"Wisdom from Above"
Notes
Transcript
Who is a wise man and endued with knowledge among you? let him shew out of a good conversation his works with meekness of wisdom. But if ye have bitter envying and strife in your hearts, glory not, and lie not against the truth. This wisdom descendeth not from above, but is earthly, sensual, devilish. For where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work. But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy. And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace of them that make peace.
I. Intro
I. Intro
In a world flooded with information, opinions, and perspectives, the pursuit of wisdom is more crucial than ever. Yet, let us not be deceived by the mirage of knowledge that promises fulfillment but often leaves us thirsting for deeper understanding. In these verses, the apostle James serves as our guide, illuminating the path to authentic wisdom that flows from the very heart of God. As we venture further, James contrasts two contrasting kinds of wisdom. The wisdom of the world, as he describes it, is marked by bitterness, envy, selfish ambition, and even falsehood. This form of wisdom may appear appealing on the surface, but its outcomes are strife, discord, and disarray. It is a wisdom tainted by the fallen nature of humanity, a reflection of a heart disconnected from the divine source of all wisdom. On the other hand, we encounter heavenly wisdom, a wisdom that is "pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial, and sincere" (verse 17, ESV). This heavenly wisdom is a divine gift, a treasure bestowed upon those who humbly seek it. It carries within it the attributes of Christ Himself – compassion, humility, love, and a willingness to yield for the sake of peace. In the upcoming explorations of James 3:13-18, we will delve into the nuances of heavenly wisdom and its profound implications for our daily lives. Let us approach this study with open hearts and minds, ready to absorb the timeless truths that will challenge, convict, and inspire us to walk in the paths of righteousness. May the Holy Spirit be our guide as we embark on this transformative journey. May our hearts be receptive to the whispers of wisdom that emanate from these verses, and may our lives be a testament to the enduring impact of cultivating heavenly wisdom in a world hungry for genuine truth.
II. The Question of True Wisdom
II. The Question of True Wisdom
Introduce the opening question: "Who is wise and understanding among you?"
James 3:13 “Who is a wise man and endued with knowledge among you? let him shew out of a good conversation his works with meekness of wisdom.”
To fully grasp the significance of this question, we must delve beyond its surface and explore the deeper implications it holds for our spiritual journey. He beckons us to consider a wisdom that extends far beyond the intellect, a wisdom that is intimately intertwined with the very core of our being. In a time when information is abundant, and opinions are plentiful, the pursuit of genuine understanding can feel like a voyage on uncharted waters. The question posed by James encourages us to evaluate the source and nature of our wisdom. It challenges us to reflect on whether our understanding is rooted in the eternal truths of God's Word or influenced by the fleeting currents of popular culture
As we embark on this journey through James 3:13-18, let us recognize that the quest for wisdom is not a solitary endeavor. It is an invitation to draw near to the Source of all wisdom, the very Creator of the universe. Through wisdom, we gain a deeper understanding of God's character and purposes, enabling us to live lives that reflect His divine nature. In the moments ahead, let us listen with attentive hearts, eager to glean insights that will shape our understanding of wisdom and, ultimately, our walk with our Lord. Let us pray that the Holy Spirit would illuminate our minds and draw us closer to the wellspring of all wisdom, Jesus Christ Himself.
III. Characteristics of Earthly Wisdom
III. Characteristics of Earthly Wisdom
Today, our focus turns to the attributes of earthly wisdom – characteristics that reveal the stark reality of a wisdom that is driven by self-centered desires and disconnected from the divine. Let us explore these attributes: bitter envy, selfish ambition, and boasting, to better understand their impact on our lives and relationships.
Define and explore the attributes of earthly wisdom: bitter envy, selfish ambition, boasting.
Bitter Envy
Definition: Bitter envy is a deep-seated resentment or jealousy towards the successes, possessions, or blessings of others.
Unpacking Bitter Envy
It festers in the heart, poisoning our thoughts and emotions.
