God’s Wisdom for Today

God’s Wisdom for Today

James 3:13-18

11-8-20

 

 

Godly wisdom is living daily life with God’s perspective and truth.

 

I.      If I am Wise I Will Live with Integrity. 

 

James 3:17 – “But the wisdom from above is first pure…”

 

“Pure”- Uncorrupted, whole, authentic, living with integrity

 

1 John 3:3 – “Everyone who hopes in Him purifies himself as He is pure.”

Proverbs 10:9 – “Whoever walks in integrity walks securely, but he who makes his ways crooked will be found out.”

 

II.    I Will Love Peace-Making.

 

James 3:17 – “But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable…”

 

1.  The ex-neighborhood church

2.  The aging church

3.  The mismatched leadership church

4.  The war-torn church

 

Proverbs 12:18 (NIV) – “The words of the reckless pierce like swords…”

Proverbs 20:3 (GNT) – “Any fool can start arguments. The wise thing is to stay out of them."

 

5.  The great omission church

 

Proverbs 11:30 (CSB) – “The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life, and a wise person captivates people.”

 

III.  I Will Be Gentle with Others.

 

James 3:17 – “But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle…” 

Proverbs 15:4 – "Kind words bring life, but cruel words crush your spirit."

 

IV.  I Will Be Willing to Listen and Learn.

 

James 3:17 – “But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason…”

Proverbs 12:15 – “The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, but a wise man listens to advice.”

 

 

V.     I Will Show Mercy.

 

James 3:17 – “But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy…” 

James 2:13 – “…Mercy triumphs over judgment.”

 

 

VI.  I Will Bear Fruit.

 

James 3:17 – “But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits…”

 

VII.  I Will Be Open and Honest.

 

James 3:17 – “But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere.”

Proverbs 28:13 – “Whoever conceals his transgressions will not prosper, but he who confesses and forsakes them will obtain mercy.”

Colossians 2:3 – “In Him are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.”

 

 

 

 

Going Deeper This Week

 

1. Read James 3:13-18. What do you appreciate about God? What hit home with you from this passage?

2. Who is the wisest person you knew that is now deceased? What all made him/her wise?

3. Explain how jealousy and selfish ambition would lead to foolish boasting? (vs. 14)

4. Read verses 15-18. What are the two sources concerning wisdom? What are the distinguishing marks of each wisdom?

5. How does one grow in wisdom? (Proverbs 9:10, James 1:5 and Matthew 7:21-23) Pray these scriptures over one another.