The Wisdom Of Truth

MARCH 18, 2020 STUDY NOTES--JAMES 3:13-16--BIBLE TEACHER: CLIFTON JONES THE WISDOM OF TRUTH James presents two kinds of wisdom: Earthly wisdom is a false wisdom that comes from Satan through man (verses 13-16) Heavenly wisdom is the true wisdom that comes from God through Christians (verses 17-18) God gives us “Heavenly Wisdom” in order to live a “Peaceful Life” Christians should be at peace with God, with self, and with others We should live in peace at home, at church, at work, at school, and wherever we are Others must see the “Peace of God” within us, we must show others the life of peace Is there a “Peace of God” in your life at this-time for others to see? “Peaceful Living” is going in and out of the doors of daily life without being locked up Not allowing any of those doors to close in on you and lock your spiritual life up Think through your daily life, what has happened that took away your peace of mind? “Peaceful Living” can only come as you are obedient to God’s will for your life It is through the wisdom of God that you are-able to live a “Peaceful Life” Peace “in you” comes from you being “with God,” walking daily close to God Jesus made peace for us, Col 1:20 And, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself; by him, I say, whether they be things in earth, or things in heaven. We have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, Rom 5:1 Therefore being justified by faith we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: The peace of God and the wisdom of God are inseparable, they go together You cannot experience one without the other, James begins with a rather direct question The question of James is for self-examination, he wants us to discover who we are Jas 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. James is not asking us to go over the church roll and make a list of the wise ones He wants us to look in the mirror and evaluate our own life first-of all “A wise man” is one who has spiritual insight, spiritual understanding Wisdom is not something that can be acquired by man, wisdom is of God Christians receive the wisdom of God through Christ as the Holy Spirit applies it to our life Paul prayed that we might have the “spirit of wisdom,” Eph 1:17 That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him: The “spirit of wisdom” is the understanding of what God has done in our life and why He did it It is the understanding of what God has done for us; is doing for us; and will do for us Our understanding of God’s work in our life determines the decisions we make daily So, Paul prayed for all Christians to have wisdom, Col 1:9 For this cause we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to desire that ye might be filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding; “The knowledge of God’s will” comes from the knowledge of God’s Word That is why both the “knowledge” and the “wisdom” are identified as “spiritual understanding” Paul gives us the purpose of such “spiritual understanding,” Col 1:10 That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God; Wisdom is knowing what must be done; when it must be done; how it must be done Wisdom is doing things the way God would have you do them Heavenly wisdom is being able to see life as God sees it which we must learn from God, Jas 1:5 If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him. As Christians we must be-able to make the right decision at all-times, especially in trying times So, James is asking each of us, “Can you do that?” Do you have it all together? Are you defeated? James is showing us that the wise walk right with God and experience a life of peace Paul tells us, Eph 5:15 See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, The “fool” according to the Bible is the one who does not recognize God or obey God Those who are wise have moral insight and are living the highest quality of life We need the wisdom of God in order to take the right steps in life, it is time for us to do that, Eph 5:16 Redeeming the time, because the days are evil. The world we live in is walking daily in sin and evil, our walk-in wisdom is very important We must be aware of every opportunity we have to reveal the truth of God’s wisdom So, who are those who are “endued with knowledge?” and endued with knowledge among you? Those who are “endued with knowledge” are those who have learned from experience They have an-understanding of the Christian life because they have lived as a Christian The word means, “a professional,” a specialist, an expert, one who knows and understands One who is skilled and able to apply that skill, one who can apply their wisdom to a certain situation That is exactly what James says must be done in the daily path of the Christian life But you don’t tell people that you are an expert; you show them Spiritual knowledge is something that we can and should learn from one another That is exactly what James tells us next--let him shew Knowledge from college is identified by degrees bestowed upon a person Wisdom from God is identified by deeds displayed in our daily walk of life James told us that genuine faith is revealed through good works, Jas 2:18 Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works. Now James tells us that the truth of wisdom is revealed through our works of faith “Show” means to present in a visible way, it must be an effective demonstration We must be sure that as a Christian we have something to show We must be sure that we are the Christian