Untitled Sermon (9)

Introduction:

The Blueprint of Godly Wisdom

wis·dom

/ˈwizdəm/

noun

the quality of having experience, knowledge, and good judgment; the quality of being wise. Wisdom is a product that is needed to complete this life successfully. Wisdom is vital. So Solomon prayed to God saying, “Give your servant an understanding mind… able to discern the difference between good and evil.” And God gave him “a wise and discerning mind.” Yes, wisdom is the ability to discern between right and wrong which means right and wrong are real; good and evil exist.

Opening Thought: Contrast knowledge and wisdom. Explain how society often values intellect, but God values wisdom rooted in humility and character. Illustration: Share a story about someone who appeared “wise” by worldly standards but lacked godly wisdom, showing the difference. Scripture Reference: Read James 3:13-18, highlighting how James contrasts earthly and godly wisdom.\

I. The Proof of Godly Wisdom (James 3:13)

Key Verse: “Who is wise and understanding among you? By their good conduct let them show their works in the meekness of wisdom.” Point: Godly wisdom is proven by behavior. It shows in how we live, marked by humility and good deeds, not just words. Illustration: Tell a story or example showing humility and kindness as proof of true wisdom. Application: Challenge the congregation to consider if their conduct reflects godly wisdom. Encourage them to let their actions testify to their faith.

II. The Pitfalls of Earthly Wisdom (James 3:14-16)

Key Verses: “But if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast and be false to the truth.” Point: Earthly wisdom leads to pitfalls like jealousy and selfish ambition, resulting in chaos and conflict. Illustration: Share an example of someone driven by jealousy or self-interest, showing how it led to division or strife. Application: Ask listeners to reflect on areas where selfish ambition might cloud their judgment, reminding them that earthly wisdom often brings unrest.

III. The Principles of Godly Wisdom (James 3:17)

Key Verse: “But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere.” Point: James describes several principles of godly wisdom:

Purity: It is pure in motive. Peaceable: It seeks peace over conflict. Patient (Gentle): It responds with kindness. Persuadable (Open to Reason): It listens and values others. Plentiful in Mercy and Good Fruits: It is compassionate and bears good actions. Partisan-free (Impartial): It is fair and just. Personal (Sincere): It is authentic and without hypocrisy. Illustration: Share examples of how each principle leads to stronger relationships and better decisions. Application: Encourage the congregation to pick one of these principles to focus on this week, praying for God to help them live it out.

IV. The Product of Godly Wisdom (James 3:18)

Key Verse: “And a harvest of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace.” Point: Godly wisdom produces a harvest of righteousness and peace. When we live in wisdom, we experience lasting, fruitful lives. Illustration: Compare the result of godly wisdom to a well-cultivated garden that bears a rich harvest. Application: Challenge listeners to pursue peace in their relationships, workplaces, and communities, reminding them that true wisdom yields life-giving results.

Conclusion: Pursuing the Genius of Godly Wisdom

Closing Thought: Summarize how godly wisdom is the foundation for a life of peace and righteousness, far greater than worldly knowledge or intelligence. Invitation to Pray: Invite the congregation to ask God for wisdom, encouraging them to pursue His guidance in their decisions and relationships.

This alliterative outline keeps the main points memorable while emphasizing James' teaching on the nature and outcome of godly wisdom.