Speaker: Ms Taeko Funaoka Sermon Title: Wisdom from Above Scripture Text: James 3: 13 – 18 (ESV)
Introduction
The book of James is about understanding what saving faith looks like. For James, faith and actions are to work together (2:22) However, he also recognized that within the faith communities, there was misconduct of speech and behaviour that were prideful and self-centred.
James asked “Who is wise among you?” (v.13a)
1. Who is wise? (v13)
If one claims they are wise, they should demonstrate it by their good conduct and deeds, doing so with the humility and gentleness that wisdom provides. Whether we are wise or not, it should be reflected in the way we live.
James discusses two types of wisdom, highlighting their differences in origins, characters, and the outcomes that each type of wisdom produces.
2. Earthly wisdom (vv14-16) a. Characters: Bitter jealousy, selfish ambition (v14). b. Origin: Earthly, unspiritual, demonic (v15). c. Outcomes: Disorder and every vile practice (v16).
3. Wisdom from above (vv17-18) a. Characters: Pure, peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial, and sincere (v17). b. Origin: God (v17). c. Outcomes: Foster peace and form righteousness in community (v18).
Application
• Walk in the fear of God (Proverbs 1:7) • Seek God’s wisdom (Proverbs 2:6-11)
Reflection • Are my actions motivated by earthly wisdom or wisdom from God? • How can I apply the wisdom from God to specific situations in my life today?
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Bible Verse of the Day
He who forms the mountains, who creates the wind, and who reveals his thoughts to mankind, who turns dawn to darkness, and treads on the heights of the earth— the LORD God Almighty is his name.