WEBVTT 00:00:00.900 --> 00:00:06.820 I want you to think about some of the changes that you have experienced in your lifetime. 00:00:08.359 --> 00:00:17.320 How many of you grew up in the home where there was one telephone that sat on a shelf in a hallway like that you see on the screen or on a table? 00:00:18.160 --> 00:00:22.940 It was attached to the wall by a wire. How many of you remember that pretty well? A lot of people do. 00:00:22.940 --> 00:00:30.359 Well, now we have a phone that we put in our pocket or on our side. 00:00:30.900 --> 00:00:34.719 We carry it everywhere we go. Quite a change, isn't it? 00:00:35.939 --> 00:00:40.740 Who grew up in a home with one TV? Something like that. 00:00:41.380 --> 00:00:47.620 You got three channels. You had to get up and go and turn the knob to change the channel. 00:00:47.619 --> 00:00:54.859 Well, now we've got all forms of TV. Satellite, cable, U-verse. 00:00:55.599 --> 00:00:57.420 More channels we could even imagine. 00:00:58.539 --> 00:01:05.739 You can change them, record, pause, do all kinds of things from a remote or even your smartphone. 00:01:07.319 --> 00:01:12.299 Who had a computer with dial-up internet connection that sounded like this? 00:01:12.299 --> 00:01:19.700 Seems like an eternity, didn't it? 00:01:20.659 --> 00:01:24.479 Now we've got instant, silent connections. 00:01:25.959 --> 00:01:30.739 All these advances in technology that we have experienced 00:01:30.739 --> 00:01:39.500 reveal how God has created human beings with highly developed intellectual capacities. 00:01:39.500 --> 00:01:44.959 Tremendous intelligence human beings have. 00:01:46.159 --> 00:01:55.280 And we're just compelled, aren't we, to constantly try to discover and develop new things, new technologies. 00:01:57.500 --> 00:02:00.539 You know, if you just look at the history of the world, 00:02:01.539 --> 00:02:08.960 the human race has continuously gotten smarter all the way through. 00:02:09.500 --> 00:02:10.520 Even to today. 00:02:10.520 --> 00:02:10.539 Even to today. 00:02:12.740 --> 00:02:16.900 But smarter doesn't always mean wiser, does it? 00:02:18.199 --> 00:02:25.560 In fact, the smartest people know that just that intellectual ability is not enough. 00:02:25.939 --> 00:02:31.180 They need to know how to do something, do the right thing with that knowledge. 00:02:31.180 --> 00:02:35.400 And so smart people understand the need for wisdom. 00:02:37.000 --> 00:02:43.099 But when you start talking about wisdom, that brings up its own problem. 00:02:44.700 --> 00:02:53.640 Because there's more than one kind of wisdom that we, even as Christians, possess and use. 00:02:53.639 --> 00:02:58.299 We've been looking at it now for the last two weeks in James chapter 3. 00:02:59.359 --> 00:03:05.599 He has pointed out the basic two kinds of wisdom that we all use. 00:03:07.279 --> 00:03:08.299 Look at it. 00:03:08.959 --> 00:03:13.000 Earthly human wisdom in James chapter 3, verses 14 through 16. 00:03:13.000 --> 00:03:23.979 He contrasts that with heavenly or God-given wisdom in verse 13 and then in verses 17 through 18. 00:03:25.259 --> 00:03:31.740 Last week, we looked at earthly wisdom and defined it like this. 00:03:32.400 --> 00:03:40.879 Man's ability to discern and judge correctly as to what he thinks is true or right. 00:03:40.879 --> 00:03:45.340 Earthly wisdom, earthly wisdom, human wisdom, whatever you want to call it, 00:03:46.299 --> 00:03:50.639 is a wisdom that we have as a result of being created in the image of God. 00:03:51.639 --> 00:03:53.919 Now, we're fallen creatures. 00:03:55.099 --> 00:03:59.620 Our God-given abilities have been corrupted by the entrance of sin into the world. 00:03:59.620 --> 00:04:09.060 But we still have this basic common wisdom that can be very helpful at times. 00:04:09.060 --> 00:04:14.759 But human wisdom or earthly wisdom will always be limited. 00:04:16.100 --> 00:04:17.339 Always limited. 00:04:18.860 --> 00:04:22.899 It will often create or lead to problems. 00:04:24.360 --> 00:04:30.579 And it will sometimes result in evil things being done. 00:04:32.019 --> 00:04:33.319 James describes that. 00:04:33.319 --> 00:04:38.879 James chapter 3, in verse 15 in particular, 00:04:40.219 --> 00:04:44.599 this earthly kind of wisdom, this human wisdom that just comes to us naturally. 00:04:45.379 --> 00:04:49.560 He says, for where jealousy, let me back up in verse 15. 00:04:49.939 --> 00:04:52.279 This is not the wisdom that comes down from above. 00:04:52.759 --> 00:04:54.139 It's not God-given wisdom. 00:04:54.399 --> 00:04:55.500 It's not heavenly wisdom. 00:04:55.500 --> 00:05:00.899 But it's earthly, unspiritual, demonic. 00:05:02.459 --> 00:05:11.459 Now, we see evidence all around us today of how human intelligence and earthly wisdom combined 00:05:11.459 --> 00:05:15.379 do not automatically make life better. 00:05:15.379 --> 00:05:20.100 You think about the advances in technology. 00:05:20.899 --> 00:05:24.339 You think about what we have available to us today. 00:05:25.759 --> 00:05:34.980 But don't most families have less personal interaction at home than at any time in history? 00:05:36.480 --> 00:05:42.219 I mean, isn't it true there are more times than you care to admit that one person is in one room doing one thing, 00:05:42.220 --> 00:05:48.900 or maybe everybody can see one another, but you've got your head down in that tablet or phone or TV. 00:05:50.680 --> 00:05:56.020 Most communities today are more divided than they've ever been. 00:05:56.840 --> 00:06:03.620 There's not this sense of neighborliness, of people coming together, knowing one another, helping one another. 00:06:03.620 --> 00:06:11.060 And then most of the world, most of the world feels less safe today. 00:06:12.160 --> 00:06:16.840 And we're always on alert for possible terrorist activity. 00:06:18.300 --> 00:06:27.980 If you think about it in these terms, earthly human wisdom alone has not made our lives better, 00:06:28.480 --> 00:06:30.439 nor will it in the future. 00:06:30.439 --> 00:06:46.259 We need, we desperately need God's presence in our lives, in our homes, in this community, in this world. 00:06:47.259 --> 00:06:56.180 We need God-given wisdom to be able to look at life and figure things out from God's perspective, 00:06:56.180 --> 00:07:01.139 how He intends things to work, how He intends life to work, 00:07:01.939 --> 00:07:11.040 in the way that will bring true glory to Himself and will be meaningful and purposeful for us. 00:07:12.519 --> 00:07:19.840 I want us today to look back at James chapter 3 and move forward now in verses 17 and 18 00:07:19.839 --> 00:07:31.979 and see what will happen, see what our lives will look like when we seek and apply God-given wisdom. 00:07:32.839 --> 00:07:34.819 Now I want you to understand as we go through this, 00:07:35.179 --> 00:07:39.039 and next week we're going to go in and start our study of Proverbs, 00:07:39.699 --> 00:07:41.259 the Bible's big book of wisdom. 00:07:41.259 --> 00:07:47.860 The Bible does not try to actually define wisdom. 