Blueprints – A Study of James Part 8 – Pursuing True Wisdom

Blueprints – A Study of James

Part 8 – Pursuing True Wisdom

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James 3:13-18

5 If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you. James 1:5.

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. 14 But if you harbor bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast about it or deny the truth. 15 Such “wisdom” does not come down from heaven but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. 16 For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice.

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. 18 Peacemakers who sow in peace reap a harvest of righteousness. James 3:13-18

James contrasts true wisdom with false wisdom in three distinct ways:

1)False wisdom comes from while true wisdom comes from .

15 Such “wisdom” does not come down from heaven but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic… 17 But the wisdom that comes from heaven is… ; James 3:15, 17a

Three sources of man-made wisdom:

20 …Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world? 1 Corinthians 1:20c.

We experience true, Godly wisdom in three ways in our lives:

• Through our relationship with .

Christ, 3 in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. Colossians 2:2b-3.

• Through the .

5 See, I have taught you decrees and laws as the Lord my God commanded me,… 6 Observe them carefully, for this will show your wisdom and understanding to the nations, Deuteronomy 4:5-6

• Through believing !

5 If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you. James 1:5

2) The wisdom of man operates the wisdom of God.

Four Evidences of False Wisdom:

14 But if you harbor bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast about it or deny the truth. James 3:14

• Bitter
• or Selfish Ambition

3 Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, Philippians 2:3

Eight Evidences of True Wisdom:

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…. 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. James 3:17

• or Humility

8 And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death— even death on a cross! Philippians 2:8.

• Purity or
• Considerate or
• Submissive or
• Good
• Impartial or

3) Worldly wisdom produces worldly , but Godly wisdom produces Godly !

16 For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice…. 18 Peacemakers who sow in peace reap a harvest of righteousness. James 3:16;18

Worship Song List

Take You at Your Word

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Yes I Will

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