"SPECIAL BLESSING" REAL FAITH DEMONSTRATES HEAVENLY WISDOM

Real Faith Demonstrates a Heavenly Wisdom
James 3:13-18
September 4, 2011 PM Service

In the Book of Proverbs, we are encouraged to seek after wisdom. We are told that its value is far above that of silver and gold…more precious than rubies…more to be desired than any worldly treasure.

Solomon says that wisdom is more precious than anything that we could ever desire. And remember Solomon was the wealthiest man who ever lived, maybe even today.

Proverbs 3:13-15
13 Happy is the man that finds wisdom, and the man that gets understanding. 14 For the merchandise of it is better than the merchandise of silver, and the gain thereof than fine gold. 15 She is more precious than rubies: and all the things you can desire are not to be compared unto her.

Proverbs 4:7-8
7 Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding. 8 Exalt her, and she shall promote thee: she shall bring thee to honor, when you do embrace her. 9 She shall give to your head an ornament of grace: a crown of glory shall she deliver to thee.

Solomon exhorts his readers to seek wisdom above everything else. It is the principal thing! And the New Testament also exhorts us to seek after and walk in wisdom.

Ephesians 5:15-17
15 See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, 16 Redeeming the time, because the days are evil. 17 Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is.

So we see in these few verses that wisdom is to be desired; sought after; valued; and followed by all believers.

However, let me warn you that we must be careful where we seek for this wisdom.
There are all kinds of wisdom and it can be found on every corner, but it is not every kind of wisdom that we are to seek.

Let’s stand and read James 3:13-18.

James shows a contrast between two types of wisdom. He defines one as “earthly” wisdom and the other as from above or “heavenly” wisdom.

Now don’t miss what James says in verse 13 – “Who has wisdom, who has understanding? …Whoever has it, let him show it out of good behavior and works”

So once again, James is teaching us that Real Faith Works!
Now let’s look at the contrasts between these two types of wisdom:

There Is a Contrast in "ORIGIN"

There is an earthly wisdom (15)

It is called EARTHLY…and earthly means that it is of this world or worldly. It is a wisdom which is according to the world's standards and ideas.
It is a type of wisdom which is available to us today, but what is most important to know is that it does not come from God.
“It is not from above”. In fact, Paul tells us that God calls this wisdom foolishness.

1 Corinthians 1:20
20 Where is the wise? where is the scribe? where is the disputer of this world? hath not God made foolish the wisdom of this world?

It is not only called earthly, but it is also called SENSUAL. This means it appeals to the senses, or the emotions, or the passions of a person.
It is according to what FEELS right….it leads us to the “If it feels good do it” mentality.

Ever heard that song, “If loving you is wrong, then I don’t wanna be right”?

It is also called DEVILISH. Which means demon-like or of the Devil.
It was this kind of wisdom that the devil and his angels were possessed by when they rebelled against God.
You see, earthly wisdom finds its origin in the influences of Satan himself! And he is diabolically opposed to God!

2 Corinthians 10:5 - Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;
There Is Also a Heavenly Wisdom (17)
The phrase “from above” means that it is not of this world…but rather it comes from GOD (James 1:17).
Heavenly wisdom is a good and perfect gift which comes only from God himself.
James also tells us that this wisdom comes through & by PRAYER (James 1:5).

Knowing the origin or source of each kind of wisdom should be enough to help us choose the right one. But if that is not enough, let’s also consider that...

There Is a Contrast in “Nature”
The Nature of Earthly Wisdom (14, 16).

It is full of BITTER ENVY – literally a passionate jealousy
It is also SELF-SEEKING – meaning that deep down it cares only about self
It manifests in its possessor the wrong desires:
Power, Position, Privilege, Prestige

This kind of wisdom prompted Satan and his angels to rebel against God
This kind of wisdom prompted the disciples to argue over who would be to greatest in the kingdom.
The kind of wisdom that caused Judas to betray the Lord Jesus Christ.

The world offers us wisdom, but its nature is diabolically opposed to God’s wisdom.

The Nature of Heavenly Wisdom (17)
It is PURE…above all else, it is true to God's Word and God’s Will.
It is pure because it is from “above”…it comes from God

It is also PEACEABLE.
When we have the right wisdom, we have right relationships
And it is possible to be at peace with others

Romans 12:18 - 18 If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men.

Philippians 4:6&9 - 6 Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. 7 And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus… 9 Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you.

It is also GENTLE…it makes one kind in his dealings with others; not harsh…even when you are right or when you are dealing with those who disagree.

2 Timothy 2:24-25 - 24 And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient, 25 In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth.

It is WILLING TO YIELD. (Not in matters of truth, but...)
In matters of opinion - Romans 14:1 - 1 Him that is weak in the faith receive ye, but not to doubtful disputations.
In matters of liberty - Romans 14:19-21 - 19 Let us therefore follow after the things which make for peace, and things wherewith one may edify another. 20 For meat destroy not the work of God. All things indeed are pure; but it is evil for that man who eateth with offence. 21 It is good neither to eat flesh, nor to drink wine, nor any thing whereby thy brother stumbleth, or is offended, or is made weak.
It is FULL OF MERCY
Meaning it is quick to forgive the offenses of others, wisely understanding one's own need of mercy (James 2:13).

It Produces GOOD FRUIT, which are shown by our conduct.
This wisdom makes one not only a HEARER, but a DOER - James 1:22
It understands that "faith without works is dead" - James 2:26

It is WITHOUT PARTIALITY, treating all persons fairly, and on the same basis.
Showing no respect of persons - James 2:1

It is WITHOUT HYPOCRISY, not just an "act" or a "show" or wearing a mask
But that it comes from a heart desiring to please God above all others
This is the kind of wisdom the Apostles used in the book of Acts, when they said, “We ought to obey God rather than men.”

There is also a contrast in their "FRUIT"

The Fruit of Earthly Wisdom (16)
It causes CONFUSION and It is responsible for EVERY EVIL WORK

The Fruit of Heavenly Wisdom (18)
It produces PEACE, instead of confusion, and it bears the fruit of RIGHTEOUSNESS, instead of every evil thing.

CONCLUSION:
The conclusion of this passage is that there are only two types of wisdom offered to us…and there is no doubt about which one we need, but the question is:

Which one do you desire? And which one do you have?

What kind of wisdom do you want? If it is EARTHLY, then no effort is necessary:
1) Just do what the world tells you
2) Just do what feels good or right.

b. But if you want HEAVENLY wisdom that you seek, then we must be diligent:
1) To search it out through the WORD & PRAYER
2) To demonstrate it in our lives on a daily basis – OBEY

What James teaches us here goes right along with what he has been saying about Real Faith…it is not only hearing, saying or knowing…it is also doing!

Lord, help us to seek Your wisdom and when we have found it…may be obey and practice it in our lives for Your honor and glory. Amen.

Senior Pastor John Sweat, Sr
Crossroads Baptist Chruch
1595 Baxley Road
Middleburg, Florida
904)376-5049