“Real Life” [James] Series [17] Two Kinds of Wisdom “Real Life” [James] Series [17] James 3:13-18 2

A TEST ON WISDOM: WHAT KIND OF WISDOM IS YOURS? James’ test on faith: Show me your faith! Unless you have works, you have dead faith (2:14-26). James’ test on wisdom: Show me your wisdom! Unless you have __________, you have false wisdom.” (3:13-18)

THE NATURE OF TRUE WISDOM VS. FALSE WISDOM 1) How do you tell who is truly wise and understanding (v.13)? Who is wise and understanding among you? By his good conduct let him show his works in the meekness of wisdom. (v.13)   This is rather a challenge to anyone who is wise in their own eyes—especially those who flamboyantly desire the role of teachers (v.1)—to show their wisdom by works. James’ distinguishing criterion for testing wisdom is not propositional (knowledge/speech), but moral in nature (character/lifestyle). In other words, wisdom is a mindset that controls the heart as the source of life (Prov. 4:23) Hence, the tell-sign of true wisdom is MEEKNESS [=“strength in control of humility”].

18 Let no one deceive himself. If anyone among you thinks that he is wise in this age, let him become a fool that he may become wise. 19For the wisdom of this world is folly with God. For it is written, "He catches the wise in their craftiness,"  20and again,  "The Lord knows the thoughts of the wise, that they are futile." 1 Corinthians 3:18-20  

THE NATURE OF TRUE WISDOM VS. FALSE WISDOM 2) What are the qualities of false wisdom (vs.14-16)? 14But if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast and be false to the truth.  15This is not the wisdom that comes down from above, but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. 16For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every vile practice. (vs. 14-16)   The tell-sign of false wisdom is PRIDE. It boats about their knowledge and ability. It is centered in “self”—motivated by bitter jealousy (competitive zeal/spirit) and selfish ambition (drivenness). Its characteristics are (1) earthly (worldly/humanistic), (2) unspiritual (fleshly/self), (3) demonic (Devil is its source). It produces bad fruits (disorder & every vile practice).

THE NATURE OF TRUE WISDOM VS. FALSE WISDOM 3) What are the qualities of true wisdom (vs.17-18)? 17But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason,  full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere. 18And a harvest of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace. (vs.17-18)   It is centered in “God”—motivated by pure will, peaceable desire, and sincere intention. Its characteristics are (1) gentle/open to reason (“sweet reasonableness”/teachable), (2) full of mercy/impartial (loving), (3) from above (God is the source). Consequently, it produces good fruits (a harvest of righteousness sown in peace).

FALSE WISDOM TRUE WISDOM Tell-Sign: a BOASTFUL spirit Motivation: (self-centered) bitter jealousy self-ambition Characteristics: (worldly) earthly unspiritual demonic (source: Devil) Results: (bearing bad fruits) disorder & every vile practice Tell-Sign: a MEEK spirit Motivation: (God-centered) pure/sincere peaceable Characteristics: (godly) gentle/open to reason full of mercy/impartial from above (source: God) Results: (bearing good fruits) a harvest of righteousness

PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS FOR OUR EVERYDAY LIFE 1. True wisdom comes from God—so, turn away from yourself to God. The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is insight. Proverbs 9:10   If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him. James 1:5 Realize that the SOURCE of true wisdom is not from below (not in man) but is from above (in God). Go to God for wisdom daily. How? Through Scripture and prayer—if not, you will end up relying on human wisdom.

PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS FOR OUR EVERYDAY LIFE 2. True wisdom begins with a surrendered heart to God—so, submit humbly to the Spirit’s control. Keep your heart with all vigilance, for from it flow the springs of life. Proverbs 4:23 Clothe yourselves, all of you, with humility toward one another, for "God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble." Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you. 1 Peter 5:5b-7   Realize that true wisdom is not from mere knowledge and skills but from the heart transformation by the Spirit. Submit to the desires/wisdom of the Spirit.

PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS FOR OUR EVERYDAY LIFE 3. True wisdom is cultivated by obedience—so, obey and act on God’s will. Be not wise in your own eyes;     fear the LORD, and turn away from evil. Proverbs 3:7   16But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh . . . 22But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,  23 gentleness,  self-control; against such things there is no law. Gal.5:16, 22-23 Realize that obedience moment by moment is how you mature your wisdom. Therefore, FEAR the LORD and obey God’s will—which is the wisdom of God revealed in Scripture.

James 3:13-18 [J.B. Philips’ Paraphrase] 3:13-16 Are there some wise and understanding men among you? Then your lives will be an example of the humility that is born of true wisdom. But if your heart is full of rivalry and bitter jealousy, then do not boast of your wisdom - don't deny the truth that you must recognise in your inmost heart. You may acquire a certain superficial wisdom, but it does not come from God - it comes from this world, from your own lower nature, even from the devil. For wherever you find jealousy and rivalry you also find disharmony and all other kinds of evil.   3:17-18 The wisdom that comes from God is first utterly pure, then peace-loving, gentle, approachable, full of tolerant thoughts and kindly actions, with no breath of favouritism or hint of hypocrisy. And the wise are peace-makers who go on quietly sowing for a harvest of righteousness - in other people and in themselves.

2011 Theme: “Taste & See!” (Psalm 34:8) ALL-CHURCH RETREAT 2011 Theme: “Taste & See!” (Psalm 34:8) 6/24 ~ 6/26 [Friday – Sunday] REGISTER TODAY!!! A “once-a-year” opportunity Full of relational, communal, and transformational experiences Alan Fadling will be this year’s speaker. Invite Your Unchurched Friends! 14

NORTH HOMEGROUP GATHERING! Tonight @5pm [in Fullerton] ALWAYS OPEN to ALL! Come and experience the heart of the CrossWay community! Join us in our continuing study on “The Life of Joseph” (Gen. 37-50). For directions, contact Adrienne. 15

Be a Part of PRAYING Church! Every Other Tuesday @7:30pm Commit to coming to this prayer meeting at LEAST ONCE A QUARTER: 6/14 (Steve & Taylor’s) & 6/28 (Paul & Kate’s) 7/12 (Steve & Taylor’s) & 7/26 (Paul & Kate’s) On which date will you come & pray? 16