WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:08.140 Go ahead and take a copy of God's Word and open to James chapter 3, verse 13, picking right up where we left off from last week. 00:00:08.140 --> 00:00:08.160 ! 00:00:30.000 --> 00:00:40.200 And we'll say again, James is laying out a series of tests that aid the church in discerning true faith apart from false faith. 00:00:40.200 --> 00:00:47.079 And in one word, the difference between these faiths, the false faith and the true faith, is fruit. 00:00:47.900 --> 00:00:53.640 True faith produces good fruit and false faith produces bad fruit. 00:00:53.640 --> 00:01:02.399 This week, James is going to give us a wisdom test to discern true faith apart from false faith. 00:01:02.500 --> 00:01:09.180 He's going to contrast the wisdom of God and his kingdom with the wisdom of the kingdom of darkness. 00:01:09.180 --> 00:01:15.079 So looking at James chapter 3, verse 13, James writes, 00:01:15.079 --> 00:01:18.939 Who is wise in understanding among you? 00:01:18.939 --> 00:01:26.340 By his good conduct, let him show his works in the meekness of wisdom. 00:01:27.420 --> 00:01:35.599 But if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast and be false to the truth. 00:01:36.459 --> 00:01:42.680 This is not the wisdom that comes down from above, but is earthly, unspiritual, and demonic. 00:01:42.680 --> 00:01:50.600 For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder in every vile practice. 00:01:51.720 --> 00:02:03.940 But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere. 00:02:04.600 --> 00:02:10.580 And a harvest of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace. 00:02:10.580 --> 00:02:16.540 So the first part of our outline is to recognize that true wisdom is doing. 00:02:16.660 --> 00:02:21.620 And all I mean by that is that true wisdom is found in action or in doing something. 00:02:21.939 --> 00:02:25.400 And we'll see what wisdom is doing momentarily. 00:02:25.540 --> 00:02:28.980 But for now, true wisdom is doing. 00:02:29.140 --> 00:02:31.380 Verse 13, he starts off with a question. 00:02:31.800 --> 00:02:34.260 Who is wise in understanding among you? 00:02:34.259 --> 00:02:41.780 Right at the outset of this new train of thought, James is concerned with knowing and doing. 00:02:42.899 --> 00:02:49.599 The Greek word for understanding carries the idea of one who is knowledgeable, skilled in an area. 00:02:49.840 --> 00:02:49.939 Right? 00:02:49.979 --> 00:02:52.799 This person knows his X's and his O's. 00:02:53.680 --> 00:02:57.959 Part of what James is asking then is, who among you knows his stuff? 00:02:58.039 --> 00:03:02.219 And I think it is obvious he's referring to true knowledge of God. 00:03:02.219 --> 00:03:03.159 You might say theology. 00:03:03.319 --> 00:03:05.879 Who knows God and knows his word? 00:03:05.979 --> 00:03:08.500 Who has understanding among you? 00:03:09.879 --> 00:03:11.680 But the other part of the question is this. 00:03:11.780 --> 00:03:14.699 Who is wise among you? 00:03:14.759 --> 00:03:17.319 The Greek word for wisdom is sophos. 00:03:17.379 --> 00:03:26.039 This word does not necessarily refer to one who is knowledgeable, but rather it refers to one who acts according to knowledge. 00:03:27.000 --> 00:03:27.180 Okay? 00:03:27.240 --> 00:03:28.680 So a simple example would be this. 00:03:28.680 --> 00:03:35.939 If you know that sleeping in today will cost you your job, so you get up and go to work, you've acted wisely in light of your knowledge. 00:03:35.939 --> 00:03:42.260 But if you sleep in and lose your job with the same knowledge, well, that's not very wise. 00:03:42.920 --> 00:03:46.180 So the knowledge is the same, but the action is different. 00:03:46.420 --> 00:03:47.159 The one is wise. 00:03:47.260 --> 00:03:49.360 The one is unwise. 00:03:49.360 --> 00:03:58.720 So today we often think of knowledge and wisdom as synonymous, but not so with James or the Greco-Roman world. 00:03:59.660 --> 00:04:07.080 In many ways, he is basically reiterating that idea of one who hears and does from chapter 1, verse 22. 00:04:07.200 --> 00:04:13.140 The one who hears is understanding, and the one who does is wise. 00:04:13.139 --> 00:04:26.300 In fact, because James has hit this idea in so many ways already in his epistle, he gives a perfect illustration of the importance of acting in wisdom upon having knowledge. 00:04:26.539 --> 00:04:32.439 He mocks the unwise among his audience by saying in chapter 2, verse 19, he says, 00:04:32.439 --> 00:04:36.759 You believe that God is one, you do well. 00:04:37.000 --> 00:04:41.519 You believe in monotheism, a big idea, a big unique idea for Judaism. 00:04:42.300 --> 00:04:44.660 You believe God is one, you do well. 00:04:45.300 --> 00:04:48.720 So James is acknowledging that they have arrived at truth. 00:04:48.819 --> 00:04:53.720 There is something they know and understand that is true and necessary to know, good to know. 00:04:54.220 --> 00:04:56.339 But James goes on in verse 19 and says, 00:04:56.339 --> 00:04:59.759 Even the demons believe and shudder. 00:04:59.759 --> 00:05:03.060 So even these demons have this knowledge. 00:05:03.159 --> 00:05:09.659 The demons know God is one, and yet look at how they live is the point. 00:05:09.740 --> 00:05:11.379 They are unwise. 00:05:14.019 --> 00:05:16.099 And that is why they shudder. 