that James and Paul describe We can do that by going to the Word of God and looking into the mirror, Jas 1:25 But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed. The proof is in what is seen, a good manner of life must be seen by others James speaks of wisdom as he does faith, if it is real you can see the results of it James is now saying, “I will show you my wisdom by my works,” which is “show and tell” out of a good conversation his works “Good” means noble, attractive, praiseworthy, worthwhile “Conversation” means more than talk, it is the daily behavior, the daily conduct of life Our “works” are the way we walk through life and deal with the personal problems of life That which others need to see, something good is that which others want to see It is that which God wants others to see in us, Tit 3:8 This is a faithful saying, and these things I will that thou affirm constantly, that they which have believed in God might be careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable unto men. “Good works” are identified as that which is helpful, useful, and profitable for everyone “Good works” are easy to look at; when you see them, you want to keep looking The evidence of wisdom is not just what we say but also, what we do and how we do it Our “conversation” is the daily walk and talk of our life and it must be “good” Our walk and talk with God are what brings peace to our life Our daily life should demonstrate to others the life that will bring peace to them James says, show others what you do and why you do it by the way you do it Show them that you do it through the wisdom that God gives Wisdom comes from God, we must show others God’s wisdom by what we do and glorify God, 1Pe 2:12 Having your conversation honest among the Gentiles: that, whereas they speak against you as evildoers, they may by your good works, which they shall behold, glorify God in the day of visitation. The word “conversation” is the same word James used The words “honest” and “good” are the same word and the same word that James used Others must see the wisdom of God in us and when they do, God will be glorified Be sure there is living proof, be sure there is enough evidence through us to convince others James says that true wisdom works with meekness--with meekness of wisdom. “Meekness” is not weakness, it is power under control, the right use of power Wisdom is the right use of knowledge, you cannot separate them, you will find them together “Meekness” comes through the Word of God, Jas 1:21 Wherefore lay apart all filthiness and superfluity of naughtiness, and receive with meekness the engrafted word, which is able to save your souls. Meekness is the opposite of arrogance, bitterness, contention, or a proud haughty spirit “Meekness” is agreeing with God and not arguing with God Wisdom is seen in a gentle spirit of humility, an unselfish attitude, Col 3:12 Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering; The last three attributes mentioned are found in the same order in, Eph 4:2 With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love; Verse 14 will describe what James means by “meekness of wisdom” In verses 14-16, James will describe the opposite of the “Wisdom of Truth” He will define earthly wisdom, life without the guidance and peace of God Jas 3:14 But if ye have bitter envying and strife in your hearts, glory not, and lie not against the truth. “But” points back to verse 13, what if you don’t show forth your wisdom in meekness? Verse 14 tells us something about our life if verse 13 does not apply to us Verse 14 is the opposite of a life of true wisdom and explains false wisdom James is now revealing to us what the evidence of “false wisdom” will be James says that without “true wisdom” there will be “bitter envy” “Bitter envying” is a harsh, resentful attitude, coming from a jealous, selfish ambition “Bitter” describes how the wrong kind of zeal affects us and appears to others “Bitter” is a self-centered feeling of resentment toward others “Envy” is a selfish ambition referring to all that a person will do to promote self Promoting self at the expense of others, taking advantage of others for the sake of personal advantage Envy says, “I don’t want you to have it, “Jealousy” says, “I want it and I want to keep it” “Bitter envying” says, “I don’t want to see you happy or succeed,” but “I want success” I don’t want others looking and listening to you they are to pay attention to me Bitter words come from a bitter heart, if your words are bitter it is because your heart is bitter We find examples of “bitter envying” in scripture, how the Sadducees felt toward the disciples, Act 5:17 Then the high priest rose up, and all they that were with him, (which is the sect of the Sadducees,) and were filled with indignation, (same word as “envying”) Because the Jews were filled with bitter envy the disciples were arrested and thrown into prison The Jews were jealous of Paul, Act 13:45 But when the Jews saw the multitudes, they were filled with envy, and spake against those things which were spoken by Paul, contradicting and blaspheming. Because of envy they contradicted and blasphemed Paul’s message Envying is a characteristic that should not be a part of our life, Rom 13:13 Let us walk honestly, as in the day; not in rioting and drunkenness, not in chambering and wantonness, not in strife and envying. To walk “honestly” is to walk in the truth of wisdom, and should be as clear as day To walk in worldly wisdom will result in the