True Wisdom (2)

(#1060, Imperial, 1964)

Read James 3:13-18.

The wisdom from beneath is said to be ...

w    Earthly.  This refers to worldliness.  Much worldliness is evident in connection with the service of God today.  Often the methods, motives and ends of ministry are worldly.

w    Sensual.  This refers to the flesh.  The aim is gratification of the flesh.

w    Devilish.  Christians can be influenced by Satan.  We must take the whole armor that we may be able to withstand the wiles of the devil (Eph. 4:10-20).

III. The wisdom from above, v17-18.

True wisdom comes from above.  It is not found in the natural man nor in the carnal man but only in the one who has communion with the Lord.  Eight great excellencies of wisdom are revealed...

    1.  Purity.  This involved life (conduct), thought and motive.

    2.  Peaceable.  If one is quarrelsome and factious he does not demonstrate wisdom from above.  We are to "follow peace with all men."  "Blessed are the peacemakers."  Remember that Christ is our peace.

    3.  Gentle.  It is the gentleness of Christ (2 Cor. 10:1).  He had this with Nicodemus and with the woman at the well.  This is a fruit of the Spirit (Gal. 5:22).

    4.  Easy to be entreated.  Believers find Christ easy to be entreated.  He is forgiving and sympathetic.

    5.  Full of mercy.  Again Christ is our example.

    6.  Good fruits.  Such as those in Gal. 5:22-23.

    7.  Without partiality.

    8.  Without hypocrisy.  One who professes what he is not is a hypocrite.  But the one with wisdom from above is honest and sincere.

 

True wisdom does not consist in being smart or clever but in likeness to Christ.