00:05:16.199 --> 00:05:19.740 They are hearers, but they are not doers. 00:05:21.159 --> 00:05:26.659 So as believers, we need to be wise and act in light of our knowledge. 00:05:26.759 --> 00:05:29.019 So what does that look like according to James? 00:05:29.019 --> 00:05:33.019 Well, we are going to answer that question more in depth with our third point. 00:05:33.819 --> 00:05:37.359 But James gives us a foretaste in the second half of verse 13. 00:05:38.299 --> 00:05:40.459 He is referring to the wise among his audience. 00:05:40.579 --> 00:05:41.159 And he says, 00:05:42.339 --> 00:05:44.399 By his, so by the wise man's, right? 00:05:44.740 --> 00:05:46.019 By the wise man's good conduct. 00:05:47.299 --> 00:05:52.060 Let him show his works in the meekness of wisdom. 00:05:52.060 --> 00:05:59.300 So in English, this might sound like a helpful encouragement or a gentle nod in the right direction for someone to start. 00:06:00.199 --> 00:06:02.079 But in Greek, this is a commandment. 00:06:02.139 --> 00:06:02.879 It's in the imperative. 00:06:03.019 --> 00:06:04.560 There's no option. 00:06:05.360 --> 00:06:09.120 He's telling you, if you are wise, then do this. 00:06:09.120 --> 00:06:19.280 So if there are truly any wise among us, then those people will show their wisdom in two things according to verse 13. 00:06:19.459 --> 00:06:20.800 First being good works. 00:06:21.600 --> 00:06:24.780 And the second is in humility or meekness. 00:06:24.779 --> 00:06:30.599 So the word for good in our text could also be translated as beautiful. 00:06:30.839 --> 00:06:32.279 And I love that picture. 00:06:32.399 --> 00:06:33.159 It would read like this. 00:06:33.239 --> 00:06:37.919 Let him show out of his beautiful way of life could be another translation. 00:06:38.899 --> 00:06:43.919 It sounds like that idea of wholeness that we've been talking about throughout the book of James. 00:06:43.920 --> 00:06:47.400 I've asked you all to do this before and I'll ask again. 00:06:47.520 --> 00:06:53.699 Just imagine what it would look like for your way of life to be described as beautiful. 00:06:55.280 --> 00:07:02.540 Only those who have understanding and wisdom can live this life, the truly good life. 00:07:03.860 --> 00:07:06.520 Our good works then are known by the church. 00:07:06.620 --> 00:07:09.340 They are beautiful and good in the sight of the church. 00:07:09.339 --> 00:07:17.239 They are not something we produce on Sunday mornings alone, but it is something we are doing 24-7. 00:07:17.399 --> 00:07:20.459 It is a characteristic of our life. 00:07:20.560 --> 00:07:26.459 We don't do it perfectly, but by grace and always growing more and more in this way, by grace. 00:07:28.279 --> 00:07:33.639 And the other area that wisdom would reveal itself in is in meekness or humility. 00:07:34.479 --> 00:07:38.379 Okay, so we show it in good works and now we show it in meekness and humility. 00:07:38.379 --> 00:07:41.199 What then is meekness? 00:07:41.279 --> 00:07:44.719 Well, it carries the idea of one who is gentle. 00:07:45.040 --> 00:07:56.180 We might be tempted to see this as a potential weakness, but the term specifically denotes one who is in power but has no need to demonstrate that power in every instance. 00:07:57.139 --> 00:08:00.540 It's getting against the idea of one who likes to lord over their power. 00:08:01.480 --> 00:08:02.699 This person is meek. 00:08:02.699 --> 00:08:09.060 Moses was described as meek throughout the Old Testament and as was Jesus throughout the Gospels. 00:08:09.060 --> 00:08:15.079 So we definitely would not consider Moses or Jesus to be weak, but meek. 00:08:16.519 --> 00:08:28.360 In fact, Dr. John MacArthur, who pastors in California, notes in his commentary that this word was often used as an adjective to describe a wild horse that was broken and made useful to its owner. 00:08:28.360 --> 00:08:31.660 So you get that imagery of a powerful animal, right? 00:08:31.680 --> 00:08:34.060 A bigger animal than you, and yet it's controlled. 00:08:34.220 --> 00:08:34.659 It's tamed. 00:08:34.720 --> 00:08:39.600 It doesn't need to use all its energy, all its strength at all times. 00:08:39.600 --> 00:08:39.680 Meekness. 00:08:42.519 --> 00:08:47.220 I like to think a modern equivalent is a gentle giant, if you have heard that expression. 00:08:47.340 --> 00:08:50.560 Meekness would be somewhere in that ballpark. 00:08:51.519 --> 00:08:58.360 So this word also, with it, carries the idea of humility, and this is especially true in the book of James. 00:08:58.360 --> 00:09:01.759 We saw in chapter 1, verse 21, where James says, 00:09:01.879 --> 00:09:12.519 Therefore, put away all filthiness and rampant wickedness, and receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls. 00:09:13.320 --> 00:09:19.639 This is a common Old Testament teaching that the Lord teaches and saves the humble or the meek. 00:09:19.639 --> 00:09:22.059 Psalm 25, verse 9 says, 00:09:22.600 --> 00:09:28.059 God leads the humble in what is right and teaches the humble his way. 00:09:28.179 --> 00:09:29.419 Proverbs 11, 2, 00:09:29.419 --> 00:09:35.860 When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom. 00:09:36.819 --> 00:09:37.939 In Proverbs 22, 4, 00:09:38.319 --> 00:09:41.419 Humility is the fear of the Lord. 00:09:42.220 --> 00:09:45.080 Its wages are riches and honor and life. 00:09:47.100 --> 00:09:48.259 So wisdom is doing. 