James: Practical Faith
James 3:13-18
Pastor Jefferson M. Williams
Chenoa Baptist Church
10-27–2024
Unwise
In 1912, a French tailor, Franz Reichelt, climbed 200 feet up the Eiffel Tower. He was going to prove his invention worked. His friends thought this was unwise and begged him to use a dummy first to see what happens. But Franz wouldn’t be deterred. He waved to the crowd and jumped.
Instead of gentle and gracefully floating to the ground he fell like a sack of potatoes and died of a heart attack before he even hit the ground.
If he had listened to the wisdom of his friends, this story might hav ended differently.
Tests of Spiritual Maturity
James is a practical book and her is most interested in our spiritual maturity.
So far, we’ve seen the test of trials, temptations, how we handle the Word, how we handle other people, how our faith results in good fruit, and how our words can glorify God.
This morning, James is going to make a contrast between two
types of wisdom - human wisdom and wisdom from above.
There are wise words we can use to build others up and unwise words that cause heartache.
[Tim Hawkins: These are the Things you Don’t Say to Your Wife video]
Solomon had an experience that many of us would love to have. God came to him and said, “Ask for anything you want and I’ll give it to you.”
Solomon’s answer is shocking:
“Your servant is here among the people you have chosen, a great people, too numerous to count or number. So give your servant a discerning heart to govern your people and to distinguish between right and wrong. For who is able to govern this great people of yours?” (I Kings 3:8-9)
God granted his request and made him the wisest king that Israel had ever known:
“I will do what you have asked. I will give you a wise and discerning heart, so that there will never have been anyone like you, nor will there ever be.” (I Kings 3:12)
Solomon wrote to his sons about the central importance of wisdom:
"Get wisdom, get understanding; do not forget my words or turn away from them. Do not forsake wisdom, and she will protect you; love her, and she will watch over you. The beginning of wisdom is this: Get wisdom. Though it cost all you have, get understanding." (Proverbs 4:5-7)
One of my favorite preachers, Dr. Frank Pollard, defined wisdom as "sanctified common sense."
What animal is associated with wisdom? The owl.
The goddess Athena was always pictured with an owl on her arm, representing wisdom.
Owls have large eyes, a resolute posture, and they are silent, always listening, which is a noble skill:
“Even fools are thought wise if they keep silent, and discerning if they hold their tongues.” (Proverbs 17:28)
The Greeks were constantly seeking after wisdom. In fact, thy had an entire discipline dedicated to it - philosophy.
The Jewish notion of wisdom is always connected to the fear of God.
The theme verse of Proverbs, which uses the word wise/wisdom 54 times, makes this clear:
“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction.” (Prov 1:7)
In fact, there are five books of the Bible that we call wisdom literature: Job, Psalms, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, and Song of Solomon.
Being educated doesn’t necessarily make you wise. You don’t automatically become wise by growing older.
Wisdom is the application of knowledge leading to godly action.
Please turn with me to James 3.
Prayer.
Who? Who?
Who is wise and understanding among you? Let them show it by their good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom.
James begins by asking a question. Remember that chapter three began with these haunting words:
Not many of you should become teachers, my fellow believers, because you know that we who teach will be judged more strictly.
This question is directed at the teachers in their midst but he also applies more generally.
I asked this question on Facebook this week. I asked who was the wisest person you have ever known.
Yoda
Another responded that her therapist is very wise
Another responded that the couple that discipled her was very wise.
Two people responded that their dads were the wisest person they have known
James said that the godly kind of wisdom is just like faith - you can see it in action.
A friend from Mississippi elaborated on what made her dad so wise:
“He influenced me by his character, work ethic, intelligence, and calm, rational demeanor. I've never known anyone with more friends everywhere we ever lived or visited - he never met a stranger. He had the ability to influence and lead, always in a positive manner.
He stood up for people who could not stand up for for themselves causing others to want to do the same. He taught me to value education and set my goals and never doubt I could achieve them. He influenced my career choice which evolved into "a calling" instead of a job.
He was always my best friend and my very first and best teacher. I learned through his example how to best live my life and be more of what God wants us all to be.”
This is a great example of what James is encouraging us to do. We are to show our wisdom by our good lives. A better translation of this phrase is “a beautiful lifestyle.”
We are to live this way with “deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom.”
Your translation may say gentleness or meekness. Meekness doesn’t mean weakness. Its the word picture of a powerful stallion under control.
This word can also mean being careful with our words or medication that soothes pain.
It is the willingness to be under God’s control.
“Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.” (Matt 5:5)
It is patient, thinks of others first, and practices self control.