It leads to comparison and a sense of inadequacy.
It hinders genuine joy and gratitude, focusing our attention on what we lack.
Biblical Examples
The envy of Cain towards Abel.
And in process of time it came to pass, that Cain brought of the fruit of the ground an offering unto the Lord. And Abel, he also brought of the firstlings of his flock and of the fat thereof. And the Lord had respect unto Abel and to his offering: But unto Cain and to his offering he had not respect. And Cain was very wroth, and his countenance fell. And the Lord said unto Cain, Why art thou wroth? and why is thy countenance fallen? If thou doest well, shalt thou not be accepted? and if thou doest not well, sin lieth at the door. And unto thee shall be his desire, and thou shalt rule over him. And Cain talked with Abel his brother: and it came to pass, when they were in the field, that Cain rose up against Abel his brother, and slew him.
The envy of Saul towards David.
And it came to pass as they came, when David was returned from the slaughter of the Philistine, that the women came out of all cities of Israel, singing and dancing, to meet king Saul, with tabrets, with joy, and with instruments of musick. And the women answered one another as they played, and said,
Saul hath slain his thousands,
And David his ten thousands.
And Saul was very wroth, and the saying displeased him; and he said, They have ascribed unto David ten thousands, and to me they have ascribed but thousands: and what can he have more but the kingdom? And Saul eyed David from that day and forward.
Selfish Ambition
Definition: Selfish ambition is a relentless pursuit of personal gain, often at the expense of others.
Unpacking Selfish Ambition
It drives us to prioritize our own interests over the well-being of others.
It fuels a competitive and cutthroat mindset.
It can lead to manipulation, deceit, and unethical behavior to achieve our goals.
Biblical Examples
The tower of Babel
And the whole earth was of one language, and of one speech. And it came to pass, as they journeyed from the east, that they found a plain in the land of Shinar; and they dwelt there. And they said one to another, Go to, let us make brick, and burn them throughly. And they had brick for stone, and slime had they for morter. And they said, Go to, let us build us a city and a tower, whose top may reach unto heaven; and let us make us a name, lest we be scattered abroad upon the face of the whole earth. And the Lord came down to see the city and the tower, which the children of men builded. And the Lord said, Behold, the people is one, and they have all one language; and this they begin to do: and now nothing will be restrained from them, which they have imagined to do. Go to, let us go down, and there confound their language, that they may not understand one another’s speech. So the Lord scattered them abroad from thence upon the face of all the earth: and they left off to build the city. Therefore is the name of it called Babel; because the Lord did there confound the language of all the earth: and from thence did the Lord scatter them abroad upon the face of all the earth.
The sons of Zebedee seeking positions of prominence
Then came to him the mother of Zebedee’s children with her sons, worshipping him, and desiring a certain thing of him. And he said unto her, What wilt thou? She saith unto him, Grant that these my two sons may sit, the one on thy right hand, and the other on the left, in thy kingdom. But Jesus answered and said, Ye know not what ye ask. Are ye able to drink of the cup that I shall drink of, and to be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with? They say unto him, We are able. And he saith unto them, Ye shall drink indeed of my cup, and be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with: but to sit on my right hand, and on my left, is not mine to give, but it shall be given to them for whom it is prepared of my Father. And when the ten heard it, they were moved with indignation against the two brethren. But Jesus called them unto him, and said, Ye know that the princes of the Gentiles exercise dominion over them, and they that are great exercise authority upon them. But it shall not be so among you: but whosoever will be great among you, let him be your minister; And whosoever will be chief among you, let him be your servant: Even as the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.
Boasting
Definition: Boasting is an excessive and prideful display of one's accomplishments, possessions, or abilities.
Unpacking Boasting
It stems from a desire for recognition and validation from others.
It inflates our ego and leads to a false sense of superiority.
It alienates us from humility and can damage relationships.