00:09:48.360 --> 00:09:48.899 What is it doing? 00:09:48.899 --> 00:09:52.779 It is doing good and beautiful deeds in the sight of the Lord. 00:09:52.959 --> 00:09:59.379 Not things that you and I deem to be good and beautiful, but what God deems good and beautiful. 00:09:59.559 --> 00:10:05.019 And more than that, it is doing these things in a spirit of humility and meekness. 00:10:05.100 --> 00:10:12.139 Not being boastful of your good works, but being humbled by the fact that God's grace is at work in your life. 00:10:12.139 --> 00:10:19.659 Now, James is going to tell us more concretely what that specifically looks like at the end of our text. 00:10:20.460 --> 00:10:24.740 But before we get there, he is warning the church of false wisdom. 00:10:24.740 --> 00:10:27.199 We are going to see this wisdom described, right? 00:10:27.259 --> 00:10:28.419 We're going to see its effects. 00:10:28.519 --> 00:10:31.120 We're going to see where it comes from. 00:10:31.120 --> 00:10:36.299 And this is not a random rant in the middle of what James is saying. 00:10:36.379 --> 00:10:42.539 Rather, this is a warning we need to heed because there is false wisdom all around us. 00:10:42.539 --> 00:10:45.379 In the world, it's in churches, it's being taught everywhere. 00:10:45.379 --> 00:10:51.059 And we need to be wise and discerning so as to not fall prey to that evil. 00:10:52.259 --> 00:10:56.840 So the next part of our outline this morning, we're going to see the nature of false wisdom. 00:10:56.960 --> 00:10:59.639 The nature of false wisdom. 00:11:00.700 --> 00:11:03.899 So looking back at verses 14 through 15, James writes, 00:11:04.899 --> 00:11:13.340 But if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast and be false to the truth. 00:11:13.340 --> 00:11:19.920 This is not the wisdom that comes down from above, but is earthly, unspiritual, and demonic. 00:11:21.639 --> 00:11:28.340 So James' description of this false wisdom is that it innately has bitter jealousy and selfish ambition. 00:11:29.120 --> 00:11:32.480 Not only this, but the person who is this way will deny it. 00:11:33.040 --> 00:11:36.519 This person is in denial of his jealousy and ambition. 00:11:37.720 --> 00:11:40.639 And notice how self-serving these descriptions are. 00:11:40.639 --> 00:11:45.980 This person has jealousy, meaning he wants something or someone that he does not have. 00:11:46.080 --> 00:11:49.340 This jealousy is so strong that it has embittered him. 00:11:49.899 --> 00:11:55.580 He's angry with others, and he's angry in general over what he does not have. 00:11:56.759 --> 00:11:59.139 This person has selfish ambitions. 00:11:59.399 --> 00:12:03.819 Notice that James intentionally does not say what the ambitions are. 00:12:03.820 --> 00:12:09.640 All he tells us is that they are self-serving, which frankly could be anything. 00:12:09.640 --> 00:12:16.180 This person could want to become a missionary or operate an orphanage, which would be wonderful things. 00:12:16.760 --> 00:12:23.620 Except that the motivation for this person would not be the gospel going forth or caring for the vulnerable or the glory of God. 00:12:23.700 --> 00:12:27.300 But rather, his motivation is selfish. 00:12:27.299 --> 00:12:34.699 He wants the glory, the power, the respect, to be viewed a certain way, a certain thrill or whatever. 00:12:35.899 --> 00:12:39.240 But the point is that it is all about him. 00:12:41.079 --> 00:12:44.740 And once again, we are reminded that it is an issue of the heart. 00:12:44.939 --> 00:12:46.159 We see that in verse 14. 00:12:47.519 --> 00:12:53.399 This person's heart remains in sin and shows no evidence of the wisdom from above. 00:12:53.399 --> 00:13:04.039 Further, notice how these qualities of false wisdom are totally contrary to the humility or meekness of true wisdom that we just read about. 00:13:06.279 --> 00:13:10.699 They're talking about an unwise person who lacks meekness and humility. 00:13:11.299 --> 00:13:14.579 Which, according to the text I read from Proverbs and Psalms, 00:13:14.579 --> 00:13:22.519 this person is without the teaching, without the leading, or without the salvation that God alone can grant. 00:13:23.399 --> 00:13:33.639 So this is another instance where I think James is again addressing false believers in the church by way of a litmus test to see if they have true wisdom. 00:13:35.240 --> 00:13:39.559 The source of this false wisdom will further clarify the issue. 00:13:39.559 --> 00:13:46.259 James says bluntly that the source for this false wisdom is earthly, unspiritual, and demonic. 00:13:46.879 --> 00:13:47.779 In verse 15. 00:13:47.779 --> 00:13:55.220 The idea here being that it is everything evil and comes from anywhere but God in heaven. 00:13:56.220 --> 00:14:03.100 And if you recall from last week, the tongue is set on fire by the very same source. 00:14:04.019 --> 00:14:07.879 Demonic activity, unspiritual and earthly things. 00:14:08.279 --> 00:14:10.740 This is all connected in James' mind. 00:14:10.839 --> 00:14:12.579 Everything we have read thus far. 00:14:12.580 --> 00:14:17.960 Evil speaking, false wisdom, hearing but not doing, partiality, and so on. 00:14:19.920 --> 00:14:27.540 Pastor scholar Douglas J. Moo notes that for these three terms, you can practically substitute them with earth, the flesh, and Satan. 