Week 7 James 3:13-18
JAMES 3:13-18
Contrary to popular belief, everyone lives according to some sort of wisdom. Most people live according to evil wisdom that comes from the world, but Christ-followers are called to live according to the wisdom that comes from God. James wants to make clear that a life marked by godly wisdom is evidence of true faith. True wisdom is selfless and magnifies the message of the gospel. True wisdom fosters peace, righteousness, love, gentleness, and mercy. Understand this simple truth - this sort of wisdom only comes from God, and we need only ask the Father for this type of wisdom (James 1:5).
The Point: Godly wisdom is
evidence of authentic faith.
James
3:13-18
Who is wise and
understanding among you? By his good conduct let him show his works in the
meekness of wisdom. 14 But if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in
your hearts, do not boast and be false to the truth. 15 This is not the wisdom
that comes down from above, but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. 16 For where
jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every vile
practice. 17 But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle,
open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere. 18 And a
harvest of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace.
The Holy Bible:
English Standard Version (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2016), James 3:13-18.
Study
Notes
There are two types of “wisdom” as James points out in this section. One type finds its source in evil, while the other finds its source in God. James outlined in chapter one the need for wisdom throughout trials and temptations. The question is, then, how do we obtain that wisdom which we need?
You Need
Wisdom
James makes clear
in 1:5 that if anyone needs wisdom, they should ask God. God, waiting to
respond to that request, lavishes wisdom on those who ask. The underlying part
of 1:5 is the need for everyone to obtain this wisdom. With 1:5 as the
backdrop, James emphasizes the need for wisdom again in this passage. Before
James details the two types of wisdom, he outlines that our actions will reveal
which type of wisdom we are receiving and acting upon. Those who have good
conduct will find the source of their wisdom in God.
Those who exhibit
such traits as jealousy and selfish ambition will reveal themselves to be
following earthly (false) wisdom.
False
Wisdom
What is at the
heart of false wisdom? Jealousy and selfish ambition. To put it another way,
this wisdom is self-centered. This wisdom can easily be found in the world, our
culture, and even our own hearts. James characterizes this wisdom as earthly,
unspiritual, and evil. Why would he use such strong words about this wisdom?
Because the result of living out this type of wisdom is disorder and vile sins.
For a Christian to look to the world for his/her wisdom is to invite disorder,
chaos, and ultimately destruction into their earthly lives. Whether it is
earthly wisdom or heavenly wisdom, one of these will direct the actions of our
lives. To choose worldly wisdom is to choose evil and chaos. The point is made
in this section that such earthly wisdom is akin to the demonic side of the
world. Such wisdom finds its hope in our own hearts and efforts, which
Scripture in turn makes clear are evil and never enough. This wisdom is from
hell.
True
Wisdom
What is at the
heart of true wisdom? Humility and peace. Whereas false wisdom finds its focus
on the heart, true wisdom finds its focus on God and others. Notice the
distinct difference between these two wisdoms: one eschews chaos, evil, and
selfishness. The other puts forth peace, gentleness, order, mercy, and
righteousness. Could these two wisdoms be any more distinct? This is the wisdom
that James says to ask for in 1:5. This is the wisdom that leads to peace for
the individual and those around the individual. This list of wisdom finds its
source in the beatitudes (Matthew 5) as Jesus highlights these “attitudes” of
wisdom as attitudes to be sought after.
Think about both
types of wisdom and how they play out in our lives today. What is the natural
end for situations where I choose myself over God and others? Disorder,
disarray, and destruction. What is the natural end for situations where I
choose God and others over myself? Peace and righteousness. We can see clearly
how both of these plays out in our lives, yet for many of us we still choose
the former rather than the latter. Why? The former is easier, more “natural”
for our sinful hearts, and brings instant gratification.
Yet, we know how
worldly (false) wisdom always plays out. It always takes us to a place we don’t
want to be and a situation that is a mess. The other side of wisdom, true
wisdom, takes us to a place of security, peace, and rest. Why would we ever
choose any other wisdom?
How do we “get”
this wisdom? James 1:5-7. Let him who lacks true wisdom ask God for it, and he
will give it freely.
Questions
for Discussion
How would you
define the two types of wisdom in your own words?
How do you see the
characteristics of each wisdom playing out in our world today?
Have you been
tempted to follow “false” wisdom lately? How so?
Why is false wisdom
so alluring to us? Why do we choose it when we know where it will lead?
What is needed to
gain “true” wisdom?
What is the main
difference between true and false wisdom?
How can this group
(community) help you to seek true wisdom?
What steps do you
need to take this week to pursue this wisdom?
END
Teacher Notes:
CONTRARY TO POPULAR
belief, everyone lives according to some sort of wisdom.
Most people live
according to evil wisdom that comes from the world, but Christ-followers are
called to live according to the wisdom that comes from God.
The world claims to know the path to a successful and rewarding life: ambition, education, wealth, public recognition, power, and influence. But human wisdom is foolishness in God’s eyes. (1 Corinthians 3:19)
First point of our lesson today:
Wisdom: Do you,
have it? Do you want it? … Really?
James 1:5 says, “If
any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without
reproach, and it will be given him.”
Now, let’s look at
Solomon prayer for wisdom because we will find something here.
1 Kings 3:8-13
“And your servant
is in the midst of your people whom you have chosen, a great people, too many
to be numbered or counted for multitude. Give your servant therefore an
understanding mind to govern your people, that I may discern between good and
evil, for who is able to govern this your great people?” It pleased the Lord
that Solomon had asked this. And God said to him, “Because you have asked this,
and have not asked for yourself long life or riches or the life of your enemies
but have asked for yourself understanding to discern what is right, behold, I
now do according to your word. Behold, I give you a wise and discerning mind,
so that none like you has been before you and none like you shall arise after
you. I give you also what you have not asked, both riches and honor.”
What do we learn
from Solomon about obtaining wisdom?
Why did God give
Solomon wisdom?
Because he asked
for the meekness of wisdom.
Second point our lesson makes this morning:
Why is false wisdom
so alluring to us?
Why do we choose it
when we know where it will lead?
It is easy for us
to be drawn into wrong desires by the pressures of society and sometimes even
by well-meaning Christians.
How does this
happen?
We can see clearly
how both play out in our lives, yet for many of us we still choose the former
rather than the latter.
Why?
The former is
easier, more “natural” for our sinful hearts, and brings instant gratification.
How would you
define the two types of wisdom in your own words?
What is the main
difference between true and false wisdom?
