Transformed by Truth: The Wisdom from Above James 3:17-18
Introduction:
Today, we delve into the Book of James, particularly James 3:17-18. These verses highlight the characteristics of godly wisdom and the fruit it produces in our lives. Let's read the text together from the New Living Translation.
James 3:17-18 (NLT): "But the wisdom from above is first of all pure. It is also peace-loving, gentle at all times, and willing to yield to others. It is full of mercy and the fruit of good deeds. It shows no favouritism and is always sincere. And those who are peacemakers will plant seeds of peace and reap a harvest of righteousness."
Point 1: The Nature of Godly Wisdom
James begins by contrasting godly wisdom with earthly wisdom. The wisdom from above is characterized by purity. It is "first of all pure," indicating that holiness is its foremost attribute. This purity extends to all areas of life, impacting our thoughts, words, and actions.
Proverbs 2:6 (NLT) - "For the Lord grants wisdom! From his mouth come knowledge and understanding."
Proverbs 2:6 reminds us that true wisdom originates from God. It is not merely human intellect or cleverness but a divine gift that God bestows upon those who seek Him. Wisdom, knowledge, and understanding are precious treasures that come from God's mouth, implying His Word and His Spirit. This verse encourages us to rely on God as the ultimate source of wisdom, recognising that apart from Him, our understanding is limited and flawed.
Imagine a master craftsman who teaches an apprentice. The apprentice might have raw talent, but it is the master’s guidance, knowledge, and experience that transforms the apprentice into a skilled artisan. Similarly, our spiritual wisdom and understanding are shaped and perfected by God, the Master of all wisdom.
Billy Graham once said, "Knowledge is horizontal. Wisdom is vertical—it comes down from above." This emphasises the need for divine wisdom to navigate life's complexities.
Consider the life of Billy Graham. His ministry was marked by integrity and purity. He avoided scandals and maintained a testimony that glorified God. His commitment to godly wisdom allowed him to impact millions for Christ.
A.W. Tozer once said, "Wisdom is the ability to see everything from God's viewpoint." This perspective helps us navigate life with divine insight.
Seek purity in all you do. Reflect on areas where you need to align your actions with God's holiness. Ask the Holy Spirit to purify your heart and mind.
Point 2: The Fruit of Godly Wisdom
James lists the attributes that flow from godly wisdom: peace-loving, gentleness, mercy, and good deeds. These are not mere traits but active expressions of wisdom. This wisdom fosters peace and harmony, extending kindness and mercy to others.
Galatians 5:22-23 (NLT) - "But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control."
In Galatians 5:22-23, Paul lists the fruit of the Spirit, contrasting the works of the flesh with the transformative work of the Holy Spirit in a believer’s life. These attributes are not just qualities to aspire to but evidence of the Spirit's active presence within us. The fruit of the Spirit is a holistic transformation that impacts our relationships and our inner character, producing love, joy, peace, and other virtues that reflect Christ's nature.
Consider a tree that is deeply rooted and well-nourished. It naturally produces good fruit. Similarly, when we are rooted in Christ and led by the Holy Spirit, our lives will naturally bear the fruit of the Spirit, showcasing God’s work in us to the world.
Rick Warren states, "Wisdom is the ability to apply spiritual truth to life's circumstances." This application results in tangible expressions of God's love and grace.
Evaluate your interactions. Are you peace-loving and gentle? Show mercy in difficult situations and look for opportunities to do good. Let God's wisdom manifest in your actions.
Point 3: The Harvest of Godly Wisdom
James concludes by emphasizing the harvest of righteousness that comes from peacemakers. Those who sow seeds of peace through godly wisdom will reap a bountiful harvest of righteousness, both in their lives and in the lives of others.
Matthew 5:9 (NLT) - "God blesses those who work for peace, for they will be called the children of God."
In Matthew 5:9, part of the Beatitudes, Jesus blesses the peacemakers, identifying them as true children of God. Peacemaking goes beyond simply avoiding conflict; it involves actively seeking to reconcile and restore relationships. This verse underscores the importance of peace in the Christian life, reflecting God's desire for harmony and unity among His people.
Think of a mediator who steps into a tense situation, working tirelessly to bring understanding and resolution. Peacemakers do the same in the spiritual realm, bridging gaps and healing divisions, embodying the peace that Christ brings.
Rick Warren noted, "Peacemakers build bridges, not walls." Being a peacemaker involves intentional effort to foster understanding and reconciliation, reflecting God's heart for unity.
John Piper writes, "The pursuit of peace is a fruit of the Holy Spirit and an evidence of God’s wisdom working in us." True wisdom leads to peace and righteousness.
Application:
Commit to being a peacemaker. Look for ways to sow peace in your family, community, and church. Trust that God will bring forth a harvest of righteousness as you walk in His wisdom.
Conclusion:
These three verses collectively remind us of our dependence on God for wisdom, the transforming power of the Holy Spirit, and our calling to be peacemakers.
Beloved, godly wisdom transforms our lives and produces a beautiful harvest. Let us strive for purity, embody the fruits of wisdom, and commit to being peacemakers.
Call to Action:
Seek God's Wisdom: Daily ask God for wisdom. Spend time in His Word and in prayer, seeking His perspective.
Live Out Wisdom: Demonstrate purity, peace, gentleness, and mercy in your interactions. Be a light in a world that desperately needs godly wisdom.
Cultivate the Fruit of the Spirit: Allow the Holy Spirit to work in you, producing love, joy, peace, and other virtues that reflect Christ.
Be a Peacemaker: Actively pursue peace in all areas of your life. Trust God to bring about a harvest of righteousness.
May we embrace these truths, letting God’s wisdom guide us, the Spirit’s fruit transform us, and His peace shape our interactions with others.
Closing Prayer:
Heavenly Father, we thank You for the gift of Your wisdom. Help us to seek it earnestly and live it out faithfully. Transform our lives and our communities through Your truth. May we always be instruments of Your peace, sowing seeds of righteousness for Your glory. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.
