Untitled Sermon (50)

The wisdom of the wise.

Know the different between Godly wisdom and demonic wisdom

Where does Godly wisdom come from?

The Wisdom That Shapes Our Lives

Bible Passage: James 3:13–18

Summary: In James 3:13-18, the author contrasts worldly wisdom with heavenly wisdom, emphasizing that true wisdom is demonstrated through good deeds done in humility. It highlights the importance of how wisdom is not just knowledge, but the character and integrity behind it.

Application: This passage encourages believers to seek wisdom that comes from God, which results in peace, gentleness, and mercy. In a world filled with conflict and confusion, this wisdom can guide Christians to be peacemakers and humble servants, addressing challenges in their own lives and in their communities.

Teaching: The sermon can teach that wisdom is not merely about knowing more, but about living out that knowledge in humility and service to others. It encourages self-examination of our motivations and actions in light of God's wisdom.

How this passage could point to Christ: James' exhortation to seek wisdom reflects Christ’s teaching and life. Jesus embodies true wisdom, demonstrating it through His servant leadership and ultimate sacrifice, showing that wisdom leads to acts of love and humility rather than pride or strife.

Big Idea: To live wisely means to act justly and humbly, reflecting the character of Christ in our interactions with others.

Recommended Study: As you prepare this sermon using your Logos library, consider exploring the historical context of James' audience and how they perceived wisdom. Additionally, you might want to look into the Greek nuances of key terms in this passage, examining how they relate to Old Testament wisdom literature. Understanding how this passage interacts with both early church challenges and contemporary issues could deepen your application.

1. Starting with Humility

James 3:13

Perhaps you can start by illustrating how wisdom is not simply an accumulation of knowledge but is evident in a life well-lived, marked by good deeds carried out in humility. Highlight how James challenges us to self-reflect: Are we demonstrating godly wisdom through meek deeds? This point can serve as the foundation for understanding how our conduct should mirror Christ’s humility.

2. Shunning Selfish Ambition

James 3:14–16

Maybe emphasize how James warns against envy and selfish ambition as characteristics of worldly wisdom. Illustrate these verses by discussing how such qualities lead to chaos and conflict, in contrast to the peace Christ offers. Encourage listeners to identify areas where worldly wisdom may have crept in and to seek transformation through God’s humble wisdom.

3. Shining with Heavenly Wisdom

James 3:17

You could discuss how heavenly wisdom is described through virtues like purity, peace, and mercy. These are fruits that align with the character of Christ and stand in stark contrast to worldly wisdom. Highlight how believers are called to embody these traits, reflecting Christ to the world through peacemaking and considerate actions.

4. Sowing Seeds of Peace

James 3:18

Perhaps conclude by exploring James’s idea that peacemakers who sow in peace reap righteousness. This final verse encourages believers to commit to being agents of peace in their communities, following the wise and redemptive model of Christ’s life. Suggest ways individuals can actively cultivate peace, thus living out true wisdom.

Once a young man found himself overwhelmed with big decisions—whether to take that dream job or pursue a different path. Frustrated, he asked his wise grandmother for advice. She simply said, 'Remember, every time I see you at the grocery store, I know you need to pick the right avocados! Ask for help and pick wisely!' This light-hearted reminder shows us the value of seeking counsel in everyday decisions, highlighting that wisdom often comes from those who’ve been through the seasons of life.

In Proverbs, we often see the wisdom of seeking counsel; consider the story of King Solomon. Known for his wisdom, he once had to decide the fate of two mothers, both claiming a baby. Instead of acting hastily, he 'listened' and asked for a sword, revealing the true mother through her protective love. This biblical moment reminds us that wise counsel involves deep understanding and thoughtful dialogue—sometimes, we need to slice through issues to get to the heart of wisdom!

A young girl approached her older brother seeking advice on her school project. Instead of giving her a serious lecture, he jokingly said, 'Just remember, if things go south, blame it on the cat!' Laughter filled the room as he gently guided her with practical tips. It reminds us that wise counsel doesn’t have to be solemn; it can be infused with humor and relatability, making guidance feel approachable and less daunting.

Imagine a group of teenagers planning a school event. One wise student suggested they consult their favorite teacher for advice. As they brainstormed with her, she playfully quipped, 'The best events are like a good sandwich—layered with creativity, a solid base, and an irresistible secret sauce!' Wise counsel often comes with creativity and insight, and it's important to remember that seeking guidance can lead to unexpectedly delightful outcomes.