things we are told not to walk in “Envying” is found in another list of the characteristics of worldly wisdom, 2Co 12:20 For I fear, lest, when I come, I shall not find you such as I would, and that I shall be found unto you such as ye would not: lest there be debates, envyings, wraths, strifes, backbitings, whisperings, swellings, tumults: Paul listed it among the works of the flesh, Gal 5:19 Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, Gal 5:20 Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, (same word) wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, (You cannot hide the sins of worldly wisdom) The NT is clear, “bitter envying” is not to be found within the Christian life or the Church Paul identified it as being “carnal,” 1Co 3:3 For ye are yet carnal: for whereas there is among you envying, and strife, and divisions, are ye not carnal, and walk as men? James will show us that “bitter envying” is of man, it comes through “Worldly Wisdom” The wise and peaceful life is not a life filled with envy or jealousy “Bitter envying” comes from a heart that is not right with God and strife in your hearts, “Strife” represents a motive of self-interest, selfish ambition, a party spirit When your desire is to fulfill your selfish ambitions, attempting to promote self James tells us the problem is not external it is internal, the control-center is the heart James says that both “bitter envying” and “strife” come forth from the “heart” In scripture, the “heart” identifies with our thinking, our desires, and our decisions From the heart can come the motivation to live in sin or righteousness, Pro 4:23 Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life. Jesus knows our hearts, be sure that “we do,” Mat 9:4 And Jesus knowing their thoughts said, Wherefore think ye evil in your hearts? (Jesus expounded upon the truth of Prov 4:23, to “Know your heart”) It all comes from the heart, Mat 12:34 O generation of vipers, how can ye, being evil, speak good things? for out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh. Mat 12:35 A good man out of the good treasure of the heart bringeth forth good things: and an evil man out of the evil treasure bringeth forth evil things. The things that you value most in life will be found in your heart, Jesus said, Mat 6:21 For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also. That is why Jesus also said, Mat 22:37 Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. God has made it possible for us to know the things that should be in our heart, 1Co 2:9 But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him. The things that should be in our heart are not going to naturally be known But God has made it possible for us to know them, 1Co 2:10 But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God. If envy and strife are in the heart, James gives two commands: Glory not; Lie not against the truth glory not, The meaning of the word is “to boast of one’s self to the injury of another” Bragging on self by comparing with others and downgrading someone else We have good examples today to help us understand what the word means It is like a politician who makes promises when his only motive is to be elected His only interest is to win the election, he is unconcerned about the people he is to serve There is no glory in doing wrong and boasting about having done something right Stop being prideful of what you are doing, don’t brag about what you are doing Don’t try to prove how good you are by comparing yourself with others, 2Co 10:12 For we dare not make ourselves of the number, or compare ourselves with some that commend themselves: but they measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise. When you report blessings, be sure that you are not seeking glory for self, be sure “God gets the Glory” True wisdom does not seek self-glory or personal gain, but is gracious and giving and lie not against the truth. In the context the meaning is, “Don’t deny the truth by your arrogance” In your arrogance you are lying “against the truth,” stop living a lie Your words and your works are not good, they are evil, you are not what you profess to be You are a false witness of the standard of truth, so stop being a false witness Biblical truth is more than a doctrinal statement, it is living the truth, which is Godly living The truth of truth is, there is nothing hidden, what you see is real “The truth” refers to the truth of the Gospel, the truth of salvation, and the Christian life All that we say and do must tell the truth of Christ in our life, Eph 2:10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them. “Truth” is living the “True Gospel” of Christ, the Christian life should be truth at-all times, in all things Don’t claim to be filled with the Spirit and lie against the truth, Jas 1:18 Of his own will begat he us with the word of truth, that we should be a kind of first fruits of his creatures. Don’t be telling others that you are saved and be filled with “bitter envying” and “strife” Don’t boast of what you are doing, if it is not Christ in you, you “Lie against the truth” Jas 3:15 This wisdom descendeth not from above, but is earthly, sensual, devilish. There are two “wisdoms” named by James, they are called by the same name, “wisdom” But they are not the same, there is a world of difference, they are as different as heaven and earth What James described in verse 14 is not “Heavenly Wisdom” He now says, “This wisdom,” the wisdom that was described in the previous verse