It is walking in the way of Jesus who is “gentle and humble of heart.” (Matt 11:29)
Jackie Robinson was a better football player than baseball player. He decided to play baseball because professional football had already been integrated.
The first two years, he din’t say a word. He didn’t respond to the horrible racist slurs shouted at him from the stands. He didn’t respond to the taunts of the players on the other team.
Jackie was opinionated and was physically imposing and no one would have blamed him for responding. But he had a bigger picture and knew that his behavior would pave the way for other African Americans to play pro ball, like Arron Judge who is playing in the World Series right now and makes 40 million dollars a year!
One game, when the jeers were especial intense, Jackie’s teammate and friend PeeWee Reece came over and draped his arm around Jackie and smiled. The crowd fell into a stunned silence.
There is a monument of this moment outside of MCU Park in NYC.
James then contrasts this genuine wisdom that leads to a beautiful life with counterfeit wisdom that leads to chaos.
False Wisdom
But if you harbor bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast about it or deny the truth. Such “wisdom” does not come down from heaven but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice.
This kind of wisdom is characterized by:
bitter envy
Envy begins with empty hands and mourns for what we don’t have.
Jealousy begins with full hands and is threatened by the thought of losing what we don’t have.
selfish ambition in your hearts
When we studied Philippians, we encountered this phrase when Paul said some men “preach Christ out of selfish ambition.” (Phil 1:17)
Aristotle was one of the first people to use this word. He used it to describe partisan politicians who only care about power and not people.
This is characterized by suspicion, angry competition, resistant, a desire to be seen, quoted, admired.
Boasting
The person with this kind of wisdom is arrogant and is proud that they are selfish and envious.
They deny the Truth
I helped my friend Milt build a house. Yes, they gave me a nail gun!
I built a wall exactly the way he showed me. I was so proud of myself. He came and inspected it and smiled and said “Good job. Now take it down.”
I asked why and he pointed to the line of the floor. I had place the way on the wrong side of the line. It was such a small mistake but if we had let that go, the entire house would have been cattywampus. The line didn’t lie!
This wisdom doesn’t come from heaven but is:
earthly
This means that it’s origin is the earth and it is restricted to human knowledge alone. This wisdom only has this life in view.
Unspiritual
This means fleshly or temporary, have for its object the gratification of the animal passions
Demonic
James doesn’t mince words here. Remember that he said that demons believe there is one God and they shudder? This kind of wisdom doesn’t produce a change in our lives or obedience to God. It is straight from the pit of hell.
Does this sound familiar? This wisdom is of the world, the flesh, the devil.
Isaiah wrote:
“Woe to those who are wise in their own eyes and clever in their own sight.” (Is 5:21)
Where these characteristics are present, particularly envy and selfish ambition, the door to Pandora’s Box is open and leads to
disorder, disharmony, anarchy, and a lack of unity and stability.
We see this in our culture right now.
[Matt Walsh - What is a Woman video]
Before we get too glib about that video, let’s remember that James is not writing to the culture. He’s writing to the church. And we are seeing this kind of godless wisdom invading the church:
Alanah Sabatini is a queer worship leader who is “rewriting hymns” for the church.
She wrote this one to the tune of Come Thou Font of Every Blessing. I watched multiple videos of churches singing this satanic “hymn.”
True Colors (Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing) (feat. Ashley White)
by Alanah Sabatini
I was lost in utter darkness
I was trapped in toxic shame
I was bound by my religion
Till I chose to break away
Now I'm finding my true colors
For the first time I feel free
Now I'm learning self-compassion
As I heal I'm finding peace
I kept others at a distance
Those who lived life differently
Saw the world in right or wrong
But they're all humans just like me
I stepped out and love expanded
"Us and Them" melted away
Beauty found in every difference
As I listen, I'm amazed
I saw danger in my questions
I took captive all my thoughts
Certainty was my salvation
Till I questioned what was taught
Now my eyes are wide in wonder
Mind set free now to discern
I might not have all the answers
But I have all this life to learn
[Video - blessed are those who end pregnancies video]
This is the satanic “wisdom.”
We are pro-life from the womb to the tomb. Abortion is murder. It is not the unforgivable sin. 40 million of my generation were never given the chance to be born.
As Ronald Reagan said, “Everyone who believes in abortion has already been born.”
Wisdom from Heaven
But 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.
James wrote in chapter one that “every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.” (James 1:17)
Heavenly wisdom is one of those gifts.
There are eight characteristics of true wisdom. This is another one of James’s tests of spiritual maturity. Let’s see how we do.
Pure
This is not only the first he lists but it is the key to all the others. He is not talking about sexual purity but more of freedom from defilement and without contamination. Pure in focus. Pure in morals. Pure in attitude. Pure in motivations.