00:07:49.420 --> 00:07:51.199 It'll say a lot of things about wisdom, 00:07:51.699 --> 00:07:55.980 but what you really find is that the Bible describes wisdom. 00:07:57.279 --> 00:08:01.639 The Bible describes what it looks like in our lives. 00:08:01.839 --> 00:08:05.339 That's what James talked about how earthly wisdom, what it looks like in our lives. 00:08:05.339 --> 00:08:10.799 He said in one of those verses, verse 14, in verse 14 about it, 00:08:10.919 --> 00:08:14.919 you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your hearts. 00:08:15.419 --> 00:08:20.560 He goes on to talk about there'll be disorder in every vile or evil practice because of that. 00:08:22.239 --> 00:08:24.539 Earthly human wisdom can be seen. 00:08:25.120 --> 00:08:28.859 That's all there is in our lives in those kinds of ways. 00:08:29.679 --> 00:08:31.359 Well now let's look at verse 17, 00:08:31.360 --> 00:08:39.320 the kinds of things that will be true about our life when we are seeking and using God's wisdom. 00:08:40.220 --> 00:08:41.000 Verse 17, 00:08:41.940 --> 00:08:43.379 With the wisdom from above, 00:08:44.139 --> 00:08:45.080 heavenly wisdom, 00:08:45.759 --> 00:08:46.720 God-given wisdom, 00:08:47.539 --> 00:08:50.220 the wisdom from above is first pure, 00:08:50.820 --> 00:08:51.899 then peaceable, 00:08:52.800 --> 00:08:53.180 gentle, 00:08:53.980 --> 00:08:54.879 open to reason, 00:08:55.840 --> 00:08:57.659 full of mercy and good fruits, 00:08:58.620 --> 00:09:00.860 impartial and sincere. 00:09:01.360 --> 00:09:08.480 And a harvest of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace. 00:09:09.639 --> 00:09:12.919 The first characteristic of God-given wisdom 00:09:12.919 --> 00:09:19.759 is also the first priority that James gives here. 00:09:20.000 --> 00:09:20.740 It's purity, 00:09:21.139 --> 00:09:24.440 or he uses the word just pure here in the ESV. 00:09:24.560 --> 00:09:27.220 But the wisdom from above is first pure. 00:09:27.220 --> 00:09:29.779 It means it's undefiled, 00:09:30.660 --> 00:09:31.399 it's clean. 00:09:31.779 --> 00:09:34.180 The person who lives according to God's wisdom, 00:09:35.340 --> 00:09:41.040 they'll demonstrate it by the morally pure life that they live, 00:09:41.500 --> 00:09:44.500 that they demonstrate in their character just who they are, 00:09:45.340 --> 00:09:46.680 and in the things that they do. 00:09:46.679 --> 00:09:48.679 Such purity, 00:09:48.679 --> 00:09:49.179 such purity, 00:09:50.019 --> 00:09:51.319 as James is describing here, 00:09:51.719 --> 00:09:54.879 will free us from the bitter jealousy and selfish ambition 00:09:54.879 --> 00:09:57.939 that will come, 00:09:58.039 --> 00:09:58.679 that often comes, 00:10:00.379 --> 00:10:05.039 when we just do our best to figure things out with our earthly wisdom. 00:10:05.039 --> 00:10:06.679 Now, 00:10:06.740 --> 00:10:08.579 the purity that James is talking about 00:10:08.579 --> 00:10:11.159 can only be experienced in the life of a person 00:10:11.159 --> 00:10:12.519 who has a right relationship with God. 00:10:13.319 --> 00:10:14.439 If you're not a Christian, 00:10:15.439 --> 00:10:17.319 you're not going to be able to 00:10:17.319 --> 00:10:21.419 have this God-given wisdom 00:10:21.419 --> 00:10:25.219 that enables you to live this clean and morally pure life 00:10:25.220 --> 00:10:27.980 until you acknowledge that 00:10:27.980 --> 00:10:30.060 you're not right with God, 00:10:30.700 --> 00:10:31.720 turn from your sin, 00:10:32.080 --> 00:10:34.019 and put your faith and trust in Jesus Christ 00:10:34.019 --> 00:10:35.300 for your salvation. 00:10:36.340 --> 00:10:37.600 But when you do that, 00:10:37.700 --> 00:10:38.879 God will forgive you, 00:10:39.139 --> 00:10:40.279 He will cleanse you, 00:10:40.480 --> 00:10:41.899 He will make you His child, 00:10:42.460 --> 00:10:44.460 and He will give you His wisdom 00:10:44.460 --> 00:10:45.620 if you'll ask for it, 00:10:46.160 --> 00:10:47.660 if you'll seek it, 00:10:48.660 --> 00:10:50.040 and be willing to use it. 00:10:50.039 --> 00:10:52.860 But James is writing to Christians, 00:10:53.059 --> 00:10:55.819 and that's what the majority of us are in here this morning. 00:10:56.839 --> 00:10:58.319 So what we need to think about is this. 00:10:58.579 --> 00:10:59.439 As a Christian, 00:11:01.000 --> 00:11:05.620 there's a lot of times when I don't live the pure life 00:11:05.620 --> 00:11:09.360 that Jesus expects me to live, 00:11:09.459 --> 00:11:11.699 calls me to live as His follower. 00:11:12.620 --> 00:11:17.959 We all know we have impure desires at times. 00:11:17.960 --> 00:11:23.500 We have temptations to say things and do things 00:11:23.500 --> 00:11:25.480 that are just the opposite of this moral purity. 00:11:26.300 --> 00:11:28.840 And we give in to those desires more often than we want, 00:11:28.920 --> 00:11:29.200 don't we? 00:11:29.400 --> 00:11:30.379 Than we would like to admit. 00:11:31.080 --> 00:11:32.759 We give in to those temptations. 00:11:34.060 --> 00:11:35.700 And we need to acknowledge that. 00:11:36.820 --> 00:11:38.500 And we also need to understand that 00:11:38.500 --> 00:11:45.200 when there is such moral impurity in us, 00:11:45.400 --> 00:11:46.400 about us, 00:11:46.399 --> 00:11:49.100 it hinders our fellowship with God. 00:11:50.500 --> 00:11:55.559 The Spirit of God is grieved by such in our lives, 00:11:56.079 --> 00:12:00.759 by such thoughts that we dwell on and then act on. 00:12:01.679 --> 00:12:02.659 And the Spirit of God, 00:12:02.840 --> 00:12:04.459 who indwells every Christian, 00:12:04.740 --> 00:12:05.799 when this is true about us, 00:12:06.579 --> 00:12:08.500 He'll make us uneasy about ourselves. 00:12:09.340 --> 00:12:11.620 He'll convict us of that sin. 00:12:11.620 --> 00:12:17.519 He'll cause us to not be able to rest easy with it, 00:12:18.060 --> 00:12:20.779 to be comfortable, to be happy in it. 00:12:21.179 --> 00:12:25.879 Because it's His job to call us to the point of being miserable, 00:12:26.539 --> 00:12:27.299 being guilty, 00:12:27.720 --> 00:12:29.639 so that we will confess that sin, 00:12:30.440 --> 00:12:31.320 turn from it, 00:12:31.820 --> 00:12:32.560 be forgiven, 00:12:33.159 --> 00:12:35.440 and experience a new cleansing. 00:12:35.440 --> 00:12:38.860 The book of 1 John, chapter 1, verse 9, 00:12:39.000 --> 00:12:39.960 talks about this. 00:12:40.140 --> 00:12:42.600 This is a verse of Scripture that all of us need to know, 00:12:43.380 --> 00:12:46.080 need to utilize a lot. 00:12:46.900 --> 00:12:48.140 If we confess our sins, 00:12:48.560 --> 00:12:51.340 He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, 00:12:51.900 --> 00:12:56.400 and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 00:12:56.399 --> 00:12:59.579 You know, if you came in here this morning, 00:13:00.840 --> 00:13:07.519 and there is in your life things that you know don't please God, 00:13:08.840 --> 00:13:14.079 it may even fall under the category of moral filth. 