00:14:27.639 --> 00:14:29.940 To just drive that point home. 00:14:31.879 --> 00:14:40.200 Now something that is important to consider in light of this text is the universal acceptance of this false wisdom by the world. 00:14:40.200 --> 00:14:51.100 If this wisdom is earthly, unspiritual, and demonic, then that means it is embraced, approved, and celebrated by the earth, the unregenerate, and the demons. 00:14:52.060 --> 00:14:57.200 This means whenever we speak foolishly, we will be celebrated by the ungodly. 00:14:58.780 --> 00:15:03.920 But God has warned the so-called wise of this world throughout his word. 00:15:03.919 --> 00:15:05.059 Jeremiah 8, 9. 00:15:06.199 --> 00:15:13.299 He says, sarcastically, the wise men, that's sarcasm, the wise men are put to shame. 00:15:14.079 --> 00:15:15.479 They are dismayed and caught. 00:15:15.620 --> 00:15:18.579 Behold, they have rejected the word of the Lord. 00:15:18.659 --> 00:15:22.120 And what kind of wisdom do they have? 00:15:23.059 --> 00:15:25.559 They have a false wisdom in Jeremiah's day. 00:15:26.000 --> 00:15:29.919 It was also in James' day, and so it is in our day. 00:15:29.919 --> 00:15:34.379 Isaiah dealt with the same thing in Isaiah 29, 14. 00:15:34.879 --> 00:15:36.839 It records the word of the Lord, and he says, 00:15:37.019 --> 00:15:41.719 Therefore, behold, I will once again deal marvelously with this people. 00:15:42.279 --> 00:15:43.500 Wondrously marvelous. 00:15:43.699 --> 00:15:45.319 Referring to believers. 00:15:45.500 --> 00:15:46.500 But then he says, 00:15:47.259 --> 00:15:50.500 And the wisdom of their wise men, again, there's that sarcasm. 00:15:51.000 --> 00:15:54.199 And the wisdom of their wise men will perish. 00:15:54.200 --> 00:15:58.700 And the discernment of their discerning men will be concealed. 00:16:00.759 --> 00:16:04.020 Isaiah earlier recorded in Isaiah 5, 21. 00:16:05.320 --> 00:16:11.900 Woe to those who are wise in their own eyes and clever in their own sight. 00:16:12.340 --> 00:16:17.300 Meaning judgment awaits those who are wise in their own eyes. 00:16:17.299 --> 00:16:24.859 All right, so the constant biblical warning is that living in this false wisdom will kill you. 00:16:25.959 --> 00:16:29.039 Embracing this wisdom is to be cut off from God. 00:16:29.620 --> 00:16:35.159 But even before judgment day, there are effects of living in this false wisdom. 00:16:35.359 --> 00:16:37.679 James continues on in verse 16. 00:16:37.679 --> 00:16:38.299 He says, 00:16:39.219 --> 00:16:48.819 For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder in every vile practice. 00:16:50.059 --> 00:16:54.879 So the word for disorder could also be translated as rebellion or riot. 00:16:56.139 --> 00:17:02.599 James is getting at the point that living in this false wisdom in this life will lead to division and aggression. 00:17:03.279 --> 00:17:07.220 It does not build up the church, but seeks to destroy it. 00:17:07.680 --> 00:17:11.480 And this Greek word has already appeared twice in James. 00:17:11.600 --> 00:17:15.840 In chapter 1, verse 8, he uses it to describe the double-minded man. 00:17:16.060 --> 00:17:19.019 And your ESV translates it as unstable. 00:17:20.200 --> 00:17:26.680 We also saw this word last week in chapter 3, verse 8, describing the tongue as a restless evil. 00:17:27.960 --> 00:17:28.840 It's the same word. 00:17:28.840 --> 00:17:36.700 Again, James seems to be personifying this double-minded man by referencing the word in this context. 00:17:37.680 --> 00:17:44.680 This type of person will cause chaos and division everywhere he goes. 00:17:45.200 --> 00:17:53.180 The Apostle John makes a similar point in a similar circumstance where he's addressing false teachers who have split up the church. 00:17:53.180 --> 00:17:56.180 He says in 1 John 2, 18-19, 00:17:56.180 --> 00:18:16.720 John goes on, 00:18:16.720 --> 00:18:20.900 And John goes on, 00:18:20.900 --> 00:18:39.440 So again, he's saying, 00:18:39.440 --> 00:18:41.259 Had they truly been of Christ, 00:18:41.259 --> 00:18:42.960 Had they truly been in the faith, 00:18:43.559 --> 00:18:45.799 They would have stuck with us in unity. 00:18:45.960 --> 00:18:48.559 They would have continued on with the church, 00:18:48.559 --> 00:18:50.220 But rather they caused division. 00:18:50.360 --> 00:18:52.000 They split the gang up. 00:18:53.900 --> 00:18:58.480 And James also says this leads to every vile practice. 00:18:58.600 --> 00:19:01.519 It's not as if they go off and just play cute church on their own. 00:19:01.960 --> 00:19:04.720 No, it leads to every vile practice. 00:19:04.720 --> 00:19:09.700 And we can all imagine the various and numerous specifics that he has in mind, right? 00:19:09.860 --> 00:19:14.059 Anger, murder, lust, adultery, hatred, partiality, 00:19:14.680 --> 00:19:18.680 In racial, social, economic ways, abuse, pride, drunkenness, 00:19:18.740 --> 00:19:24.200 You name it, this false wisdom will endorse it and rationalize it as normative. 00:19:25.000 --> 00:19:25.759 It's normal. 00:19:25.759 --> 00:19:31.039 So we've looked at the source, the description, 00:19:31.200 --> 00:19:34.539 And the effects of false wisdom that James has laid out for us. 00:19:35.779 --> 00:19:39.640 But before we continue on to see James teaching on true wisdom, 00:19:40.379 --> 00:19:44.019 I want you all to turn to Proverbs chapter 1 with me just for a moment. 