James 3:13-18

OR

James (Series)

THE TWO WISDOMS

Let’s Talk About Wisdom“A chain is as strong as it’s weakest link”“A stitch in time saves nine”“One rotten apple spoils the whole barrel”“The squeaky wheel gets the oil”“A person who chases two rabbits catches neither”

PEARLS OF WISDOM

INTRODUCTION

WISDOM:WHAT IS WISDOM?

Sophia (wisdom): the expertise to do a job well“to be skilled at life”“to have insight”

James 3:13-16

“Who among you is WISE and understanding? Let him show

by his good behavior his deeds in the gentleness of wisdom.

But if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your

heart, do not be arrogant and so lie against the truth. This

wisdom is not that which comes down from above, but is

earthly, natural, demonic. For where jealousy and selfish

ambition exist, there is disorder and every evil thing.”

James 3:17-18

“But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable,

gentle, reasonable, full of mercy and good fruits, unwavering,

without hypocrisy. And the seed whose fruit is righteousness

is sown in peace by those who make peace.”

JAMES’ QUESTIONS?

“Who among you is wise and understanding? (James 3:13)

WHO AMONG YOU IS WISE?

WHAT KIND OF WISDOM DO YOU HAVE?

HOW CAN YOU TELL?

WISE OR “OTHERWISE:THE TWO KINDS OF WISDOM

“This wisdom is not that which comes down from above, but is earthly, natural, demonic (in likeness)…” (James 3:15)

MAN’S WISDOM? OR GOD’S WISDOM?1. EARTHLY (lower) 1. FROM ABOVE

(higher)2. NATURAL (me focused) 2. SUPERNATURAL

(grace focused)

3. DEMONIC (deceitful) 3. GODLY (truthful)

I. MAN’S WISDOMWHERE DID IT COME FROM:

“And the serpent said to the woman, “You surely shall not die! For God knows that in the day you eat from it YOUR EYES WILL BE OPENED, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.” When the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was a delight to the eyes, and that the tree was DESIRABLE TO MAKE ONE WISE, she took of its fruit and ate…” Gen. 3:4-6

MAN’S WISDOM (Cont.)

WHAT IS MAN’S WISDOM LIKE:

“But if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your heart, do not be arrogant and so lie against the truth… for where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there is disorder and every evil thing.” (James 3: 14, 16)

WRONG EMOTIONS, WRONG MOTIVES, WRONG ATTITUDES, WRONG ACTIONS, WRONG LIVING = A WRONG LIFE!

II. GOD’S WISDOM“But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, reasonable, full of mercy and good fruits, unwavering, without hypocrisy.” James 3:17

WHAT IS IT LIKE?“BUT THE WISDOM FROM ABOVE IS….”

A. PUREA GENUINE LOVE FOR WHAT IS TRUE, GOOD, & BEAUTIFUL!(not legalistic, selfish, competitive)

GOD’S WISDOM cont.

B. PEACEABLETranquil, Restful, Composed, Quiet Confidence, Calm, Relaxed

“I can wait while God works…”“I can trust, because God is in control…”

“But the

Is”

GOD’S WISDOM cont.

“BUT THE WISDOM FROM ABOVE IS…”

C. GENTLE

Agreeable, Considerate, Inviting, Enjoyable, Mellow, Pleasing Fragrance

GOD’S WISDOM cont.“BUT THE WISDOM FROM ABOVE IS…”

D. REASONABLE Submissive, Teachable, Willing to Listen, Flexible (not stubborn, hard-headed, or argumentative)

GOD’S WISDOM cont.

“BUT THE WISDOM FROM ABOVE IS…”

E. FULL OF MERCY AND GOOD FRUITS Empathizes with the failures, limitations and hurts of others

Understands heartachesUnderstands scars and hurts of the pastUnderstands lonelinessUnderstands the silence of God

GOD’S WISDOM cont.

“BUT THE WISDOM FROM ABOVE IS…”

F. UNWAVERING

Unchanging, Impartial, Free from Prejudice, Accepting

(sees people for who they are and who they can be by the grace of God)

GOD’S WISDOM cont.

“BUT THE WISDOM FROM ABOVE IS…”

G. WITHOUT HYPOCRISY

(James’ concern for authenticity)

Sincere, Honest, Transparent, True, Authentic

(Not acting a part, Without Pretense)

III. HOW CAN I GET GOD’S WISDOM?

“BUT IS ANY OF YOU LACKS WISDOM, LET HIM ASK OF GOD, who gives to all men generously, without reproach, and it will be given to him.

But let him ask in faith without doubting…” James 1:5,6

IV. WHAT DIFFERENCE DOES GOD’S WISDOM

MAKE IN ONE’S LIFE?

“AND THE SEED (OF GOD’S WISDOM) WHOSE FRUIT IS

RIGHTEOUSNESS IS SOWN IN PEACE BY THOSE WHO MAKE

PEACE.” James 3:18

LIVING WITH GOD’S WISDOM PRODUCES A

HARVEST OF RIGHTEOUSNESS!

QUESTIONS TO ASK MYSELF

1. AM I LIVING OUT MY LIFE WITH GOD’S WISDOM?

2. DO I UNDERSTAND HOW IMPORTANT GOD’S WISDOM IS FOR MY LIFE?

3. IS GOD’S WISDOM EVIDENT IN MY LIFE TO OTHERS?

4. IF NOT – WHAT STEPS DO I NEED TO TAKE, STARTING TODAY?