My friend Terry had an uncle that was a special person. Uncle Ray was a friend to all. He loved everyone.
One time I was at Terry’s house and Uncle Ray walked in. I said, nonchalantly, “I love that shirt Ray. Looking good!”
Ray turned around, and walked up to me and took off the shirt and tried to hand it to me. I began to cry. He was so amazing and his heart was so pure compared to mine.
Peaceful
This is the opposite of combative or argumentative. This is a person who seeks Shalom:
“Let us therefore make every effort to do what leads to peace and to mutual edification.” (Romans 14:19)
Jesus said, “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.” (Matt 5:9)
This is best seen in our relationships.
The commentator William Barclay wrote:
"There is a kind of clever and arrogant wisdom which separates people from one another, and which makes them look with superior contempt on others. There is a kind of cruel wisdom which takes a delight in hurting others with clever but cutting words. There is a kind of depraved wisdom which seduces men and women away from their loyalty to God. But the true wisdom at all times brings people closer to one another and to God.”
When you walk in a room, does the temperature go up or down?
Considerate
There is really no word in English or Latin that translates this Greek word well.
I like how one commentator translated it as “sweet reasonableness.” This is characterized by the ability to extend the kindness to others that you would want for yourself.
Its the golden rule that we learned as children - do unto others as you would have them do to you. In short, it’s just kindness in action.
Mart Twain wrote:
“Kindness is the language which the deaf can hear and the blind can see.” – Mark Twain
Submissive
This is characterized by being open and easy to work with. It’s the opposite of being stubborn and obstinate.
In I Samuel 25, we meet a stubborn and obstinate man named Nabal. His name literally means “fool.”
He insulted David’s men causing David to fly into a rage and promise he would kill Nabal and every male in his clan.
His wife’s name was Abigail and she was the opposite of Nabal, she was very wise.
She loaded her donkey with all kinds of gifts for David and his men and set out, without telling Nabal, to intercept David.
When she met David, she bowed low and said:
“When the Lord has fulfilled for my lord every good thing he promised concerning him and has appointed him ruler over Israel, my lord will not have on his conscience the staggering burden of needless bloodshed or of having avenged himself. And when the Lord your God has brought my lord success, remember your servant.” (I Sam 25:30-31)
This was brilliant. It was part flattery, part respect, and part reminder that David was above this sort of behavior.
And it worked! David praises her for her wisdom:
“Praise be to the Lord, the God of Israel, who has sent you today to meet me. May you be blessed for your good judgment and for keeping me from bloodshed this day and from avenging myself with my own hands. Otherwise, as surely as the Lord, the God of Israel, lives, who has kept me from harming you, if you had not come quickly to meet me, not one male belonging to Nabal would have been left alive by daybreak.” (I Sam 25:32-34)
The story is told of Abraham Lincoln sending an order to his Secretary of War, Edward Staton. The currier returned to Lincoln to tell him that Stanton refused the order and called Lincoln a fool.
Lincoln could have fired Stanton but instead he smiled at the messenger and said, “Stanton is a very wise man. Perhaps he is right that I am a fool.”
He then walked over to Stanton’s office and they sat down to talk about the order. Within twenty minutes, Stanton had convinced him that the order was not wise and they made another decision together.
There is a reason that Lincoln was said to be made of velvet steel.
Martin Luther used a story to describe this word.
Two goats met on a bridge. The bridge was very narrow, over a deep gorge. There wasn’t enough room for them to pass. They stared at each other for a while when one said he had an idea.
He laid down and let the other goat walk over him and then he was able to cross the bridge.
My father-in-law is a perfect example of this. He is currently helping his best friend deal with his wife’s slow decline into dementia. Jack knows this journey first-hand.
They spend nearly every day together. What most people don’t know is that Jack is a conservative Republican and his best friend is a liberal Democrat. They agree to disagree because they love each other and that’s more important.
full of Mercy and good fruit
This is characterized by kindness, compassion and the actions that flow from such attitudes.
During the Syrian civil war, the biggest fear was being buried alive. During the war, planes would drop barrel bombs filled with TNT and shrapnel on apartment buildings filled with civilians. Within seconds, these structures are reduced to huge piles of rubble, with many people trapped underneath.
If you witnessed the scene, you would see total pandemonium, with people running away from the crumbling building. But you would also be surprised to see a group of people running toward the chaos. These people are part of the Syrian Civil Defense and are known as the “white helmets.” It is estimated that they have rescued over 80,000 people since 2014.
When everyone else is running away from the rubble, they run toward it, into it, risking their lives to save others.