00:19:45.859 --> 00:19:49.759 Lengthier text, but I think it is so prevalent to what James is saying 00:19:49.759 --> 00:19:52.339 That it's worth taking the time to read. 00:19:52.339 --> 00:20:00.119 This text is straightforward and will describe the end result of living this unwise life. 00:20:01.179 --> 00:20:04.899 And in this text, God is personified as wisdom. 00:20:06.139 --> 00:20:08.859 So in Proverbs chapter 1, starting in verse 20, 00:20:09.720 --> 00:20:11.079 We're going to read through the end of the chapter. 00:20:11.240 --> 00:20:12.119 God says, 00:20:13.799 --> 00:20:17.439 Wisdom cries aloud in the street. 00:20:18.319 --> 00:20:20.459 In the markets, she raises her voice. 00:20:20.460 --> 00:20:23.220 At the head of the noisy street, she cries out. 00:20:23.299 --> 00:20:26.640 At the entrance of the city gates, she speaks. 00:20:27.600 --> 00:20:30.680 How long, O simple ones, will you love being simple? 00:20:31.079 --> 00:20:33.840 How long will scoffers delight in their scoffing? 00:20:34.200 --> 00:20:36.620 And fools hate knowledge. 00:20:38.100 --> 00:20:42.160 If you turn at my reproof, behold, I will pour out my spirit to you. 00:20:42.200 --> 00:20:44.660 I'll make my words known to you. 00:20:44.660 --> 00:20:51.700 Because I have called and you refuse to listen, I have stretched out my hand and no one has heeded. 00:20:52.500 --> 00:20:57.140 Because you have ignored all my counsel and would have none of my reproof, 00:20:57.400 --> 00:20:59.560 I will also laugh at your calamity. 00:20:59.640 --> 00:21:01.600 I will mock when terror strikes you. 00:21:01.800 --> 00:21:05.580 When terror strikes you like a storm and your calamity comes like a whirlwind. 00:21:05.680 --> 00:21:08.000 When distress and anguish come upon you, 00:21:08.000 --> 00:21:12.240 Then they will call upon me, but I will not answer. 00:21:13.059 --> 00:21:16.400 They will seek me diligently, but will not find me, 00:21:16.440 --> 00:21:23.319 Because they hated knowledge and did not choose the fear of the Lord. 00:21:23.880 --> 00:21:28.200 Would not have my counsel and despise all my reproof. 00:21:29.059 --> 00:21:35.519 Therefore, they shall eat the fruit of their way and have their fill of their own devices. 00:21:35.519 --> 00:21:39.079 For the simple are killed by their turning away, 00:21:39.160 --> 00:21:42.359 And the complacency of fools destroys them. 00:21:43.680 --> 00:21:51.339 But whoever listens to me will dwell secure and will be at ease without dread of disaster. 00:21:51.480 --> 00:21:53.859 Whoever lives wisely will be at ease. 00:21:53.940 --> 00:21:57.500 Whoever acts according to knowledge is what he's saying. 00:21:58.720 --> 00:22:04.299 So the end result of living unwisely is eternal death and punishment. 00:22:04.299 --> 00:22:08.659 And if any of you today feel as though this describes your life, 00:22:08.799 --> 00:22:13.119 Hear the gospel invitation to have your sins wiped away in verse 33. 00:22:13.460 --> 00:22:13.680 He says, 00:22:13.779 --> 00:22:21.259 Whoever listens to me will dwell secure and will be at ease without dread of disaster. 00:22:22.119 --> 00:22:28.200 As long as Christ tarries, there is an opportunity right now to begin listening to him, to wisdom. 00:22:28.200 --> 00:22:34.380 And that process starts by repenting of your foolish way of living your sin. 00:22:34.720 --> 00:22:40.019 And by beginning to live obediently by placing faith in Jesus Christ. 00:22:41.700 --> 00:22:45.140 Now what does that life look like? 00:22:45.259 --> 00:22:49.160 So let's return to James 3, picking back up in verse 17. 00:22:49.279 --> 00:22:50.140 You can flip there now. 00:22:50.140 --> 00:23:01.080 Just like James' treatment of false wisdom, 00:23:01.580 --> 00:23:04.500 We are going to see his treatment of true wisdom. 00:23:04.620 --> 00:23:07.500 We're going to see its source, its end results, 00:23:07.500 --> 00:23:15.440 And descriptions of what it looks like more concretely and more specifically than we saw in verse 13. 00:23:15.440 --> 00:23:19.620 So the last part of our outline, the nature of true wisdom. 00:23:19.759 --> 00:23:21.799 The nature of true wisdom. 00:23:23.019 --> 00:23:25.039 So looking at verse 17, James goes on, 00:23:25.620 --> 00:23:37.900 But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere. 00:23:37.900 --> 00:23:42.540 So talk about 180 degree difference. 00:23:43.100 --> 00:23:45.560 We see the source for true wisdom immediately. 00:23:45.820 --> 00:23:47.700 It comes from above. 00:23:48.120 --> 00:23:52.820 The obvious implication is that true wisdom comes from God in heaven. 00:23:53.880 --> 00:23:54.920 That is the source. 00:23:55.120 --> 00:23:59.080 James' Jewish audience would not have been scratching their heads about this one. 00:23:59.180 --> 00:24:03.300 It's all over the Old Testament as we have seen already. 00:24:03.299 --> 00:24:08.779 And we know that nothing evil comes from our good and heavenly Father. 00:24:08.859 --> 00:24:13.240 A truth that James established in chapter 1, verse 17 through 18, which says, 00:24:13.879 --> 00:24:20.339 Every good gift and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, 00:24:20.799 --> 00:24:24.519 with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change. 00:24:25.019 --> 00:24:28.059 Of his own will, he brought us forth by the word of truth, 00:24:28.399 --> 00:24:32.220 that we should be a kind of firstfruits of his creatures. 