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

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.”

📌 Timestamp: 03:24

📖 Context: This verse sets the foundation for the study, emphasizing that wisdom is not just about knowledge but is demonstrated through humility and righteous living. James challenges believers to examine their actions as evidence of true wisdom.

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.”

📌 Timestamp: 04:08

📖 Context: James contrasts earthly wisdom with heavenly wisdom, warning that selfish ambition and envy lead to chaos and evil practices. The study emphasizes that self-centered wisdom is dangerous and does not come from God.

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

📌 Timestamp: 05:21

📖 Context: This verse highlights the value of seeking godly wisdom, reinforcing that true wisdom requires intentional pursuit and often personal sacrifice.

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

📌 Timestamp: 08:53

📖 Context: Jesus teaches that speech reflects the heart, paralleling James’ point that wisdom is ultimately a heart issue, not just an intellectual one.

Luke 6:45 – “A good man brings good things out of the good stored up in his heart… For the mouth speaks what the heart is full of.”

📌 Timestamp: 09:12

📖 Context: The study connects this to parasos (overflow)—wisdom flows out of whatever fills the heart, whether good or evil.

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

📌 Timestamp: 10:48

📖 Context: Earthly wisdom leads to chaos, broken relationships, and destruction. The study illustrates how unchecked pride and envy disrupt peace and invite confusion.

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

📌 Timestamp: 20:29

📖 Context: Jesus teaches that recognizing our spiritual poverty is essential for entering the kingdom. The study emphasizes that true wisdom starts with humility and dependence on God.

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

📌 Timestamp: 30:33

📖 Context: This verse warns against earthly wisdom, which may seem logical but leads to destruction. Illustration: A personal story of advising a friend who ignored wisdom, leading to painful consequences.

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.”

📌 Timestamp: 38:23

📖 Context: James describes the characteristics of true wisdom. The study highlights that wisdom from God removes guilt, brings peace, and bears righteous fruit.

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

📌 Timestamp: 42:44

📖 Context: The study clarifies that wisdom is not just an abstract concept but a person—Jesus Christ. True wisdom is found in Christ alone.

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

📌 Timestamp: 41:46

📖 Context: James emphasizes that heavenly wisdom leads to peace and righteousness. The study challenges listeners to actively live out wisdom by cultivating peace.

Matthew 5:16 – “Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”

📌 Timestamp: 48:19

📖 Context: This verse is used to emphasize that wisdom should not be hidden—our transformed lives should point others to God.

Word Study

1. Σοφός (Sophos) – "Wise, Skilled, Clear-minded"

📖 James 3:13 – "Who is wise (σοφός – sophos) and understanding among you? Let them show it by their good life, by deeds done in humility that comes from wisdom."

📌 Timestamp: 11:23

Definition & Context:

• Sophos (σοφός) means wise, learned, skilled, or clear-minded.

• In Greek culture, wisdom was often linked to intellectual ability or philosophical reasoning.

• James contrasts this view by showing that true wisdom is not just knowledge but is evidenced by a transformed life.

Application:

• Biblical wisdom is not just about understanding concepts but living rightly before God.

• We should seek godly wisdom (sophia), not just worldly intellect.

2. Πράος (Praos) – "Humble, Meek, Gentle"

📖 James 3:13 – "Let them show it by their good life, by deeds done in humility (πραΰτης – prautes) that comes from wisdom."

📌 Timestamp: 18:24

Definition & Context:

• Praos (πραΰς) means gentle, meek, or humble and is used to describe an attitude of controlled strength under God’s authority.

• It does not mean weakness but rather power that is surrendered to God.

• Jesus used this word for Himself in Matthew 11:29 – "Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle (praos) and humble in heart."

Application:

• True wisdom leads to humility.

• If pride or self-promotion is evident, it is not wisdom from God.

• Illustration from the Study: The story of someone claiming to be "the humblest person" illustrates false humility vs. true humility from wisdom.

3. Ἐπίγειος (Epigeios), Ψυχικός (Psychikos), Δαιμονιώδης (Daimoniodes) – "Earthly, Unspiritual, Demonic"

📖 James 3:15 – “Such ‘wisdom’ does not come down from heaven but is earthly (ἐπίγειος), unspiritual (ψυχικός), and demonic (δαιμονιώδης).”

📌 Timestamp: 28:49

Definition & Context:

James categorizes false wisdom into three levels:

1. Epigeios (ἐπίγειος) – Earthly, worldly – Based on human logic, experience, and self-interest.

2. Psychikos (ψυχικός) – Unspiritual, sensual – Driven by desires and emotions rather than God's truth.

3. Daimoniodes (δαιμονιώδης) – Demonic, deceptive – Actively opposed to God's wisdom and truth.

Application:

• Earthly wisdom trusts in human ability over God’s revelation.

• Unspiritual wisdom relies on feelings rather than faith.

• Demonic wisdom fuels self-centered ambition, deception, and pride.

• Illustration from the Study: The example of how bad decisions lead to destruction shows how false wisdom operates in the world.

1. Hupsos (ὕψος) – "High Position"

Scripture Reference: James 1:9 – “Believers in humble circumstances ought to take pride in their high position.”

• Definition: Hupsos refers to elevation, height, or exaltation. In this context, it symbolizes a spiritual elevation that comes from being in Christ, regardless of earthly circumstances.

• Sermon Context: The sermon contrasts the "high position" of believers with their humble circumstances, emphasizing that their identity and value are rooted in their relationship with Christ, not in worldly wealth or status.

• Application: Believers are called to rejoice in their spiritual status in Christ, which is unshaken by external trials or material losses.

2. Tapinosis (ταπείνωσις) – "Humiliation" or "Low Condition"

Scripture Reference: James 1:10 – “But the rich should take pride in their humiliation…”

• Definition: Tapinosis refers to being brought low, humility, or a state of abasement. In the sermon, it is tied to the temporary and fleeting nature of worldly riches.

• Sermon Context: The rich are reminded to find humility in the reality that material wealth fades, and only a relationship with Christ offers eternal significance.

• Application: This word underscores the importance of spiritual humility, urging believers to shift their focus from temporary wealth to eternal treasures in Christ.

3. Peirasmos (πειρασμός) – "Trial" or "Temptation"

Scripture Reference: James 1:2-3, 1:13 – “Consider it pure joy... when you face trials...” / “When tempted, no one should say, ‘God is tempting me.’”

• Definition: Peirasmos can mean either a trial (testing of faith) or a temptation (enticement to sin), depending on the context.

• Sermon Context: The sermon differentiates between trials, which God allows to refine and strengthen faith, and temptations, which arise from personal desires and lead to sin.

• Application: Believers are encouraged to endure trials with joy and to resist temptation by seeking wisdom and strength from God.