James and True Wisdom
James 3:17-18

As a Church we are taking a verse-by-verse journey through the Book of James.

We know that James, the half-brother of Jesus, is writing this letter to believers who are outside of Jerusalem, and they are facing the ongoing challenge of persecution and rejection.

James is very blunt in his practicality of the faith. (There’s a famous movie line: “You can’t handle the truth.” Well, if you can’t, the book of James isn’t for you.)

One of the key themes of the entire letter is that “Faith without works is dead”

For James, if the faith we have in Christ, doesn’t change our everyday lives, it’s useless, it’s as good as dead.

As we are coming into the conclusion of Chapter 3 in our study, we find James once again challenging us, this time not just in our faith, but in our wisdom.

‭‭James‬ ‭3:17-18‬‬
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. Peacemakers who sow in peace reap a harvest of righteousness.

James is calling his readers, you and me, to something different, a different way of life, a God given, Jesus oriented, spirit lead way of living.

In verses 17 and 18 James goes to great lengths to help us see what this Heavenly wisdom alternative looks like in our lives.

‭‭James‬ ‭3:17‬‬
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.

Wisdom from heaven is first of all pure
-Wisdom that is from God is un polluted by sin or selfish ambition.

Wisdom from heaven is then peace loving.
-William Barclay says here “peace, used in a human context, its basic meaning is right relationships between individuals, and between individuals and God”

Wisdom from heaven is Considerate or Gentle
-The idea is that heavenly wisdom is gracious and patient. Not vengeful and harsh. It is sensitive to the needs of others. It’s yielding to others, not demanding to have things a certain way.

Heavenly wisdom is submissive
-Basically, heavenly wisdom isn’t stubborn.

Heavenly wisdom is full of mercy and good fruit.
– It is stuffed full, packed tight, with Mercy and good fruit. Quite a contrast to the produce of earthly wisdom: disorder and evil desire…

Heavenly wisdom is impartial
-Impartial carries the idea of not making distinctions between people. Treating everyone fairly and equally, especially those with whom we may disagree

Finally, heavenly wisdom is sincere or without hypocrisy.
-Heavenly wisdom is genuine and authentic. Real and true. Someone with heavenly wisdom is someone you can count on, you can go to them for advice, you know they are rock solid and dependable.

If we are honest, whether we have been a Christian 30 years, 30 days, or still on the fence about this Jesus thing, these 7 things mark a completely different life than what we are inclined to live on our own.

And I think that’s a big part of what James is saying.

‭‭James‬ ‭3:18‬‬
Peacemakers who sow in peace reap a harvest of righteousness.

James has already told us in Chapter 1 “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.”

God is longing, desiring to give us his wisdom.

God is yearning that our lives would produce the fruit of Righteousness rather than a trail of destruction, disorder, and pain.

Today, there is a way. There is a way to live a new life…

God’s wisdom is a precious gift. Ask Him for it, and continue asking.

James in 8 Minutes
This overview video on the book of James breaks down the literary design of the book and its flow of thought. In this book, James combines the wisdom of his brother Jesus with the book of Proverbs in his own challenging call to live a life wholly devoted to God.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qn-hLHWwRYY

James 3:13-18

Two Kinds of Wisdom

13Who is wise and understanding among you? Let them show it by their good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom. 14But if you harbor bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast about it or deny the truth. 15Such “wisdom” does not come down from heaven but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. 16For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice.17But 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. 18Peacemakers who sow in peace reap a harvest of righteousness.

There are two types of Wisdom Earthly Wisdom and Godly Wisdom

If you hold on to your own wisdom you cannot receive God’s wisdom

If you hold on to your earthly wisdom you cannot receive God’s wisdom

God is the only source of True Wisdom

Worldly wisdom is always hostile to God

1 Corinthians 3:18-19

18Do not deceive yourselves. If any of you think you are wise by the standards of this age, you should become “fools” so that you may become wise. 19For the wisdom of this world is foolishness in God’s sight. As it is written: “He catches the wise in their craftiness”3:19 Job 5:13

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.