00:13:15.419 --> 00:13:17.279 Maybe things that you're just, 00:13:17.360 --> 00:13:18.819 just the attitude that you have, 00:13:20.500 --> 00:13:23.480 the fantasies you entertain, 00:13:23.480 --> 00:13:27.779 or it could just be the language that you're using. 00:13:29.980 --> 00:13:31.639 If you came in this way, 00:13:32.639 --> 00:13:35.899 and the Spirit of God is really convicting you of it now. 00:13:36.899 --> 00:13:37.920 I mean, you know it's wrong, 00:13:37.980 --> 00:13:40.279 and you're tired of doing this, 00:13:40.539 --> 00:13:41.460 being this way, 00:13:42.080 --> 00:13:43.180 dishonoring God, 00:13:43.259 --> 00:13:44.740 and probably some people in your life. 00:13:45.639 --> 00:13:48.340 If you will honestly confess your sin, 00:13:50.180 --> 00:13:51.580 agree with God about it, 00:13:51.580 --> 00:13:54.220 ask Him to help you to stop it, 00:13:54.400 --> 00:13:55.420 to turn from it. 00:13:56.460 --> 00:13:57.620 He will forgive you. 00:13:58.520 --> 00:14:00.560 He'll cleanse that filth. 00:14:01.900 --> 00:14:04.500 He will give you a fresh start this morning. 00:14:04.740 --> 00:14:05.000 You. 00:14:06.120 --> 00:14:07.139 No matter what it is, 00:14:07.680 --> 00:14:10.420 God will forgive you, 00:14:10.920 --> 00:14:11.700 cleanse you, 00:14:12.080 --> 00:14:14.200 and restore you to fellowship with Him 00:14:14.200 --> 00:14:16.000 if you will come to Him this way. 00:14:16.000 --> 00:14:20.320 Once we have been purified by the Lord Jesus Christ, 00:14:21.120 --> 00:14:23.679 the Holy Spirit will work in us 00:14:23.679 --> 00:14:25.679 to give us desires 00:14:25.679 --> 00:14:29.279 to maintain a pure heart, 00:14:29.820 --> 00:14:31.179 a pure mind, 00:14:31.820 --> 00:14:34.679 so that we can live in right fellowship with God 00:14:34.679 --> 00:14:38.379 and in right relationships with other people. 00:14:38.379 --> 00:14:40.679 So just think, 00:14:41.379 --> 00:14:43.980 am I demonstrating that 00:14:43.980 --> 00:14:47.939 I have and use God-given wisdom 00:14:47.939 --> 00:14:52.200 by the not morally perfect, 00:14:53.580 --> 00:14:54.740 but by the purity 00:14:54.740 --> 00:14:57.379 that I desire 00:14:57.379 --> 00:15:01.379 and the purity that I seek to maintain 00:15:01.899 --> 00:15:04.120 just on a daily basis? 00:15:04.120 --> 00:15:07.019 Look at the next characteristic 00:15:07.019 --> 00:15:08.519 of someone who lives 00:15:08.519 --> 00:15:09.659 according to God's wisdom. 00:15:10.779 --> 00:15:11.419 Peaceable. 00:15:12.620 --> 00:15:15.000 Some translations say peace-loving, 00:15:15.679 --> 00:15:16.860 but it's describing someone 00:15:16.860 --> 00:15:19.080 who does more than just loves peace. 00:15:19.919 --> 00:15:21.139 It's describing someone 00:15:21.139 --> 00:15:22.679 who wants to be, 00:15:22.799 --> 00:15:25.039 seeks to be a peacemaker. 00:15:25.980 --> 00:15:28.840 That means they try to preserve peace 00:15:28.840 --> 00:15:30.680 where it already exists, 00:15:30.680 --> 00:15:33.620 and it also means they work for peace. 00:15:34.120 --> 00:15:35.879 For it does not. 00:15:36.179 --> 00:15:37.679 They try to bring it about. 00:15:39.620 --> 00:15:41.539 James is not describing someone 00:15:41.539 --> 00:15:43.419 who has this attitude, 00:15:44.679 --> 00:15:47.379 well, I'm just sort of going to close my eyes. 00:15:48.220 --> 00:15:49.799 I'm not going to notice things. 00:15:49.860 --> 00:15:50.779 I'm not going to say anything. 00:15:51.039 --> 00:15:53.279 I'm just going to sort of go along to get along 00:15:53.279 --> 00:15:55.100 so there will be peace. 00:15:55.779 --> 00:15:59.299 That's not what he has in mind at all. 00:15:59.299 --> 00:16:02.159 The goal of peacemaking, 00:16:02.339 --> 00:16:03.419 or being peaceable, 00:16:04.539 --> 00:16:06.919 is not to live like the old man 00:16:06.919 --> 00:16:09.719 who celebrated his 50th wedding anniversary, 00:16:10.259 --> 00:16:12.959 and when asked what was the key to his success, 00:16:13.759 --> 00:16:15.359 he explained it like this. 00:16:16.159 --> 00:16:16.579 He said, 00:16:16.580 --> 00:16:17.420 when we got married, 00:16:17.420 --> 00:16:19.400 my wife and I made this agreement. 00:16:20.160 --> 00:16:22.440 When she was bothered about anything, 00:16:23.120 --> 00:16:25.160 she could just speak up, 00:16:25.780 --> 00:16:26.780 tell me about it, 00:16:27.040 --> 00:16:28.220 say what was on her mind, 00:16:28.460 --> 00:16:30.000 not hold anything in. 00:16:31.740 --> 00:16:32.720 And then, 00:16:33.300 --> 00:16:34.940 when I was upset about something, 00:16:35.580 --> 00:16:37.840 I would take a long walk. 00:16:37.840 --> 00:16:40.420 And as the man talked, 00:16:40.500 --> 00:16:41.139 he paused, 00:16:41.540 --> 00:16:42.100 and he said, 00:16:43.040 --> 00:16:45.560 I suppose you contribute our happy marriage 00:16:45.560 --> 00:16:47.820 to the fact that I have largely led 00:16:47.820 --> 00:16:49.600 an outdoor life. 00:16:52.560 --> 00:16:54.300 Now, I just read that little story, 00:16:55.300 --> 00:16:57.980 but I honestly know a couple. 00:16:59.860 --> 00:17:02.100 That was the way they made it 00:17:02.100 --> 00:17:04.340 50-something years. 00:17:04.339 --> 00:17:06.819 She vented, 00:17:08.019 --> 00:17:09.379 she ranted and raved 00:17:09.379 --> 00:17:10.059 about everything 00:17:10.059 --> 00:17:11.599 that was on her mind and heart. 00:17:13.099 --> 00:17:15.099 And he hunted and fished 00:17:15.099 --> 00:17:15.919 and played golf 00:17:15.919 --> 00:17:16.879 and did a lot of things 00:17:16.879 --> 00:17:18.039 to keep him outside 00:17:18.039 --> 00:17:19.319 and away from her. 00:17:22.079 --> 00:17:24.619 That was not the ideal marriage. 00:17:25.899 --> 00:17:28.599 That was not truly 00:17:28.599 --> 00:17:31.980 him being a peacemaker. 00:17:31.980 --> 00:17:34.599 He was a conflict avoider. 00:17:35.460 --> 00:17:36.759 Now, there are times 00:17:36.759 --> 00:17:38.539 when we all need to take a walk. 00:17:39.440 --> 00:17:40.400 Close your mouth, 00:17:41.220 --> 00:17:42.059 take a walk. 00:17:44.500 --> 00:17:46.160 It's not good, 00:17:46.259 --> 00:17:46.860 it's not healthy 00:17:46.860 --> 00:17:48.940 for us to seek fights. 00:17:50.519 --> 00:17:52.000 And if you enjoy a conflict, 00:17:52.140 --> 00:17:53.019 something's wrong with you. 00:17:54.200 --> 00:17:55.120 I mean, you're not normal 00:17:55.120 --> 00:17:56.259 if you just like 00:17:56.259 --> 00:17:59.000 a good fight with people. 00:17:59.000 --> 00:18:02.619 Our goal should always be 00:18:02.619 --> 00:18:04.559 to do what Paul told 00:18:04.559 --> 00:18:05.640 the Roman Christians. 00:18:06.480 --> 00:18:07.420 Two different statements. 00:18:07.619 --> 00:18:08.700 Look at it in Romans 12. 00:18:09.420 --> 00:18:10.200 If possible, 00:18:10.299 --> 00:18:11.440 so far as it depends on you, 00:18:11.920 --> 00:18:13.680 live peaceably with all. 00:18:14.880 --> 00:18:16.519 Notice the first two words there, 00:18:16.599 --> 00:18:17.140 if possible. 