Sermon Notes

WISDOM

James 3:13 – 18

“Whom among you is wise and understanding?” – James 3:13a

“Wisdom is seeing and interpreting life from God’s perspective and then making life’s decisions based on that understanding.” – Tony Evans

“Let him show by his good behavior his deeds in the gentleness of wisdom. But if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your heart, do not be arrogant and so lie against the truth. This wisdom is not that which comes down from above, but is earthly, natural, demonic. For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there is disorder and every evil thing. But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peace-loving, gentle, reasonable, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial, free of hypocrisy. And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace.” – James 3:13b - 18

Worldly wisdom is characterized by a self-focused way of living that leads to destruction.

“There is a way which seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death.” Proverbs 14:12

1. WHERE DOES WISDOM COME FROM?

“The serpent said to the woman, “You surely will not die! For God knows that in the day you eat from it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.” When the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was a delight to the eyes, and that the tree was desirable to make one wise, she took from its fruit and ate; and she gave also to her husband with her, and he ate.” Genesis 3: 4 – 6

“For the Lord gives wisdom; from His mouth come knowledge and understanding.” Proverbs 2:6

2. HOW DOES WISDOM FROM EACH SOURCE IMPACT MY WAY OF LIFE?

1. Worldy wisdom directs me to be a __________ person.

1. jealous // 14a “jealousy” – intense negative feelings over another’s achievements or success, envious. WW makes me glad when others fail.

1. quarrelsome // 14b “selfish ambition” – to be contentious, cause strife/conflict. WW makes us relationally divisive.

1. boastful // 14c “arrogant” – to focus on myself at the expense of others. WW makes me prideful.

1. decietful // 14d “lie against the truth.” WW makes me live a life that is fake.

1. Godly wisdom directs me to be a __________ person.


2. pure – “pure” (17) Seeking and desiring holiness.

1. peaceful – “peaceable” (17) Not causing conflict, but producing peace by their humility.

1. gentle – “gentle” (17) Considerate of others.

1. pleasant – “reasonable” (17) Teachable, not stubborn

1. merciful – “full of mercy” (17) Forgiving others and seeking to serve them

1. fruitful – “full of good fruits” (17) Carrying out good works/deeds

1. decisive – “unwavering” (17) Consistent, without doubt or uncertainty.

1. sincere – “without hypocrisy” (17) Talking and living in line with God’s Word.

“Now the deeds of the flesh are evident, which are: immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, enmities, strife, jealousy, outbursts of anger, disputes, dissensions, factions, envying, drunkenness, carousing, and things like these…But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control…” Galatians 5:19- 23

3. WHAT DOES WISDOM FROM EACH SOURCE PRODUCE?

Time is precious. We are fragile. Life is short. Eternity is long. Every minute counts. Oh, to be a faithful steward of the breath God has given me. –John Piper