I was listening to someone talk about this group and he made the point that Christians are called to do the same thing. As followers of Jesus, we run toward the rubble of people’s lives to provide comfort, care, and ultimately, rescue.
I think all of us can say a hearty amen to this, right? We all agree that we should be on the front lines of bringing hope to the hopeless and love to the lonely. That is, until we are sitting at a stoplight and a man with a sign that says “homeless and hungry” is standing right in front of our car. How many of us pretend not to notice him, silently judge, and drive away without a second thought?
Why is it so hard sometimes to display mercy? Is it possible that we don’t understand how much mercy has been given to us?
Impartial
James has already said that Christians are not to show partiality, prejudice, or make distinctions.
This wisdom realizes there are only two kinds of people in the world - lost and found.
This also represents an unwavering fidelity to the truth.
Sincere
In ancient Greek dramas, a person behind a curtain spoke the lines while the performer on stage acted out the role. We might refer to the speaker behind the scenes as the one who didn't "practice what he preached."
Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, the author of the Sherlock Holmes mysteries, love practical jokes. Once he sent a telegram to each of twelve friends. All were men of great virtue and respected in society.
The telegram said, "Flee at once, your secret is discovered!"
Within 24 hours, the story goes, all twelve had left the country!
There may be some playful exaggeration here, but the point is usually true that many people, including Christians, are not what they seem to be.
This is the idea of not being two faced or deceptive, completely honest and utterly authentic. It’s a “what you see is what you get” kind of life.
What are the results of this kind of life?
Peacemakers who sow in peace reap a harvest of righteousness.
James may very well have been thinking about Isaiah 32 when he wrote this:
The fruit of that righteousness will be peace; its effect will be quietness and confidence forever. (Isaiah 32:7)
The ultimate goal of wisdom is righteousness. It is an active process of living a peacemaker’s life. We will reap a godly harvest.
The following prayer is attributed to Francis but we are not sure who wrote it.
Lord, make me an instrument of your peace.
Where there is hatred, let me sow love;
Where there is error, truth;
Where there is injury, pardon;
Where there is doubt, faith;
Where there is despair, hope;
Where there is darkness, light;
And where there is sadness, joy.
O Divine Master, grant that I may not so much seek
To be consoled as to console;
To be understood as to understand;
To be loved as to love.
For it is in giving that we receive;
It is in pardoning that we are pardoned;
It is in self-forgetting that we find;
And it is in dying to ourselves that we are born to eternal life.
There was one more person that someone mentioned in response to my Facebook question: John (Judy) Dewald.
During a sermon, I asked “if you were led to Christ, discipled, encouraged, were in a small group with, attended a new members class with, memorized Scripture with, or were inspired by the Dewald’s love for Jesus, would you raise your hand.
More than 80% in both services raised their hands!
John led our new members class for more than ten years. It was an eleven week intense class in which you had to memorize five verses. Nearly every class, someone who thought they were Christians came to Christ because of John’s witness.
Every year, John bought a Bible with wide margins, and as he read every day would make notes for a specific grandchild. At Christmas, he would give that Bible to them. Can you imagine how much they treasure that Bible?
When I was ordained, I asked John to be on the ordination council. At first, he said no because he “didn’t know deep theology.” I was blown away by his humility. This is a guy who had been studying and reading the Bible for fifty years. He was a walking concordance.
I was talking to a young man in his 30s a few weeks ago. He said, “I learned about Jesus from a lady named Judy Dewald when she taught five day clubs.
Judy attended the widows banquet yesterday. John went to be with Jesus a couple of years ago. I started telling her about what I was going to say about how wise they are and she blushed and said, “Not me. Maybe John. But not me.”
Do you Measure Up?
Can I ask you three questions?
1. How do you measure up? If I’m truthful, I fall short on every one of these attributes.
But that’s okay because I know Someone who is called the “wisdom of God” (I Cor 1:24) and who is the very definition of pure, peaceful, gentle, considerate, easy to walk with, full of mercy, impartial, and sincere.
His name is Jesus. Do you know Him?
2. Do you need wisdom to deal with your life? James makes this very clear. All we have to do is ask!
“If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.”
We can also pray for others to have this kind of wisdom. Paul prayed for the Ephesians:
“I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better.” (Eph 1:17)
3. Would others say that you are wise by the way you live your life?
Jesus said:
“For John the Baptist came neither eating bread nor drinking wine, and you say, ‘He has a demon.’ The Son of Man came eating and drinking, and you say, ‘Here is a glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners.’ But wisdom is proved right by all her children.” (Luke 7:33-34)
What does this mean? Just like faith without works is dead, claiming to have wisdom without living a godly wise life is a paradox and doesn’t represent Jesus to a lost and dying world.
