"Where do you get your wisdom?" (James 3:13-18)
Notes
Transcript
Scripture Reading: Galatians 5:16–26
Introduction: It comes from somewhere.
Introduction: It comes from somewhere.
It’s not your’s first.
So, where is your’s coming from?
Transition: Who is wise?
Transition: Who is wise?
Context
This expands on another previous principle/proverb (James 1:5).
But it also continues the theme throughout of relating to others.
Text
This is a good question to begin to confront those who think they are wise.
But it is also a good question for those who truly want to be wise.
This identifies true wisdom for us to strive for.
But it also identifies where there may be a lacking/wanting of true wisdom.
Outline
The Character of True Wisdom (vv. 13-14)
The Source of True Wisdom (vv. 15-18)
The Character of True Wisdom (vv. 13-14)
The Character of True Wisdom (vv. 13-14)
Notice the Contrast in these verses (“but”).
Character Quality That Demonstrates Wisdom
Character Qualities That Are Contrary to Wisdom
Character Quality that Demonstrates Wisdom
Character Quality that Demonstrates Wisdom
What character quality demonstrates wisdom? (v. 13)
Meekness/gentleness/humility
Correct view of self which should guide us in our view of others.
James 1:21
Therefore put away all filthiness and rampant wickedness and receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls.
Colossians 3:12
Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience,
How does meekness demonstrate wisdom?
By conduct
Living what your learn
As you learn about God and about yourself as you stand before God, you will be more likely to treat others with meekness/gentleness/humility.
Character Qualities that Are Contrary to Wisdom
Character Qualities that Are Contrary to Wisdom
What character qualities are contrary to wisdom? (v. 14)
Bitter jealousy/envy - hostility or animosity in wanting what others have, even immaterial things - happiness, being right - this can pit you against others
Selfish ambition - Your priority is you, even if it means hurting or downing others
1 Corinthians 3:3
for you are still of the flesh. For while there is jealousy and strife among you, are you not of the flesh and behaving only in a human way?
Galatians 5:20
idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, divisions,
Opposite of meekness/gentleness/humility
If these character qualities are guiding your conduct (v. 16), then you should not feel good about yourself.
The Source of True Wisdom (vv. 15-18)
The Source of True Wisdom (vv. 15-18)
Notice the Contrast in these verses (“but”).
Wisdom NOT from Above (vv. 15-16)
Wisdom from Above (vv. 17-18)
Wisdom NOT from Above (vv. 15-16)
Wisdom NOT from Above (vv. 15-16)
What is it? (v. 15)
It is the so called wisdom of this world - earthly.
It is contrary to the work of the Holy Spirit - unspiritual.
It is in accord with the agenda of Satan - demonic.
How is is demonstrated? (V. 16)
It is demonstrated by the disorder and vile practices that come from jealousy and selfish ambition.
Disorder - confusion, tumult, the opposite of peace
Vile practices - actions that are evil or against God and His word
Where there is this…there will be this...
All of this comes from the so called wisdom of this world.
Learning the ways of this world and living by them.
It is easy to do because of exposure.
Wisdom from Above (vv. 15-16)
Wisdom from Above (vv. 15-16)
What is it? (v. 17)
From God - our relationship with Him through Jesus Christ
James 1:5
If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.
How is it described? (v. 17)
Pure - clean, holy, free of evil/opposite of evil
Peaceable - opposite of enmity
Gentle - mild and patient
Open to reason/reasonable - willing to genuinely consider another
Full of mercy and good fruits - compassion and the outlet of compassion
Impartial/unwavering - desire to be consistently on God’s side
Sincere/without hypocrisy - authentic, genuine
These are the James’ fruit of wisdom, like Paul’s fruit of the Spirit.
What is the result? (v. 18)
Righteousness will be the fruit of peace.
This is the way to promote righteousness.
Application: The source of our wisdom affects the character of our conduct.
Application: The source of our wisdom affects the character of our conduct.
The source of our wisdom affects the character of our conduct.
So where there is good conduct, there is a good source of wisdom.
And where there is bad conduct, there is a bad source of wisdom.
There is a conflict within us between good and bad conduct because there is a conflict within us between good and bad wisdom.
Pursue expose to the right one.
Benediction: