James 3:13-18

Intro. The series of lessons on "think on these things" is related to this one. Paul and James share the same wisdom from above that enables the disciple to be less "anxious" and fearful, and gives the disciple insight as to how trials and various tests can actually work to our advantage. Thus, a Christian can be worldly or "double-minded", and miss out on the wisdom from above. In this lesson we will examine what James says about two outlooks or perspectives. One "double-minded" Christian may see his trials through the eyes of "earthly wisdom". Another Christian may see his trials through the eyes of wisdom from above. Both will handle their troubles quite differently. One gets stronger and the other gets weaker. One wins eternally and the other loses eternally. Consider these two kinds of wisdom with me today.

A. Bitter Envy

1. Envies the wealth, ease, comforts, or blessings of others.

2. May say harsh things about another to soothe the jealousy felt inside.

B. Self-Seeking

1. It tends to compliment others when one might get a kindness back.

2. The tendency to seek what will benefit one’s own status.

3. Desires the personal will above the will of God or even the good of others.

C. Boasting

1. Tries to be a big-shot or to impress others with own importance or status or accomplishments.

2. Bragging may be outright or subtle.

D. Refusal To Face The Truth

1. The truth hurts, makes one look bad, and so must be suppressed.

2. Shifting the blame.

E. Confusion And Every Evil Thing

1. Look for this person to have confusion and turmoil within.

2. It destroys the person from within, and they in turn corrupt all other relationships.

Earthly - oriented toward this world, not heaven.

Sensual - geared and driven by lusts, pride, ego.

Demonic - thoughts originate from the evil one and his helpers.

Earthly Wisdom

1. Is concerned with material outcomes.

2. Is concerned with how things appear outwardly to people.

3. Is concerned with winning earthly status and approval from the world.

4. Is not concerned with the will of God except when it is prestigious or popular.

5. Is not concerned with eternal judgment.

6. Looks out for self, not for pleasing God.

A. Meekness – 3:13

1. The lowly, humble spirit, does not assume one’s own wisdom is sufficient.

2. The meek are always seeking God’s help in problem-solving.

B. Purity of purpose. 17

1. When there is a singleness of purpose, to please God through every trial or test, there is an opening for God to give wisdom from above.

2. When a person wants to serve God and mammon, there is pollution of the heart, and wisdom from above cannot be received.

C. Peace within and with God and others.

1. God’s wisdom seeks peace, but it is a peace that first settles the soul in God’s way.

2. This is not peace at the expense of facing truth, but peace within God’s truth.

3. It seeks to settle differences in God’s way and with God’s word and with a goal for reconciliation and peace.

D. Gentleness

1. God’s wisdom seeks gentle ways of dealing with God and others.

2. It is careful with the delicate nature of other’s fragile emotions.

E. Willingness to yield to God and the truth.

1. Does not have to have one’s own way.

2. Genuinely feels that there is nothing to lose in honest hearing and consideration of another’s perspective, and possibly everything to gain.

F. Mercy

1. There is compassion and sympathy for others.

2. Mercy appreciated from God is mercy extended to others.

G. Good Fruits

1. The fruits of the Spirit (Gal.5:22f) comes by walking in the Spirit.

2. The Spirit, by means of His revelation, gives us the mind and wisdom of God. 1 Cor.2

3. Good things are enjoyed by seeking God’s wisdom in each trial.

H. Being Impartial And Fair

1. God’s wisdom does not see skin-color as an issue, or material wealth as an issue. God’s wisdom sees souls, and these have eternal value in every person alike.

2. Solomon used wisdom from above in deciding the dispute between the two women who were claiming the same baby as their own. He was fair and impartial, but still got to the truth.

I. Being Genuine, Non-Pretentious, Without Hypocrisy

A. There is no play-acting or insincerity.

B. Wisdom from above reminds us that we are always fully exposed to the eyes of God. He will not be deceived or fooled.

1. IS AVAILABLE IN EVERY TRIAL. 1:2f

2. IS GIVEN TO THE MAN OF FAITH. 1:3-5

3. IS NOT GIVEN TO THE DOUBLE-MINDED.

4. HELPS THE FAITHFUL THROUGH EVERY TRIAL TO GROW MORE DURABLE. 1:2

Conclusion: In your day-to-day outlook, can you see your mind, thoughts, decisions, words, and actions as guided along by your own wisdom? Or, do you see yourself meekly seeking the wisdom from above? Do you see your faith as stronger through trial? Or, do you see how unstable you have been spiritually? Are you weaker today? Or, by trusting in God and seeking His wisdom through each daily test, have you grown spiritually stronger? Honestly evaluate which kind of wisdom you have been using. If you have been looking at life through earthly wisdom, ask God to create a new heart in you, and then actually cooperate with Him and letting him mold you with wisdom from above. Have you never yielded to Him completely? Have you never obeyed the gospel? Can we assist you in that today? - Terry W. Benton