00:18:17.220 --> 00:18:18.160 It's not always possible. 00:18:18.519 --> 00:18:19.839 Some people won't let you 00:18:19.839 --> 00:18:21.539 live peaceably with them. 00:18:23.079 --> 00:18:24.359 But if possible, 00:18:25.359 --> 00:18:27.559 as far as it depends on you, 00:18:27.559 --> 00:18:31.000 live peaceably with all people. 00:18:32.159 --> 00:18:32.980 Maintain peace. 00:18:33.179 --> 00:18:33.919 Work for peace 00:18:33.919 --> 00:18:34.960 where it's not there. 00:18:35.960 --> 00:18:36.639 And then the second thing 00:18:36.639 --> 00:18:38.179 he says is in Romans 14, 00:18:38.599 --> 00:18:40.179 so then let us pursue 00:18:40.179 --> 00:18:41.839 what makes for peace 00:18:41.839 --> 00:18:45.399 and for mutual upbuilding. 00:18:47.299 --> 00:18:48.419 Paul is saying there, 00:18:48.720 --> 00:18:49.519 you be proactive. 00:18:50.399 --> 00:18:51.440 You be a peacemaker. 00:18:52.399 --> 00:18:53.379 You do the kind of things 00:18:53.379 --> 00:18:54.319 that will actually 00:18:54.319 --> 00:18:56.039 bring about peace. 00:18:56.039 --> 00:18:59.720 and mutually benefit, 00:19:00.059 --> 00:19:01.039 build up one another. 00:19:03.039 --> 00:19:03.680 Now, 00:19:04.180 --> 00:19:07.119 let's think another way 00:19:07.119 --> 00:19:08.440 that James is not 00:19:08.440 --> 00:19:09.920 talking about. 00:19:11.059 --> 00:19:12.639 He's not writing about a peace 00:19:12.639 --> 00:19:14.720 that depends on 00:19:14.720 --> 00:19:16.500 walking away 00:19:16.500 --> 00:19:17.819 from every conflict. 00:19:19.379 --> 00:19:20.779 Christian peacemakers. 00:19:20.779 --> 00:19:23.059 We're supposed to 00:19:23.059 --> 00:19:24.500 know the truth 00:19:24.500 --> 00:19:26.039 and stand for it. 00:19:27.000 --> 00:19:28.139 We're supposed to 00:19:28.139 --> 00:19:29.160 know what's right 00:19:29.160 --> 00:19:30.420 and defend 00:19:30.420 --> 00:19:31.460 that which is right. 00:19:32.779 --> 00:19:34.119 We ought to be people 00:19:34.119 --> 00:19:34.740 who are 00:19:34.740 --> 00:19:37.079 concerned about 00:19:37.079 --> 00:19:38.779 justice prevailing. 00:19:38.779 --> 00:19:39.660 peace prevailing. 00:19:42.660 --> 00:19:44.420 But just as importantly now, 00:19:45.779 --> 00:19:48.059 we need to pursue 00:19:48.059 --> 00:19:48.920 the truth, 00:19:49.119 --> 00:19:50.059 speak the truth 00:19:50.059 --> 00:19:51.700 in love. 00:19:52.980 --> 00:19:54.059 We need to 00:19:54.059 --> 00:19:55.299 do what we can 00:19:55.299 --> 00:19:56.279 to bring about peace 00:19:56.279 --> 00:19:58.960 in the right kind of way, 00:19:59.000 --> 00:19:59.779 the most positive 00:19:59.779 --> 00:20:00.559 kind of way. 00:20:00.559 --> 00:20:03.720 So let's just look now, 00:20:04.200 --> 00:20:04.619 think about 00:20:04.619 --> 00:20:05.460 our own lives. 00:20:06.460 --> 00:20:07.659 In situations 00:20:07.659 --> 00:20:08.279 that 00:20:08.279 --> 00:20:10.079 exist 00:20:10.079 --> 00:20:10.440 where there's 00:20:10.440 --> 00:20:10.919 conflict, 00:20:11.039 --> 00:20:11.419 let's say, 00:20:11.639 --> 00:20:12.519 in your home. 00:20:13.039 --> 00:20:13.619 Sometimes there's 00:20:13.619 --> 00:20:14.399 conflict at home. 00:20:15.379 --> 00:20:15.839 Sometimes there's 00:20:15.839 --> 00:20:16.859 conflict at work. 00:20:16.960 --> 00:20:17.559 Sometimes there may be 00:20:17.559 --> 00:20:18.399 conflict at church. 00:20:19.059 --> 00:20:19.579 Sometimes there's 00:20:19.579 --> 00:20:20.200 conflict among 00:20:20.200 --> 00:20:21.079 your friends at school. 00:20:21.839 --> 00:20:22.819 When you 00:20:22.819 --> 00:20:23.859 step into 00:20:23.859 --> 00:20:24.639 a situation 00:20:24.639 --> 00:20:25.779 where there is 00:20:25.779 --> 00:20:26.359 conflict, 00:20:26.359 --> 00:20:26.639 conflict, 00:20:27.240 --> 00:20:28.919 what do you 00:20:28.919 --> 00:20:30.240 bring to the table? 00:20:31.039 --> 00:20:32.039 What do you do 00:20:32.039 --> 00:20:33.059 by your presence, 00:20:33.179 --> 00:20:34.299 by your words? 00:20:35.359 --> 00:20:36.179 Do you make 00:20:36.179 --> 00:20:37.039 things worse? 00:20:38.339 --> 00:20:38.979 Do you add 00:20:38.979 --> 00:20:40.699 fuel to the flames 00:20:40.699 --> 00:20:41.899 of hostility 00:20:41.899 --> 00:20:42.979 by the things 00:20:42.979 --> 00:20:43.740 you say, 00:20:43.959 --> 00:20:44.959 the way you act? 00:20:47.000 --> 00:20:47.599 Or 00:20:47.599 --> 00:20:51.079 does your arrival 00:20:51.079 --> 00:20:52.379 just bring a sense 00:20:52.379 --> 00:20:54.000 of calm? 00:20:56.359 --> 00:20:58.359 Do your words 00:20:58.359 --> 00:21:01.119 soothe? 00:21:03.519 --> 00:21:05.459 Do your words 00:21:05.459 --> 00:21:07.199 tear down 00:21:07.199 --> 00:21:07.879 walls 00:21:07.879 --> 00:21:09.779 instead of 00:21:09.779 --> 00:21:10.679 reinforcing them? 00:21:12.099 --> 00:21:13.299 Do you have 00:21:13.299 --> 00:21:13.879 a calming 00:21:13.879 --> 00:21:14.639 influence? 00:21:15.479 --> 00:21:15.979 Do you try 00:21:15.979 --> 00:21:16.599 to have a calming 00:21:16.599 --> 00:21:17.219 influence 00:21:17.219 --> 00:21:19.219 that seeks 00:21:19.219 --> 00:21:20.079 a peaceful 00:21:20.079 --> 00:21:21.039 resolution 00:21:21.039 --> 00:21:22.579 based on 00:21:22.579 --> 00:21:23.339 what's right 00:21:23.339 --> 00:21:23.719 now, 00:21:24.839 --> 00:21:25.599 based on 00:21:25.599 --> 00:21:26.659 what will 00:21:26.659 --> 00:21:27.079 be 00:21:27.079 --> 00:21:28.279 just 00:21:28.279 --> 00:21:29.839 fair, 00:21:29.919 --> 00:21:30.179 if you want 00:21:30.179 --> 00:21:30.359 to use 00:21:30.359 --> 00:21:30.759 the word, 00:21:31.799 --> 00:21:32.299 for everybody 00:21:32.299 --> 00:21:32.879 involved? 00:21:34.799 --> 00:21:35.299 Now, 00:21:35.359 --> 00:21:35.939 the answer, 00:21:36.319 --> 00:21:36.779 whatever answer 00:21:36.779 --> 00:21:37.459 you give, 00:21:38.399 --> 00:21:38.959 reveals the 00:21:38.959 --> 00:21:39.919 kind of wisdom 00:21:39.919 --> 00:21:41.000 that you operate 00:21:41.000 --> 00:21:42.419 under in those 00:21:42.419 --> 00:21:43.199 kind of circumstances. 00:21:45.039 --> 00:21:45.799 You're not 00:21:45.799 --> 00:21:46.980 really that wise 00:21:46.980 --> 00:21:47.579 if you're just 00:21:47.579 --> 00:21:48.899 always making 00:21:48.899 --> 00:21:49.740 things worse. 00:21:51.179 --> 00:21:52.079 You're operating 00:21:52.079 --> 00:21:52.879 according to just 00:21:52.879 --> 00:21:54.359 earthly human 00:21:54.359 --> 00:21:55.139 wisdom, 00:21:55.599 --> 00:21:56.679 unspiritual, 00:21:57.119 --> 00:21:57.639 maybe even 00:21:57.639 --> 00:21:58.419 demonic at 00:21:58.419 --> 00:21:58.939 times. 