There’s a story in Exodus where Moses often felt overwhelmed trying to lead the Israelites alone. His father-in-law Jethro suggested, 'Appoint wise leaders over the people!' This moment turned into a lighthearted yet profound lesson for Moses. It shows that even the strongest leaders can benefit from sharing the burden and listening to diverse perspectives, emphasizing that wise counsel helps distribute wisdom among many!

At home, you may often face conflicts with family members that escalate due to misunderstandings. Cultivating wisdom can help you approach these situations with patience and understanding. Consider implementing a 'family meeting' each week where everyone can share their thoughts and feelings openly. Use this time to listen actively to each person, validating their feelings and working together to solve any issues. By prioritizing open communication, you foster a tone of respect and unity, which can help prevent conflicts from turning into arguments.

In the workplace, you might encounter complex problems that require thoughtful solutions. Rather than rushing to conclusions or decisions, take a step back and collect all relevant information before acting. Set aside time each week to review project successes and failures, encouraging your team to provide feedback on what worked and what didn’t. This encourages a culture of wisdom where decisions are made based on insights rather than impulse, leading to more effective outcomes and stronger team cohesion.

As you navigate your public life, you likely encounter diverse opinions and heated discussions on social issues. Wisdom calls you to be an active listener rather than simply waiting for your turn to speak. Practice humility by seeking to understand opposing viewpoints before expressing your own. Engage in community forums or discussions where you can practice this skill, ensuring that you represent your faith with grace. By doing this, you not only gain deeper insights but also embody Christ's love even in disagreement.

In your home life, perhaps you’re dealing with children who struggle with day-to-day decisions. Equip them with the tools of wisdom by introducing them to Christian teachings on discernment. Create a 'wisdom jar' where each day, you and your children can write down a verse or a principle from the Bible that relates to making wise choices. Spend time discussing these insights and how they relate to real-life situations your children face, reinforcing that God's wisdom is applicable in every aspect of their lives.

At work, you may feel overwhelmed by responsibility or uncertain about your role. Seek mentorship from a more experienced colleague who exemplifies wisdom in their approach to challenges. Set a monthly coffee break with them to discuss various work-related dilemmas, asking for their insights on specific issues you encounter. This not only allows you to gain valuable advice but also helps you build a network of support within your workplace that emphasizes the importance of wise decision-making.

At home, you may often face conflicts with family members that escalate due to misunderstandings. Cultivating wisdom can help you approach these situations with patience and understanding. Consider implementing a 'family meeting' each week where everyone can share their thoughts and feelings openly. Use this time to listen actively to each person, validating their feelings and working together to solve any issues. By prioritizing open communication, you foster a tone of respect and unity, which can help prevent conflicts from turning into arguments.

In the workplace, you might encounter complex problems that require thoughtful solutions. Rather than rushing to conclusions or decisions, take a step back and collect all relevant information before acting. Set aside time each week to review project successes and failures, encouraging your team to provide feedback on what worked and what didn’t. This encourages a culture of wisdom where decisions are made based on insights rather than impulse, leading to more effective outcomes and stronger team cohesion.

As you navigate your public life, you likely encounter diverse opinions and heated discussions on social issues. Wisdom calls you to be an active listener rather than simply waiting for your turn to speak. Practice humility by seeking to understand opposing viewpoints before expressing your own. Engage in community forums or discussions where you can practice this skill, ensuring that you represent your faith with grace. By doing this, you not only gain deeper insights but also embody Christ's love even in disagreement.

In your home life, perhaps you’re dealing with children who struggle with day-to-day decisions. Equip them with the tools of wisdom by introducing them to Christian teachings on discernment. Create a 'wisdom jar' where each day, you and your children can write down a verse or a principle from the Bible that relates to making wise choices. Spend time discussing these insights and how they relate to real-life situations your children face, reinforcing that God's wisdom is applicable in every aspect of their lives.

At work, you may feel overwhelmed by responsibility or uncertain about your role. Seek mentorship from a more experienced colleague who exemplifies wisdom in their approach to challenges. Set a monthly coffee break with them to discuss various work-related dilemmas, asking for their insights on specific issues you encounter. This not only allows you to gain valuable advice but also helps you build a network of support within your workplace that emphasizes the importance of wise decision-making.