00:24:33.299 --> 00:24:34.539 So there you have it. 00:24:34.539 --> 00:24:37.759 Every good and perfect gift comes from above. 00:24:37.919 --> 00:24:43.079 This wisdom, true wisdom, is of good and perfect wisdom from above, 00:24:43.180 --> 00:24:46.399 where our heavenly Father dwells. 00:24:47.839 --> 00:24:50.759 And this wisdom is described as pure. 00:24:51.379 --> 00:24:53.839 This word means this wisdom is not diluted. 00:24:53.940 --> 00:24:55.460 It is of one substance. 00:24:55.619 --> 00:24:58.579 There are no irregularities with it. 00:24:59.119 --> 00:25:01.899 This wisdom is without evil or sin. 00:25:01.900 --> 00:25:07.519 And yet, again, James alludes to the Sermon on the Mount, Matthew 5, 8. 00:25:07.620 --> 00:25:08.240 Jesus says, 00:25:08.720 --> 00:25:13.320 Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God. 00:25:13.400 --> 00:25:19.940 So the way of life that true wisdom leads to carries with it the promise that we shall see God. 00:25:20.040 --> 00:25:22.380 This implies salvation, right? 00:25:22.400 --> 00:25:25.580 We are not cut off from God. 00:25:25.579 --> 00:25:30.659 Next, he describes true wisdom as peaceable. 00:25:31.399 --> 00:25:36.240 I cannot even begin to explain to you fully the significance of this term, 00:25:36.779 --> 00:25:38.679 but I'll try to very briefly. 00:25:39.759 --> 00:25:43.559 The Greek word behind peaceable is used throughout the New Testament, 00:25:43.799 --> 00:25:46.679 and it's the equivalent to the Hebrew term shalom. 00:25:46.680 --> 00:25:51.360 Typically, when describing someone as peaceable in the Bible, 00:25:51.500 --> 00:25:53.900 it is understood in a holistic way. 00:25:54.600 --> 00:25:56.360 There's that word again, whole. 00:25:57.340 --> 00:25:57.980 And here's why. 00:25:58.060 --> 00:26:03.860 This word carries the idea of one who has peace with his situation in life in general. 00:26:03.859 --> 00:26:11.919 It connotes one who has peace about the end times because he or she feels secure in Christ. 00:26:12.779 --> 00:26:17.179 A peaceable person is one who has peace characteristically with others. 00:26:18.000 --> 00:26:21.559 Sometimes it's the other person at fault for there being no peace, 00:26:21.699 --> 00:26:26.799 but a peaceable person always pursues peace so far as he is able. 00:26:28.099 --> 00:26:31.199 And a peaceable person has peace with God. 00:26:31.200 --> 00:26:35.880 We are once his enemies, but through Christ we have peace with God. 00:26:35.960 --> 00:26:38.720 Our relationship has been reconciled. 00:26:40.120 --> 00:26:44.140 So this kind of peace should permeate our entire life. 00:26:44.259 --> 00:26:48.759 Not one aspect of our life should be without peace. 00:26:49.960 --> 00:26:53.259 And the Sermon on the Mount is in view again, Matthew 5, 9. 00:26:53.640 --> 00:26:54.220 Jesus said, 00:26:54.220 --> 00:27:00.420 Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God. 00:27:00.420 --> 00:27:05.300 We'll get to see God and we'll be sons of God as peaceable and as pure. 00:27:06.779 --> 00:27:11.620 The next description is true wisdom is gentle, tough to translate and retain the full meaning, 00:27:12.160 --> 00:27:17.880 but essentially it is one who is considerate, fair, one who seeks the betterment of others 00:27:17.880 --> 00:27:21.060 even at the cost of personal mistreatment. 00:27:21.580 --> 00:27:23.300 This person is gentle. 00:27:24.519 --> 00:27:26.720 And true wisdom is open to reason. 00:27:26.720 --> 00:27:32.880 Now this might give you the impression primarily of someone who handles debates well and humbly 00:27:32.880 --> 00:27:34.140 or something like that. 00:27:34.940 --> 00:27:40.319 But the Greek term carries more the idea of one who accepts instruction and obeys. 00:27:41.160 --> 00:27:46.500 In other words, true wisdom is not stubborn, arrogant, nor does it continue in ignorance, 00:27:47.160 --> 00:27:49.519 but is teachable and reachable. 00:27:49.519 --> 00:27:49.639 True wisdom is full. 00:27:51.720 --> 00:27:54.460 And true wisdom is full of mercy. 00:27:55.220 --> 00:27:57.480 So notice that totality language again. 00:27:57.579 --> 00:28:00.139 True wisdom is full of mercy. 00:28:00.139 --> 00:28:04.379 As sinners who have been forgiven a great debt that we can never repay, 00:28:05.079 --> 00:28:13.559 we ought to express our thanksgiving by forgiving others and being merciful to them as God has been to us. 00:28:13.559 --> 00:28:16.980 And mercy is more than merely forgiving. 00:28:17.119 --> 00:28:21.659 It also speaks to one who seeks to help others with their needs. 00:28:22.159 --> 00:28:28.639 If somebody can't carry their groceries, then be merciful to that person who carry their groceries for them. 00:28:29.019 --> 00:28:31.159 So again, we see it's an action. 00:28:31.299 --> 00:28:32.220 It's doing something. 00:28:32.359 --> 00:28:34.859 This is true wisdom from above. 00:28:34.859 --> 00:28:42.039 And again, this alludes to the Sermon on the Mount, Matthew 5, 7. 00:28:42.419 --> 00:28:46.339 Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy. 00:28:48.039 --> 00:28:53.159 And the next description we get is true wisdom is full of good fruits. 00:28:53.779 --> 00:28:54.299 Full. 00:28:54.399 --> 00:28:56.219 This is a catch-all statement. 