00:22:01.759 --> 00:22:02.659 But if you 00:22:02.659 --> 00:22:03.439 are someone 00:22:03.439 --> 00:22:04.719 that you 00:22:04.719 --> 00:22:05.799 think and 00:22:05.799 --> 00:22:06.459 you speak 00:22:06.459 --> 00:22:07.079 and you act 00:22:07.079 --> 00:22:07.459 in a way 00:22:07.459 --> 00:22:08.579 trying to 00:22:08.579 --> 00:22:09.159 bring about 00:22:09.159 --> 00:22:10.079 peace and 00:22:10.079 --> 00:22:11.339 calm and 00:22:11.339 --> 00:22:11.939 unity, 00:22:11.939 --> 00:22:15.299 then you know 00:22:15.299 --> 00:22:17.579 you're a 00:22:17.579 --> 00:22:18.019 Christian 00:22:18.019 --> 00:22:19.399 with the 00:22:19.399 --> 00:22:20.139 Spirit of God 00:22:20.139 --> 00:22:21.339 helping you 00:22:21.339 --> 00:22:22.980 to exercise 00:22:22.980 --> 00:22:23.939 true 00:22:23.939 --> 00:22:24.819 godly 00:22:24.819 --> 00:22:25.419 wisdom. 00:22:25.619 --> 00:22:25.879 You need 00:22:25.879 --> 00:22:26.220 to thank 00:22:26.220 --> 00:22:26.720 God for 00:22:26.720 --> 00:22:27.000 that 00:22:27.000 --> 00:22:28.500 and keep 00:22:28.500 --> 00:22:29.179 on that. 00:22:30.399 --> 00:22:30.679 Another 00:22:30.679 --> 00:22:31.419 characteristic of 00:22:31.419 --> 00:22:31.859 a person who 00:22:31.859 --> 00:22:32.359 lives according 00:22:32.359 --> 00:22:32.859 to God's 00:22:32.859 --> 00:22:34.179 wisdom is 00:22:34.179 --> 00:22:34.799 according to 00:22:34.799 --> 00:22:35.419 the ESV 00:22:35.419 --> 00:22:36.419 in this verse 00:22:36.419 --> 00:22:37.339 is gentle 00:22:37.339 --> 00:22:38.819 or 00:22:38.819 --> 00:22:40.559 considerate. 00:22:41.279 --> 00:22:41.819 It's 00:22:41.819 --> 00:22:42.379 describing a 00:22:42.379 --> 00:22:42.720 person who 00:22:42.720 --> 00:22:43.159 knows 00:22:43.160 --> 00:22:45.820 when and 00:22:45.820 --> 00:22:46.380 how 00:22:46.380 --> 00:22:48.540 to make 00:22:48.540 --> 00:22:49.360 allowances 00:22:49.360 --> 00:22:50.680 for others 00:22:50.680 --> 00:22:56.600 when you 00:22:56.600 --> 00:22:57.240 could be 00:22:57.240 --> 00:22:57.960 just 00:22:57.960 --> 00:22:59.160 and just 00:22:59.160 --> 00:22:59.600 do the 00:22:59.600 --> 00:23:00.300 right thing 00:23:00.299 --> 00:23:03.879 but sometimes 00:23:03.879 --> 00:23:04.460 there's a 00:23:04.460 --> 00:23:05.480 need 00:23:05.480 --> 00:23:06.740 to show 00:23:06.740 --> 00:23:07.279 mercy. 00:23:08.279 --> 00:23:09.039 I'm not 00:23:09.039 --> 00:23:09.579 saying to 00:23:09.579 --> 00:23:10.059 approve 00:23:10.059 --> 00:23:10.779 what's wrong 00:23:10.779 --> 00:23:12.940 but to 00:23:12.940 --> 00:23:13.639 show mercy, 00:23:14.319 --> 00:23:14.759 to show 00:23:14.759 --> 00:23:15.480 grace. 00:23:18.379 --> 00:23:19.159 Aren't you 00:23:19.159 --> 00:23:19.680 glad that 00:23:19.680 --> 00:23:20.099 God didn't 00:23:20.099 --> 00:23:20.619 always give 00:23:20.619 --> 00:23:20.879 you what 00:23:20.879 --> 00:23:21.440 you deserve? 00:23:22.980 --> 00:23:23.379 That God's 00:23:23.379 --> 00:23:24.299 not always 00:23:24.299 --> 00:23:25.940 just making 00:23:25.940 --> 00:23:26.539 us reap 00:23:26.539 --> 00:23:27.220 what we sow. 00:23:28.779 --> 00:23:29.879 God shows 00:23:29.880 --> 00:23:30.780 me and 00:23:30.780 --> 00:23:31.300 I'm sure 00:23:31.300 --> 00:23:31.800 you'd have 00:23:31.800 --> 00:23:32.300 to say 00:23:32.300 --> 00:23:33.020 He shows 00:23:33.020 --> 00:23:33.760 you a lot 00:23:33.760 --> 00:23:34.600 a whole lot 00:23:34.600 --> 00:23:35.300 of grace 00:23:35.300 --> 00:23:36.800 and mercy 00:23:36.800 --> 00:23:38.480 on a regular 00:23:38.480 --> 00:23:39.060 basis. 00:23:40.700 --> 00:23:41.540 And we 00:23:41.540 --> 00:23:42.380 need to 00:23:42.380 --> 00:23:43.000 be like 00:23:43.000 --> 00:23:43.580 God in 00:23:43.580 --> 00:23:44.060 that, be 00:23:44.060 --> 00:23:44.920 godly like 00:23:44.920 --> 00:23:45.520 that and 00:23:45.520 --> 00:23:45.800 do the 00:23:45.800 --> 00:23:46.420 same thing. 00:23:47.800 --> 00:23:48.240 Here's an 00:23:48.240 --> 00:23:48.800 example of 00:23:48.800 --> 00:23:49.900 what James 00:23:49.900 --> 00:23:50.240 is talking 00:23:50.240 --> 00:23:50.800 about this 00:23:50.800 --> 00:23:51.200 kind of 00:23:51.200 --> 00:23:51.820 gentleness. 00:23:52.960 --> 00:23:53.240 Dr. 00:23:53.340 --> 00:23:53.720 William 00:23:53.720 --> 00:23:54.420 Trumbull 00:23:54.420 --> 00:23:54.880 was an 00:23:54.880 --> 00:23:55.300 English 00:23:55.300 --> 00:23:56.140 statesman. 00:23:57.920 --> 00:23:58.640 One day 00:23:58.640 --> 00:23:58.880 he was 00:23:58.880 --> 00:23:59.540 riding on a 00:23:59.539 --> 00:24:00.000 train, 00:24:01.180 --> 00:24:01.799 traveling a 00:24:01.799 --> 00:24:02.359 distance. 00:24:03.639 --> 00:24:04.240 He had 00:24:04.240 --> 00:24:04.819 his own 00:24:04.819 --> 00:24:05.039 little 00:24:05.039 --> 00:24:05.680 compartment. 00:24:05.960 --> 00:24:06.480 His seat 00:24:06.480 --> 00:24:07.019 was here 00:24:07.019 --> 00:24:07.779 and there 00:24:07.779 --> 00:24:08.279 was a seat 00:24:08.279 --> 00:24:09.220 across from 00:24:09.220 --> 00:24:10.000 him facing 00:24:10.000 --> 00:24:10.399 him. 00:24:12.119 --> 00:24:12.839 And a 00:24:12.839 --> 00:24:13.539 rough looking 00:24:13.539 --> 00:24:14.440 character that 00:24:14.440 --> 00:24:15.159 was obviously 00:24:15.159 --> 00:24:15.680 under the 00:24:15.680 --> 00:24:16.920 influence came 00:24:16.920 --> 00:24:17.480 in his little 00:24:17.480 --> 00:24:18.220 compartment and 00:24:18.220 --> 00:24:18.759 sat out in 00:24:18.759 --> 00:24:19.460 that seat right 00:24:19.460 --> 00:24:19.899 in front of 00:24:19.899 --> 00:24:21.099 him face 00:24:21.099 --> 00:24:21.639 to face. 00:24:23.079 --> 00:24:23.720 And the 00:24:23.720 --> 00:24:24.220 man when he 00:24:24.220 --> 00:24:24.859 sat down he 00:24:24.859 --> 00:24:25.759 pulled out a 00:24:25.759 --> 00:24:28.019 bottle and he 00:24:28.019 --> 00:24:28.859 offered Trumbull 00:24:28.859 --> 00:24:29.539 a drink. 00:24:30.539 --> 00:24:31.319 Well Trumbull 00:24:31.319 --> 00:24:32.339 just responded 00:24:32.339 --> 00:24:34.740 calmly, no 00:24:34.740 --> 00:24:36.319 thank you, I 00:24:36.319 --> 00:24:36.899 don't drink. 00:24:38.539 --> 00:24:39.259 Well the man 00:24:39.259 --> 00:24:39.740 took a drink 00:24:39.740 --> 00:24:40.459 himself, put the 00:24:40.459 --> 00:24:42.419 bottle up, but 00:24:42.419 --> 00:24:42.919 over the next 00:24:42.919 --> 00:24:44.939 hour he pulled 00:24:44.939 --> 00:24:45.659 that bottle out 00:24:45.659 --> 00:24:47.959 several times and 00:24:47.959 --> 00:24:49.539 each time he 00:24:49.539 --> 00:24:50.579 offered Trumbull 00:24:50.579 --> 00:24:52.759 a drink and 00:24:52.759 --> 00:24:53.819 each time Trumbull 00:24:53.819 --> 00:24:55.759 just calmly, 00:24:56.839 --> 00:24:58.139 matter of factly 00:24:58.139 --> 00:24:59.279 gave that same 00:24:59.279 --> 00:24:59.919 response, no 00:24:59.919 --> 00:25:00.480 thank you, I 00:25:00.480 --> 00:25:00.899 don't drink. 