Pressing On
“I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 3:14

The day after Christmas can feel like one big letdown.

‭‭Philippians‬ ‭3:10-14‬‬
I want to know Christ—yes, to know the power of his resurrection and participation in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, and so, somehow, attaining to the resurrection from the dead. Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already arrived at my goal, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.

What we need most is a ‘divine reset’.
As our outlook shifts, so does our goal. Our ultimate direction is directly impacted by our day-to-day perspective.

We must acknowledge the ‘not yet’ reality of life here on earth (verse 13).
-No matter how much we long for good things, exciting things, fulfillment, wholeness, and completeness, we are living in a reality where it will always be “not yet”.
-We shouldn’t be totally shocked by the disappointment we feel. It’s actually to be expected.
-We also see the hope in these words. Paul didn’t say “I will not”, but rather “not yet”.
-It will happen, it will come pass, it will be completed. It’s “not yet” but it is coming.

“I press on to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.” (verse 14)
-Paul says this is the one thing. As we shift our perspective, we become focused on this one thing: pressing on.
-And what is the goal? To win the prize. And what is the prize? Heaven.
-I am pressing on in spite of opposition, in spite of difficulty, in spite of disappointment. Why? Because this kingdom is not my home.

‭‭John‬ ‭14:1-4‬‬
“Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God ; believe also in me. My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am. You know the way to the place where I am going.”

-Jesus doesn’t just tell us not to let our heart be troubled, He gives us a very specific reason why not.
-Why not? Because He is preparing a place. A place to experience His fullness & His peace.
-If Paul speaks of the “not yet” reality of life on earth, then Jesus is speaking of the final fulfillment of that longing.

‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭43:18-19‬‬
“Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.

Other verses for study/reflection:
-2 Corinthians 5:17
-Luke 9:62
-1 Corinthians 9:24
-Genesis 19:26
-Hebrews 12:1-2

Pressing On
“I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 3:14

The day after Christmas can feel like one big letdown.

‭‭Philippians‬ ‭3:10-14‬‬
I want to know Christ—yes, to know the power of his resurrection and participation in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, and so, somehow, attaining to the resurrection from the dead. Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already arrived at my goal, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.

What we need most is a ‘divine reset’.
As our outlook shifts, so does our goal. Our ultimate direction is directly impacted by our day-to-day perspective.

We must acknowledge the ‘not yet’ reality of life here on earth (verse 13).
-No matter how much we long for good things, exciting things, fulfillment, wholeness, and completeness, we are living in a reality where it will always be “not yet”.
-We shouldn’t be totally shocked by the disappointment we feel. It’s actually to be expected.
-We also see the hope in these words. Paul didn’t say “I will not”, but rather “not yet”.
-It will happen, it will come pass, it will be completed. It’s “not yet” but it is coming.

“I press on to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.” (verse 14)
-Paul says this is the one thing. As we shift our perspective, we become focused on this one thing: pressing on.
-And what is the goal? To win the prize. And what is the prize? Heaven.
-I am pressing on in spite of opposition, in spite of difficulty, in spite of disappointment. Why? Because this kingdom is not my home.

‭‭John‬ ‭14:1-4‬‬
“Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God ; believe also in me. My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am. You know the way to the place where I am going.”

-Jesus doesn’t just tell us not to let our heart be troubled, He gives us a very specific reason why not.
-Why not? Because He is preparing a place. A place to experience His fullness & His peace.
-If Paul speaks of the “not yet” reality of life on earth, then Jesus is speaking of the final fulfillment of that longing.

‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭43:18-19‬‬
“Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.

Other verses for study/reflection:
-2 Corinthians 5:17
-Luke 9:62
-1 Corinthians 9:24
-Genesis 19:26
-Hebrews 12:1-2