00:28:56.359 --> 00:28:58.679 James is saying that if we have any wisdom from above, 00:28:58.679 --> 00:29:03.859 then that wisdom will reveal itself in all manner of good works. 00:29:03.859 --> 00:29:10.319 We will bear fruit just as Jesus taught in Matthew 7, which we saw last week, 00:29:10.379 --> 00:29:12.559 so I won't quote it now for sake of time. 00:29:12.619 --> 00:29:15.919 But I will point out that totality language here again. 00:29:16.019 --> 00:29:20.299 Our lives as true believers is to be full of good fruit. 00:29:21.259 --> 00:29:21.740 Abundant. 00:29:22.740 --> 00:29:26.759 This is a characteristic of true faith. 00:29:26.959 --> 00:29:29.439 As James has said in chapter 2, verse 18, he says, 00:29:29.819 --> 00:29:32.799 I will show you my faith by my words. 00:29:33.859 --> 00:29:34.500 Right? 00:29:34.579 --> 00:29:35.979 There is a direct link. 00:29:36.079 --> 00:29:38.479 My faith is shown in works. 00:29:39.059 --> 00:29:41.159 That's good fruit language. 00:29:42.500 --> 00:29:47.379 And then finally, true wisdom is impartial and sincere. 00:29:48.259 --> 00:29:50.299 I preached on partiality in the book of James, 00:29:50.359 --> 00:29:55.139 which you can find a line for a more in-depth look at what he is referring to. 00:29:55.140 --> 00:29:59.360 But essentially, we are to treat people the same and fairly, right? 00:29:59.460 --> 00:30:00.660 Without partiality. 00:30:00.740 --> 00:30:02.900 This is not rocket science. 00:30:03.620 --> 00:30:06.780 Though very hard to actually faithfully do. 00:30:08.680 --> 00:30:11.840 But true wisdom is sincere as well. 00:30:12.980 --> 00:30:15.780 The Greek here literally means without hypocrisy. 00:30:15.779 --> 00:30:24.220 James is saying true wisdom does not mentally and vocally affirm the way of life that true wisdom admonishes, 00:30:25.160 --> 00:30:29.059 while not also practicing that very way of life. 00:30:29.859 --> 00:30:30.099 Right? 00:30:30.099 --> 00:30:32.059 Who's not going to say murder is evil? 00:30:32.719 --> 00:30:32.839 Right? 00:30:32.859 --> 00:30:36.179 But then to not be a murderer, that's the next step. 00:30:36.359 --> 00:30:38.939 That's a drastic example, but that applies with anything. 00:30:39.159 --> 00:30:39.279 Right? 00:30:41.159 --> 00:30:43.219 James is saying, or excuse me, he's saying, 00:30:43.579 --> 00:30:45.959 don't exhort honesty and be a liar. 00:30:46.099 --> 00:30:49.339 Don't exhort fidelity and be an adulterer. 00:30:49.399 --> 00:30:52.519 Don't exhort love and be a hater of your neighbor. 00:30:53.259 --> 00:30:54.740 Be without hypocrisy. 00:30:54.740 --> 00:30:56.660 Be genuine, sincere. 00:30:57.839 --> 00:31:04.519 So these things summarize what true wisdom looks like in the way of life for the believer. 00:31:06.460 --> 00:31:12.400 And in verse 18, we will see the result of this way of life and its virtues. 00:31:12.539 --> 00:31:15.140 This true wisdom from above. 00:31:16.099 --> 00:31:17.960 James wraps up in verse 18. 00:31:17.960 --> 00:31:24.960 He says, and a harvest of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace. 00:31:25.799 --> 00:31:26.500 So there it is. 00:31:26.579 --> 00:31:34.380 The result of this life, abiding by wisdom from above, will harvest righteousness in peace. 00:31:35.680 --> 00:31:37.980 I can already hear the cages rattling. 00:31:39.160 --> 00:31:39.279 Right? 00:31:39.360 --> 00:31:41.740 We reform people know what righteousness means. 00:31:41.740 --> 00:31:48.380 And we want to read that doctrine of justification by faith alone into this text. 00:31:49.559 --> 00:31:50.500 And listen carefully. 00:31:50.620 --> 00:31:50.700 Right? 00:31:50.759 --> 00:31:55.680 I love and affirm the doctrine of justification by faith alone. 00:31:55.799 --> 00:32:05.319 I have every biblical reason to confidently assert that our righteousness is an alien righteousness that was imputed to us entirely by God's grace. 00:32:05.440 --> 00:32:05.559 Right? 00:32:05.579 --> 00:32:07.819 This is the heart of the gospel. 00:32:08.000 --> 00:32:10.079 No doubts about that. 00:32:10.079 --> 00:32:14.319 But that is not what James is talking about in this text. 00:32:16.159 --> 00:32:21.079 And if you were thinking what I just described, you have the right doctrine but the wrong text. 00:32:21.919 --> 00:32:31.220 James' use of righteousness is referring to actual, practical, day-to-day, living out, fruit-abiding, fruit-producing righteousness. 00:32:31.220 --> 00:32:40.100 In other words, he is saying that living according to wisdom from above will reap the reward of fruitfulness. 00:32:40.259 --> 00:32:45.240 That we will actually grow in obedience by practicing obedience. 00:32:45.600 --> 00:32:47.200 Isn't that a novel thought? 00:32:48.640 --> 00:32:51.600 And more than that, it will be done in peace. 00:32:51.599 --> 00:32:57.740 That doesn't mean we won't face persecution, trials, or other difficulties, which he made clear in chapter 1. 00:32:58.879 --> 00:33:07.839 But we will have real peace when we consider our reconciled relationship with God and that he will make all things anew. 00:33:07.939 --> 00:33:09.399 Now, think about that. 00:33:09.400 --> 00:33:16.259 We are so blessed as believers that we get to live life growing in righteousness. 00:33:16.259 --> 00:33:25.720 Can you imagine the horror we would all be if God saved us from our sin but left us to grow in practicing our sin? 00:33:25.720 --> 00:33:36.700 The reality for us is that day-to-day we are given evidence of God's presence in our lives by growing obedience, by growing wisdom. 