00:25:01.980 --> 00:25:02.700 Well finally it 00:25:02.700 --> 00:25:03.200 made the man 00:25:03.200 --> 00:25:05.220 mad and he 00:25:05.220 --> 00:25:05.819 just looked at 00:25:05.819 --> 00:25:07.439 Trumbull and he 00:25:07.439 --> 00:25:08.319 said I guess you 00:25:08.319 --> 00:25:09.039 think I'm just a 00:25:09.039 --> 00:25:10.119 nothing but just a 00:25:10.119 --> 00:25:12.039 drunk and you 00:25:12.039 --> 00:25:12.439 think you're a 00:25:12.439 --> 00:25:12.939 whole lot better 00:25:12.939 --> 00:25:13.419 than me. 00:25:15.500 --> 00:25:16.319 And Trumbull 00:25:16.319 --> 00:25:17.399 again just so 00:25:17.399 --> 00:25:18.619 calm and cool 00:25:18.619 --> 00:25:21.459 Trumbull replied 00:25:21.459 --> 00:25:23.859 on the contrary, I 00:25:23.859 --> 00:25:24.579 think you're a 00:25:24.579 --> 00:25:25.699 very generous 00:25:25.699 --> 00:25:26.599 man. 00:25:27.859 --> 00:25:28.799 And the person 00:25:28.799 --> 00:25:29.439 who observed 00:25:29.439 --> 00:25:31.539 this said that 00:25:31.539 --> 00:25:33.299 that old man, it 00:25:33.299 --> 00:25:34.799 just melted him. 00:25:36.259 --> 00:25:37.459 His hostility went 00:25:37.459 --> 00:25:37.839 away. 00:25:38.959 --> 00:25:39.759 He quit drinking. 00:25:41.079 --> 00:25:43.199 He started talking 00:25:43.199 --> 00:25:43.899 to Trumbull, 00:25:43.900 --> 00:25:46.220 talking about 00:25:46.220 --> 00:25:47.320 himself and his 00:25:47.320 --> 00:25:50.440 life and why 00:25:50.440 --> 00:25:50.940 he was in the 00:25:50.940 --> 00:25:51.680 situation he was 00:25:51.680 --> 00:25:53.080 in and Trumbull 00:25:53.080 --> 00:25:55.200 listened and took 00:25:55.200 --> 00:25:56.120 him seriously. 00:25:57.160 --> 00:25:57.540 And as they 00:25:57.540 --> 00:25:58.560 traveled together 00:25:58.560 --> 00:25:59.940 Trumbull who was 00:25:59.940 --> 00:26:02.840 a Christian actually 00:26:02.840 --> 00:26:03.860 shared the gospel 00:26:03.860 --> 00:26:06.980 with this man who 00:26:06.980 --> 00:26:08.540 did put his faith 00:26:08.540 --> 00:26:10.860 in Jesus by the 00:26:10.860 --> 00:26:11.540 end of the trip. 00:26:11.539 --> 00:26:15.539 Now, a smart 00:26:15.539 --> 00:26:17.539 person or a 00:26:17.539 --> 00:26:18.740 worldly wise 00:26:18.740 --> 00:26:20.839 person would 00:26:20.839 --> 00:26:21.319 have figured out 00:26:21.319 --> 00:26:21.899 a way to get 00:26:21.899 --> 00:26:23.039 that obnoxious 00:26:23.039 --> 00:26:23.740 drunk out of 00:26:23.740 --> 00:26:24.399 their compartment. 00:26:25.680 --> 00:26:26.240 And let's just be 00:26:26.240 --> 00:26:26.619 honest. 00:26:26.799 --> 00:26:27.980 If you were there, 00:26:28.059 --> 00:26:29.019 if I was there, 00:26:29.759 --> 00:26:30.420 first thought 00:26:30.420 --> 00:26:31.359 through my mind 00:26:31.359 --> 00:26:32.460 is how can I get 00:26:32.460 --> 00:26:33.159 rid of him without 00:26:33.159 --> 00:26:33.819 having a fight? 00:26:34.720 --> 00:26:35.920 How can I get him 00:26:35.920 --> 00:26:36.420 out of here? 00:26:37.000 --> 00:26:37.799 I didn't pay this 00:26:37.799 --> 00:26:38.119 money. 00:26:38.659 --> 00:26:39.180 I don't want to be 00:26:39.180 --> 00:26:39.799 on this trip. 00:26:39.799 --> 00:26:40.579 Well, the drunk 00:26:40.579 --> 00:26:41.279 in front of me 00:26:41.279 --> 00:26:41.819 wanting me to 00:26:41.819 --> 00:26:42.680 drink with him. 00:26:44.680 --> 00:26:45.779 How do we, I'm 00:26:45.779 --> 00:26:46.119 going to find 00:26:46.119 --> 00:26:46.700 somebody to get 00:26:46.700 --> 00:26:47.019 him out. 00:26:49.000 --> 00:26:49.980 That's the normal 00:26:49.980 --> 00:26:50.279 thing. 00:26:51.000 --> 00:26:52.099 That's the smart 00:26:52.099 --> 00:26:52.480 thing. 00:26:53.539 --> 00:26:55.899 That's the earthly 00:26:55.899 --> 00:26:58.180 only wisdom way 00:26:58.180 --> 00:26:59.180 to do it. 00:26:59.180 --> 00:27:00.180 God. 00:27:00.180 --> 00:27:01.720 But this man, 00:27:02.220 --> 00:27:02.759 Trumbull, 00:27:04.259 --> 00:27:06.580 he was a godly 00:27:06.580 --> 00:27:08.880 man with godly 00:27:08.880 --> 00:27:10.940 wisdom who 00:27:10.940 --> 00:27:11.759 didn't treat that 00:27:11.759 --> 00:27:13.500 man like the man 00:27:13.500 --> 00:27:14.019 deserved, 00:27:15.019 --> 00:27:16.460 but treated him 00:27:16.460 --> 00:27:17.720 as someone like 00:27:17.720 --> 00:27:18.799 himself created in 00:27:18.799 --> 00:27:19.640 the image of God, 00:27:21.080 --> 00:27:22.240 treated him with 00:27:22.240 --> 00:27:22.880 respect, 00:27:23.900 --> 00:27:25.080 treated him with 00:27:25.079 --> 00:27:26.079 gentleness, 00:27:26.079 --> 00:27:26.099 gentleness, 00:27:26.099 --> 00:27:29.379 and it had the 00:27:29.379 --> 00:27:30.879 best outcome. 00:27:33.619 --> 00:27:34.980 We need to look at 00:27:34.980 --> 00:27:37.359 our lives and just 00:27:37.359 --> 00:27:40.839 see if there's godly 00:27:40.839 --> 00:27:43.319 wisdom coming out 00:27:43.319 --> 00:27:46.000 in not always giving 00:27:46.000 --> 00:27:46.759 somebody what they 00:27:46.759 --> 00:27:49.439 deserve, not always 00:27:49.439 --> 00:27:51.039 standing upon our own 00:27:51.039 --> 00:27:53.939 rights, but showing 00:27:53.940 --> 00:27:56.200 grace and being 00:27:56.200 --> 00:28:01.000 gentle because we 00:28:01.000 --> 00:28:02.039 are God's children 00:28:02.039 --> 00:28:03.820 and we want to 00:28:03.820 --> 00:28:05.180 love like he 00:28:05.180 --> 00:28:05.779 loves. 00:28:07.160 --> 00:28:08.259 The next one talks 00:28:08.259 --> 00:28:09.120 about being open to 00:28:09.120 --> 00:28:09.539 reason. 00:28:11.220 --> 00:28:12.320 This is the opposite 00:28:12.320 --> 00:28:13.380 of being stubborn. 00:28:13.860 --> 00:28:14.700 The NIV translates 00:28:14.700 --> 00:28:15.700 it as submissive. 00:28:16.620 --> 00:28:17.380 It describes a person 00:28:17.380 --> 00:28:18.200 who is open to 00:28:18.200 --> 00:28:19.900 reason and willing 00:28:19.900 --> 00:28:22.080 to be persuaded 00:28:22.079 --> 00:28:24.179 differently than 00:28:24.179 --> 00:28:26.159 what he or she 00:28:26.159 --> 00:28:27.019 originally thought. 00:28:28.240 --> 00:28:28.899 During the Civil 00:28:28.899 --> 00:28:31.059 War, Abraham 00:28:31.059 --> 00:28:32.019 Lincoln issued a 00:28:32.019 --> 00:28:33.639 command to 00:28:33.639 --> 00:28:35.079 transfer a certain 00:28:35.079 --> 00:28:36.819 army regiment from 00:28:36.819 --> 00:28:37.579 one place to 00:28:37.579 --> 00:28:37.980 another. 00:28:39.039 --> 00:28:39.579 Well, when his 00:28:39.579 --> 00:28:40.839 secretary of war, 00:28:41.000 --> 00:28:41.939 Edwin Stanton, 00:28:42.179 --> 00:28:42.980 received the order, 00:28:43.419 --> 00:28:44.639 he refused to carry 00:28:44.639 --> 00:28:45.879 it out and he said 00:28:45.879 --> 00:28:46.899 that Lincoln was a 00:28:46.899 --> 00:28:47.279 fool. 00:28:47.279 --> 00:28:50.359 Well, when Lincoln 00:28:50.359 --> 00:28:52.759 was told this, he 00:28:52.759 --> 00:28:54.659 replied, if Stanton 00:28:54.659 --> 00:28:56.279 said I was a fool, 00:28:56.599 --> 00:28:58.500 then I must be, for 00:28:58.500 --> 00:29:00.019 he is nearly always 00:29:00.019 --> 00:29:00.759 right. 00:29:01.719 --> 00:29:02.719 I'll see for 00:29:02.719 --> 00:29:03.240 myself. 00:29:04.519 --> 00:29:05.839 And he got together 00:29:05.839 --> 00:29:08.240 with Stanton and as 00:29:08.240 --> 00:29:09.179 they talked about it, 00:29:09.759 --> 00:29:10.719 he realized that he 00:29:10.719 --> 00:29:13.399 was totally wrong, that 00:29:13.399 --> 00:29:15.559 Stanton was right and 00:29:15.559 --> 00:29:17.979 he withdrew the order. 