, in the midst of this explosion of knowledge, wisdom is practically non-existent. Many people’s lives are in shambles. Position, power, and prosperity have not brought peace and purpose. In our modern world, where everything is falling apart, we need wisdom.
James 3:13
Christians should…
1. Be affected by godly wisdom.
What a great question. “Who is wise and understanding among you?” Having a godly wisdom and understanding of things is a world changing characteristic.
God’s wisdom affects our…
* Actions.
You show godly wisdom and understanding by living a good life. When you are living a good life, everything you do and say draws people to God.
God’s wisdom affects our…
* Attitude.
You live a good life by doing good things with a humble attitude. Be humble- “Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up” (James 4:10).
James 3:14-16
Christians should…
2. Deny earthly wisdom.
The wisdom of the world is from the devil. Notice that we are warned to not brag about living like the world; and are told to not deny the truth.
Human wisdom is…
* Disorderly.
Being envious and selfish creates division. If it is all about you, then others will be pushed away. The devil loves chaos.
Human wisdom is…
* Destructive.
The world’s wisdom may sound good; but it leads people to destruction. We live in a time where the world is making the rules; and we are seeing a level of evil that is hard to believe.
James 3:17
Christians should…
3. Desire heavenly wisdom.
Do you have the desire to live a life that pleases God? I believe 1 of the greatest problems that Christians face is that we do not want to live like Christ.
Heavenly wisdom is…
* Pure.
* Peaceful.
* Considerate.
* Submissive.
* Merciful.
* Fruitful.
* Impartial.
* Sincere.
Conclusion:
James 3:18
It is important to notice that wisdom and being a peacemaker are in the same passage of Scripture. There is a difference between being a peacemaker and compromising. We are never to compromise our faith; but are to allow the wisdom of God to lead us in all things.