00:33:38.000 --> 00:33:44.339 That obedience is a witness to the world, to be sure, but as I've said before, is also a witness to encourage ourselves. 00:33:44.519 --> 00:33:48.319 That truly, we do have peace with God by his Son. 00:33:49.339 --> 00:33:53.799 You cannot account for that righteousness apart from God's work in your life. 00:33:53.799 --> 00:34:01.079 And that is what is so reassuring, which causes peace to ensue in our souls. 00:34:03.440 --> 00:34:06.559 We who are peacemakers are called sons of God. 00:34:06.659 --> 00:34:09.000 We who are pure in heart will see God. 00:34:09.099 --> 00:34:12.440 We who are meek will inherit the earth. 00:34:12.519 --> 00:34:14.480 It's just a matter of time. 00:34:16.079 --> 00:34:20.400 And what's most amazing about all this is that it is entirely of grace. 00:34:20.400 --> 00:34:25.260 It's nothing we merit at all, yet we have it all the same. 00:34:25.900 --> 00:34:26.519 Praise God. 00:34:28.880 --> 00:34:34.240 So in light of these truths, just a few simple closing applications for us all. 00:34:35.099 --> 00:34:36.260 Application number one. 00:34:37.320 --> 00:34:38.200 Know your Bible. 00:34:39.079 --> 00:34:39.200 Right? 00:34:39.260 --> 00:34:41.119 Who is understanding among us? 00:34:41.920 --> 00:34:42.780 Know your Bible. 00:34:42.780 --> 00:34:45.720 And there are a number of ways to accomplish this. 00:34:45.840 --> 00:34:48.060 Hearing it taught as you all are now. 00:34:49.100 --> 00:34:49.280 Right? 00:34:49.400 --> 00:34:50.720 Reading Scripture daily. 00:34:51.580 --> 00:34:52.620 Memorizing Scripture. 00:34:53.360 --> 00:34:54.420 Meditating on Scripture. 00:34:54.940 --> 00:34:58.820 Reading books about Scripture that help you better read Scripture on your own. 00:34:58.920 --> 00:34:59.040 Right? 00:34:59.080 --> 00:34:59.780 There's a theme here. 00:35:01.680 --> 00:35:03.220 Psalm 119, 130. 00:35:04.180 --> 00:35:06.760 The unfolding of your words gives light. 00:35:07.040 --> 00:35:08.940 It gives understanding to the simple. 00:35:08.940 --> 00:35:16.280 The point is that before we can even attempt to live wisely, we have to know certain things. 00:35:17.619 --> 00:35:27.559 And this is one reason why God has graciously revealed so much in his word with lots of truth claims, with lots of theology. 00:35:28.039 --> 00:35:28.280 Right? 00:35:28.300 --> 00:35:30.059 So that we can know it and obey it. 00:35:30.800 --> 00:35:32.880 Which leads to the next application. 00:35:33.000 --> 00:35:33.780 Application number two. 00:35:34.300 --> 00:35:35.960 Live wisely. 00:35:35.960 --> 00:35:39.740 We just saw in great detail what that looks like. 00:35:39.800 --> 00:35:45.380 But if you go throughout these next few weeks and realize, hey, I'm not really growing in this. 00:35:45.440 --> 00:35:47.220 I'm not seeing more gentleness. 00:35:48.000 --> 00:35:49.579 I'm not being a peacemaker. 00:35:49.740 --> 00:35:52.420 Meekness does not describe my life nor mercy. 00:35:53.760 --> 00:35:56.619 And I would just offer this advice from earlier in James. 00:35:56.679 --> 00:35:58.280 He says in chapter 1, verse 5. 00:35:58.280 --> 00:36:07.360 If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God who gives generously to all without reproach. 00:36:07.920 --> 00:36:09.500 And it will be given to him. 00:36:10.080 --> 00:36:11.860 But let him ask in faith. 00:36:11.960 --> 00:36:18.580 If you are in the faith and you ask God for these things, he will grant it day by day, growing in this way. 00:36:20.200 --> 00:36:21.700 And application number three. 00:36:22.940 --> 00:36:23.500 Be humble. 00:36:23.500 --> 00:36:33.420 As made clear earlier in some of the references to Proverbs and Psalms, the Lord only teaches and embraces the humble. 00:36:34.440 --> 00:36:39.880 You will have nothing to do with the arrogant or proud without first humbling them. 00:36:41.420 --> 00:36:46.539 But by living humbly, we are remaining teachable and useful to God. 00:36:46.539 --> 00:36:53.699 And by virtue of being humble, we could not possibly fall into the snares of false wisdom. 00:36:54.579 --> 00:36:59.880 Only when we are proud are we susceptible to such a trap. 00:37:00.980 --> 00:37:07.820 So be humble and be thankful that God has humbled us and will continually, faithfully humble us. 00:37:07.960 --> 00:37:09.500 Pray for that humility. 00:37:11.059 --> 00:37:11.860 That you would be wise. 00:37:11.960 --> 00:37:12.639 That you would be knowledgeable. 00:37:12.820 --> 00:37:14.960 That you would be growing in these things. 00:37:14.960 --> 00:37:22.980 So we have much to be thankful for considering that the wisdom of God is not the wisdom of man. 00:37:23.720 --> 00:37:27.639 The wisdom of God has counseled God to save sinners like us. 00:37:27.760 --> 00:37:32.260 This wisdom comes from God's very heart in that he is gentle. 00:37:32.440 --> 00:37:33.860 That he is merciful. 00:37:34.039 --> 00:37:36.619 And that he is a peacemaker. 00:37:37.380 --> 00:37:39.519 That he is impartial and sincere. 00:37:39.900 --> 00:37:43.099 And he is all these things perfectly. 00:37:43.099 --> 00:37:48.639 So by grace we will be conformed more and more to that image day by day. 00:37:49.179 --> 00:37:49.739 Let's pray. 00:37:49.739 --> 00:37:49.759 Let's pray.