Study 9: James: Jan 26

The study of James 3:13-18 contrasts two kinds of wisdom—earthly wisdom and heavenly wisdom. Earthly wisdom, rooted in selfish ambition and bitter envy, leads to disorder and every evil practice. James warns that this wisdom is unspiritual and even demonic, as it feeds on pride and self-promotion. In contrast, heavenly wisdom is pure, peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy, impartial, and sincere. It produces righteousness and peace. The study emphasizes that true wisdom is not about intellect or status but is demonstrated through a humble life aligned with God’s truth. Jesus, as the embodiment of God’s wisdom (1 Corinthians 1:23-25), removes guilt and shame, leading believers to live transformed lives. The study challenges listeners to examine whether their decisions are based on worldly thinking or divine wisdom, calling them to surrender to Christ and walk in His wisdom daily.

Sermon Outline

Introduction: The Search for True Wisdom (00:00 - 02:07)

• Key Scripture: James 3:13 – “Who is wise and understanding among you? Let them show it by their good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom.”

• James calls for wisdom to be demonstrated, not just claimed.

• Key Question: Are we living out God’s wisdom or merely talking about it?

• Context: James has been addressing speech and the heart; now, he expands into how wisdom shapes our actions.

  
  

The Contrast Between Two Types of Wisdom (02:07 - 05:21)

• Key Scripture: James 3:14-15 – “But if you harbor bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast about it or deny the truth. Such ‘wisdom’ does not come down from heaven but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic.”

• Two Paths of Wisdom:

  1. Earthly Wisdom: Rooted in self-interest, envy, and pride.

  2. Heavenly Wisdom: Marked by humility and righteousness.

• Illustration: The difference between worldly success and godly wisdom.

The Root of Earthly Wisdom: Selfish Ambition and Envy (05:21 - 08:49)

• Key Scripture: Proverbs 4:7 – “The beginning of wisdom is this: Get wisdom, though it cost all you have, get understanding.”

• Greek Word Study:

  • Sophos – Wise (clear-minded, skilled)

  • Epistemon – Understanding (knowledgeable, aware)

• Earthly wisdom is driven by personal gain, not godly purpose.

The Danger of a Corrupt Heart (08:49 - 10:48)

• Key Scripture: Matthew 15:18 – “But the things that come out of a person’s mouth come from the heart, and these defile them.”

• Illustration: A person’s speech and behavior reveal their true heart condition.

• Application: Wisdom is not just about knowledge but about who controls your heart.

The Deception of Earthly Wisdom (10:48 - 14:42)

• Key Scripture: James 3:16 – “For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice.”

• Earthly wisdom leads to:

  • Chaos and disorder in relationships.

  • A life full of pride and manipulation.

• Illustration: The false security of worldly success versus true peace in godly wisdom.

The Characteristics of Heavenly Wisdom (14:42 - 18:24)

• Key Scripture: James 3:17 – “But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure, then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere.”

• Greek Word Study:

  • Hagnos – Pure (free from guilt and corruption)

  • Peacemakers – Those who cultivate righteousness.

• Illustration: A tree producing good fruit—our lives should reflect the nature of Christ.

True Wisdom is Found in Christ (18:24 - 25:06)

• Key Scripture: 1 Corinthians 1:23-25 – “Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God.”

• Wisdom is not just an idea, but a person—Jesus Christ.

• To walk in wisdom is to walk in Christ’s ways, not the world’s.

The Call to Walk in Humility (25:06 - 30:33)

• Key Scripture: Matthew 5:3 – “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”

• True humility comes from recognizing our spiritual poverty and need for Christ.

• Illustration: A childhood story about receiving a gift he couldn’t afford—just like salvation is freely given.

The Consequences of Choosing the Wrong Wisdom (30:33 - 35:35)

• Key Scripture: Proverbs 14:12 – “There is a way that appears to be right, but in the end it leads to death.”

• Earthly wisdom feels right in the moment, but leads to destruction.

• Illustration: A personal story of warning a friend against bad decisions—he didn’t listen, and it ended in disaster.

The Challenge: Which Wisdom Will You Follow? (35:35 - End)

• Key Scripture: James 3:18 – “Peacemakers who sow in peace reap a harvest of righteousness.”

• Final Call to Action:

  1. Examine your heart: Are you led by selfish ambition or godly humility?

  2. Seek Christ, the source of true wisdom.

  3. Live a life that reflects the peace and purity of heavenly wisdom.

• Illustration: The baptism of an 11-year-old girl choosing to walk in wisdom—an example for all believers.

Final Reflection & Prayer (44:18 - End)

• Prayer Focus: Asking God to remove earthly wisdom and fill our hearts with His wisdom.

• Challenge: This week, examine your decisions—are they based on temporary, self-serving wisdom or eternal, God-honoring wisdom?

Scripture References

Word Study