Untitled Sermon (2)

G - Rightness is about ME, Wisdom is about OTHERS.

TRANS: When you add scripture to the mix in a long history of “I’m right.” It is often used as a hammer rather than a mirror...

So we have to be extra careful as we approach scripture, but James talks about the rightness we are familiar with. He calls it “WISDOM” vs True Wisdom. He begins with our kind of wisdom

Rightness - “Wisdom”

The New International Version Chapter 3

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.

This is so full of churchy words. But what he is trying to say is really important

bitter “envy” - ζῆλος - Zeal or passion for what you know to be right. Jealous for truth. Bitterly jealous for truth.

“selfish ambition” - εριθεια

James says one kind of wisdom. The kind that has it’s source in evil and falleness. Curropt wisdom. Is played out in two ways. Bitter Zeal and Selfish Ambition. James says that leads to disorder and every evil practice.

James is saying if your “wisdom” looks like Bitter Zealos and erithea. Bitter Zeal and selfish ambition it doesnt come from GOD and it leads to disorder and evil.

SO keep that in your head as James describes what true wisdom looks like.

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

James says, true wisdom.

The New International Version. (2011). (). Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan. 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. 18 Peacemakers who sow in peace reap a harvest of righteousness.

Starts rooted in “heaven” God’s space, rather than earth. Good rather than Evil.

And it is marked by this list. And I could preach a whole sermon probably on each of these things, don't worry I wont. But this is what James says it all looks like.

The fruit on the tree is.

Pure

The New International Version. (2011). (). Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan.

Peace loving

Considerate

Submissive

Full of Mercy and Good Fruit

Good Fruit

Impartial

Sincere

So how do we figure out if our wisdom is True wisdom or “Wisdom”/Being Right.

Roots? - that doesn't really work though, because no-one really thinks their starting point is evil.

Remember James is talking to religious people, everyone just like you and I, assumes that they are coming from the right places. Or at least that they are trying to. No-one sets out to be rooted in evil.

So if roots don't help us make the distinction we better look at what Grows on the tree.

“Rightness”

if you take these together. You get a kind of wisdom that is about winning, advancing, being right, and making sure people know it.

It’s the kind of “truth” or rightness that presses the point to win at all costs.

The kind of thing if we are honest we kind of want out of our teachers and leaders. A steadfast unshakable connection to “what is right” and a willingness to do what is necessary to win.

All together “Rightness” is about doing what it takes to win. Sacrificing people for what we think is the truth, or the greater good, or simply to get what we want.

“Wisdom”

True wisdom is the inverse. Its about sometimes sacrificing being right, sacrificing ideals, sacrificing winning the arguement, making the point, in favor of people.

Peace loving

Considerate

What does it mean to be Peace loving besides being willing to hold your tongue instead of making someone you think is wrong look foolish.

Submissive

What is submission but letting someone else win even when you are right?

Full of Mercy

What is mercy but seeking first to listen, not just to have a better argument but to understand another person better?

Are those the qualities we look for in an advocate. Are those the quatlities we want when someone is arguing our case?

One thing separates True Widsom from the “rightness” we so often idolize. And that is where people factor into the equation.

POINT: Rightness is about ME, Wisdom is about OTHERS

Y - How can I begin to grow in that kind of wisdom? - V13

TRANSITION: This is so hard b/c our culture LOVES rightness but struggles with wisdom.elaborate

What kind of wisdom do you see out there the most?

What kind of wisdom do you follow or are you tempted to follow?

What kind of wisdom do you respect?

What kind of wisdom do you have?

Pray-Other’s first prayers: Lord help me to see other people and remember they count. Ask: How will this action, behavior, philosophy, choice, argument, or fight impact people that God made and Loves? Trust: God is able to take care of my needs, I can afford to lose, submit, and be taken advantage of. Evaluate: The voices, teachers, information sources, heroes, and leaders I listen to. Are they always right? Do they disregard PEOPLE for ‘the greater good?’ or do they put people first? Do they treat everyone with respect and dignity? When they disagree with someone do they do it with chairty? Do they ever admit they are wrong? Do they always reinforce what I already think or do they challenge me? Do they care about people, or use people? Do they leave a wake of wounded behind them? Do they run over people who disagree with them? How do they treat people when they are clearly wrong? How do they talk about the hurt and the helpless? Are they driven by ZEAL or Love?Look: For wise people and invite them to speak into your life. Let wise people instead of people who are merely “right” influence your decisions. Let them teach you wisdom. Do you want to be a “wise old man or woman?” Start by being a wise young one

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