Thursday, January 9, 2014

Discerning True Wisdom (part 3)

This wisdom is not that which comes down from above, but is earthly, natural, demonic.  James 3:15

We need to be able to discern between godly wisdom and worldly wisdom so that we follow the right people and learn the right principles.  It is God’s will that every person here become wise according to His standards.  How can we discern godly wisdom and distinguish it from the counterfeit?
1.    Lifestyle   2.Motives

3.    Origin:
The source of wisdom is another crucial factor.  In verse 15 James says the kind of wisdom that stirs up confusion and strife is not that which comes down from above.  It’s not from God. In fact, it is earthly or not heavenly; it is sensual or not spiritual in a godly sense (it flows out of carnal thinking); it is even inspired by demons.

Do you remember the story of Esther?  There was an evil man in that story named Haman. Haman was shrewd and clever.  He probably had some demonic help in his efforts to deceive and manipulate King Ahasuerus.  He is an example of the wisdom James is opposing.  I’ve got good news from Esther’s story.  God’s wisdom is greater than ungodly wisdom.  When Mordecai and Esther sought God, He gave a wisdom that superseded anything Haman could come up with.  

James says the source of godly wisdom is “from above.” It is not something we have apart from our relationship with God. It operates in our lives out of our relationship with God. Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.  Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the LORD and depart from evil.  Proverbs 3:5-7  When we lean upon our own understanding we’re in danger of operating out of our carnal nature with the wrong kind of wisdom.

It is shocking how someone can operate in godly wisdom one moment and wicked wisdom the next. Remember in Matthew 16 when Jesus asked His disciples, Who do men say that I, the Son of Man, am? (verse 13).  They told him some were saying Elijah, some John the Baptist, and others Jeremiah or one of the prophets.  When Jesus made the question more personal and asked, But who do you say that I am? it was Peter who spoke up and said, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.”  Where did that come from?  It was revelation from God.  It came from above.  It was wisdom from above.  

But then what happened?  Jesus began to share with them how He would have to suffer and be killed and be raised the third day.  Now watch Peter. He takes Jesus aside to correct the Lord and says, “Far be it from You, Lord; this shall not happen to You!”  “That’s not a good plan.  That’s not the success we signed up for.  Jesus, we’re not going to let that happen to You.” What kind of wisdom is he operating in there?  His carnal mind is in full operation.  In Matthew 16:23 Jesus turned and said to Peter, “Get behind Me, Satan! You are an offense to Me, for you are not mindful of the things of God, but the things of men.”  Jesus identified the source of Peter’s words and rejected his counsel.  When the source of our wisdom is not God it becomes tainted with self.  Beware the wrong source of wisdom.

Scripture to Claim:

For wisdom will enter your heart and knowledge will be pleasant to your soul; discretion will guard you, understanding will watch over you, Proverbs 2:10-11

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