James: Hands-On Christianity…. The Wise, The Unwise & The Otherwise (2) James 3:13,17-18

INTRODUCTION For divine wisdom to take root in our lives, something very unnatural to our hearts must be piped in by faith – the living water of the Savior. (John 7:38)

MAIN POINTS 1. Tests Of True Wisdom

We learned that the tests of true wisdom are…. “good life” (behavior) “humility” (gentleness) James 3:13

“Good life” (behavior) means “CHANGE” – “an inner willingness to obey God’s Word.”

“Humility” strength under control (gentleness) refers to … seen in a high-spirited horse that has been well trained.

– “good life” (behavior) & “humility” (gentleness) – When these 2 divinely encoded “seeds” – “good life” (behavior) & “humility” (gentleness) – are sown, they produce a totally unnatural, even supernatural crop.

You can see at least on display! 7 harvests of divine wisdom

pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, James 3:17…. “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.” [TNIV]

“But the wisdom that comes from above is A) Purity James 3:17a…. “But the wisdom that comes from above is first of all pure ….” [TNIV]

The word “first” not only means first in a list, but also first in importance.

“freedom from defilement, without contamination, clean.” The primary harvest of divine wisdom is “purity” means “freedom from defilement, without contamination, clean.”

It suggests not only moral cleanliness, but also purity of motive.

2 when they see the purity and reverence of your lives.” [TNIV] 1 Peter 3:1-2 …. “1 Wives, in the same way submit yourselves to your own husbands so that, if any of them do not believe the word, they may be won over without words by the behavior of their wives, 2 when they see the purity and reverence of your lives.” [TNIV]

clears our vision to see Him at work in everything we do. Purity.... clears our vision to see Him at work in everything we do.

B) Peace-Loving James 3:17b…. “…. then peace-loving ….” [TNIV]

Clearly, we are prone by nature to quarrel Clearly, we are prone by nature to quarrel. But wisdom from above fills our hearts, a peaceable nature blossoms, one that helps heal relationships rather than tear them apart.

Greek term for “consideration” here is “epieikes.” C) Consideration James 3:17c…. “…. considerate ….” [TNIV] Greek term for “consideration” here is “epieikes.”

“The man who is epieikes is the man who knows when it William Barclay captured the meaning best when he said…. “The man who is epieikes is the man who knows when it is actually wrong to apply the strict letter of the law. He knows how to forgive when strict justice gives him a ….

…. perfect right to condemn …. perfect right to condemn. He knows how to make allowances, when not to stand upon his rights, how to temper justice with mercy, always remembers that there are greater things in the world than rules and regulations ….

…. Matthew Arnold called it ‘sweet reasonableness’ and it is the ability to extend to others the kindly consideration we would wish to receive ourselves.”

D) Submissiveness James 3:17d…. “…. submissive ….” [TNIV]

is written for those in places of authority over others. "Considerate" is written for those in places of authority over others.

under someone’s authority. "Submissive" … for those who are under someone’s authority.

Submissive.... means “easily persuaded.” the opposite of being stubborn and obstinate.

6 But the land could not support them while they stayed …. Genesis 13:2, 5-6…. “2 Abram had become very wealthy in livestock and in silver and gold…. 5 Now Lot, who was moving about with Abram, also had flocks and herds and tents. 6 But the land could not support them while they stayed ….

…. together, for their possessions were so great that they were not able to stay together.” [TNIV]

Genesis 13:8-9…. “8 So Abram said to Lot, ‘Let's not have any quarreling between you and me, or between your herders and mine, for we are close relatives. 9 Is not the whole land before you? ….

If you go to the left, I'll go to …. Let's part company. If you go to the left, I'll go to the right; if you go to the right, I'll go to the left.’ ” [TNIV]

E) Full Of Mercy & Good Fruit “…. full of mercy and good fruit ….” James 3:17e…. “…. full of mercy and good fruit ….” [TNIV]

The natural wisdom we inherited from our flesh infuses us with cynicism and harshness, especially toward the sufferings of others.

The wisdom that comes down from above, however, reacts to suffering with “mercy” and “good fruits.”

“Mercy” is a compassionate attitude. “Good fruits” are actions that naturally flow from mercy.

a believer should have toward those who suffer In the New Testament, the word “mercy” is used to describe the attitude a believer should have toward those who suffer due to problems they have caused themselves.

William Barclay wrote…. “We can never say that we have truly pitied anyone until we have helped him.”

E) Impartial James 3:17f…. “…. impartial ….” [TNIV]

“impartial” (unwavering) means The original term for “impartial” (unwavering) means “a person of fixed principles.” “Impartial” (unwavering) believers faithfully adhere to the principles in God’s Word regardless of the circumstances.

Decisive… one who is not afraid to make decisions based on Scripture.

G) Sincere James 3:17g…. “…. and sincere….” [TNIV]

The word “hypocrite” means anyone who wears masks – Sincere “without hypocrisy” (Greek hupokrites) The word “hypocrite” means anyone who wears masks – who pretends to be someone he or she is not.

TRUE WISDOM is completely and simply HONEST!

2. The Results Of True Wisdom

James 3:18…. “And the seed whose fruit is righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace.” [TNIV]

“being rightly related Peace “being rightly related to one another.”

It is not a vertical peace between God and man; it is a horizontal peace between human beings.

not enjoy a righteous lifestyle before God. Therefore, those who disturb this “peace” between themselves and others will not enjoy a righteous lifestyle before God.

Those who maintain peaceful relationships without violating God’s standards are producing the fruit of righteousness.

CONCLUSION Prayer from Saint Francis of Assasi.... “Lord, make me an instrument of Your peace! Where there is hatred, let me sow love;

Where there is injury, pardon; Where there is doubt, faith; Where there is despair, hope; Where there is darkness, light; Where there is sadness, joy.

O Divine Master, grant that I may not so much seek To be consoled, as to console; To be understood, as to understand; To be loved as to love.

we are born to eternal life. For it is in giving that we receive; It is in pardoning that we are pardoned; It is in dying that we are born to eternal life. Let's pray!