00:29:17.980 --> 00:29:24.220 Now, if we have a 00:29:24.220 --> 00:29:26.880 conversation and you 00:29:26.880 --> 00:29:29.579 tell me I'm a fool, I'll 00:29:29.579 --> 00:29:30.460 just be honest with you, 00:29:31.019 --> 00:29:32.360 most days I'm going to 00:29:32.360 --> 00:29:32.860 bow up. 00:29:33.900 --> 00:29:34.779 I'm not going to take 00:29:34.779 --> 00:29:35.160 it well. 00:29:37.240 --> 00:29:38.440 I'll call you a fool 00:29:38.440 --> 00:29:40.480 too for calling me a 00:29:40.480 --> 00:29:40.700 fool. 00:29:40.700 --> 00:29:45.180 Well, what James is 00:29:45.180 --> 00:29:47.839 saying is a person 00:29:47.839 --> 00:29:50.919 with godly wisdom is 00:29:50.919 --> 00:29:53.619 going to think, going 00:29:53.619 --> 00:29:55.779 to consider what they 00:29:55.779 --> 00:29:56.220 hear. 00:29:57.220 --> 00:29:58.740 It could be truthful, 00:29:58.819 --> 00:29:59.639 it could not be. 00:30:00.899 --> 00:30:01.740 And we're not going to 00:30:01.740 --> 00:30:04.980 be so defensive and 00:30:04.980 --> 00:30:06.799 think that we can never 00:30:06.799 --> 00:30:07.500 be wrong. 00:30:07.500 --> 00:30:12.920 as you just do what you 00:30:12.920 --> 00:30:14.599 do on a daily, weekly 00:30:14.599 --> 00:30:17.359 basis, do you see signs 00:30:17.359 --> 00:30:18.700 of godly wisdom in your 00:30:18.700 --> 00:30:19.180 life? 00:30:20.619 --> 00:30:21.819 Because you see this 00:30:21.819 --> 00:30:23.000 quality of being 00:30:23.000 --> 00:30:25.740 reasonable, being willing 00:30:25.740 --> 00:30:27.640 to be corrected, willing 00:30:27.640 --> 00:30:28.700 to change. 00:30:28.700 --> 00:30:33.019 the next one. 00:30:33.720 --> 00:30:35.059 Full of mercy and good 00:30:35.059 --> 00:30:35.600 fruits. 00:30:35.600 --> 00:30:38.019 A person who lives 00:30:38.019 --> 00:30:38.680 according to god's 00:30:38.680 --> 00:30:41.700 wisdom, it'll be seen 00:30:41.700 --> 00:30:42.660 because they're full of 00:30:42.660 --> 00:30:43.720 mercy and good fruits. 00:30:44.039 --> 00:30:44.980 Now, mercy is a 00:30:44.980 --> 00:30:46.180 compassionate attitude, 00:30:46.920 --> 00:30:48.720 and good fruits are the 00:30:48.720 --> 00:30:50.860 actions that flow from 00:30:50.860 --> 00:30:51.100 it. 00:30:51.099 --> 00:30:54.179 living according to god's 00:30:54.179 --> 00:30:56.139 wisdom in this kind of 00:30:56.139 --> 00:30:59.179 way means that when you 00:30:59.179 --> 00:31:01.139 see a situation and you 00:31:01.139 --> 00:31:02.240 have pity on somebody, 00:31:02.399 --> 00:31:03.240 your heart goes out to 00:31:03.240 --> 00:31:03.539 someone. 00:31:04.939 --> 00:31:08.419 You do more than just say 00:31:08.419 --> 00:31:09.699 or think, I feel sorry 00:31:09.699 --> 00:31:10.039 for them. 00:31:10.639 --> 00:31:11.959 You do more than even pray 00:31:11.959 --> 00:31:12.339 for them. 00:31:13.339 --> 00:31:14.980 You actually do something 00:31:14.980 --> 00:31:16.240 to help them. 00:31:17.439 --> 00:31:18.179 Think about how many 00:31:18.180 --> 00:31:19.360 times you've run across 00:31:19.360 --> 00:31:20.240 someone. 00:31:20.840 --> 00:31:21.539 Maybe you knew them 00:31:21.539 --> 00:31:22.259 real well, maybe you 00:31:22.259 --> 00:31:22.560 didn't. 00:31:23.259 --> 00:31:24.440 And there was, it was a 00:31:24.440 --> 00:31:25.560 situation where they had 00:31:25.560 --> 00:31:26.580 a need, there was 00:31:26.580 --> 00:31:27.500 something that you could 00:31:27.500 --> 00:31:28.980 have done, and as you 00:31:28.980 --> 00:31:30.299 saw them, you really did 00:31:30.299 --> 00:31:31.160 feel sorry for them. 00:31:32.440 --> 00:31:33.980 Your heart went out to 00:31:33.980 --> 00:31:34.200 them. 00:31:35.100 --> 00:31:36.440 And you meant to do 00:31:36.440 --> 00:31:36.779 something. 00:31:38.299 --> 00:31:39.420 But you never did. 00:31:40.539 --> 00:31:41.820 You never spoke up. 00:31:43.019 --> 00:31:44.160 You never gave them any 00:31:44.160 --> 00:31:44.440 money. 00:31:45.900 --> 00:31:47.180 You never offered to 00:31:47.180 --> 00:31:47.500 help. 00:31:48.180 --> 00:31:51.560 You just had merciful 00:31:51.560 --> 00:31:52.400 thoughts. 00:31:53.680 --> 00:31:56.259 There was no good fruit. 00:31:57.920 --> 00:31:59.440 James is telling us when 00:31:59.440 --> 00:32:00.580 we are operating according 00:32:00.580 --> 00:32:02.900 to godly wisdom, we'll 00:32:02.900 --> 00:32:04.680 not just see needs. 00:32:05.000 --> 00:32:06.880 We'll not just have a 00:32:06.880 --> 00:32:08.000 compassionate heart. 00:32:09.620 --> 00:32:11.060 We'll be moved to 00:32:11.060 --> 00:32:12.279 actually do something 00:32:12.279 --> 00:32:13.019 about it. 00:32:14.680 --> 00:32:16.440 Final characteristic of 00:32:16.440 --> 00:32:17.759 God's wisdom is, he 00:32:17.759 --> 00:32:18.940 says, impartial. 00:32:19.640 --> 00:32:21.019 Impartial and sincere. 00:32:22.220 --> 00:32:23.559 Impartial here refers to 00:32:23.559 --> 00:32:24.779 being consistent, really. 00:32:25.480 --> 00:32:26.319 Being steady. 00:32:27.720 --> 00:32:29.660 A person who is not 00:32:29.660 --> 00:32:32.019 easily turned aside, 00:32:32.319 --> 00:32:33.140 chooses a course of 00:32:33.140 --> 00:32:34.140 action and sticks with 00:32:34.140 --> 00:32:34.279 it. 00:32:35.359 --> 00:32:36.640 Sincere here could be 00:32:36.640 --> 00:32:37.339 translated without 00:32:37.339 --> 00:32:38.180 hypocrisy. 00:32:38.180 --> 00:32:39.180 impartial. 00:32:39.180 --> 00:32:39.799 It's a reference to 00:32:39.799 --> 00:32:41.220 being the real deal, to 00:32:41.220 --> 00:32:41.980 being genuine. 00:32:43.480 --> 00:32:44.279 The person who is 00:32:44.279 --> 00:32:45.700 impartial and sincere 00:32:45.700 --> 00:32:48.000 is the kind of person 00:32:48.000 --> 00:32:48.820 who does not look 00:32:48.820 --> 00:32:50.000 around to see who's 00:32:50.000 --> 00:32:52.120 looking before they 00:32:52.120 --> 00:32:52.660 act. 00:32:54.240 --> 00:32:55.299 The person who acts 00:32:55.299 --> 00:32:56.880 with impartiality and 00:32:56.880 --> 00:32:58.680 sincerity is not 00:32:58.680 --> 00:32:59.799 concerned with what the 00:32:59.799 --> 00:33:01.180 majority thinks or what 00:33:01.180 --> 00:33:02.880 the majority is doing. 00:33:02.880 --> 00:33:06.680 The person who is truly 00:33:06.680 --> 00:33:09.880 operating with godly 00:33:09.880 --> 00:33:12.800 wisdom is going to do 00:33:12.800 --> 00:33:15.500 what's right before God, 00:33:15.900 --> 00:33:17.820 what's right for that 00:33:17.820 --> 00:33:20.040 person, and then just deal 00:33:20.040 --> 00:33:21.220 with whatever comes as a 00:33:21.220 --> 00:33:21.460 result. 00:33:21.680 --> 00:33:22.680 Deal with the fallout. 00:33:24.280 --> 00:33:25.560 That's the kind of wisdom 00:33:25.560 --> 00:33:28.960 that on a regular basis, 00:33:28.960 --> 00:33:31.259 you operate according to. 00:33:33.200 --> 00:33:33.799 Impartiality. 00:33:35.400 --> 00:33:35.960 Sincerity. 