1© 2009 IBM Corporation The Epistle of James Practical Christian Living Christ Baptist Church Fall 2014 James 3:13-18

2 Review – James 3:1-12 The tongue is the focal point and indicator of man’s sinful heart Under God’s Spirit, the tongue can be a fountain of truth The Epistle of James 3:13-18 Wisdom that Matters Who is the wisest person you know? – What do you see in that person’s life that shows wisdom? What, in your opinion, is the secret to gaining wisdom?

3 James 3: According to Dr. Wiersbe, in what 3 aspects does James contrast true wisdom and false wisdom? 2.What are some of the biblical examples of the folly of man’s wisdom? 3.What is the difference between the world’s knowledge and the world’s wisdom? The Epistle of James 3:13-18 Wisdom that Matters

4 4.How can you tell when God is at work? The Epistle of James 3:13-18 Wisdom that Matters James 3:17 “But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy good fruits, impartial & sincere.” “But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy good fruits, impartial & sincere.” James 1:17 “Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above” Phil 3:20 “But our citizenship is in heaven” Matt 6:19 “Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth” John 14:1-4 Jesus said “I go to prepare a place for you” John 3:1-7 “unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God. ” Col 3:1-4 “Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth.” Matt 6:9 “Our Father in heaven,” Be Mature p 114, Dr. Wiersbe

5 The Epistle of James 3:13-18 False Wisdom Envy, strife, boasting, deceit (WW) Bitterness, jealousy, selfish ambition (v14) Boasting, telling false truth (v14) Earthly, unspiritual & demonic (v 15) Disorder and vile practice (v16) False Wisdom Envy, strife, boasting, deceit (WW) Bitterness, jealousy, selfish ambition (v14) Boasting, telling false truth (v14) Earthly, unspiritual & demonic (v 15) Disorder and vile practice (v16) True Wisdom Meekness (v13) Pure, peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere (v17) Harvest of righteousness sown in peace (v18) True Wisdom Meekness (v13) Pure, peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere (v17) Harvest of righteousness sown in peace (v18) Wisdom that Matters 5. What are the evidences of false wisdom and true wisdom? Personal Question: 6. Personal Question: Which of the evidences of: a)worldly wisdom would you like to see less of in your life? b)True Wisdom - more of in your life?

6 8.What results does worldly wisdom produce? – What does godly wisdom produce? 9. What is the most important way to measure which wisdom is prevailing in ourselves, our ministries and our churches? – What does vs 13 tell us about how to know who is wise? 10. In what way is the Christian life a life of sowing and reaping? The Epistle of James 3:13-18 Wisdom that Matters

7 Going Deeper Proverbs 2: List all the synonyms used for wisdom. What do these terms reveal about the nature of wisdom? – What is the source of true wisdom? How do we get it? Colossians 2:2-3 – What does this passage say about Christ and wisdom? The Epistle of James 3:13-18 Wisdom that Matters

8 The Epistle of James 2: Challenges: Take time to reflect. To what degree does the world’s wisdom hold sway over your thoughts, opinions and values? Why? What are some ways you, as a Christian, can acquire God’s wisdom? Try to list 10 and circle the ones you regularly practice. – Put a check mark by the activities that need to become part of your daily experience. Taming the Tongue

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