James 3:13-18
Two Kinds of Wisdom
Gen. 3:6 When the woman saw that the fruit of the tree was good for food and pleasing to the eye, and also desirable for gaining wisdom, she took some and ate it.
Prov. 3:13 Blessed is the man who finds wisdom, the man who gains understanding,
14 for she is more profitable than silver and
yields better returns than gold.
15 She is more precious than rubies; nothing you
desire can compare with her.
16 Long life is in her right hand; in her left
hand are riches and honor.
17 Her ways are pleasant ways, and all her paths
are peace.
18 She is a tree of life to those who embrace her; those who lay hold of her will be blessed.
HOW CAN WE RECOGNIZE TRUE WISDOM?
A. Who among us is wise?
1. Who in our congregation is wise? Does verse 13 help us narrow it down?
2. Does God want all members to be wise? Eph. 5:15-17 Should helping all members to become wise be a goal of the activities we plan?
3. What is wisdom?
a. Is wisdom a hidden character trait?
b. What is wisdom? (Knowledge or truth that is obeyed and applied to life)
c. What was Eve’s definition of wisdom? (Knowledge)
d. How do we show it according to James? V. 13 According to Jesus? Matt. 7:24
4. How are our good deeds to be done? (In humility/meekness/gentleness)
5. What is James urging the wise person to do?
a. Are there members with gifts that never use them? (finally someone says, “I know!”)
b. What does God think when he gives gifts to people and they never use them?
Conclusion - If you are wise then…
B. What are the two kinds of wisdom? (Earthly and Heavenly)
1. How can we tell the difference according to Jesus? Matt. 11:19
2. How can we tell the difference according to James?
a. What is worldly wisdom? (Whatever it takes to get what I want!)
1) Earthly and demonic (where do we see Satan’s wisdom demonstrated today)
2) What is it to be full of bitter envy and strife (selfish ambition) - v. 14&16 (Saul)
3) What is sensual or non-spiritual? (focused on the desires of the flesh, natural man)
4) What is a self-seeking heart? (pushy, need for recognition and control)
5) Who does the world exalt as wise? (Power, prestige, privilege, position)
6) Does it really matter if they live a good godly life? Anyone in the Bible like this?
7) What is the product of these characteristics? V. 16 (Whatever it took!)
b. What is heavenly wisdom?
1) What have we already learned about wisdom from James? (Remember looking in the mirror) Jas. 1:17; 5-8
2) What makes it pure? (Source, heart alignment with God’s will, firm on the truth)
3) Why would the promotion of peace instead of strife be important?
4) How can someone be easy to be entreated? (considerate of other’s ideas, feelings, and needs - allows for the shortcomings of others)
5) Is a servant someone that is full of mercy and good fruit? How’s that? Luke 10:33-37
6) Why is impartiality a trait of heavenly wisdom? (Same standard is applied to all equally)
7) Does a sincere person wear different masks for different people? (no)
Conclusion: Worldly wisdom is… (living the worldly life)
Heavenly wisdom is… (living the Christian life)
C. What is the promise for reaping and sowing in verse 18?
1. What does wisdom plant in the field of life?
2. What is the harvest?
3. How can we prove that this promise is true?
Conclusion
· Wisdom is not just a knowledge of the facts. It is… (Knowledge or truth that is obeyed and applied to life)
Dr. H. B. Smith - "Wisdom
is that attribute of God whereby he produces the best possible results with the
best possible means!"
· The two kinds of wisdom can be distinguished by their origin, nature, and fruits
· Wisdom is proved right by its…
· What is the result of applying worldly wisdom?
· What does heavenly wisdom sown in peace produce?
Henry Van Dyke-
With eager heart and
will on fire,
I strove to win my great desire.
'Peace shall be mine,' I said; but life
Grew bitter in the barren strife.
My soul was weary,
and my pride
Was wounded deep; to Heaven I cried,
'God grant me peace or I must die;'
The dumb stars glittered no reply.
Broken at last, I
bowed my head,
Forgetting all myself, and said,
'Whatever comes, His will be done;'
And in that moment peace was won.