00:33:37.620 --> 00:33:39.259 James tells us that these 00:33:39.259 --> 00:33:41.279 are characteristics of a 00:33:41.279 --> 00:33:42.380 person who's living with 00:33:42.380 --> 00:33:44.559 god-given wisdom, acting 00:33:44.559 --> 00:33:46.000 on god-given wisdom. 00:33:46.519 --> 00:33:47.420 And then he goes on in the 00:33:47.420 --> 00:33:48.940 last verse, verse 18, to 00:33:48.940 --> 00:33:50.559 talk about the results of 00:33:50.559 --> 00:33:51.380 living this way. 00:33:51.720 --> 00:33:52.380 Look at it again. 00:33:52.840 --> 00:33:53.840 And a harvest of 00:33:53.840 --> 00:33:55.680 righteousness is sown in 00:33:55.680 --> 00:33:58.940 peace by those who make. 00:33:58.960 --> 00:33:59.840 Peace. 00:34:00.319 --> 00:34:01.579 Most commentators say this 00:34:01.579 --> 00:34:05.720 is a proverbial saying. 00:34:06.680 --> 00:34:09.199 Something that was well 00:34:09.199 --> 00:34:10.740 known to the churches in 00:34:10.740 --> 00:34:11.679 James' day. 00:34:14.619 --> 00:34:17.920 Godly wisdom results in 00:34:17.920 --> 00:34:21.119 righteousness as well as 00:34:21.119 --> 00:34:21.539 peace. 00:34:22.659 --> 00:34:23.619 The righteousness here 00:34:23.619 --> 00:34:25.400 refers to right actions, 00:34:25.699 --> 00:34:27.059 doing the right thing, 00:34:27.059 --> 00:34:29.019 moral actions, 00:34:30.019 --> 00:34:31.519 living according to God's 00:34:31.519 --> 00:34:31.900 will. 00:34:33.920 --> 00:34:34.860 You know, if we are 00:34:34.860 --> 00:34:37.360 serious about living a 00:34:37.360 --> 00:34:39.199 Christian life and asking 00:34:39.199 --> 00:34:40.400 God to give us wisdom in 00:34:40.400 --> 00:34:41.519 our various situations, 00:34:42.340 --> 00:34:43.500 help us to know what to do, 00:34:43.719 --> 00:34:44.799 help us to know why to do, 00:34:45.799 --> 00:34:48.279 we'll be seeking to live our 00:34:48.279 --> 00:34:49.279 lives in such a way that, 00:34:50.880 --> 00:34:52.000 to the best of our knowledge, 00:34:52.000 --> 00:34:53.239 we're doing what's right 00:34:53.239 --> 00:34:55.760 before God and what's 00:34:55.760 --> 00:34:57.460 right before people, 00:34:58.460 --> 00:34:59.760 no matter what the 00:34:59.760 --> 00:35:00.780 consequences may be. 00:35:02.860 --> 00:35:04.659 James describes a person 00:35:04.659 --> 00:35:07.119 with godly wisdom, 00:35:08.199 --> 00:35:10.539 basically, as someone who is 00:35:10.539 --> 00:35:13.619 interested in, committed to 00:35:13.619 --> 00:35:15.579 living a life that they know 00:35:15.579 --> 00:35:16.760 will please God. 00:35:16.760 --> 00:35:19.840 And a person who lives this 00:35:19.840 --> 00:35:24.180 way will be trying to live 00:35:24.180 --> 00:35:26.520 in peace and harmony with 00:35:26.520 --> 00:35:27.760 everybody else around them, 00:35:27.920 --> 00:35:29.600 at least as far as it depends 00:35:29.600 --> 00:35:30.820 on them. 00:35:32.600 --> 00:35:33.880 Now, we've gone through this 00:35:33.880 --> 00:35:36.140 passage, verses 13 through 18, 00:35:36.220 --> 00:35:37.300 over three weeks now. 00:35:38.280 --> 00:35:39.680 What have you learned about 00:35:39.680 --> 00:35:40.180 yourself? 00:35:41.020 --> 00:35:41.860 If you're here for the first 00:35:41.860 --> 00:35:44.220 time, read verses 13 through 18, 00:35:44.219 --> 00:35:47.879 and then think, do I just 00:35:47.879 --> 00:35:50.939 on a regular basis, do I live 00:35:50.939 --> 00:35:52.639 according to earthly human 00:35:52.639 --> 00:35:53.199 wisdom? 00:35:54.719 --> 00:35:58.119 Or do I live according to 00:35:58.119 --> 00:36:01.439 heavenly God-given wisdom? 00:36:03.019 --> 00:36:04.419 Which do you prefer? 00:36:06.359 --> 00:36:07.980 That's a legitimate question 00:36:07.980 --> 00:36:11.219 because James says in chapter 00:36:11.219 --> 00:36:13.419 one, if you lack wisdom, all 00:36:13.420 --> 00:36:14.720 you have to do is ask God. 00:36:15.380 --> 00:36:17.320 James is talking about knowing 00:36:17.320 --> 00:36:18.680 how to live in the midst of 00:36:18.680 --> 00:36:20.880 life's hardships, difficulties. 00:36:21.700 --> 00:36:23.119 He says, if you ask wisdom, ask 00:36:23.119 --> 00:36:23.420 God. 00:36:24.000 --> 00:36:24.940 Lack wisdom, ask God. 00:36:24.980 --> 00:36:26.220 Look at it, James 1, verse 5, 00:36:26.280 --> 00:36:27.099 first part of verse 6. 00:36:27.659 --> 00:36:29.180 If any of you lacks wisdom, 00:36:29.780 --> 00:36:31.380 let him ask God who gives 00:36:31.380 --> 00:36:34.619 generously to all without 00:36:34.619 --> 00:36:35.320 reproach. 00:36:35.579 --> 00:36:36.880 And it will be given to him. 00:36:37.880 --> 00:36:41.519 But let him ask in faith with 00:36:41.519 --> 00:36:43.159 no doubting. 00:36:45.159 --> 00:36:46.300 You know, what James is saying 00:36:46.300 --> 00:36:47.400 here is not a one-time 00:36:47.400 --> 00:36:48.840 request. 00:36:50.739 --> 00:36:53.820 We need to make it a habit of 00:36:53.820 --> 00:36:56.820 asking God to give us wisdom, 00:36:57.820 --> 00:36:59.820 to be the kind of person we need 00:36:59.820 --> 00:37:02.239 to be in our home, on our job, 00:37:02.300 --> 00:37:04.719 at school, in this church, just 00:37:04.719 --> 00:37:05.860 wherever it is that we go. 00:37:06.079 --> 00:37:07.619 We need to ask God to give us 00:37:07.619 --> 00:37:10.139 wisdom, to be able to see, to be 00:37:10.139 --> 00:37:11.859 able to understand, to be able 00:37:11.859 --> 00:37:13.179 to make decisions that would 00:37:13.179 --> 00:37:16.039 please him, that would bring 00:37:16.039 --> 00:37:17.579 glory to him, our ultimate goal 00:37:17.579 --> 00:37:20.480 in life, but also would truly 00:37:20.480 --> 00:37:22.539 help people, meet people's needs. 00:37:23.259 --> 00:37:25.219 And in the process of doing this, 00:37:25.779 --> 00:37:27.920 we'll be blessed. 00:37:27.920 --> 00:37:31.180 I want to ask you this morning, 00:37:32.180 --> 00:37:36.920 do you want to experience, be able 00:37:36.920 --> 00:37:39.320 to use God's wisdom? 00:37:41.220 --> 00:37:42.280 We'll ask you. 00:37:43.099 --> 00:37:44.700 Scripture says he'll give it to us 00:37:44.700 --> 00:37:48.340 and the results will be seen very 00:37:48.340 --> 00:37:50.599 clearly in our lives. 00:37:51.280 --> 00:37:51.940 Let's pray together. 00:37:53.340 --> 00:37:55.240 Dear God, show us right now what we 00:37:55.240 --> 00:37:56.940 should do in response to what you've 00:37:56.940 --> 00:37:57.679 said to us. 00:37:59.240 --> 00:38:00.700 That's what we desire, Father. 00:38:01.960 --> 00:38:03.179 We've heard your word. 00:38:04.059 --> 00:38:05.360 Help us now to obey it. 00:38:05.760 --> 00:38:07.019 Show us what that means. 00:38:08.200 --> 00:38:09.400 And in an attitude of prayer, you 00:38:09.400 --> 00:38:10.659 listen to the Lord and you respond 00:38:10.659 --> 00:38:11.019 to him. 00:38:11.960 --> 00:38:13.539 If I could pray with you, help you, 00:38:13.720 --> 00:38:15.000 I'll be here at the front for the 00:38:15.000 --> 00:38:16.420 next few minutes. 00:38:16.420 --> 00:38:16.519 Thank you.