Biblical Examples
The boasting of Goliath against God's people
1 Samuel 17:42-44 “And when the Philistine looked about, and saw David, he disdained him: for he was but a youth, and ruddy, and of a fair countenance. And the Philistine said unto David, Am I a dog, that thou comest to me with staves? And the Philistine cursed David by his gods. And the Philistine said to David, Come to me, and I will give thy flesh unto the fowls of the air, and to the beasts of the field.”
The Pharisees' self-righteousness
And he spake this parable unto certain which trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and despised others: Two men went up into the temple to pray; the one a Pharisee, and the other a publican. The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, God, I thank thee, that I am not as other men are, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this publican. I fast twice in the week, I give tithes of all that I possess. And the publican, standing afar off, would not lift up so much as his eyes unto heaven, but smote upon his breast, saying, God be merciful to me a sinner. I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other: for every one that exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted.
IV. Pursuing Heavenly Wisdom
IV. Pursuing Heavenly Wisdom
Recognizing the need for a transformation
Earthly wisdom, with its bitter envy, selfish ambition, and boasting, falls short of God's design for our lives.
Earthly wisdom, characterized by bitter envy, selfish ambition, and boasting, ultimately falls short of the divine design God has for our lives. When we embrace these attributes, we inadvertently distance ourselves from the path of righteousness and the abundant life that God intends for us.
God's design for our lives is rooted in love, humility, and a selfless concern for the well-being of others. He calls us to embrace heavenly wisdom, which is marked by purity, peace, gentleness, reasonableness, mercy, good fruits, impartiality, and sincerity (James 3:17). This wisdom transforms us from the inside out, enabling us to navigate life's challenges with grace, compassion, and a genuine desire to uplift and bless those around us.
By contrast, earthly wisdom may offer fleeting satisfaction, but it lacks the enduring fulfillment that comes from aligning our lives with God's purposes. As we recognize the limitations of earthly wisdom, we are invited to turn our hearts towards God, seeking His guidance and allowing His wisdom to shape our thoughts, actions, and interactions.
V. Conclusion
V. Conclusion
Alfred Nobel, a Swedish physicist, created dynamite. His intentions were awesome when he created dynamite. He wanted to create an explosive that could move rock to build roads and get things out of the way to build buildings. He wanted to create a force that was powerful and that would make life better. The problem is that people took his creation and used it for destructive purposes-to kill people and make war. So depressed was Mr. Nobel, that his good invention was being used in a wrong, destructive way, he took nine million dollars, put it in an account, and began to award people for promoting peace. We call it the Nobel Peace Prize. What motivated him was the fact that what he intended for good was being used for wrong. He wanted to award those who were doing what his intentions were. When these people get the award, they become internationally known as Nobel Peace Prize winners. They are called by that name because they make peace instead of making war. God is looking for some Nobel Peace Prize winners-some folks He can bless and award because instead of making war, they’re making peace using His method that includes the blood of Christ.
In our journey through these verses, we must not overlook the central figure – our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. He is the embodiment of heavenly wisdom, the perfect example of a life lived in complete alignment with God's purposes. As we contemplate the virtues of wisdom, we see Christ's humility, compassion, and sacrificial love shining brightly. He beckons us to follow in His footsteps, to be vessels of His wisdom in a world that often lacks direction. As we conclude this journey through James 3:13-18, let us take a moment to pause and reflect. How has our understanding of wisdom evolved? In what ways have these verses illuminated areas of our lives that need transformation? Let us approach the throne of grace with hearts open to God's leading, asking for His wisdom to guide our steps, His mercy to cleanse our hearts, and His strength to live out the truths we have discovered. May the words of James continue to resonate within us, a reminder of the path we are called to walk. May we seek to embody heavenly wisdom in all that we do, allowing it to shape our thoughts, words, and actions. As we depart from this study, let us carry with us the vision of a harvest of righteousness sown in peace, a vision of lives transformed by the power of God's wisdom.