Is not true wisdom, it is counterfeit, it is of the world, secular and not spiritual It is not spiritual because it does not come “from above” it does not come down from heaven, Jas 1:17 Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning. Earthly wisdom does not come from the “Father of lights,” but from the father of lies “Bitter envying” and “strife” are not of a heavenly source “Boasting” and “lying against the truth” are not of a heavenly source So, the wisdom of verse 14 is not true wisdom, it is not the wisdom from God It is not genuine wisdom, God did not guide you that way, it is not Christ-like character James uses three terms to describe this wisdom that is not from above, earthly, sensual, devilish but is earthly, “Earthly” means of the earth and belonging to the earth, and distinguished from heaven According to Jesus, there are “earthly things” and there are “heavenly things,” Joh 3:12 If I have told you earthly things, and ye believe not, how shall ye believe, if I tell you of heavenly things? Earthly things” come from this world according to the standards of man and this world They are the things that are limited to and bounded by earthly motives, principles, and goals Things that are measured by earthly success and judged by worldly standards Earthly things are the product of man, they are not given to man by God Therefore, there is no eternal benefit because it is of the human nature Therefore, if wisdom is earthly it is also “sensual” sensual, “Sensual” describes that which is essentially human and of the nature of Adam Coming from your own sinful nature, the old nature, the natural man, the unspiritual man It is that which is natural to man, all-of his selfish and sinful motives The word “sensual” identifies that which is the very opposite of that which is “spiritual” That which is not of the spiritual nature, separate from God and not like God That which is of man, which is natural to man and without the “Spirit of God” Jude identifies those who are “sensual,” Jud 1:19 These be they who separate themselves, sensual, having not the Spirit. They “separate themselves” or make distinctions between themselves and other people “Sensual” is that which is without the influence of the Holy Spirit It is that which is under the influence of Satan, James describes it that way--devilish. It is of the “devil,” demonic in nature, being of the character of an evil spirit The source of worldly wisdom is hell itself, the same source for an ungodly tongue, Jas 3:6 And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity: so is the tongue among our members, that it defileth the whole body, and setteth on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire of hell. The worldly tongue speaks worldly wisdom which is influenced by hell Paul identifies the same thing as the “wiles of the devil,” Eph 6:11 Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. The “wiles of the devil” will destroy a Christian witness, 1Pe 5:8 Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: In the next verse James tells us how you can tell when the devil is working--Jas 3:16 For where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work. “Envying” is the same word James used in verse 14, “Strife” is the same word James used in verse 14 James explains what happens if there is envy and strife, which tells us why James speaks so strongly “Confusion” is chaos, unruliness, disruption, instability, literally without order When you find envy and selfish ambition, you will find disorder, 1Co 14:33 For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints. Confusion is a sign of the absence of true wisdom and God’s peace, 1Co 3:3 For ye are yet carnal: for whereas there is among you envying, and strife, and divisions, are ye not carnal, and walk as men? and every evil work. (When it is not from God this is the only way it can be) “Every” means that it will always work the same way, everything each and-every time All the details, the total affair, all will be “evil,” “Evil Work” means that which is “good for nothing” In no way will it ever be able to accomplish what “Heavenly Wisdom” can do It is the opposite of good and without moral value According to the standards of man, it is wonderful, but according to God’s standard, it is worthless If it is worthless in the sight of God, it also has the meaning of “trivial” So, what has James said to us in these last few verses? Bitter envying and strife come from the wisdom of man, boasting of what he thinks he has accomplished He is lying against the truth, there is no eternal benefits, it will only lead to confusion and evil works All of which is disastrous to the Christian life and the fellowship of the Church From earthly wisdom there will be no harmony, no fellowship, no spiritual growth Worldly wisdom can easily slip in the front door of the church When it does, we will find ourselves playing church and pleasing the world Preaching and teaching will not be of the truth, it will become a social gospel Offering a false salvation, an easy believingly salvation with no change of life CONCLUSION True wisdom is a word from God, found in God’s Word, the truth of the Person and Work of Jesus Christ Communicated to us through the Spirit within us giving to us the understanding of God’s will for our life Teaching us to live according to the will of God, wisdom is living our life according to God’s purpose The daily prayer of wisdom is, Mat 6:10 Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.