James was chosen because it is a practical book about living the effective Christian life.
Key points touched on to date about the book of James:
· James tells us to face trials with joy, courage and perseverance.
· James was Jesus’ half-brother.
· James had heard the words of Jesus and he remembered them.
· James encourages justice.
· James tells us that we must be more than a hearer of the word. Faith takes action!
· James tells us to watch your mouth. We have the power to speak life and hope into someone’s life through our words.
· James is known as the Proverbs of the New Testament.
James was a Jew. He was familiar with the Old Testament. It only makes sense that James is concerned with wisdom since the original Proverbs centers on wisdom.
James 3:13-16 (New International Version)
13 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.
14 But if you harbor bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast about it or deny the truth.
15 Such “wisdom” does not come down from heaven but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic.
16 For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice.
Message title: James and False Wisdom.
James is writing to early Christians and to us. He talks about a living faith. A living wisdom.
Sometimes the words “wisdom”, “knowledge” and “understanding” are used synonymously. However, there is a difference in the meaning of each word.
1. Wisdom refers to the right apprehension of God, and of God’s truth.
2. Knowledge speaks of the accumulation of the large number of facts about the universe. Many people have smart phones and we have knowledge at our finger tips.
3. Understanding has to do with the correct use of knowledge.
A person may have a PhD from one of the finest universities, and yet be lacking in basic understanding about human nature, about the events that transpire around us and can’t relate to people.
True wisdom can be a measure of a person’s character. Just as you can identify a tree by the fruit it produces.
True wisdom originates from the fear of the Lord.
The Bible says “Fear of the LORD is the foundation of true wisdom. All who obey his commandments will grow in wisdom.” Psalm 111:10
The English word “fear” in this verse is translated from the Hebrew word “yirah” which means “awe” or “reverence” in the context of this verse.
The fear of the Lord that leads to wisdom encompasses the concept of experiencing wonder because of encountering God’s glory. It refers to an awe-inspiring awareness of God’s holiness.
James doesn’t care about your diplomas or licenses. He wants to see your wisdom on display.
You may be an expert engineer, advanced mechanic, or a housewife who is an excellent at cooking and baking, or a gifted teacher.
James says that a truly wise Christian can be an expert in their field of achievement, but his or her life will be characterized by meekness instead of arrogance.
We are to show people by the way we live our lives, not talk about it. We are to show others by our actions and our attitude.
The all-pervading characteristic of the good life (according to verse 13) is meekness—the quality of humility, patience and submissiveness. We are to be people of humility. Do not get swayed over the idea of ‘humility’.
There is great strength in humility. A person has self under complete control similar to a wild horse that was tamed enough to be ridden.
The evidences of false wisdom are “bitter envy and selfish ambition.”
“Bitter envy” denotes a fierce desire to promote one’s own opinion, and a harsh and resentful attitude toward others whom God may be using in a greater manner than He is using us.
“Selfish ambition” describes one who constantly struggles to forward his own selfish interests.
James does not just mention ‘envy’ he uses the adjective to say ‘bitter envy’. We know Bible stories that reference this type of bitter envy:
· Cain and Abel. Cain killed his brother.
· The brothers of Joseph sold him into slavery.
· The Pharisees missed the fact that Jesus was the Messiah and they had Him crucified.
Think about ‘bitter envy’ or ‘selfish ambition’:
· Do you have discontent when others receive something good instead of you?
· Has there ever been a time when you had more experience and you’re your peer received the promotion and you got upset?
· Do you have strain in your relationships with others?
The devil is determined to pit us against each other in our families, marriages, friendships and other relationships.
Our inclination to think only of ourselves and pursue our interest above the interests of others fits into his plan.
Ambition is not a bad thing. It’s when your desires are selfish. It’s when your needs must be met and ‘you don’t care who you step on to meet your needs.’
Bernie Madoff masterminded the biggest investment fraud in U.S. history. He was jockeying for greatness. He was driven by selfish ambition. He died in prison.
James tells us that ‘such wisdom’ is not from God. It is earthly. James informs us with a harsh smack, worldly wisdom is demonic.
False wisdom isn’t just a bad idea…it’s from the heart of satan himself. That is sobering.
We are surrounded by worldly wisdom. How much of the world influences you?
· Social media
· Internet
· Movies
· Magazines
· Music
The earthly is the sensual, our natural tendency.
Earthy wisdom appeals to the senses. The Philosophy is “IF it feels good do it!” Just because something feels right doesn’t make it right. Something that feels right now can be destruction later.
Worldly wisdom is demonic. James throws it out there. He doesn’t hold back.
The false wisdom just described (James 3:14-16) needs to be avoided by all means. Such “wisdom” needs to be replaced by another wisdom—a kind of wisdom which is “from above.”
James 1:5 “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.”
There is nothing wrong with feeling disappointed and having a moment of sadness when something doesn’t go our way. But when left unchecked:
· Disappointment can turn into “bitter envy” and “jealousy”.
Are there areas of your life that you are more prone to envy or jealousy?
What do you need to do to love God and others in those areas?
What would it look like for you to show the ‘humility’ of wisdom this week?
Do you need to ask someone to forgive you for your words or actions?
I think those outside the church would take notice, and I think they would want to be a part of the church, if all believers were more like Jesus.
What if the church would let go of “bitter envy” and “jealousy”?
The world would be a better place.